Did you receive a NOTICE OF DEFENSIBLE SPACE INSPECTION?  If you received a notice, you may have questions about the meaning of the different requirements and specific hazards noted.  Use the list below and click on an item to learn more about specific violations and requirements.

FAQs

• Click here to see our Defensible Space Inspection FAQs

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 Violation Categories

Inspectors check boxes to indicate violations observed during inspections.  Please select any boxes that were checked on the Hazard Notice left at your home to learn more about how to correct the violation.

• Pyrophytic Plants: Pyrophytic, combustible vegetation must be removed within 30' of structures and/or 10’ of roads or driveways.

1. Remove all branches within 10’ of any chimney or stovepipe outlet.
2. Remove all leaves, needles and dead vegetation on roofs, gutters, decks, porches, stairways, etc.
3. Remove all dead and dying trees, branches, shrubs, and plants adjacent to buildings or overhanging roofs.
4. Remove all dead grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches, leaves, weeds and needles within 30’ of structures.
5. Remove or separate live combustible ground cover and shrubs within 30’ of structures.
6. Remove combustible vegetation and materials, on, adjacent to, or below combustible decks, balconies, stairs.
7. Relocate exposed firewood or lumber outside of zone 1 unless covered in a fire resistive material.
8. Cut annual grasses and forbs (weeds) to a maximum of 4” in height.
9. Provide separation between shrubs and trees, with increased separation on slopes.
10. Cut and remove all pyrophytic combustible vegetation within 30’ of structures.
11. Remove all piles of accumulated dead vegetation on the property.
12. Remove tree limbs and growth less than 3” diameter to 10’ above ground (or 1/3 the tree's height).
13. Vegetation clearance adjacent to roads and/or driveways must be maintained 10’ horizontally and 14’ vertically.
14. Address numbers must be 4” minimum, displayed in contrasting colors, and readable from the street.
15. Equip all chimney or stovepipe openings with a metal screen having openings between 3/8” and 1/2”.
16. Logs or stumps embedded in soil must be removed or isolated from vegetation within 100' of structures.
17. Outbuildings & Propane (LPG) tanks must have 10’ of clearance to bare mineral soil.

• Inspector's Comments

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Pyrophytic Plants

Inspectors may note the presence of specific species of "pyrophytic" plants present within 30' of structures or 10' of roads and driveways on your property.  Section 4907.2 of the California Fire Code, as amended and adopted by your fire agency, requires removal of pyrophytic, combustible vegetation within 30' of structures and/or 10’ of roads or driveways. What should I do? Please remove these plans and replace with a fire resistant species.  If the removal creates a hardship, please contact us for assistance - in some cases, we can help you modify vegetation or create a plan to remove and replace vegetation over time

1. Remove all branches within 10’ of any chimney or stovepipe outlet.

Description What should I do? Please cut back limbs with foliage that are within 10' of a chimney outlet.  Contact us if removing the limb would cause harm to the structure or health of the tree. Fire Code Reference [2016 CFC §4907.2, PRC §4291(a)(4)]

2. Remove all leaves, needles and dead vegetation on roofs, gutters, decks, porches, stairways, etc.

Description What should I do? Please regularly remove fallen leaves, needles, twigs, and other dead vegetation from your roof, rain gutters, decks, proches, exterior stairs, and from around the base of exterior walls. Fire Code Reference [2016 CFC §4907.2, PRC §4291(a)(6)]

3. Remove all dead and dying trees, branches, shrubs, and plants adjacent to buildings or overhanging roofs.

Description What should I do? Please remove any dead vegetation immediately adjacent to or overhanging structures on your property.  Look for dead limbs in trees and dead shrubs.  Some shrubs may have dead woody vegetation beneath a visible layer of green foliage.   Fire Code Reference [2016 CFC §4907.2]

4. Remove all dead grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches, leaves, weeds and needles within 30’ of structures.

