Defensible Space Requirements LA County: Your Complete 2025 Compliance Guide

If you own a home in Los Angeles County—especially in hillside communities like Bel Air, Pacific Palisades, or the San Fernando Valley—you're legally required to maintain defensible space around your property. But here's what most homeowners don't realize: it's not just about clearing 100 feet of brush.

California's defensible space law divides that 100-foot perimeter into three distinct zones, each with specific requirements. Get it wrong, and you could face fines starting at $500, insurance cancellation, or worse—a citation that requires expensive professional clearance at your expense.

After the devastating 2025 Palisades Fire, LA County Fire Department has ramped up inspections and enforcement. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to know to stay compliant, protect your home, and avoid penalties.

Understanding California's Defensible Space Law

California Public Resources Code 4291 requires all property owners in State Responsibility Areas (SRA) or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) to maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures. Most of Los Angeles County falls under these designations.

The law was significantly updated in 2021 to add Zone 0 (the ember-resistant zone), reflecting research showing that 90% of homes ignite from embers, not direct flame contact. LA County enforces all three zones strictly.

Zone 0: The Ember-Resistant Zone (0-5 Feet)

Zone 0 is your home's first line of defense and the most critical area for compliance. This 0-5 foot perimeter around all structures must be completely free of combustible materials.

Zone 0 Requirements:

Vegetation Rules:

• Remove all dead or dying plants immediately
• Only low-growing, high-moisture plants allowed (succulents, ice plant)
• No trees, shrubs, or ornamental grasses
• Vegetation must be well-irrigated and pruned regularly
• No leaves, needles, or plant debris allowed to accumulate

Hardscape Requirements:

• Replace wood mulch with rock or gravel (non-combustible only)
• No wood fencing or trellises attached to home
• Remove combustible patio furniture or store away from walls
• Clear pine needles and leaves from decks, gutters, and roofs

Structure Protection:

• Screen all attic and under-floor vents with 1/8" mesh
• Remove combustible materials stored against exterior walls
• Keep wood piles at least 30 feet from structures (Zone 1)
• Ensure garbage bins are not against house

Zone 1: Lean, Clean, and Green (5-30 Feet)

Zone 1 extends from 5 to 30 feet from your home. The goal here is to create a "lean, clean, and green" landscape that reduces fire intensity and prevents flames from reaching your home.

Zone 1 Requirements:

Tree Maintenance:

• Remove all dead or dying trees immediately
• Prune tree canopies to maintain 10-foot separation between crowns
• Trim branches to 6-10 feet above ground (remove "ladder fuels")
• Keep branches at least 10 feet away from roof, chimney, or deck
• Remove trees that overhang roof entirely

Shrub and Groundcover Management:

• Trim shrubs to maximum 18 inches in height
• Create 3x the height spacing between shrubs (18" shrub = 54" spacing)
• Remove all dead branches, leaves, and needles
• Eliminate shrubs directly beneath trees
• Keep grass mowed to 4 inches or less

Fuel Load Reduction:

• Remove leaves, needles, and debris from yard regularly
• Clear dead plants and brush immediately
• Relocate wood piles to at least 30 feet from structures
• Keep propane tanks clear of vegetation
• Maintain irrigation systems to ensure adequate moisture

Zone 2: Reduced Fuel Zone (30-100 Feet)

Zone 2 extends from 30 to 100 feet from your home. While requirements are less strict here, this zone still requires active management to reduce overall fuel load and fire intensity.

Zone 2 Requirements:

Tree Management:

• Remove all dead or diseased trees
• Maintain 10-foot spacing between tree canopies
• Prune lower branches to 6 feet above ground minimum
• Remove dead limbs and branches

Brush and Grass:

• Cut grass to 4 inches or less
• Remove heavy brush and chaparral buildup
• Clear dead material annually (before fire season)
• Thin dense vegetation to reduce continuous fuel bed

Special Considerations for Slopes:

• Properties on hillsides may need to extend Zone 2 beyond 100 feet
• Fire travels faster uphill—downslope clearance is critical
• LA County may require additional clearance on steep slopes (30%+ grade)
• Consult with LA County Fire for property-specific requirements

LA County-Specific Requirements

Los Angeles County has additional regulations beyond California's base requirements, particularly for hillside properties and communities with recent fire history.

