Placer County, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Placer County Code 9.32, Part 4
- State Law
- California PRC 4291
- Defensible Space
- 100 feet around structures
- Unimproved Parcels
- Abate within 100 ft of neighboring structure
- Effective
- May 21, 2020
- Inspections
- Placer County Fire 530-886-3570
Summary
Placer County's Hazardous Vegetation and Combustible Material Abatement ordinance (Placer County Code Section 9.32, Part 4) plus California Public Resources Code 4291 require property owners to maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures. Owners of unimproved parcels must abate vegetation within 100 feet of a neighboring structure or along essential access roads.
(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.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
California Public Resources Code 4291 and local fire codes require owners of improved parcels to maintain 100 feet of defensible space around all structures. 32, Part 4, effective May 21, 2020, governs abatement of hazardous vegetation and combustible material on both vacant and improved parcels in the unincorporated county. The ordinance was created to help owners keep 100 feet of cleared space around homes to prevent structure ignition during a wildfire. It extends the duty to owners of unimproved parcels (lots without a dwelling or basic services), requiring them to abate vegetation within 100 feet of a neighboring structure or along roadways the county fire warden determines are essential to safe ingress and egress. The ordinance also authorizes fire officials to require abatement beyond the standard 100-foot distance in extraordinary high-hazard circumstances. org details the zone-based clearance methods.
Violations & Fines
Property owners who fail to abate hazardous vegetation after notice are subject to enforcement under Section 9.32, Part 4, which can include county-performed abatement with costs assessed against the property, plus penalties. Inspections in Placer County Fire areas can be requested at 530-886-3570.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much defensible space is required around a home in Placer County?
Do vacant-lot owners have to clear brush?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Placer County
California rules heatmap·Compare Placer County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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