Murrieta, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Requirement
- 100-foot defensible space required under PRC 4291
- CO Detector
- Zone 0 (0-5 ft) ember-resistant, no combustibles
- Requirement
- Zone 1 (5-30 ft) lean, clean, and green
- Requirement
- Zone 2 (30-100 ft) reduced fuel and spacing
- CO Detector
- Forced abatement with property lien for non-compliance
Summary
Murrieta property owners must maintain a minimum 100-foot defensible space around structures under California Public Resources Code section 4291, with Zone 0 (0-5 ft) ember-resistant, Zone 1 (5-30 ft) lean-clean-green, and Zone 2 (30-100 ft) reduced fuel. Enforcement is by Murrieta Fire and CAL FIRE in the VHFHSZ.
(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 vegetat
Full Breakdown
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are Murrieta brush inspections?
Can I keep my woodpile next to the house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Murrieta
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Brush Clearance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle brush clearance.