Additional LA County Rules:

Hillside Properties:

• Properties on slopes >30% may require extended clearance beyond 100 feet
• Additional fuel modification zones may be mandated for new construction
• Downslope clearance is especially critical (fire travels 2x faster uphill)

High-Risk Communities:

• Pacific Palisades, Bel Air, Malibu, Topanga Canyon: Enhanced enforcement
• Annual inspections conducted May-October (fire season)
• Second violations carry doubled fines

Shared Property Lines:

• Responsibility extends to property line even if you don't own adjacent land
• Work with neighbors to ensure mutual compliance
• County can require clearance on adjacent vacant land if owner is unreachable

Annual Inspection Process: What to Expect

LA County Fire Department conducts annual defensible space inspections in high-risk areas, typically between May and August. Here's how the process works:

Inspection Timeline:

1. Notice of Inspection (April-May):

• You'll receive a notice 2-4 weeks before inspection
• Notice includes inspection date range and checklist
• Use this time to complete all required clearance

2. On-Site Inspection (May-August):

• Fire inspector examines all three zones
• Takes photos and notes violations
• You don't need to be home for inspection
• Inspection takes 15-30 minutes typically

3. Pass or Notice of Violation:

• Pass: Green tag posted, no further action needed
• Violation: Orange tag with specific corrections required
• Correction deadline typically 14-30 days depending on severity

4. Re-Inspection:

• Inspector returns after correction deadline
• If corrections completed: green tag issued
• If not corrected: citation issued with fines

Common Violations Found During Inspections:

Fines and Penalties for Non-Compliance

LA County Fire Department takes defensible space violations seriously. Here's what you're facing if you don't comply:

Fine Structure:

• First violation: $500 administrative fine + correction costs
• Second violation: $1,000+ fine + mandatory professional clearance
• Repeat offender: Criminal citation, potential misdemeanor charges
• County clearance: $3,000-$10,000+ if county performs work on your behalf

Additional Consequences:

• Insurance impacts: Insurers can cancel policies for non-compliance
• Property liens: Unpaid fines become liens on property title
• HOA violations: Additional fines from homeowners associations
• Liability: If fire spreads from your property due to non-compliance, civil liability

DIY vs. Professional Clearance Services

Many homeowners wonder: can I do this myself, or do I need to hire professionals? The answer depends on your property size, terrain, and comfort level.

When DIY Works:

• Small, flat lots (under 10,000 sq ft)
• Mostly lawn and low shrubs
• Few or no large trees
• You have time and physical ability
• Zone 0 and basic Zone 1 maintenance

When to Hire Professionals:

• Large properties (>10,000 sq ft)
• Steep hillsides or difficult terrain
• Extensive tree work or canopy trimming
• Heavy brush clearance in Zone 2
• Adjacent wildland or canyon areas
• Already received violation notice

Professional Service Costs (LA County Averages):

• Zone 0 clearance: $500-$1,500 (depending on landscaping complexity)
• Zone 1 maintenance: $1,000-$3,000 (includes tree trimming)
• Zone 2 brush clearance: $2,000-$8,000 (hillside properties higher)
• Full 100-foot clearance: $3,500-$12,000+ (property-dependent)
• Annual maintenance: $800-$2,500/year for ongoing compliance

Prices vary significantly based on property size, slope, vegetation density, and accessibility.

Your Defensible Space Compliance Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you're compliant before your LA County fire inspection:

Zone 0 (0-5 feet) Checklist:

• ☐ All dead vegetation removed from perimeter
• ☐ Wood mulch replaced with rock/gravel
• ☐ Attic and crawl space vents screened with 1/8" mesh
• ☐ No plants touching house walls
• ☐ Gutters and roof cleared of leaves/needles
• ☐ Firewood moved at least 30 feet from house
• ☐ Garbage bins not against exterior walls
• ☐ Only low-growing, high-moisture plants present
• ☐ Deck cleared of debris and combustible furniture

Zone 1 (5-30 feet) Checklist:

• ☐ Tree branches trimmed 6-10 feet above ground
• ☐ Trees spaced 10 feet apart (canopy to canopy)
• ☐ No tree branches within 10 feet of roof
• ☐ Shrubs trimmed to 18 inches maximum height
• ☐ Shrubs spaced 3x their height apart
• ☐ No shrubs directly beneath trees (ladder fuels)
• ☐ Grass mowed to 4 inches or less
• ☐ All dead branches and leaves removed
• ☐ Irrigation system functional and adequate

Zone 2 (30-100 feet) Checklist:

• ☐ Dead trees removed entirely
• ☐ Trees spaced 10 feet apart (canopy)
• ☐ Tree branches pruned 6+ feet above ground
• ☐ Grass cut to 4 inches or less
• ☐ Heavy brush and chaparral thinned
• ☐ Continuous fuel bed broken up
• ☐ Additional slope clearance completed if required

