Livermore, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- PRC §4291
- Clearance
- 100 ft defensible space
- Zones
- VHFHSZ east/south foothills
- Inspection
- Annual LPFD spring sweep
- Enforcement
- Abatement + tax lien
Summary
Livermore enforces PRC 4291 defensible space: 100 ft of clearance around structures in east/south foothill VHFHSZ areas, inspected annually by LPFD.
4291. (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 ... Fuels shall be maintained and spaced in a condition so that a wildfire would be unlikely to ignite the structure. ... (2) Remove that portion of a tree that extends within 10 feet of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe. (3) Maintain a tree, shrub, or other plant adjacent to or overhanging a building free of dead or dying wood.
Full Breakdown
Properties in or adjacent to Livermore's Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, primarily the eastern and southern foothills bordering Del Valle, Sycamore Grove, and the Altamont, must maintain 100 feet of defensible space per California Public Resources Code §4291. Zone 1 (0-30 ft) requires lean, clean, and green landscaping; Zone 2 (30-100 ft) requires reduced fuel with horizontal/vertical spacing between plants and trees. LPFD conducts annual weed-abatement inspections in spring, issuing notices with a compliance deadline (typically 30 days) before contractor abatement and lien recovery.
Violations & Fines
Notice to abate; failure to comply leads to city contractor clearance billed to owner plus administrative fee, assessed as a property tax lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does defensible space apply to my Livermore home?
When does LPFD inspect for weed abatement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Livermore
California rules heatmap·Compare Livermore to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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Brush Clearance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle brush clearance.