California Statewide Rule

California Statewide 100-Foot Defensible Space Requirement

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across California (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: Public Resources Code 4291
Zone 0: 0-5 ft, rules pending
Total clearance: 100 feet from structures
Inspector: CAL FIRE and local fire

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: California Public Resources Code 4291

Summary

California requires property owners in fire hazard zones to maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures, applying uniformly across State and Local Responsibility Areas.

(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.

Source: California Public Resources Code 4291View official code

Full Breakdown

Public Resources Code Section 4291 mandates that any person owning, leasing, or controlling occupied dwellings or structures in State Responsibility Areas (SRA) or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) maintain defensible space to 100 feet from each structure. AB 3074 adds an ember-resistant Zone 0 (0-5 feet) that takes effect once Board of Forestry regulations are finalized; the rules remained in draft as of mid-2026, with phased compliance to follow. Zone 1 (5-30 feet) requires lean, clean, and green landscaping. Zone 2 (30-100 feet) requires reduced fuels. CAL FIRE inspects compliance. Local jurisdictions may impose stricter requirements but cannot reduce the 100-foot statewide minimum.

Violations & Penalties

Violations are misdemeanors punishable by fines from $100 to $500 for first offense; CAL FIRE may also bill abatement costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 100-foot rule apply if I am in a city?

Yes, if your property sits in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone within a Local Responsibility Area. CAL FIRE maps designate these zones citywide.

Can a neighbor refuse access if my clearance extends onto their land?

You are only required to clear within property you own or control. Coordinate with neighbors; you cannot enter their property without permission.

Sources

California Public Resources Code 4291

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