Fremont, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Defensible Space
- 100 feet (PRC 4291)
- Zone 0
- 0 to 5 ft ember-resistant
- Zone 1
- 0 to 30 ft lean, clean, green
- Grass Height
- 4 inches max
- Inspections
- Annual starting April
Summary
Fremont east foothill properties must maintain 100 feet of defensible space per PRC 4291. The Fire Department conducts annual inspections in Mission Peak, Weibel, and Niles foothill zones.
(a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in the state responsibility area shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary shall consider the flammability of the structure as affected by building material, building standards, location, and type of vegetat
Full Breakdown
Properties in the Fremont east foothills Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (Mission Peak, Vargas Plateau, Weibel Canyon, Niles Canyon, Mission San Jose foothills) must comply with Public Resources Code 4291, which requires 100 feet of defensible space around all structures. Zone 1 (0 to 30 feet) must be lean, clean, and green: no dead vegetation, limbs trimmed 10 feet from chimneys, grass mowed to 4 inches or less, and combustible mulch kept at least 5 feet from siding under the new AB 3074 Zone 0 ember-resistant rules. Zone 2 (30 to 100 feet) requires horizontal and vertical tree spacing, grass cut to 4 inches, and ladder fuel removal. The Fremont Fire Department conducts annual weed abatement inspections starting in April. Non-compliant properties receive a correction notice and face forced abatement with costs placed as a lien on the property tax roll.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do flatland Fremont homes need defensible space?
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fremont
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