Most of Fresno is outside CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zones, but the San Joaquin River bluffs, Woodward Park edges, and northeast hillside areas near Copper and Friant Roads include Moderate to High LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones under the 2024 CAL FIRE map update. Properties in these zones trigger AB 38 defensible space and disclosure requirements.
CAL FIRE updated the Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps in 2024. Within the City of Fresno the majority of parcels are non-VHFHSZ, but portions of the San Joaquin River bluffs north of Audubon Drive, Copper Avenue corridor, and edges of the city near Millerton/Friant are mapped as Moderate or High LRA FHSZ. Properties in mapped zones are subject to AB 38 (PRC §51182) requirements: 100-foot defensible space, home hardening compliance on sale, and seller disclosure on the Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement (NHD). California Building Code Chapter 7A ignition-resistant construction applies to new construction in Very High zones. Insurance rates have risen sharply for FHSZ properties and the FAIR Plan is often the only option. Buyers should consult the CAL FIRE online map and the Fresno Fire Department for zone verification. Most central and south Fresno lots carry standard urban fire risk without AB 38 obligations.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Fresno code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not regulate decorative lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round yard decorations on private property. Property maintenance standards in FMC Chapt...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not specifically regulate residential inflatable holiday displays. There is no size cap, lighting curfew, or fan-noise limit specific to inflatab...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not have a specific ordinance regulating residential holiday light displays. Display dates, brightness, and decorative content are not regulated ...
Fresno, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Fresno require building, electrical, plumbing, and gas permits under FMC Chapter 11 (Building Regulations), which adopts the Cal...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not have a specific ordinance regulating backyard smokers or wood-fired ovens by time of day. Use is governed by the general nuisance provisions ...
Fresno, CA
Fresno enforces the California Fire Code (CFC) as adopted in FMC Chapter 10, Article 5 (Fire Prevention). Under CFC §308.1.4 (the California amended version ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Fresno County.
See how other cities in Fresno County handle wildfire zones.
See how Fresno's wildfire zones rules stack up against other locations.
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