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Defensible Space is the buffer you create between a structure on property you own or rent and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surrounds it.
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Zone 0 – extends 5 ft from the building Zone 1 – extends 30 ft Zone 2 – extends 30-100 ft (or to property line) |
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California law requires people who own or rent land in areas with flammable vegetation to maintain a minimum of 100 feet of defensible space around structures (or to the property line) (Public Resources Code §4291) |
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(NOTE: As of this writing (1-31-2023) Public Resources Code section 4291 has been updated to reflect provisions of AB 3074 that provide that the California Board of Forestry will develop regulatory guidance on implementing Zone 0 (no flammable materials 0 to 5 feet from structures). The Board of Forestry is currently working to develop those regulations for Zone 0. FSCMC recommends that you implement Zone 0 on your property without waiting for it to be required by law, as studies have shown that blowing burning embers igniting flammable material close to structures is a substantial cause for loss of structures during wildfires.)
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Plant and tree spacing guidelines
Additional resources
- California Defensible Space Law: (PRC 4291)
- Download CAL FIRE's "General Guidelines for Creating Defensible Space" for a detailed explanation of how to create the minimum defensible space required by law
- For lists of wildfire safe and unsafe plants click here
- Wildfire Risk: Home Ignition Zone
- Wildfire Risk Reduction and Asset Protection Initiative (WRAP) - United Policyholders
- Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network
- Santa Lucia Preserve Defensible Space
The following videos help explain the importance of defensible space and how to create and maintain it:
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