Quick answer
If your property sits in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone in the City of LA or an unincorporated LA County hillside area, you're required to clear brush, dry grass, and flammable growth around structures every year, with inspections generally starting in spring. A separate statewide "Zone 0" ember-resistant rule for the 0–5 foot zone right next to structures is still being finalized by the state — check with LAFD or LA County Fire for your property's exact requirements before you clear.
Who this applies to
Brush clearance and defensible space rules mainly apply to properties in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones — hillside and foothill neighborhoods across LA. The City of Los Angeles handles this through LAFD's Brush Clearance Unit, while unincorporated areas and many other cities in the county are covered by the Los Angeles County Fire Department's Forestry Division. If you're not sure which agency covers your address, LAFD and LA County Fire can both confirm zone status.
What the clearance zones cover
Requirements are generally organized in rings out from structures — a closer zone with stricter limits on vegetation, and an outer zone (up to around 100 or 200 feet, depending on lot size and jurisdiction) where brush and dry grass must be cut back and thinned, not necessarily removed entirely. Exact distances and rules are set by LAFD or LA County Fire code, so always confirm the current requirement for your parcel rather than assuming.
"Zone 0" — still being finalized statewide
State law directs California's Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to create an ember-resistant "Zone 0" rule covering the 0–5 foot area immediately next to homes in high fire hazard zones. As of this writing, the Board's advisory committee is still finalizing the regulation text — it is not yet a statewide enforced standard everywhere. Don't assume specific Zone 0 requirements apply to your property; check the Board of Forestry's defensible space page or your local fire department for the current status.
Inspection season and what to cut
LAFD's annual defensible space program typically sends notices in spring and begins inspections around May, ahead of peak fire season. LA County Fire follows a similar annual notice-and-inspection cycle. In general, both require removing dead vegetation, cutting dry grass and weeds short, thinning dense brush, trimming tree limbs away from roofs and chimneys, and keeping woodpiles and debris away from structures.
How we can help
We can clear brush, cut back dry grass and weeds, trim vegetation away from structures, and haul everything away so your property is ready for inspection. Send photos of the area through our quote form or call/text (818) 277-2637, and mention if you've received a clearance notice with a deadline.
Common questions
Official sources
Rules and programs change. Confirm current details on these pages.
Rather have us handle it?
Send photos and get a clear price, usually the same day.
