Moorpark, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Defensible Space
- 100 feet from structures
- Zone 1
- 0-30 feet, clear all dead vegetation
- Zone 2
- 30-100 feet, reduce fuel loads
- State Law
- PRC §4291
- Enforcement
- VCFPD (805) 389-9710
Summary
Moorpark properties in fire hazard zones must maintain 100 feet of defensible space per California PRC Section 4291. The Ventura County Fire Protection District enforces annual clearance requirements. Property owners must clear dry vegetation, dead trees, and combustible materials within defensible space zones before fire season.
(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, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary shall consider the flammability of the structure as affected by building material, building standards, location, and type of vegetation. Fuels shall be maintained and spaced in a condition so that a wildfire would be unlikely to ignite the structure...
Full Breakdown
California Public Resources Code Section 4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures in State Responsibility Areas and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Moorpark contains areas designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, particularly along the hillsides and wildland-urban interface. Zone 1 (0-30 feet from structures) requires removal of all dead plants, dry grass, weeds, and combustible vegetation. Zone 2 (30-100 feet) requires reducing fuel loads by creating horizontal and vertical spacing between plants. Trees must be trimmed to maintain 10 feet of clearance from chimneys and stovepipe outlets. The Ventura County Fire Protection District conducts annual inspections and issues correction notices. Moorpark also requires minimum sidewalk clearance of 8 feet and street clearance of 14 feet for trees per city standards.
Violations & Fines
Failure to maintain defensible space is a violation enforceable by VCFPD with fines up to $500 per day. In extreme cases, the fire district may perform abatement and bill the property owner. Property owners may also face increased civil liability if a wildfire damages neighboring properties due to inadequate clearance. Contact VCFPD at (805) 389-9710.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When is brush clearance due in Moorpark?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Moorpark
California rules heatmap·Compare Moorpark to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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Brush Clearance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle brush clearance.