Parts of San Clemente, especially coastal hillside and canyon neighborhoods, lie in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. SCMC Chapter 8.22 designates these zones, and the City maintains a VHFHSZ map (July 2025). Such properties must meet OCFA fuel-modification, defensible-space, and wildfire-resistant construction standards.
San Clemente sits in the wildland-urban interface, and its dry climate, Santa Ana winds up to 70 mph, and steep coastal canyons create severe wildfire exposure. SCMC Chapter 8.22 establishes Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, and the City publishes a VHFHSZ map dated July 2025. The adopted Fire Code (SCMC 8.16.103) incorporates California Fire Code Chapter 49 (Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Areas). Added Section 4903.3 requires OCFA-approved fuel-modification plans for all new buildings in a VHFHSZ or fuel-modification zone, referencing OCFA Guideline C-05. Added Section 324 requires fuel-modification approval for new structures adjoining hazardous vegetation.
Failing to maintain fuel modification or defensible space, or building in a VHFHSZ without an approved fuel-modification plan, violates SCMC Chapters 8.16 and 8.22. OCFA may withhold permits, order abatement, and cite under its fee schedule.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Under California SB 1383, San Clemente requires single-family and multifamily residents to subscribe to organics collection and recycle green waste and food ...
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San Clemente's Landscape Standards require living, drought-tolerant plant material and permeable surfaces, with required landscaping at least 60 percent Cali...
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San Clemente's Landscape Standards require drought-tolerant, water-efficient landscaping for new and rehabilitated projects. Under Municipal Code Section 17....
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San Clemente has no ordinance prohibiting residential rainwater harvesting, and California's Rainwater Capture Act (2012) allows homeowners to collect roofto...
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The City of San Clemente is the water utility for most of the city; the Talega area is served by Santa Margarita Water District. Permanent water-waste restri...
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San Clemente's annual Weed Abatement Program treats overgrown weeds and dry vegetation as a fire hazard and nuisance. Owners must clear weeds and debris by M...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle wildfire zones.
See how San Clemente's wildfire zones rules stack up against other locations.
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