Humboldt County, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- State defensible space
- PRC section 4291 - 100 ft
- Chimney clearance
- 10 ft of branches around outlet
- Coastal tree protection
- HCC section 313-64
- Boundary tree ownership
- Civ. Code sections 833-834
Summary
In Humboldt County's State Responsibility Area and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, California Public Resources Code section 4291 requires maintenance of 100 feet of defensible space around structures, including removing tree portions within 10 feet of a chimney/stovepipe outlet and keeping trees free of dead or dying wood. Coast Redwood and other large tree removals in the unincorporated coastal zone are also separately regulated under Humboldt County Code section 313-64 (Tree Protection).
A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains an occupied dwelling or occupied structure in, upon, or adjoining a mountainous area, forest-covered lands, brush-covered lands, grass-covered lands, or any land that is covered with flammable material, shall at all times do all of the following: (1) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line ... with more intense fuel reductions being utilized between 5 and 30 feet around the structure, and an ember-resistant zone being required within 5 feet of the structure ... Remove that portion of a tree that extends within 10 feet of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe. Maintain a tree, shrub, or other plant adjacent to or overhanging a building free of dead or dying wood. Maintain the roof of a structure free of leaves, needles, or other vegetative materials.
Full Breakdown
PRC section 4291 applies to any person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in, upon, or adjoining any mountainous area, forest-covered land, brush-covered land, grass-covered land, or land that is covered with flammable material within a State Responsibility Area (SRA) or a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ). Cal Fire designates much of Humboldt County's unincorporated land as SRA. The 100-foot perimeter has two intensity zones: ember-resistant Zone 0 (0-5 feet) and lean/clean/green Zone 1 (5-30 feet), with reduced-fuel Zone 2 extending to 100 feet (Gov.
Code section 51182 echoes the same 100-foot requirement in VHFHSZ within Local Responsibility Areas). Trees overhanging the roof must be trimmed back, and limbs within 10 feet of a chimney outlet must be removed. Separately, Humboldt County Code section 313-64 (Coastal Zoning Regulations) protects major vegetation in the County Coastal Zone, listing purposes that include preventing soil erosion, landslide and flood hazard, reducing runoff, providing windbreaks, and protecting adjacent trees from irreparable wind damage. Civil Code sections 833-834 govern ownership: a tree belongs exclusively to the owner of the parcel on which its trunk stands, and trees straddling a boundary are jointly owned.
Violations & Fines
Failure to maintain defensible space under PRC 4291 is enforced by Cal Fire and can result in citations, civil fines, and liability for fire-suppression costs. Removing a protected coastal-zone tree without a coastal development permit can result in code-enforcement action under Humboldt County Code section 351 et seq., with notice and cost-recovery procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trim my neighbor's tree branches that overhang my property?
Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my rural lot?
What clearance does Cal Fire require around my chimney?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Humboldt County
California rules heatmap·Compare Humboldt County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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