Documentation Checklist:

• ☐ Photos of all three zones (dated, multiple angles)
• ☐ Receipts for professional tree work
• ☐ Copy of last year's green tag (if applicable)
• ☐ Proof of irrigation system maintenance
• ☐ Neighbor coordination documentation (if relevant)

Beyond Compliance: Advanced Fire Hardening

Meeting LA County's defensible space requirements is the legal minimum. But if you want maximum protection—and potential insurance discounts—consider these additional hardening measures:

Structure Hardening:

• Rooftop sprinkler system: Active protection during fire approach
• Ember-resistant vents: Upgraded mesh on all openings
• Fire-resistant roofing: Class A rated materials (tile, metal, composition)
• Dual-pane windows: Reduces radiant heat penetration
• Metal gutters: Eliminates vinyl gutter ignition

Landscape Hardening:

• Fire-resistant plants: Replace high-risk species with low-flammability alternatives
• Irrigation zones: Ensure Zone 0 and 1 have dedicated watering
• Hardscaping: Patios, walkways, and rock gardens reduce fuel load
• Green belts: Well-irrigated lawns create fire breaks

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to maintain defensible space if my property is in the city limits?

Yes. The defensible space law applies to all properties in designated fire hazard zones, regardless of whether they're in city or county jurisdiction. Most of Los Angeles—including communities like Bel Air, Hollywood Hills, and Pacific Palisades—falls under fire hazard zones requiring full 100-foot compliance.

What if my property is smaller than 100 feet deep?

Your responsibility extends to your property line. If your property is only 50 feet deep, you maintain defensible space to the boundary. However, if neighboring properties aren't compliant, document this and report violations to LA County Fire.

Can I be cited for vegetation on public land adjacent to my property?

Generally no—you're only responsible for your property boundaries. However, if public land creates an obvious hazard, report it to the city or county. Some jurisdictions require property owners to maintain public right-of-way adjacent to their homes.

How often do I need to maintain defensible space?

Defensible space is year-round maintenance, but critical work should be completed before fire season (May-October). At minimum: spring clearance (April-May), mid-season maintenance (July), and post-season cleanup (November). Zone 0 requires monthly inspection and maintenance.

Will fire-resistant plants eliminate my defensible space requirements?

No. Even fire-resistant plants must comply with spacing, clearance, and moisture requirements. "Fire-resistant" means harder to ignite—not fireproof. All vegetation requires active management and proper spacing regardless of species.

Can I get help with costs if I can't afford professional clearance?

Some programs exist for low-income or senior homeowners. Contact LA County Fire Prevention (323-890-4243) about assistance programs. Some cities also offer subsidized chipper programs for brush removal. However, inability to pay doesn't exempt you from compliance requirements.

Staying Compliant Year-Round

Defensible space isn't a once-a-year task—it's ongoing property management, especially in Los Angeles' dry climate. Here's a seasonal maintenance calendar:

Spring (March-May):

• Complete major clearance before fire season
• Schedule tree trimming for Zone 1 and 2
• Inspect and repair irrigation systems
• Apply fresh rock mulch in Zone 0
• Prepare for annual LA County inspection

Summer (June-August):

• Weekly Zone 0 inspection and debris removal
• Maintain irrigation (increase frequency during heat)
• Mow grass every 2 weeks minimum
• Monitor for dead vegetation and remove immediately
• Clear gutters and roof after wind events

Fall (September-November):

• Peak fire danger—maintain vigilance
• Remove fallen leaves weekly (Zone 0 and 1)
• Continue irrigation through dry fall months
• Prepare for Santa Ana wind season
• Final tree trimming before winter

Winter (December-February):

• Storm debris cleanup
• Inspect trees for damage or disease
• Plan landscape changes for next year
• Budget for spring clearance work
• Maintain drainage to prevent erosion

The Bottom Line: Compliance Protects Your Home and Your Investment

LA County's defensible space requirements aren't bureaucratic red tape—they're evidence-based fire safety standards developed from decades of wildfire research. Homes with proper defensible space are significantly more likely to survive wildfires than non-compliant properties.

With LA County ramping up enforcement after the 2025 Palisades Fire, now is the time to ensure your property meets all Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2 requirements. The cost of compliance is far less than the cost of fines, insurance cancellation, or fire damage.

If you're unsure about your compliance status, consider scheduling a professional assessment before the annual inspection period. Valley Fire Defense provides comprehensive defensible space evaluations and can help you create a compliance plan that protects your home and fits your budget.

Your home's survival in a wildfire may depend on the work you do today.