Torrance, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- CA PRC 4291: 100 ft clearance
- Zone 1
- 0-30 ft lean/clean/green
- Zone 2
- 30-100 ft reduce/remove
- Enforcement
- Torrance Fire Department
Summary
Properties in fire hazard areas must maintain defensible space per CA PRC 4291. Torrance has limited wildfire zones but brush clearance is enforced where applicable.
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 ... 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 ... For purposes of this subparagraph, "fuel" means any combustible material, including petroleum-based products, cultivated landscape plants, grasses, and weeds, and wildland vegetation.
Full Breakdown
The City of Torrance has adopted the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition, under TMC Chapter 5, which includes vegetation management requirements. Property owners must maintain proper clearance of combustible vegetation and materials from structures. Dead and dying vegetation must be removed to reduce fire hazards. While Torrance is generally flat terrain (not hillside), the adopted fire code still requires reasonable vegetation management. The Fire Prevention Division conducts inspections and enforces fire safety requirements through the Community Risk Reduction Division.
Violations & Fines
Failure to maintain proper vegetation clearance may result in fire code violations and citations from the Fire Prevention Division at (310) 618-2973.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to clear brush in Torrance?
Who enforces brush clearance in Torrance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Torrance
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Brush Clearance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle brush clearance.