Pittsburg, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

California Public Resources Code 4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures in State Responsibility Areas and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. While most of central Pittsburg is a Local Responsibility Area with lower fire-zone designation, properties on the southern and western edges abutting Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, Kirker Pass, and undeveloped hillsides fall within elevated fire risk areas mapped by CAL FIRE. Defensible space is organized into Zone 0 (0-5 feet, ember-resistant zone), Zone 1 (5-30 feet, lean clean and green), and Zone 2 (30-100 feet, reduced fuel). Zone 0 was added by AB 3074 and is being phased in statewide; it requires no combustible mulch, wood fencing attached to the home, stored firewood, or flammable plants within 5 feet of any structure. Zone 1 requires removal of dead plants, leaves, and pine needles, grass mowed to 4 inches or less, tree branches trimmed at least 10 feet from chimneys and 6 feet from the ground, and separation between trees and shrubs. Zone 2 allows more vegetation but requires annual clearance of dead material, horizontal and vertical spacing between trees and brush, and reduced fuel loads. The Pittsburg Fire Department and Contra Costa County Fire Marshal can conduct inspections and issue abatement orders, with city lien rights for non-compliant parcels.