Santa Paula, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Zone 1
- 0–30 feet: lean, clean, green
- Zone 2
- 30–100 feet: reduced fuel
- Deadline
- June 1 annually
- Grass Height
- 4 inches max in Zone 1
- Fire Context
- 2017 Thomas Fire: high WUI risk
Summary
Santa Paula properties in or adjacent to wildland areas must maintain 100 feet of defensible space per VCFPD and California PRC §4291. The first 30 feet (Zone 1) requires lean, clean, and green landscaping. Zone 2 (30–100 feet) requires reduced fuel loads. Clearance must be completed by June 1 annually.
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, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary shall consider the flammability of the structure as affected by building material, building standards, location, and type of vegetation. Fuels shall be maintained and spaced in a condition so that a wildfire would be unlikely to ignite the structure.
Full Breakdown
Under California Public Resources Code §4291 and VCFPD standards, all properties within or adjacent to wildland-urban interface areas in Santa Paula must maintain defensible space. Zone 1 (0–30 feet from structures) requires removal of all dead vegetation, trimming tree limbs to 10 feet above ground, maintaining 10 feet of clearance around chimneys, and keeping grasses under 4 inches. Zone 2 (30–100 feet) requires reducing fuel loads by thinning brush, spacing trees with 10+ feet between canopies, and removing dead/dying vegetation. Santa Paula is heavily impacted by wildfire risk: the 2017 Thomas Fire directly threatened the city. VCFPD conducts inspections beginning June 1 annually. Properties on steep slopes may require extended clearance beyond 100 feet.
Violations & Fines
Failure to complete brush clearance by June 1 results in a notice of violation with a 30-day correction period. Unabated properties face fines of $500–$1,500 per inspection. VCFPD may perform abatement at the property owner's expense plus administrative fees. Repeat non-compliance may result in property liens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far must I clear brush around my Santa Paula home?
When is the brush clearance deadline in Santa Paula?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Paula
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Paula 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 Ventura County handle brush clearance.