Monterey County, CA Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Threat Level
- ~80% of county high/very high/extreme
- Zone Classes
- Moderate, High, Very High (CAL FIRE FHSZ)
- Defensible Space
- 100 ft in very high zones (PRC 4291)
- Building Code
- WUI standards (CBC Chapter 7A)
- At-Risk Areas
- Big Sur, Santa Lucia Mtns, Los Padres NF
- Notable Fires
- Soberanes 2016; Dolan 2020 (~124,924 ac)
Summary
About 80% of Monterey County is rated high, very high, or extreme fire threat. CAL FIRE maps Fire Hazard Severity Zones (moderate, high, very high) across the State and Local Responsibility Areas. Very high zones trigger 100-foot defensible space, Wildland-Urban Interface building codes, and seller disclosure.
The History of Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps arose from major destructive fires, prompting the recognition of these areas and strategies to reduce wildfire risks. Legislative response led to mandated mapping across California under the California Public Resources Code 4201-4204, encompassing all State Responsibility Areas (SRA).
Full Breakdown
Wildfire risk in unincorporated Monterey County is mapped by CAL FIRE as Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) classified moderate, high, or very high, based on fuel, slope, fire weather, and ember exposure. Roughly 80% of the county's land is categorized as high, very high, or extreme fire threat: the mountainous, highly combustible terrain in and around Los Padres National Forest and the Santa Lucia Mountains is especially susceptible. Big Sur coast communities including Big Sur, Post, Lucia, Gorda, and Plaskett are at great risk, as shown by the 2016 Soberanes Fire (about 132,000 acres, 57 homes destroyed) and the 2020 Dolan Fire (about 124,924 acres).
Most of the county lies in the State Responsibility Area (SRA), where CAL FIRE handles wildland protection; mapped very high zones also exist in Local Responsibility Areas (LRA). In very high fire hazard severity zones, owners must maintain 100 feet of defensible space (PRC 4291), new construction and major renovations must meet Wildland-Urban Interface building standards (California Building Code Chapter 7A / fire-resistant construction), and sellers must disclose the FHSZ designation in real estate transactions. The 2025 FHSZ map updates were released to local agencies (received March 10, 2025), with the fire district required to adopt LRA updates within 120 days under AB 211. Property owners can confirm their zone on the state OSFM FHSZ viewer or the county's GIS portal.
Violations & Fines
Failing to meet defensible space, WUI building standards, or disclosure obligations in a very high fire hazard severity zone can lead to citations, blocked permits, blocked property sales, and liability. CAL FIRE, the county fire districts, and county building/planning enforce these requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out if my property is in a Monterey County wildfire zone?
What requirements apply in a very high fire hazard severity zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monterey County
California rules heatmap·Compare Monterey County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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