California PRC §4291 requires 100-foot defensible space in fire hazard zones. Lakewood may impose additional clearance requirements.
Properties in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) must maintain 100 feet of defensible space per California Public Resources Code §4291. Zone 1 (0 to 30 feet): lean, clean, green - remove dead vegetation, trim trees. Zone 2 (30 to 100 feet): reduce fuel, create spacing between plants and trees. Lakewood fire department or CAL FIRE conducts annual inspections. Failure to comply may result in abatement at the owner’s expense. All properties must maintain clearance regardless of VHFHSZ status if local ordinance requires it.
Non-compliance: city abatement + lien on property. PRC §4291: up to $500/day. CAL FIRE inspection failure: abatement costs + administrative fees.
Lakewood, CA
Lakewood allows recreational fire pits with conditions. California Fire Code requires 15-foot clearance, 3-foot max diameter. Gas pits have fewer restrictions.
Lakewood, CA
Lakewood may have protected tree ordinances requiring permits before removal or significant trimming. Heritage and native oaks often protected.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle brush clearance.
See how Lakewood's brush clearance rules stack up against other locations.
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