Newport Beach, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- NBMC § 9.04.060 (CFC 305.6-305.8)
- Chimney clearance
- 10 feet of ignitable vegetation from outlet
- Roadway clearance
- 10 feet each side of improved streets
- Emergency notice
- 24 hours before emergency abatement
- Abatement authority
- City may enter and bill owner (Ch. 10.48)
Summary
Newport Beach property owners must cut and remove weeds, grass, vines and other ignitable vegetation within 10 feet of a chimney outlet under Municipal Code Section 9.04.060. The Fire Code Official can declare uncontrolled brush a nuisance and order removal, with unpaid abatement costs becoming a lien on the property.
305.6 Vegetation. Weeds, grass, vines or other growth that is capable of being ignited and endangering property, or is located within 10 feet (3.048 m) of a chimney outlet, shall be cut down and removed by the property owner or responsible person... 305.8.1.1 Authority to Declare Nuisance and Abate. If and when the fire code official determines that uncontrolled or high weeds, brush, plant material, fire hazards, or other items prohibited under this code increase the danger of fire and thus constitutes a fire hazard, the fire code official may, by written notice, direct the removal thereof by following the procedures outlined in Title 10, Chapter 10.48 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code.
Full Breakdown
060 amends California Fire Code Section 305 to add local vegetation-clearance rules. 048 m) of a chimney outlet, be cut down and removed by the property owner or responsible person; vegetation modification in designated wildland-urban interface areas instead follows Section 4901 et seq. 7 lets the fire code official require the 10 feet on each side of improved highways and private streets to be kept free of flammable vegetation and combustible growth. 48. If the owner does not comply, the City or its contractor may enter the parcel and abate the hazard directly, bill the Nuisance Abatement Services cost to the owner, or record it as a special assessment collected on the next property tax bill, with a lien attaching once the City Council confirms the assessment. 80. 3.
Violations & Fines
Failure to clear cited vegetation converts to a City-ordered abatement: the City or its contractor removes the hazard and bills the property owner, and unpaid costs, plus an administrative processing fee and inspection fee set by Council resolution, become a special assessment lien collected on the owner's next property tax bill. Separately, general Code violations under Section 1.04.010 can be cited as an infraction (fines up to $100 first offense, $200 second, $500 thereafter within a year) or prosecuted as a misdemeanor carrying up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close can flammable vegetation be to my chimney?
What happens if I ignore a brush abatement notice?
Can the Fire Marshal act without 24 hours notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Newport Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Newport Beach to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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Brush Clearance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle brush clearance.