Richmond, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

California Public Resources Code Section 4291 mandates 100 feet of defensible space around habitable structures in State Responsibility Areas and in Local Responsibility Area Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones designated by CAL FIRE. The defensible space is divided into two zones: Zone 1 (0–30 feet from structure) requires near-total removal of dead vegetation, trimmed tree branches at least 10 feet from chimneys, and spacing between shrubs; Zone 2 (30–100 feet) requires grass cut to 4 inches, 10-foot horizontal spacing between tree canopies, and removal of ladder fuels. Most of Richmond is flatland and NOT in a mapped VHFHSZ, so PRC 4291 does not apply to the majority of parcels. However, the 2022 CAL FIRE LRA VHFHSZ update flagged portions of the El Sobrante foothills, some slopes above Hilltop, and ridge areas near Point Richmond. Homeowners in those mapped zones must comply and are subject to inspection by Richmond Fire Department. Non-compliance can result in a notice-to-abate, with the city performing the work and recording a lien against the property. Zone 0 (0–5 feet, 'ember-resistant zone') is being phased in under AB 3074 (regulations pending CAL FIRE rulemaking as of 2025) and will prohibit combustible materials immediately adjacent to structures. Home-hardening measures (Class A roofing, ember-resistant vents, metal gutters) complement defensible space and may be required for rebuilds in fire zones.