Santa Barbara, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Santa Barbara's weed and brush rules are driven by wildfire risk in the foothills and coastal slopes rather than by aesthetics. The Fire Prevention Bureau's High Fire Hazard Area Landscape Requirements implement City Ordinance #5920 under Chapter 49 of the California Fire Code. The City uses four mapped fire zones, each with a required defensible-space clearance measured from any structure: Coastal Interior Zone 30 to 50 feet, Coastal Zone 50 to 70 feet, Foothill Zone 100 feet, and Extreme Foothill Zone 150 feet. On slopes steeper than 30%, the Fire Department may require additional vegetation modification for a total distance of 150 to 300 feet. Within these zones, owners must clear flammable vegetation, including cured annual weeds and dry grasses, remove dead material, and break up 'fire ladders' that let flames climb from grass into shrubs and trees. Vegetation along driveways and street access on or adjacent to the property must be trimmed to a 13-foot 6-inch vertical and 10-foot horizontal clearance. The Fire Department conducts defensible-space inspections and can be reached at 805-564-5702. Note this is the incorporated City program; properties in unincorporated areas fall under Santa Barbara County Fire's separate Chapter 15 hazard abatement program, which differs in notice and clearance procedures.