Description What should I do? Please remove any dead vegetation within 30' of structures.  Look for dead grasses, shrubs, landscaping plants or bnative vegetation.  Some shrubs may have dead woody vegetation beneath a visible layer of green foliage.  This may include fallen limbs and leaves. Fire Code Reference [2016 CFC §4907.2]

5. Remove or separate live combustible ground cover and shrubs within 30’ of structures.

Description What should I do? Please add separation betwen shrubs to prevent fire from spreading between individual plants.  This may require pruning shrubs or removal when plantings are dense or close together.  This often refers to plants such as juniper, rosemary, some ornamental grasses, bamboo, and other combustible species.  See www, firesafemarin.org/plants for details on fire hazardous plants. Fire Code Reference [2016 CFC 4907.2.  SRA areas: PRC §4291(a)(1) and BOF Guidelines #1.]

6. Remove combustible vegetation and materials, on, adjacent to, or below combustible decks, balconies, stairs.

Description What should I do? Please look for vegetation beneath decks, porches, balconies and exterior stairs.  Remove all vegetation growing beneath these structures to prevent the spread of fire to vulnerable undersides of overhangs and decks. Fire Code Reference [14 CCR §1299.03(a)(4)]

7. Relocate exposed firewood or lumber outside of zone 1 unless covered in a fire resistive material.

Description What should I do? Firewood may not be stored exposed on decks or adjacent to structures.  Please relocate or cover firewood and lumber piles.  You may move piles more than 30' from structures, move them indoors, or alternately cover them tightly with a fire resistant cover (such as a heavy tarp or canvas. or in a tightly enclosed shed - no specific product exists) to prevent embers from igniting the wood.  Storing firewood indoors in a garage or shed is better than leaving it exposed.  Keep firewood piles free of leaves, needles, and fine vegetation that can act as "kindling" and ignite from embers during a wildfire.   Fire Code Reference [14 CCR §1299.03(a)(3)]

8. Cut annual grasses and forbs (weeds) to a maximum of 4” in height.

Description What should I do? Please mow or cut all dry, cured grasses and weeds to a maximum of 4" in height.  Cut grasses may remain on ground (no deeper than 4"), however we recommend raking and removing clippings for maximum fire-resistance.   You may need to cut grasses more than once each year if it grows back. Use plastic string trimmers, and be sure to only use gas powered mowers in the morning when vegetation is moist and temperatures are cool.  Metal bladed mowers and trimmers can spark fires.  Never use outdoor power tools on a Red Flag day. Fire Code Reference [2016 CFC §4907.2, 14 CCR §1299.03(b)(2)(B)]

9. Provide separation between shrubs and trees, with increased separation on slopes.

Description What should I do? Please remove any shrubs growing beneath trees which create "ladder fuels" to carry fire from the ground into trees.  Provide separation between shrubs and trees by pruning aggressively or removing individual plants.  Add additional space on slopes.  Follow the helpful guidelines in this FIRESafe MARIN brochure to ensure compliance. Fire Code Reference [2016 CFC §4907.2, PRC §4291(a)(4)]

10. Cut and remove all pyrophytic combustible vegetation within 30’ of structures.

Description What should I do? Pyrophytic vegetation mucst be removed within 30' of structures.  Pyrophytic vegetation includes dry grasses & weeds, juniper, bamboo, pampas/jubata grasses, Scotch/French broom, and many conifer trees. Fire Code Reference [2016 CFC §4907.2]

11. Remove all piles of accumulated dead vegetation on the property.

Description What should I do? Please remove all piles of dead vegetation on property, regardless of the distance to structures. Fire Code Reference [2016 CFC §4907.2]

12. Remove tree limbs and growth less than 3” diameter to 10’ above ground (or 1/3 the tree's height).

Description What should I do? Please remove lower tree limbs to ensure no limbs with foliage are within 10' of the ground, unless the tree is less than 30' tall - in which case you should remove limbs to 1/3 the height of the tree.  Please contact us if this would cause harm to the structure or health of the tree. Fire Code Reference [2016 CFC §4907.2, PRC §4291(a)]

