Santa Clara, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- VHFHSZ status
- City mostly not in VHFHSZ
- PRC 4291 zone 0
- 0 to 5 ft ember-resistant if applicable
- Weed abatement
- Grass kept under 6 inches
- Inspections
- Santa Clara County Fire spring
- Wildland parcels
- Full 100 ft defensible space
Summary
Santa Clara is mostly on the valley floor and not mapped as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, but nearby foothills trigger PRC 4291 defensible space for properties bordering wildland.
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, in consultation with the department.
Full Breakdown
California Public Resources Code 4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures in State Responsibility Areas and designated fire hazard zones. Most of the City of Santa Clara is Local Responsibility Area and is not mapped in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, so the strict 100-foot rule does not apply to typical valley-floor homes. However, Santa Clara properties near open space, creek corridors, or the western foothills may still be expected to clear dry grass, weeds, and dead vegetation under the city weed abatement program and California Fire Code provisions. Santa Clara County Fire inspects hillside and wildland-adjacent parcels each spring. Keep grass under 6 inches, remove dead branches within 10 feet of chimneys, and maintain clear access around structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Clara in a fire hazard zone?
What if I ignore a weed abatement notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Brush Clearance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle brush clearance.