Palo Alto enforces California PRC 4291 defensible space in its Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, requiring 100 feet of vegetation management with stricter rules in the inner 30-foot zone.
Properties in the Palo Alto Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, which includes hillside areas west of I-280 near the foothills and Stanford-adjacent open space, must comply with PRC 4291 defensible space. Zone 1 (0-30 feet from structures) requires removal of all dead vegetation, relocation of combustible materials, trimming of trees so branches are at least 10 feet from chimneys, and removal of dead limbs hanging over roofs. Zone 2 (30-100 feet) requires grass cut to 4 inches or less, horizontal spacing between shrubs and trees based on slope, and removal of fallen leaves and needles over 3 inches deep. Palo Alto Fire inspects annually and issues notices of violation. Ember-resistant Zone 0 (0-5 feet) is being phased in under CAL FIRE regulations.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Palo Alto, CA
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