Nearly all of Tuolumne County is within a State Responsibility Area (SRA) with Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone designations. CAL FIRE manages fire protection for unincorporated areas. The 2013 Rim Fire burned over 257,000 acres in the county.
Tuolumne County is one of California's highest wildfire risk counties. The vast majority of unincorporated land falls within the State Responsibility Area under CAL FIRE jurisdiction. Fire Hazard Severity Zone mapping designates most of the county as High or Very High. California Public Resources Code §4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space around all structures in SRA areas. The county adopted a Hazardous Vegetation Ordinance requiring vegetation maintenance on vacant and developed parcels. The devastating 2013 Rim Fire burned 257,314 acres, and the 2024 fire season brought additional threats. Communities like Twain Harte, Mi-Wuk Village, and Groveland are particularly exposed due to dense forest interface.
PRC §4291 defensible space violation: up to $1,000 fine per day. Fire season burning without permit: PRC §4423, up to $1,000 fine and/or 6 months jail.
Tuolumne County, CA
Barking dogs in unincorporated Tuolumne County are addressed under Chapter 6.04 (Animal Control) as an animal nuisance. Animal Control investigates complaint...
Tuolumne County, CA
Tuolumne County does not have specific construction hour restrictions in unincorporated areas. Construction activities are generally permitted during reasona...
Tuolumne County, CA
Tuolumne County does not have a standalone noise ordinance for unincorporated areas. General nuisance provisions apply under state law. The county's STR ordi...
Tuolumne County, CA
Driveway regulations in unincorporated Tuolumne County follow county road standards and building code requirements. Properties must maintain adequate access ...
Tuolumne County, CA
Street parking on county roads in unincorporated Tuolumne County follows California Vehicle Code provisions. Vehicles cannot remain on public roads for more ...
Tuolumne County, CA
Tuolumne County does not have specific restrictions on commercial vehicle parking in residential areas beyond general zoning provisions. Home occupation rule...
See how Tuolumne County's wildfire zones rules stack up against other locations.
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