Pasadena, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Clearance
- 100 ft defensible space
- Zone 1
- 0-30 ft lean/clean/green
- Zone 2
- 30-100 ft reduced vegetation
- State Law
- CA PRC 4291
Summary
Pasadena enforces 100 ft defensible space per CA PRC 4291 in fire hazard zones. Zone 1 (0-30 ft) and Zone 2 (30-100 ft) requirements apply. Annual brush clearance inspections are conducted, especially critical after the 2025 Eaton Fire.
4291. (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. The amount of fuel modification necessary shall consider the flammability of the structure as affected by building material, building standards, location, and type of vegetation. Fuels shall be maintained and spaced in a condition so that a wildfire would be unlikely to ignite the structure. The intensity of fuels management may vary within the 100-foot perimeter, with more intense fuel reductions between 5 and 30 feet around the structure.
Full Breakdown
The Pasadena Fire Department actively manages brush clearance, including applying Phos-Chek fire retardant to brush areas around the Arroyo area. Property owners in fire hazard zones must maintain defensible space per California PRC Section 4291, requiring 100 feet of clearance around structures. Dry grass and weeds must be cut to 3 inches or less. Vegetation more than 30 feet from structures may be maintained at up to 18 inches for soil stabilization. Properties must maintain at least 100 feet of clearance from homes and 10 feet along roads. The 2025 Eaton Fire prompted updated brush clearance protocols.
Violations & Fines
Non-compliance with brush clearance notices may result in city-performed abatement and cost assessment on property taxes. The LA County ACWM provides additional enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much brush clearance is required in Pasadena?
Does Pasadena apply fire retardant?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pasadena
California rules heatmap·Compare Pasadena to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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Brush Clearance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle brush clearance.