13. Vegetation clearance adjacent to roads and/or driveways must be maintained 10’ horizontally and 14’ vertically.

Description What should I do? Please maintain vegetation adjacent to roads and driveways for 10' horizontally.  Vegetation must be maintained in the same manner as if it were adjacent to structures.   Overhead vegetation, including shrubs and tree limbs, must be cleared to a height of 14' above the driveable surface of the road or driveway for fire apparatus clearance. Fire Code Reference [2016 CFC §4907.3]

14. Address numbers must be 4” minimum, displayed in contrasting colors, and readable from the street.

Description What should I do? Please install address numbers that are at least 4" tall and plainly visible from the street in both directions of travel.  Numbers must be on a contrasting background to ensure visibility.  Lighted numbers are best.  Install numbers at all entrances to the property of you have multiple driveways. Fire Code Reference [2016 CFC §505.1]

15. Equip all chimney or stovepipe openings with a metal screen having openings between 3/8” and 1/2”.

Description What should I do? Please consult a chnimney professional to install a screen with 3/8" to 1/2" openings to prevent embers from escaping. Fire Code Reference [2016 CBC §2113.9.2]

16. Logs or stumps embedded in soil must be removed or isolated from vegetation within 100' of structures.

Description What should I do? This is uncommon.  If a log or stump is present, clear vegetation 10' around it to prevent ignition. Fire Code Reference [Applies only to SRA areas: BOF Guidelines #3.  May be required in LRA areas under 2016 CFC §4907.2]

17. Outbuildings & Propane (LPG) tanks must have 10’ of clearance to bare mineral soil.

Description What should I do? Most properties in the Ross Valley do not have exterior propane tanks.  If you do, 10' of clearance is required with no vegetation allowed for screening.  Combustible screens (redwood lattice, for example) are not permitted within 10' of propane tanks.   Fire Code Reference [14 CCR §1299.03(c)(1)]

Inspector's Comments

Description What should I do? Please read the inspector's comments carefully.  Inspectors may leave detailed instructions or descriptions of conditions and specific hazards.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I received a violation notice?

Correct the issues noted - check www.firesafemarin.org/defensible-space for tips on complying with the law and creating Defensible Space.  If you need additional time, email defensiblespace@rossvalleyfire.org.  If you have specific questions about the violation notice, feel free to email defensiblespace@rossvalleyfire.org.

Don't forget about your community's chipper days help dispose of the vegetation you cut.  More chipper days will be held this summer.

Why did you inspect my property?

Ross Valley Fire Department has conducted annual "grass hazard" inspections for at least 40 years. These inspections help ensure compliance with the laws (CA Fire Code 4907.2, 4907.3, and Section 4290 and 4291 of the CA Public Resources Code) and contribute to the overall safety of all Ross Valley communities.

Why didn't you inspect my neighbor's property?

We did!  All properties are inspected annually.  Your neighbor likely received a notice, too, and we'll follow up to ensure all neighbors comply.  If you see a hazard, or think we missed something, please email us or complete an online hazard complaint submission (anonymous).

What right do you have to inspect my property?

The California Fire Code and Public Resources Code grant the authority for the Fire Chief or authorized Fire Code Official to conduct inspections for compliance with the various applicable codes.

The inspectors do not enter a property without permission.  They are trained to walk up to a front door (through an unlocked front gate at the street, if present, under rules of curtilage), and knock to introduce themselves.  If no adult is present, they have two options: 1) inspect the property as visible from the front door or public areas such as from the front pathway or roadway, or 2) come back later.  Under no circumstances do the inspectors enter locked or gated areas of a property without permission of a resident or landowner, and they don't "peek" over fences.  They only inspect areas that are plainly visible from a common area unless an adult resident gives permission to gated areas.

What are the exact laws I'm required to comply with?

• Section 4290 and 4291 of the CA Public Resources Code
• California Fire Code 4907.1, 4907.2, 4907.3

What happens if I am unable to, or refuse to, comply?

• Section 4907.4 of the CA Fire Code outlines the process to abate hazards if a property owner fails to comly.  Your fire department would prefer to work with your to help you crete a safe space around your home, so please contact us for assistance if you are unable to comply.

When will my follow up inspection occur?  Can I schedule an appointment to be sure I'll be home?

