Failure to Clear Brush Can Be Expensive, LAFD Warns

The Los Angeles brush-clearance deadline is May 1.

Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey asks property owners to check the information at the LAFD Brush Clearance Unit website lafd.org/brush and help prevent the spread of wildfires.

Property owners who are unable to clear brush themselves are encouraged to hire a professional who can both understand the information and apply it to their property.

Property must be cleaned as required prior to May 1st so that it can pass the first fire department inspection, and avoid a time consuming second inspection, which leads to a costly third inspection.

Humphrey says that there is no need to call for an inspection, as an LAFD computer system keeps track of all properties. The appropriate inspector is automatically notified when your property is in need of an inspection.

First Inspection

The first inspection is done by the LAFD Brush Task Force, beginning the first week in May and continuing for six weeks until all 179,451 parcels in the brush zone have been inspected. Parcels found to be non-compliant are issued a Notice of Violation. The homeowner or person responsible has 15 days to comply with the Notice of Violation.

Second Inspection

Those issued a Notice of Violation on the first inspection will be inspected a second time after the 15 day period to comply has passed.

If the property is then found to be in compliance, the owner will receive notification from the LAFD Brush Unit. If the property is not fully in compliance the owner will be notified via mail and the property will be assigned to the Area Inspector. The Area Inspector will then take pictures of the non-compliant parcel and create a package that will be presented to city brush clearance contractors for bid. 

Third Inspection

When a third inspection is required there is an automatic fee assessed to the property owner for $352. The fee is applied even if the property is found to be compliant as a result of this inspection. The fee is for an Inspector making a trip to the property for a third time.

If your property fails a third inspection ...

Property not in compliance with LAFD Brush Clearance Requirements following the 3rd inspection will be cleared by Fire Department order. The property owner will then be charged for the cost of clearance, plus the $352 third inspection fee, plus a $938 administrative fee.

To learn more, please visit lafd.org/brush.