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

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Zone 1 distance
30 feet
Zone 2 distance
100 feet
State authority
PRC Section 4291
Inspector
SFFD Fire Prevention

Summary

San Francisco Fire Code Section 4906 requires defensible space and vegetation management on properties adjacent to wildland-urban interface zones, including Mount Davidson, Twin Peaks, and Glen Canyon Park edges.

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 intensity of fuels management may vary within the 100-foot perimeter of the structure, with more intense fuel reductions being utilized between 5 and 30 feet around the structure, and an ember-resistant zone being required within 5 feet of the structure, based on regulations promulgated by the board... (B) A greater distance than that required under subparagraph (A) may be required by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation.

Source: SF Fire DepartmentView official code

Full Breakdown

SF Fire Code follows California Public Resources Code Section 4291 plus local amendments for the few SF properties bordering open space and steep canyons. Owners must maintain 30 feet of cleared defensible space (Zone 1) and 100 feet of reduced fuel (Zone 2) where applicable. SFFD and Rec & Park inspect interface zones annually. Vegetation removal must respect tree-protection rules for SF heritage trees. Native chaparral can be thinned but not clear-cut. The 2017 Wine Country fires prompted SF to step up enforcement near Mt. Davidson, Glen Park Canyon, and McLaren Park boundaries.

Violations & Fines

Failure to clear dry vegetation, dead trees, or accumulated debris in defensible space zones, especially before fire season, prompts SFFD notice and potential abatement charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does defensible space apply to most SF homes?
Only homes adjacent to designated wildland-urban interface areas like Mt. Davidson, Twin Peaks, Glen Canyon, and McLaren Park edges. Most urban SF parcels are exempt due to dense building coverage.
Can I cut SF heritage trees for defensible space?
No. Heritage tree removal requires Public Works permits even for fire safety. SFFD coordinates with Public Works to balance defensible space rules and tree protection on a case-by-case basis.

Sources & Official References

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All San Francisco rules

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