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Vacaville, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Local Code
VMC Chapter 8.04 (Weeds and Rubbish Abatement)
Annual Inspection
On or about June 1 by Code Enforcement
Defensible Space
100 ft per PRC §4291 / Govt. Code §51182
Enforcement
Vacaville Fire Dept Code Enforcement (707-449-5693)
Lien Authority
Unpaid abatement costs become lien on property

Summary

Vacaville requires property owners to keep land clear of dry weeds, vegetation, and rubbish under Vacaville Municipal Code Chapter 8.04 (Abatement of Weeds and Rubbish). On or about June 1 each year, Code Enforcement inspects properties citywide. Parcels in or adjacent to State Responsibility Areas or the Vaca Mountains foothills also must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under California Public Resources Code §4291 / Government Code §51182.

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 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 ...

Full Breakdown

04 declares all weeds and rubbish a public nuisance and makes it unlawful to allow dry vegetation, weeds, rubbish, or other fire hazards to remain on a property. Code Enforcement performs the annual Weed Abatement inspection on or about June 1 to confirm that owners have cut grass and weeds, removed dead brush, and cleared rubbish before fire season. 04 unless the Fire Chief has issued written permission. Properties in Vacaville's eastern and southern hills, the Vaca Mountains foothills, Lagoon Valley, Browns Valley, and other Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones identified in the OSFM's February 24, 2025 map update, also fall under California Government Code §51182, requiring 100 feet of defensible space around every habitable structure, broken into Zone 0 (0–5 ft ember-resistant), Zone 1 (0–30 ft lean/clean/green) and Zone 2 (30–100 ft fuel reduction).

Properties on the western side of Vacaville extend into CAL FIRE State Responsibility Area where PRC §4291 imposes the same 100-foot standard, enforced by CAL FIRE LNU. Common violations include dry grass over 4 inches near structures, accumulated dead brush, woodpiles within 30 feet of a home, and tree branches overhanging roofs.

Violations & Fines

If a property owner fails to abate weeds or rubbish after notice under VMC 8.04, the City may perform the work itself and assess the costs as a civil debt, lien, or special assessment against the property. The Vacaville City Council annually places liens on non-complying properties on the Solano County property tax roll. Failure to maintain PRC §4291 / Govt. Code §51182 defensible space carries CAL FIRE civil penalties up to $500 (first offense) and $1,500 (second offense). Burning to clear weeds without written Fire Chief approval is a separate violation under Chapter 8.04.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Vacaville inspect for weed abatement?
Vacaville Code Enforcement begins weed abatement inspections on or about June 1 each year under Vacaville Municipal Code Chapter 8.04. Owners should cut dry grass and weeds, remove dead brush, and clear rubbish before that date to avoid a notice of violation.
Do I need defensible space in Vacaville?
If your property is in a State Responsibility Area or a Local Responsibility Area Very High / High / Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone, including the Vaca Mountains foothills, Lagoon Valley, and Browns Valley areas, yes. California Public Resources Code §4291 and Government Code §51182 both require 100 feet of defensible space, including a noncombustible 0–5 ft Zone 0 immediately around the structure.
What happens if I don't clear my weeds in Vacaville?
Under VMC Chapter 8.04 the City can do the work itself and charge you the cost as a civil debt, special assessment, or lien recorded against the property and collected on the next county tax bill. The City Council places these liens by resolution each fall.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Vacaville

All Vacaville rules

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