• Initial follow up inspections will occur no sooner than 30 days after the first inspection.  We do not have the staffing available to arrange individual inspection appointments for all property owners.  Please contact the inspector who signed your form with questions about your property, or email defensiblespace@rossvalleyfire.org is no contact info is listed.  Inspectors will verify that the work is completed and ensure no new hazards are present.

What is a "Pyrophytic" plant species?

Plants that ignite readily and burn intensely (pyro-phases) typically share certain characteristics:

• They are usually blade-leaf or needle-leaf evergreens. 
• They have stiff, woody, small or fine, lacey leaves. 
• Their leaves and wood usually contain volatile waxes, fats, terpenes or oils (crushed leaves have strong odors). 
• Their sap is usually gummy, resinous and has a strong odor. 
• They usually contain plentiful fine, twiggy, dry or dead materials. 
• They may have pubescent (hair covered) leaves. 
• They may have loose or papery bark. 
• These plants flame (not smolder) when preheated and ignited with a match. 

FLAMMABILITY & CONDITION 
The condition of the plant is as important as its species. Even some "pyrophytic" species can be quite fire-resistant if properly maintained. Depending on its growth form and access to water, the same species may be fire resistant in one envi-ronment and pyrophytic in another.  Water-stressed plants that are in poor condition are more pyrophytic. A pyrophytic species becomes explosively flamma-ble when poorly maintained.  South-facing slopes, windy areas, sites with poor soils and urban landscapes are more stressful for plants. 

• Grasses: Any cured (dry) grass. Nonirrigated, annual grasses are typically more flammable than perennial grasses. Irrigated grasses are fire resistant. 
• Herbs: Any cured herb. 
• Ferns: Any dry or cured fem, particularly cured bracken and sword fems. 
• Brush: Any brush with excessive deadwood. Any over-mature, dying or dead brush. 
• Trees: Any forest, stand or urban forest that is over-dense, under stress or over mature.

What else can I do to protect my home?

• "Hardening" your home is just as important as Defensible Space.  See www.firesafemarin.org/hardening-your-home for info.
• See lots of other helpful tips at www.firesafemarin.org

WHY ARE THE FIRE INSPECTORS WEARING MARIN COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT UNIFORMS?

In Sleepy Hollow, an unicorporated area which is designated SRA, or State Responsibility Area, RVFD and SHFPD cooperate with Marin County Fire Department (MCFD) to complete inspections.  They provide a team of trained inspectors, who under the authority of the Fire Chief, inspect properties for compliance with the CA Fire Code Section 4907.2, 4907.3, and Public Resource Code (PRC 4291). 

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Fire Code References

California Fire Code (CFC 2016) §4907.2. 

Any person who owns, leases, controls or maintains any building or structure, and/or lands within Wildland Urban Interface areas shall comply with the following: Cut and remove all pyrophytic combustible vegetation within 30 feet of structures, up to 150 feet when topographic or combustible vegetative types necessitate removal as determined by the Fire Code Official.  Remove piles of accumulated dead vegetation on the property.  Cut and remove tree limbs that overhang wood decks and roofs.  Remove that portion of any tree which extends within 10 feet of any chimney or stovepipe.  Clean any leaves and needles from roof and gutters. Cut and remove growth less than 3-inches in diameter, from the ground up to a maximum height of 10 feet, provided that no crown shall be raised to a point so as to remove branches from more than the lower one-third of the tree’s total height.

California Fire Code (CFC 2016) §4907.3 Fire Hazard Reduction From Roadways

The Fire Chief or their designee is authorized to cause areas within 10 feet on each side of portions of public streets and highways and private streets which are improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular traffic to be cleared of flammable vegetation and other combustible growth. The Fire Chief or their designee is authorized to enter upon private property to do so. EXCEPTION: Single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery or cultivated ground cover such as green grass, ivy, succulents or similar plants used as ground covers, provided that they do not form a means of readily transmitting fire.

