Defensible Space

California state law requires 100 feet of defensible space around homes and structures. Proper management of defensible space dramatically increases the chance of a home surviving a wildfire and provides for firefighter safety as they defend structures. Clearing defensible space does not mean surrounding homes and structures with rings of bare soil or concrete. Instead, there are guidelines for thinning existing vegetation and maintaining different vegetation densities depending on the type of plant and its proximity to structures.

Please visit the following links for more information about the 100' Defensible Feet around homes and structures law.

Space Guidelines and Resources:

California General Guidelines for Creating Defensible Space

City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department

County of San Diego Department of Planning and Land Use

County of San Diego Fuel Modification Guidelines

City of San Diego Brush Management Regulations: Bulletin #1 Brush Management Guide

County of San Diego Fire, Brush, and Building Information for Municipalities and Fire Protection Districts in the County of San Diego

Landscaping

For more resources, visit the following websites:
San Diego Master Gardeners

California Native Plant Society

US Department of Agriculture California Natural Resources Conservation Service