Riverside County, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- County ordinances
- Riverside County Ord. Nos. 695 & 772 (Hazard Reduction / hazardous vegetation)
- State law
- California PRC 4291: defensible space in SRA / VHFHSZ
- Defensible space distance
- Up to 100 ft from structures (or to property line)
- Zone 0 (ember-resistant)
- 0–5 ft kept clear of combustibles
- Zone 1
- 5–30 ft, trees pruned, canopies ~10 ft apart
- Enforcement
- Annual inspection + Order to Abate; CAL FIRE enforces PRC 4291
Summary
Unincorporated Riverside County requires hazardous vegetation abatement under Ordinance 695, and properties in State Responsibility Areas or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must maintain up to 100 feet of defensible space under California PRC 4291. The County Fire Department's Hazard Reduction program inspects unimproved parcels annually and issues an Order to Abate. CAL FIRE covers these areas.
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
Brush and weed clearance in unincorporated Riverside County is governed by County Ordinance Nos. 695 and 772 (Hazardous Vegetation / Hazard Reduction) and, for wildland-area structures, by California Public Resources Code 4291. Under Ordinance 695, Riverside County Fire Prevention Technicians annually inspect unimproved parcels in the unincorporated County; owners of targeted parcels receive a Notice of Violation and Order to Abate specifying the clearance method and amount required, generally up to 100 feet from structures on adjoining properties, satisfied by disking, mowing, brush-cutting, and/or handwork plus removal of cut material.
PRC 4291 separately requires owners of buildings in State Responsibility Areas (where CAL FIRE provides protection), and, by companion law, in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, to maintain defensible space, now structured as three zones: Zone 0 (the 0–5-foot ember-resistant zone, kept clear of combustibles), Zone 1 (5–30 feet, with trees pruned and canopies generally spaced about 10 feet apart), and Zone 2 (30–100 feet, reduced fuel density). The total managed space extends to 100 feet or the property line, whichever is closer. CAL FIRE (the Riverside County Fire Department is contracted with CAL FIRE) enforces PRC 4291 in SRA lands. Because much of the unincorporated County is brush-covered foothill and mountain terrain, defensible-space compliance is critical.
Violations & Fines
Under Ordinance 695, failure to abate after an Order to Abate can result in County abatement of the vegetation with costs charged to the owner (and potentially a lien). PRC 4291 violations are enforced by CAL FIRE; statewide guidance describes escalating fines (commonly cited around $100–$500 for a first violation, more for repeats within five years, and misdemeanor exposure for continued non-compliance). Confirm current amounts with Riverside County Fire Hazard Reduction (951-943-0640).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much brush do I have to clear around my home in unincorporated Riverside County?
What happens if I ignore an Order to Abate?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Riverside County
California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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