Valley-Specific Fire Regulations You Must Know
Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) enforces strict defensible space requirements throughout the Valley. With recent fires highlighting vulnerabilities, enforcement has intensified, especially in hillside communities.
200 feet
Required in Very High zones
$500-$50,000
Fine range for violations
May 1
Annual compliance deadline
Neighborhood-Specific Requirements
High Fire Hazard Severity Zones:
Woodland Hills (hillside areas), West Hills, Porter Ranch:
- 200-foot clearance required
- Annual LAFD inspections
- Stricter plant species restrictions
- Mandatory annual compliance certificate
Moderate/Local Responsibility Areas:
Tarzana, Encino, Sherman Oaks (flatlands):
- 100-foot clearance standard
- Periodic inspections
- Standard plant list applies
- Self-certification acceptable
Zone 1: 0-30 Feet (Ember-Resistant Zone)
Critical Requirements:
- Remove all dead vegetation weekly during fire season
- No wood mulch - use rock or decomposed granite
- 5-foot perimeter of hardscape around structures
- Trees must be 10+ feet from chimneys/power lines
- No vegetation under eaves or decks
Valley-Approved Plants for Zone 1:
- Succulents: Aloe, jade, aeonium
- Groundcovers: Ice plant, gazania, lantana
- Accent plants: Society garlic, lavender, rosemary
- Trees: Western redbud, strawberry tree (properly spaced)
Prohibited in Zone 1:
- Juniper, pine, eucalyptus, cypress
- Pampas grass, fountain grass
- Any dead or dying vegetation
- Wood chips, gorilla hair mulch
Zone 2: 30-100 Feet (Reduced Fuel Zone)
Spacing Requirements:
- Horizontal spacing: 2x the shrub height between plants
- Vertical spacing: 3x clearance between vegetation layers
- Tree canopies: 10-foot minimum separation
- Ground to canopy: 6-foot minimum clearance
Maintenance Schedule:
- March-April: Initial clearing before growth season
- June: Mid-season maintenance check
- September: Final clearing before peak fire season
- Year-round: Remove dead material within 72 hours
How Rooftop Sprinklers Enhance Defensible Space
While defensible space is crucial, the Palisades Fire proved that embers can jump even the best-maintained zones. Rooftop sprinklers create a "wet defensible space" that dramatically improves your protection:
The Synergy Effect:
- Keeps vegetation moist: Reduces ignition potential
- Creates humidity barrier: Slows fire approach
- Protects cleared areas: Prevents ember spot fires
- Extends safe zone: Effectively doubles protection radius
Common Valley Violations and How to Avoid Them
Top LAFD Citations:
- Overgrown annual grasses
- Solution: Mow to 4" maximum, remove clippings
- Dead palm fronds
- Solution: Remove all dead fronds year-round
- Debris in gutters/roofs
- Solution: Monthly cleaning during fire season
- Firewood against structures
- Solution: Store 30+ feet away, cover top only
- Flammable patio furniture
- Solution: Use metal/fire-resistant materials
Special Considerations for Valley Properties
Slope Properties (Common in Woodland Hills):
- Clearance measured horizontally, not along slope
- Additional 50% clearance for slopes over 40%
- Erosion control must use fire-resistant methods
- Access roads must be clear 10 feet each side
Canyon-Adjacent Lots (Tarzana/Encino Hills):
- Extended clearance into canyon may be required
- Coordinate with neighbors for continuous fuel breaks
- No new plantings within 50 feet of canyon edge
Creating Your Defensible Space Action Plan
- Map your zones: Use LAFD's online tool for your address
- Document current state: Photos for insurance/compliance
- Prioritize high-risk areas: Near structures first
- Schedule regular maintenance: Set calendar reminders
- Consider professional help: Many violations are technical
The Complete Protection Strategy
Defensible space alone isn't enough in today's fire environment. The most protected Valley homes combine:
- ✓ Proper defensible space (legal requirement)
- ✓ Rooftop sprinkler system (active protection)
- ✓ Ember-resistant vents (passive protection)
- ✓ Fire-rated materials (structural hardening)
Complete Your Fire Defense System
Defensible space is just the start. Add rooftop sprinklers to create truly comprehensive wildfire protection for your Valley home.
Get Your Free Protection Assessment