San Diego has two sets of rules. The City of San Diego (Fire-Rescue) and the unincorporated County (County Fire and local districts) differ, and the County’s defensible space ordinance is described as stricter than the State minimum. Find out which one covers your address first.
City of San Diego
| Zone | Distance |
|---|---|
| Zone 0 | 0–5 ft |
| Zone 1 | 5–30 ft |
| Zone 2 | 30–100 ft |
- The City adopted a Wildland-Urban Interface Code effective February 28, 2026 (Municipal Code Ch. 5, Art. 12).
- Fuel modification zones extend at least 100 ft from the structure; the Fire Code Official can require more where fuel or topography increase hazard.
- Zone 1 plants should be under 4 ft tall and fire resistant (trees excepted); the City points to the County’s fire resistant plant list.
- Where 100 ft cannot be provided, Fire-Rescue Standard D-1 requires at least 30 ft of defensible space plus extra mitigation and a technical report.
Unincorporated County
- County Fire plan check lists require a 100 ft fuel modification zone, never extending beyond your property line, divided into ignition zones with Zone 2 (the “Extended Zone”) running from Zone 1 out to 100 ft.
- County fire district inspection notices have described Zone 1 as the area within 50 ft of structures; confirm the distance for your district.
- Fuel modification is also required along fire access roads and driveways.
Sources: San Diego Fire-Rescue · City WUI Code · County Fire plan check list. Details change; confirm with the agency before you design or submit.
Next: plants to avoid · spacing rules · validate your water design at MWELO.com.
Fire-safe still needs a water budget. Validate your hydrozones, WUCOLS plant ratings and MAWA water budget, and get permit-ready compliance documents, at MWELO.com. For fuel-mod plant choices, see the MWELO fuel mod guide.