Header:
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS
TITLE 14. NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION 1.5. DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION
CHAPTER 7. FIRE PROTECTION
SUBCHAPTER 3. FIRE HAZARD
ARTICLE 3. FIRE HAZARD REDUCTION AROUND BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
Date:
08/31/2009
Document:
§ 1299. Defensible Space
The intent of this regulation is to provide guidance for implementation of Public Resources Code 4291(a) and (b), and minimize the spread of fire within a 100 foot zone around a building or structure.
(a) A person that owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in, upon, or adjoining any mountainous area, forest-covered lands, brush-covered lands, grass-covered lands, or any land that is covered with flammable material, and is within State Responsibility Area, shall do the following:
(1) Within 30 feet from each building or structure maintain a firebreak by removing and clearing away all flammable vegetation and other combustible growth pursuant to PRC § 4291(a). Single specimens of trees or other vegetation may be retained provided they are well-spaced, well-pruned, and create a condition that avoids spread of fire to other vegetation or to a building or structure.
(2) Within the 30 feet to 100 feet zone (Reduced Fuel Zone) from each building or structure (or to the property line, whichever is nearer to the structure), provide a fuelbreak by disrupting the vertical and/or horizontal continuity of flammable and combustible vegetation with the goal of reducing fire intensity, inhibiting fire in the crowns of trees, reducing the rate of fire spread, and providing a safer environment for firefighters to suppress wildfire pursuant to PRC § 4291(b).
(b) Any vegetation fuels identified as a fire hazard by the fire inspection official of the authority having jurisdiction shall be removed or modified provided it is required by subsection (a)(1) & (a)(2).
(c) Within the intent of the regulations, the fire inspection official of the authority having jurisdiction may approve alternative practices which provide for the same practical effects as the stated guidelines.
(d) Guidance for implementation of this regulation is contained in the publication: "General Guidelines for Creating Defensible Space" as published by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection by resolution adopted on February 8, 2006.
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