Murrieta, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

Murrieta sits adjacent to State Responsibility Area wildlands and contains mapped Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) including areas near the Santa Rosa Plateau, Clinton Keith Road, and the Copper Canyon and Greer Ranch hillside communities. Under California Public Resources Code section 4291, property owners in and near wildland areas must maintain a minimum of 100 feet of defensible space around every structure, with three zones. Zone 0 (0 to 5 feet from the building) must be an ember-resistant zone free of combustible vegetation, mulch, woodpiles, and flammable patio furniture. Zone 1 (5 to 30 feet) requires the lean-clean-green standard: grass mowed to four inches or less, tree branches at least 10 feet from chimneys and at least 6 feet up from the ground, dead vegetation removed, and trees spaced horizontally. Zone 2 (30 to 100 feet) requires reduced vegetation density, removal of dead/dying plants, and spacing of native chaparral. Murrieta Fire Department conducts annual hazard reduction inspections, generally starting in late spring. Non-compliance triggers a courtesy notice, then a compliance order; if not cured, the city may perform forced abatement and lien the property for costs.