Washoe County, NV Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Moderate zone
- 30 ft buffer
- High zone
- 50 ft buffer
- Extreme zone
- 100 ft buffer
- Tree limbing
- Remove limbs below 6 ft
- Hazard map
- gis.washoecounty.us fire-hazard
Summary
Washoe is a real wildfire county. TMFPD requires defensible space around structures: a 30-foot vegetation buffer in a moderate hazard zone, 50 feet in a high zone, and 100 feet in an extreme zone, under the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
Moderate hazard: 30 feet. High hazard: 50 feet. Extreme hazard: 100 feet. Distances are allowed to be increased due to site-specific analysis based on local conditions and the fire protection plan.
Full Breakdown
Under the WUI Code adopted by TMFPD (Table 603.2), homeowners must maintain a buffer between structures and hazardous vegetation based on their wildfire hazard zone: 30 feet moderate, 50 feet high, 100 feet extreme. Distances may be increased by site-specific analysis. Tree crowns within 10 feet of any structure must be pruned to keep 10 feet of horizontal clearance, and crowns within the defensible space must be limbed up to remove branches below 6 feet from the ground. If defensible space was required when a building was constructed, it must be maintained for the life of the building. Check your parcel's hazard zone at the Washoe County fire-hazard GIS map.
Violations & Fines
Handled under the Washoe County Nuisance Code (WCC Ch. 50). Enforcement typically follows a complaint: education, then an order to abate hazardous vegetation, with abatement costs charged to the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much space do I have to clear around my house?
What happens if I don't maintain defensible space?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washoe County
Compare Washoe County to another location·View the Nevada fire regulations overview
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