changes in county and state brush clearance clearance requirments will affect malibu homeowners
Many Malibu residents will be receiving Brush Clearance Notices and will have to pay the inspection fees for the first time. Notices are being sent to all properties within the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ), which includes all of Malibu.
Previously, notices were only sent to homes that were deemed most vulnerable through visual inspection or historical fire data. The inspection requirement for all homes within the VHFSZ has been in place for decades, but recent GIS/mapping software upgrades have allowed all structures to be identified, many of them for the first time. That means the number of homes receiving notices in Malibu will increase from 4,100 to 5,600.
The LACOFD will start conducting its annual brush clearance inspections in Malibu and other coastal communities on June 1. Since 2022, LACOFD has been collecting inspection fees, which are billed on homeowners’ property tax bills, in order to keep the program cost-neutral. The fees are phased in over three years: $50 in 2022; $100 in 2023; and $150 in 2024. These fees will be assessed on all declared hazardous properties whether they are cleared by the property owner or not.
If inspections identify hazardous fire conditions on a property, the property owner will be issued an official inspection report outlining any violations and providing specific clearing instructions and a compliance deadline.
For more information about brush clearance requirements and responsibilities, as well as a goat herding vendor list, FAQs and more, visit the webpage or call the Brush Clearance Unit at 626-969-2375.
updates to la county fire department brush clearance program
The Los Angeles County Fire Department notified the City that many Malibu residents will be receiving Brush Clearance Notices for the first time. Notices are being sent to all properties within the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ), which includes all of Malibu. Previously, notices were only sent to homes that were deemed most vulnerable via visual inspection or historical fire data. That means that the number of homes receiving notices in Malibu will increase from 4,100 to 5,600. The inspection requirement for all homes within the VHFSZ has been in place for decades, but recent GIS/mapping software upgrades have allowed all structures to be identified, many of them for the first time. For more information, see the Brush Clearance FAQs and the annual Brush Clearance notice.
NEW STATE LAW REQUIRING FIVE-FOOT EMBER RESISTANT ZONE
Beginning in 2024, the LA County Fire Department (LACOFD) will be enforcing AB-3074, a newly enacted state law requiring the removal of all flammable materials from within five feet of any structure, which is designated as “Zone 0.” LACOFD personnel will be conducting outreach to inform residents on the 2024 Zone 0 requirements when they conduct this year’s required inspections. Further assistance in preparing and complying with AB 3074 is available by requesting a free Home Wildfire Hardening Assessment from one of the City’s Fire Safety Liaisons by visiting the Fire Safety webpage. More information on AB 3074 is available online.