San Marcos enforces a mandatory vegetation management program due to significant wildfire risk. Property owners must maintain defensible space by clearing brush and dead vegetation around structures. The San Marcos Fire Department conducts annual inspections and enforces compliance through its fire prevention division.
San Marcos requires property owners to maintain defensible space around structures as part of the city's Vegetation Management Program. Properties in wildfire hazard areas must clear brush, dead vegetation, and combustible materials to reduce fire risk. The San Marcos Fire Department's fire prevention division conducts annual inspections of properties in high-risk zones. California Public Resources Code Section 4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures in State Responsibility Areas. San Marcos has experienced significant brush fires, including fires threatening structures near Cal State San Marcos, underscoring the importance of vegetation management. The city coordinates with CAL FIRE for wildfire prevention in the urban-wildland interface.
Non-compliance may result in citations, fines, and potential abatement at the property owner's expense. Contact San Marcos Fire Prevention at (760) 744-1050 x3411.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle brush clearance.
See how San Marcos's brush clearance rules stack up against other locations.
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