DEFENSIBLE SPACE & HOME HARDENING

The City recognizes that many residents and homeowners associations in our community are concerned about wildfire risk, and we are writing to share important information on how you can help protect your members’ homes and our community from wildfire damage.

California continues to face an increasing threat from wildfires, which have caused devastating impacts across the state. In response, the Fire Department wants to emphasize the critical importance of Defensible Space and Home Hardening. Defensible Space acts as a buffer around homes, significantly reducing the likelihood that wildfire will spread to structures. Proper vegetation management and adherence to established fire safety standards can greatly improve a home’s chance of surviving a wildfire. Regular trimming and removal of overgrown or combustible vegetation near homes is essential to reducing fire risk.

To help you meet defensible space requirements, we have enclosed a Defensible Space flyer that outlines clear guidelines for creating and maintaining defensible space which you can share with your members. The flyer highlights best practices such as recommended clearance distances between trees, shrubs, and structures, as well as appropriate vegetation height and spacing.

Additionally, the City has recently updated its local ordinances to remain consistent with State law. We strongly encourage your association to review and implement these updated vegetation management and home hardening requirements to help ensure the safety and well-being of your home, and your neighbors.

If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding defensible space standards, home hardening, or the enclosed materials, please visit our information pages linked below.

https://www.fire.ca.gov/dspace

https://www.fire.ca.gov/home-hardening

https://readyforwildfire.org