Folsom requires 100 feet of defensible space clearance around structures in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones per California Public Resources Code §4291. The Folsom Fire Department conducts annual inspections in east and south hill neighborhoods bordering Folsom Lake SRA and undeveloped grasslands.
Properties in or within 100 feet of the designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) — primarily the east and south foothill neighborhoods of Folsom including areas near Empire Ranch, Prairie Oaks, and boundaries with Folsom Lake State Recreation Area — must maintain defensible space under PRC §4291 and CAL FIRE guidelines. Zone 1 (0–30 feet from structures): remove all dead vegetation, keep grass under 4 inches, trim tree limbs 10 feet from chimneys, remove branches overhanging roof, clear leaves from gutters. Zone 2 (30–100 feet): mow annual grasses to 4 inches, create horizontal spacing between shrubs (2x height on flat ground, more on slopes), vertical spacing between grass and tree canopy (3x shrub height). Folsom Fire Department conducts spring inspections (typically April–June) and issues correction notices with 30-day compliance windows. Properties that fail reinspection are subject to abatement by the city with costs lien-assessed to the parcel. The new Zone 0 (0–5 feet ember-resistant zone) under AB 3074 requires removal of all combustible vegetation and materials immediately adjacent to structures.
Notice of violation issued with 30-day compliance deadline. Non-compliance triggers administrative abatement: city contractors clear vegetation and bill the property owner with a 50% administrative surcharge. Unpaid bills become property tax liens. Repeat violators face fines up to $500 per day.
Folsom, CA
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Folsom, CA
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Folsom, CA
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Folsom, CA
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Folsom, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle brush clearance.
See how Folsom's brush clearance rules stack up against other locations.
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