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The national database of state and local wildfire hazard mitigation programs
serves as a clearinghouse of information about nonfederal policies and
programs that seek to reduce the risk of loss of life and property through
the reduction of hazardous fuels on private lands. If
you would like to submit a program to the national wildfire programs database,
please complete the following form (MS
Word).
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Title: |
Monrovia, CA -- Brush Clearance Requirements
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Type: |
Regulatory
Property Insurance
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Jurisdiction: |
City/town
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State: |
California
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Program Description: |
Monrovia's ordinance presents a list of requirements for local property owners regarding vegetation removal to reduce the risk of wildfire. The law is implemented and enforced by the City of Monrovia Fire Department. The Fire Department has the responsibility to conduct inspections and issue written requirements for remedial brush removal for property owners who are not in compliance.
The City on Monrovia Brush Clearance Requirements are straightforward and precise:
- "Cut all native chaparral, annual grasses, and weeds within 30 feet of your home to within 3" of the ground: they may be left as tall as 18" on steep slopes for soil protection purposes, if further than 30 feet away from any structure.
- Do not cut vegetation to bare soil, and do not rake steep hillsides or use heavy equipment. These actions may accelerate soil erosion and mudslides. Contact a soil expert or our city engineers for erosion control techniques. Remember: Thin, you win; strip, you Slip.
- Thin native chaparral plants by 25 -- 50% on your property within 200 feet of your home or neighbor's building, so they average 12-18 feet separation apart (selective removal).
- Trim all branches from mature trees at least 5 feet from the ground (less for small trees), so that a grass fire does not go up into the trees and toward your home.
There are several clear economic incentives for property owners to maintain these requirements. First, a property owner's fire insurance could be cancelled if he or she chooses to ignore a Notice to Abate Fire Hazard (which can be located on page 14 of the Fire Safe & Fire Insurance Guide, In the Fire Hazard Areas of Monrovia shown below) and does not remove the vegetation. Second, property owners who fail to maintain these requirement risk incurring increased costs as the Fire Department may be forced to hire a contractor to remove the dangerous brush. This charge may be entered as a tax lien against the property. Further, due to recent changes in city law, property owners who fail to comply with these requirements may be liable for fire damages inflicted on neighboring properties.
For additional information you view the website for the Monrovia Fire Department and a Microsoft Word document called Fire Safe & Fire Insurance Guide, In the Fire Hazard Areas of Monrovia.
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