Yuba County, CA Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- New builds in State Responsibility Areas
- Driveway width
- Minimum 12 feet, turnouts required
- Structure setback
- 30 feet for defensible space
- Waivers
- DRC approval with Cal Fire sign-off
- Authority
- Pub. Resources Code § 4290
Summary
New construction, subdivisions, and building permits in unincorporated Yuba County's State Responsibility Area fire zones must meet Chapter 11.22's road, water-supply, and defensible-space standards before the County will approve them.
The purpose of this Chapter is to establish minimum wildfire protection standards pursuant to Public Resources Code § 4290 that shall apply to the issuance of a building or construction permit, tentative map approval, or other development entitlement approved by the County in designated State Responsibility Areas (SRA).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 11.22, Fire Safe Regulations, sets minimum wildfire protection standards under Public Resources Code § 4290 for any building permit, tentative map, or development entitlement in a designated State Responsibility Area of unincorporated Yuba County. Projects must provide 12-foot-wide driveways with turnouts, road and address signage meeting visibility standards, an emergency water system cleared by Cal Fire before map recordation, code-compliant fire hydrants, and a 30-foot structural setback for defensible space under Section 11.22.080. The Development Review Committee may waive individual requirements with Cal Fire sign-off; existing permitted structures and agricultural or timber roads are exempt.
Violations & Fines
A project that doesn't meet Chapter 11.22's road, water-supply, or defensible-space standards cannot receive a building permit, tentative map approval, or other development entitlement in a State Responsibility Area until it complies or obtains a Development Review Committee waiver.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggers Yuba County's Fire Safe Regulations?
Can these wildfire-zone standards be waived?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yuba County
California rules heatmap·Compare Yuba County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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