Federal and State Regulations on
Defensible space FOR ALL PROPERTY TYPES

Understanding Defensible Space Laws

It’s tough to understand defensible space, legislation, and insurance. Don't worry, we're here to help.


California Public Resources Code


Sections 4290 and 4291 of the (PRC) are the laws requiring California property owners to establish "Defensible Space." The law now requires property owners to extend Defensible Space clearance around homes and structures from 30 feet to 100 feet.


California Federal Regulation 


Assembly Bill 38 established that, as of July 1, 2021, California Civil Code Section 1102.19 requires a seller of real property in a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone to provide the buyer with documentation stating the property complies with defensible space requirements. The law allows that if documentation demonstrating compliance cannot be obtained by the close of escrow, the seller and buyer can enter into a written agreement showing that the buyer agrees to obtain compliance documentation within one year of the close of escrow.   CHAPTER 6.8. Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones [51175 - 51189] 


California Code Regulations


14 CCR Section 1299 - Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Title 14. Natural Resources, California Code of Regulations § 1299.03. Requirements. Latest version. Defensible space must be maintained at all times whenever flammable vegetative conditions exist. 


State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (BOF)


State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (BOF) BOF General Guidelines item 4 - Remove fuels by the Fuel Separation or Continuous Tree Canopy guidelines (see back), under BOF General Guidelines item 4.. All exposed woodpiles must have a minimum of ten feet (10 feet) clearance, down to bare mineral soil, in all directions...


ARTICLE 2. General Provisions


The department, or its duly authorized agent, shall enforce the state forest and fire laws. The department may inspect all properties, except the interior of dwellings, subject to such laws to ascertain compliance with such laws.


Do You Have Questions?

Please continue reading, contact us, or give us a call. We'd be happy to answer any of your questions.

Beautiful modern home in forest

California Federal Regulation

By Grind Fire Defense • January 2, 2022
Assembly Bill 38 established that, as of July 1, 2021, California Civil Code Section 1102.19 requires a seller of real property located in a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone to provide the buyer with documentation stating the property is in compliance with defensible space requirements.The law allows, that if documentation demonstrating compliance cannot be obtained by the close of escrow, the seller and buyer can enter into a written agreement showing that the buyer agrees to obtain documentation of compliance within one year of the close of escrow. CHAPTER 6.8. Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones [51175 - 51189]
california wildfire

California Code Regulations

By Grind Fire Defense • January 2, 2022
Meet Your Requirements

LeARN THE DEFENSIBLE SPACE ZONES

Grind Fire Defense provides defensible space services. There are 4 areas or zones to consider when creating a defensible space.

beautiful house with good defensible space

Zone 0

Ember Resistant

The immediate surroundings of your buildings and structures range from about 5' out.

nice frontyard

Zone 1

Lean, Clean & Green

Extends 30 feet from buildings, structures, decks, etc., or to your property line, whichever is closer.

good defensible space

Zone 2

Reduce Fuel

Zone 2 extends 30 to 100 feet from your buildings, structures, decks, etc., or your property line.

men cutting trees

Zone 3

Egress and Extend

Zone 3 is an access zone adjacent to roads and driveways, called ingress and egress.

We have collected resources for anyone interested in learning more about wildfires and their impact on homes and property. You can find information on wildfires, including where they have occurred recently and what caused them to start. You'll also find tips on how to protect your home from wildfire damage.


California Wildfire Preparedness Resources


California Wildfire Disaster Resources