Santa Cruz County, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Defensible space
- 100 ft around structures (PRC 4291)
- Zone 0
- 0-5 ft ember-resistant (no mulch/woodpiles)
- Road/driveway clearance
- ~10 ft wide, ~15 ft vertical
- Propane/woodpiles
- At least 30 ft from structures
- Inspections
- Fire districts inspect High Fire areas each spring
- Non-compliance
- Citations, then abatement lien
Summary
Property owners in unincorporated Santa Cruz County must maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures under California Public Resources Code 4291, plus roadway/driveway clearance under the county's hazardous-vegetation rules. Local fire districts inspect High Fire Hazard areas each spring.
A greater distance than that required under subparagraph (A) may be required by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation. Fuel modification beyond the property line may only be required by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation in order to maintain 100 feet of defensible space from a structure. Fuel modification on adjacent property shall only be conducted following written consent by the adjacent landowner. Any local ordinance related to fuel modification shall be in compliance with all applicable state laws, regulations, and policies. Any local ordinance may include provisions to allocate costs for any fuel modification beyond the property line.
Full Breakdown
Because most of unincorporated Santa Cruz County lies in High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, defensible space is mandatory. Under California Public Resources Code 4291, owners of buildings in State Responsibility Area / fire-hazard land must maintain 100 feet of defensible space (or to the property line) around structures. Fire-safe practice uses three zones: Zone 0 (0-5 feet, ember-resistant - remove mulch, woodpiles, and woody plants next to the structure), Zone 1 (5-30 feet - remove flammable vegetation, keep grass low), and Zone 2 (30-100 feet - clear dead leaves and branches, space remaining shrubs and trees).
Santa Cruz County's hazardous-vegetation abatement rules also require clearing flammable vegetation along access roads and driveways - generally a strip at least 10 feet wide beyond the road shoulder and trimmed to about 15 feet of vertical clearance - so fire apparatus can pass. Central Fire District guidance also directs owners to keep woodpiles and LPG (propane) tanks at least 30 feet from structures, trim limbs at least 10 feet from chimneys, remove limbs overhanging roofs, and post address numbers at least 4 inches tall.
Fire districts inspect designated High Fire Hazard areas each spring; non-compliance can lead to administrative citations and, ultimately, abatement by the jurisdiction at the owner's expense via a lien.
Violations & Fines
Failure to maintain 100 feet of defensible space (PRC 4291) or required roadway clearance can result in inspection failure, administrative citations, and county-performed abatement charged to the owner via a lien. State fines for PRC 4291 violations can be substantial.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much defensible space is required around my home?
What happens if I don't clear vegetation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Cruz County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Cruz County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.