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Inspection Process
Primary responsibility for brush clearance falls on the property owner through self-inspection.
Every year, all parcels in the City receive an annual inspection for compliance with the City's Municipal Code and Fire Code. These annual inspections are conducted by the fire department year-round beginning May 1st. In addition to annual inspections, the Fire Marshal and/or Fire Chief routinely inspect parcels throughout the City for the requirements listed below throughout the year. Any parcels with hazards noted during these inspections will also be subject to inspection fees and possible abatement. