Hesperia, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Base firebreak
- 30 feet from structures
- High hazard zones
- 30-100 feet required
- Steep slopes
- 15%+ cleared by hand tools
- Dead limb limit
- Removed within 6 ft of ground
Summary
Hesperia requires a 30-foot firebreak of cleared, thinned or treated vegetation around buildings, extending to 30-100 feet in high fire-hazard severity zones, enforced by the fire district.
The enforcement officer shall assure that an effective firebreak is developed by the removal and clearing away of all combustible vegetation from areas within thirty (30) feet of the property line containing such building or structures.(A)Combustible vegetation and weeds within the firebreak area shall be treated (mowed, mulched, converted to compose, etc.) or removed frequently. The tractor operator should not discard or scrap the soil. Combustible vegetation on a fifteen (15) percent slope or greater shall be removed using hand tools. Motorized tractors will not be permitted on slopes greater than fifteen (15) percent.(B)Combustible ground vegetation should be maintained at a height that will preclude it from functioning as a ladder for fire to travel into larger vegetation and trees.(C)Live vegetation within the firebreak area should have dead material removed and shall be thinned and pruned to reduce fire intensity and rate of spread.(D)Dead trees within the firebreak area shall be removed.(E)Dead tree limbs within six feet of the ground shall be removed.(F)Dry grass should be reduced to less than four inches in height.iii.Maintain additional fire protection or firebreak by removing and clearing away combustible vegetation from within thirty (30) to one hundred (100) feet of buildings or structures in areas of substantial or very high hazard severity zones.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 24 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Hesperia Municipal Code § 1.12.130(B)(7)(d) directs the enforcement officer to create a firebreak by removing combustible vegetation within 30 feet of any structure's property line. In areas of substantial or very high fire hazard severity, the required firebreak extends to between 30 and 100 feet from the building. Within the firebreak, dead trees, dead limbs within six feet of the ground, and dry grass over four inches must be removed or thinned, and vegetation on slopes of 15% or greater must be cleared by hand tools rather than motorized equipment. The Hesperia Fire District enforces this through the same weed-and-rubbish abatement notice process.
Violations & Fines
Failing to clear the required firebreak after the city's notice lets the Hesperia Fire District abate the vegetation and bill the property owner, with unpaid costs becoming a lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much brush clearance does Hesperia require around a house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hesperia
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Brush Clearance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle brush clearance.