Orange, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Defensible Space
- 100 feet from structures
- Zone 1
- 0–30 ft lean/clean/green
- Zone 2
- 30–100 ft reduced fuel
- State Law
- PRC §4291
Summary
The City of Orange requires vegetation management and brush clearance on properties within or adjacent to wildfire-prone areas under California Fire Code and the Orange City Fire Department standards. Property owners must maintain defensible space around structures.
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... The intensity of fuels management may vary within the 100-foot perimeter of the structure, with more intense fuel reductions being utilized between 5 and 30 feet around the structure, and an ember-resistant zone being required within 5 feet of the structure...
Full Breakdown
Under the California Fire Code as adopted by the City of Orange (Ordinance 09-19) and Public Resources Code Section 4291, property owners in or near fire hazard severity zones must maintain defensible space. This includes clearing flammable vegetation within 100 feet of structures, maintaining the first 30 feet as a lean/clean/green zone with well-irrigated fire-resistant landscaping, and reducing vegetation density from 30 to 100 feet. Dead vegetation, accumulated leaf litter, and combustible debris must be removed. Trees within the defensible space zone must have lower branches pruned to at least 6 feet above ground. The Orange City Fire Department conducts inspections and may issue notices of non-compliance. Santiago Hills and areas near wildland-urban interfaces receive particular attention.
Violations & Fines
Failure to maintain defensible space may result in fire department notices, fines, and the city may perform clearance at the property owner's expense with costs assessed as a lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to clear brush on my property in Orange?
What happens if I don't clear brush?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orange
California rules heatmap·Compare Orange 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.