CFC Section 4907.4: Notice To Abate

Failure to comply with the requirements of Section 4907.2 shall be deemed a public nuisance. The Fire Chief is hereby authorized to require the abatement of any nuisance condition described in Section 4907.2.  Notice requiring the abatement of such nuisance shall be given by mail to the owner of the property upon which, or in front of which, such nuisance exists, at such owner's address as shown on the last equalized Assessment Roll of the County of Marin. Such notice shall contain the following:

A.  The street address and Assessor's Parcel Number for the affected property.

B.  The date of the inspection of the property by the Fire Department during which such nuisance was discovered.

C.  A description of the nuisance and its location on, or around, the property.

D.  The abatement action which the owner is required to take and a time limit for such abatement.

E.  A statement that if the owner fails to abate such nuisance within the prescribed time, the Fire Department or other Town agent, will abate the nuisance.

F.  A statement that if the Fire Department or other Town agent, is required to abate the nuisance the cost of such abatement may be assessed as a lien against the property.

Abatement and Assessment of Cost to Abate

Should the abatement of the nuisance not be accomplished by the owner of the affected property within the period set forth in the notice requiring abatement, the Fire Chief is authorized to perform such abatement and shall keep an accurate account of the cost of such abatement.  The Fire Chief shall mail written notice of such cost to the owner of the affected property who may, within fifteen days of the date of such mailing, request a hearing by the Fire Chief with respect to such cost.  The Fire Chief shall hold a hearing within thirty (30) days of receiving the request. The decision of the Fire Chief shall be final. The cost of such abatement as finally fixed and determined by the Fire Chief shall constitute a special assessment against the affected property.  The Fire Chief shall cause an order confirming such assessment to be recorded in the office of the County Recorder at which time a lien for such assessment shall attach to the affected property.  The Fire Chief shall also file a copy of the order confirming the assessment with the County Auditor and the amount of such assessment shall, thereafter, be collected at the time and in the manner of ordinary property taxes.  If delinquent, the amount of such assessment shall be subject to the same penalties and procedure for foreclosure and sale provided for ordinary property taxes.

Public Resource Code PRC §4291 and Chapter 16.17 Marin County Code

(applies to State Responsibility Areas, eg: Sleepy Hollow)

(1)  A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in, upon, or adjoining a mountainous area, forest- covered lands, brush-covered lands, grass-covered lands, or land that is covered with flammable material, shall at all times do all of the following: (a) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line except as provided in paragraph (2).  The amount of fuel modification necessary shall take into account the flammability of the structure as affected by building material, building standards, location, and type of vegetation. Fuels shall be maintained in a condition so that a wildfire burning under average weather conditions would be unlikely to ignite the structure. This paragraph does not apply to single specimens of trees or other vegetation that are well-pruned and maintained so as to effectively manage fuels and not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from other nearby vegetation to a structure or from a structure to other nearby vegetation. The intensity of fuels management may vary within the 100-foot perimeter of the structure, the most intense being within the first 30 feet around the structure. Consistent with fuels management objectives, steps should be taken to minimize erosion.  For the purposes of this paragraph, “fuel" means any combustible material, including petroleum-based products and wildland fuels.

(2)  A greater distance than that required under paragraph (1) may be required by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation.  Clearance beyond the property line may only be required if the state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation includes findings that the clearing is necessary to significantly reduce the risk of transmission of flame or heat sufficient to ignite the structure, and there is no other feasible mitigation measure possible to reduce the risk of ignition or spread of wildfire to the structure.  Clearance on adjacent property shall only be conducted following written consent by the adjacent landowner.

(3)  An insurance company that insures an occupied dwelling or occupied structure may require a greater distance than that required under paragraph (1) if a fire expert, designated by the director, provides findings that the clearing is necessary to significantly reduce the risk of transmission of flame or heat sufficient to ignite the structure, and there is no other feasible mitigation measure possible to reduce the risk of ignition or spread of wildfire to the structure.  The greater distance may not be beyond the property line unless allowed by state law, local ordinance, rule, or regulation.

(4)  Remove that portion of a tree that extends within 10 feet of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe.

(5)  Maintain a tree, shrub, or other plant adjacent to or overhanging a building free of dead or dying wood.

(6)  Maintain the roof of a structure free of leaves, needles, or other vegetative materials.