In areas served by LA County Fire, a Fuel Modification Plan is required for new construction and certain remodels, outbuildings and parcel splits in Fire Hazard Severity Zones, and plans have been required since 1996. Plans are processed by the Forestry Division’s Fuel Modification Unit.
LA County zone names and distances
| Zone | Extent |
|---|---|
| Zone A | Structure to 30 ft |
| Zone B | Edge of Zone A to 100 ft from the structure |
| Zone C | Edge of Zone B up to 200 ft, based on site conditions |
Zones apply only within your property lines. The plan is a landscape plan showing all proposed and existing-to-remain vegetation, and plan check fees apply. Cut annual grasses to 3 inches in LA County’s guidance.
Contact
LA County Fire Department, Fuel Modification Unit, 605 N. Angeleno Avenue, Azusa, CA 91702 · (626) 969-5205 · ForestryFuelModification@fire.lacounty.gov. Start at fire.lacounty.gov and use the department’s Plant Selection Guidelines. Details change; confirm with the Unit.
Your checklist
- Confirm your Fire Hazard Severity Zone and whether your project needs a plan
- Draw the structure and Zones A, B and C on the site plan
- Choose plants from the County’s guidelines, then check WUCOLS and your water budget
- Keep the planting identical to your city landscape plan
Next: plants to avoid · spacing rules · validate your water design.