Brush Clearance season is coming up and will be here before you know it. If your home is in, or near, a High Fire Severity Zone, it’s a good idea to start planning before inspections later this Spring. For properties within the City of LA, the Fire Department typically requires brush clearance by early June, with inspections starting shortly after. Clearing early can help as vendors or LAFD approved contractors are still available, and can also help avoid last minute stress, re-inspection fees, or the always fun citations.
Some clients in the past have hired their own gardeners / landscapers to complete the clearing or have done it themselves. Should you go it alone or need need suggestions for gardeners / landscapers I’m happy to share contacts. Please keep in mind standards are set by LAFD and will require inspection whether you go DIY or hire a LAFD contractor. Below is a checklist that could be helpful:
Vegetation & Defensible Space
Clear required defensible space (typically up to 100 feet from structures or to property lines where applicable)
Remove all dead brush, weeds, and dry vegetation
Thin live plants so vegetation is properly spaced and not overly dense
Remove ladder fuels such as shrubs or brush beneath trees
Trees & Shrubs
Trim tree branches at least 10 feet away from chimneys
Trim tree branches at least 6 feet away from roofs
Space tree canopies so fire cannot spread between them
Thin or remove shrubs growing directly under trees
Around the Home
Clear leaves and debris from roofs and gutters
Limit flammable materials within 5 feet of structures
Relocate wood piles and combustible storage away from buildings
Debris Disposal
Remove all cut brush from the property
Dispose of debris via green waste bins, chipping, or approved hauling
Do not leave piles of cut vegetation on site
Documentation & Inspections
Take clear photos documenting completed clearance
Upload documentation if required through LAFD’s system
Be prepared for an in-person inspection
Important to Know
DIY work is still subject to inspection
Re-inspection fees or citations may apply if standards are not met
Requirements can vary by property and fire zone
For a list of LAFD approved brush clearance contractors (which may be the safest and easiest way to go) click here.
To find out if you’re in a High Fire Severity Zone go here and login or register. You’ll be asked for your address or parcel number. The LAFD site will let you know if brush clearance is required, if your home is in a HFSZ and about inspections status or compliance (if applicable). And if you’d like to learn more about the Brush Clearance program in General the LAFD site goes pretty deep on this.
Should have questions re: Brush Clearance from a realtor’s perspective / experience, need vendors, have market questions or real estate questions in general, please feel free to reach out to me, rich@minimalism.la.