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Bishop, CA Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Zones
Moderate, high, very high
New maps issued
March 24, 2025
City must adopt
By ordinance within 120 days
Very high zone
100-foot defensible space
Cannot be lowered
City may only elevate

Summary

The State Fire Marshal designates fire hazard severity zones (moderate, high, very high) within Bishop. On March 24, 2025, updated maps were issued, and the City must adopt them by ordinance. Very high zones trigger 100-foot defensible space and stricter building requirements.

Areas designated as very high fire hazard zones will be subject to the defensible space provisions of Government Code section 51182 and implementing regulations promulgated by the Fire Marshal and State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Bishop lies in the wildfire-prone Eastern Sierra, and the California State Fire Marshal maps fire hazard severity zones (FHSZ) inside city limits. Updated maps designating moderate, high, and very high zones were issued March 24, 2025, and the City must adopt them by ordinance within 120 days; the City may raise but not lower a state-assigned zone. Properties in very high fire hazard severity zones are subject to the defensible-space provisions of Government Code section 51182 and State Board of Forestry regulations, plus WUI building standards (ignition-resistant materials, ember-resistant vents) for new construction. Zone designation also affects insurance and disclosure at sale. Residents can check their zone through CAL FIRE's FHSZ hub linked by the City.

Violations & Fines

Failing to maintain required defensible space in a very high zone can bring city abatement and cost-recovery; non-compliant construction in a mapped zone can be denied permits or occupancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my Bishop property in a wildfire zone?
Possibly. The State Fire Marshal maps moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones within Bishop. Check your parcel on CAL FIRE's Fire Hazard Severity Zone hub, linked from the City's wildland-urban-interface page.
What extra rules apply in a very high fire hazard zone?
Very high zones require 100 feet of defensible space under Government Code 51182 and trigger wildland-urban-interface building standards, such as ignition-resistant materials and ember-resistant vents, for new or substantially remodeled structures.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bishop

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsBrush ClearanceSome RestrictionsFireworksHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesLight Restrictions

All Bishop rules

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