San Bernardino County Fire Code: What Counts as a Hazard on Your Property

Know the Rules, Stay Safe, and Stay Compliant

If you live in San Bernardino County, maintaining proper ground clearance isn't just good practice—it’s legally required to reduce wildfire risk. The County Fire Hazard Abatement Program ensures properties are free of excessive flammable vegetation, trees, and debris. Here's what hosts, homeowners, or renters need to know to avoid violations—and unsafe conditions.

1. The Fire Hazard Abatement Program

San Bernardino County Code Sections 23.0301–23.0319 governs the Fire Hazard Abatement Program, aimed at creating defensible space and removing fire threats. Twice yearly inspections (spring and fall in valley/desert; summer in mountain regions) make sure vegetation and debris are properly managed. Property owners have 30 days to comply after a notice or face fines and county contractors stepping in [1].

2. Required Defensible Space & Brush Clearance

County and state regulations require maintaining clearance zones around structures:

• 30 feet of cleared area immediately surrounding buildings 
• Up to 100 feet of maintained defensible space in high-risk zones [2][3][4]

The goal is to reduce fuel for fire spread by trimming vegetation and removing debris.

3. Specific Vegetation Management Rules

According to San Bernardino County brush clearance standards:

• Grass and weeds must be cut to 3″ maximum [5][6]
• For trees taller than 18 ft, lower branches must be trimmed so no foliage is within 6 ft of the ground, with all dead material removed [5][6]
• Shrubs must be spaced and size-controlled (≤ 15 ft diameter; spacing at twice shrub height) [5][6]
• Maintain at least 5 ft vertical clearance between roof and overhanging branches, and 10 ft from chimneys  [5][6]

These practices help eliminate fuel ladders—vegetation that carries fire from the ground up into tree canopies 

4. Debris & Waste Management

• Fallen leaves, needles, twigs, bark, or small branches may remain up to 3″ deep—but no thicker [7][8]
• All cut and fallen vegetation must be removed properly or chipped and spread in approved zones [5][7]:
  • ≤ 3″ depth within 30 ft of structures
  • ≤ 6″ beyond that, but never within 10 ft of roads or driveways 

Illegal burning of debris often requires a permit—and burning yard clippings is generally prohibited in valley areas under AQMD rules [5][9].

5. Fire Apparatus Access & Clearance

Emergency vehicle access must be maintained at all times:

• Roads must have a minimum 26 ft width and 14′‑6″ vertical clearance, free from vegetation or structures [7][8]
• Branches and vegetation over driveways or fire roads must be trimmed to at least 14.5 ft clearance [7][8]

6. Enforcement and Penalties

• Notices are issued following inspections; owners have 30 days to obey [1][5][6]
• Failure to comply may result in citations, forced county abatement, and fines [1][5][6]

Summary Table of Requirements

Best Practices for Property Owners

1. Follow defensible space rules and inspect annually.
2. Keep grass low and trim shrubs regularly.
3. Prune trees early before they exceed 18 ft.
4. Remove debris and dispose of it properly (no burning without a permit).
5. Make sure driveways and access roads meet clearance standards.
6. Watch your mailbox for County inspection notices and act within 30 days.
7. Maintain records and photos of your clearance work—it may help avoid penalties.

Final Thoughts

Ground clearance isn't just about yard maintenance—it’s essential to wildfire resilience and legal compliance in San Bernardino County. By following these county and state rules, you protect your home, your neighborhood, and emergency responders.

Need help? Professional brush clearance services can ensure your property is safe, code‑compliant, and defensible—no notice required.

References

1. San Bernardino County Fire Hazard Abatement Program – Code § 23.0301–23.0319; 30‑day compliance requirements
2. County Code § 23.0301 – Duty to Abate Fire Hazards or Hazardous Trees
3. County Code § 23.0301(a), (b) – 30–100 ft firebreak and fuel break areas 
4. LUS Defensible Space Brochure (2024) – Clear 30 ft around structures 
5. Defensible Space Inspections & Vegetation Requirements – grass, trees, shrubs pruning 
6. Mountain Area Inspection Guidelines – grass ≤4 in, trim tree limbs ≥6 ft, spacing rules
7. Cal Fire Defensible Space Zones 0–2 – debris depth, shrub/grass/tree spacing 
8. Emergency Vehicle Access Requirements – 26 ft width, 14 ft‑6 in clearance
9. Outdoor Burning Restrictions in Valley Areas