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.
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.
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.
Santa Paula, CA
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