San Diego, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

Brush management is divided into three fuel modification zones, extending 100 feet from any structure. Zone 0: 0-5 feet. Zone 1: 5-30 feet. Zone 2: 30-100 feet. Clearing brush and flammable materials in these areas is required by law for homes located within the city of San Diego's Very High Fire Severity Zones. [...] Zone 0 is the area within 5 feet of a home or building, including outbuildings, attached decks, and stairs. Keeping this area clear of vegetation and other flammable materials helps prevent wildfire from reaching the structure, especially from wind-driven embers. Remove dead plants, dry or fallen leaves, pine needles, mulch, firewood, trash, debris, and other flammable materials within five feet of your home, including roofs and gutters, decks, porches, balconies, stairways, and any areas beneath the home. Use hardscape materials such as concrete, gravel, pavers, or bare soil. [...] Zone 1 extends 5 to 30 feet outward from a home or building or to the property line, whichever is closer. [...] Plants in this zone should be less than 4 feet tall and fire resistant, with the exception of trees. [...] Trees should be properly maintained and regularly pruned. Healthy branches must be kept at least five feet from roofs and exterior walls. At maturity, the tree canopy (drip line) must be maintained at least 10 feet from roofs and other structures, including chimneys and stovepipes. [...] Zone 2 extends 30 to 100 feet outward from a home or building.