Hemet, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

The City of Hemet, through its own Fire Prevention Bureau, runs an annual and year-round weed-abatement and brush-clearance program codified in the Hemet Municipal Code under Chapter 14, Article IX (Fire Hazard Reduction). Owners must keep native brush, weeds, grass, trees, and hazardous vegetation cleared within 200 feet of any structure or building, and within 10 feet of any combustible fence or any roadway/driveway used for vehicle travel. Grass must be cut to about three inches in height, and native brush reduced to about three inches; an exception allows individual native shrubs spaced at least 18 feet apart if trimmed up from the ground to one-third of their height with all dead material removed. Trees taller than 18 feet must have lower branches trimmed so no foliage is within six feet of the ground (and no closer than 10 feet from a chimney outlet), with all dead material removed. The City sets seasonal compliance deadlines (for example, spring inspections beginning June 1 and a compliance deadline around July 1 in 2025); if an owner fails to comply, the City can abate at the owner's expense and place liens. For safety, brush-clearance work cannot be done on Red Flag days, and metal cutting blades must be non-ferrous/non-sparking. The program operates under California Government Code section 39560 (weed abatement authority). Confirm exact dates and section numbers with the City each season.