Wildfire season is real in the hills above East Sherman Oaks. If you own a hillside home or lot, staying ahead of brush clearance protects your property, your neighbors, and your investment. This guide gives you a clear calendar, the rules that apply inside Los Angeles city limits, and what to expect from inspections and fees. Let’s dive in.
Who must follow brush clearance in East Sherman Oaks
If your property is inside Los Angeles city limits and mapped in a Fire Hazard Severity Zone, you must follow the City’s program run by the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). State law sets a baseline, and the City’s rules can be stricter in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
- Start by confirming your parcel in the LAFD system using the VMS property portal. You can register to see inspection photos and notices.
- Review the City’s rules on the LAFD Brush Clearance Requirements page.
- Know the state baseline in PRC 4291, which requires defensible space around structures.
- For hazard mapping context, check the Cal Fire Fire Hazard Severity Zone viewer.
Key dates and the annual cycle
LAFD follows a recurring spring-to-summer cycle. Dates and amounts can change each year, so verify the current year on the VMS portal.
- March: Owner notification mailers are sent to affected parcels. You can review mailer details and opt-in for electronic notices via VMS.
- By May 1: Target date to finish your annual clearance to avoid the initial inspection fee. LAFD begins inspections on May 1.
- May 1 to June 30: Initial inspections occur. If you fail, you will receive a Notice of Non-Compliance and have 30 days to correct.
- July to August: Billing typically goes out mid-summer based on inspection outcomes.
For an overview of how inspections progress, see LAFD’s Inspection Process.
What to clear and how to do it safely
Los Angeles uses the City fire code plus LAFD guidance for measurable standards. Always follow the specifics in the City’s published rules.
- Defensible space: State law requires up to 100 feet of defensible space around structures, and the City may require clearance up to 200 feet in some cases.
- Vegetation management: Keep grass and weeds to about 3 inches where required; remove dead material; trim trees and shrubs. Examples include trimming tree foliage so it is at least 6 feet above the ground for trees taller than 18 feet, keeping 10 feet of clearance from chimneys, and keeping roofs clear of dry debris.
- Safe work rules: Do not clear on declared Red Flag days, use non-sparking metal cutting blades where required, keep a charged extinguisher or pressurized garden hose within 10 feet while working, and have a phone ready.
You can review diagrams and numeric standards on the LAFD Brush Clearance Requirements page.
Fees, enforcement, and consequences
If you are not compliant during the inspection window, fees and enforcement apply. The figures below reflect the City’s 2025 materials and are subject to change.
- 2025 example: Initial Inspection Fee $31 for parcels that fail the first inspection.
- 2025 example: Second Inspection Fee $722 if a re-inspection is required and you fail again.
- 2025 example: If the City abates, owners are billed the contractor’s lowest bid plus an administrative cost (shown as $1,434 in 2025) plus prior inspection fees.
If you fail a second inspection, the City can post a Red Card, hire contractors to abate, document with photos, and assess costs to the owner. Track your parcel and any photos or notices in the VMS property portal, and review the City’s Inspection Process for steps.
Month-by-month checklist for the hills
Use this simple calendar to stay compliant and reduce stress.
January to February
- Walk your property lines, slopes, and roof. Note dead vegetation and overgrowth.
- Confirm your parcel details and contact preferences in the VMS portal.
March
- Watch for the LAFD Owner Notification mailer. Log in to VMS to view details and opt in for email.
- Start clearing now to avoid spring contractor backlogs and the May deadline.
April
- Complete major cutting, trimming, and debris removal. Use legal disposal options and avoid creating piles that become hazards.
- Double-check City spacing rules on the LAFD Requirements page.
By May 1
- Be fully compliant by May 1 to avoid the initial inspection fee. Inspections begin May 1.
May to June
- If you receive a Notice of Non-Compliance, correct issues within 30 days. Re-inspections occur automatically.
July to August
- Watch for inspection-related bills. Keep receipts for your clearance work and compare charges with City notices.
September to November
- Stay vigilant during higher-risk weather. Keep roofs and gutters clear and maintain defensible space. Do not do hot work or machine clearing on Red Flag days.
December
- Plan any professional tree work during appropriate seasons and set reminders for next year. Defensible space is year-round.
Local tools and contacts
- LAFD Brush Clearance Requirements: City program rules and diagrams
- LAFD Inspection Process: How inspections and enforcement work
- LAFD VMS property portal: Register, track notices, view photos
- State baseline: PRC 4291 defensible space
- Hazard maps: Cal Fire FHSZ viewer
- City Fire Code reference: Los Angeles Municipal Code, Fire Code
- LAFD Brush Clearance Unit: (800) 994-4444 or [email protected]
Staying ahead of brush clearance protects life and property, and it also supports insurance, resale, and peace of mind. If you are planning a sale or weighing improvements on a hillside parcel in East Sherman Oaks, get a clear strategy tailored to your goals. Connect with Amir Jawaherian for discreet, development-informed real estate advisory.
FAQs
What is the brush clearance deadline in Los Angeles for East Sherman Oaks?
- LAFD targets May 1 for compliance, with initial inspections running May 1 to June 30; verify the current year’s dates in the VMS portal.
How do I confirm if my East Sherman Oaks property is in a fire zone?
- Look up your parcel on the LAFD VMS property portal and review hazard mapping context using the Cal Fire FHSZ viewer.
What are the basic brush clearance rules I must follow in the City of Los Angeles?
- Follow the City’s Brush Clearance Requirements and the state baseline in PRC 4291, including defensible space, 3-inch grass limits, removing dead material, tree and chimney clearances, and roof maintenance.
What happens if I fail my brush inspection in East Sherman Oaks?
- You will receive a Notice of Non-Compliance and have 30 days to correct; 2025 example fees include a $31 initial inspection fee and a $722 second inspection fee, with potential City abatement and added costs if still non-compliant.
Can I clear brush on Red Flag days in Los Angeles?
- No; LAFD advises against clearance on declared Red Flag days and requires safe-work measures like non-sparking blades and a nearby hose or extinguisher during work.
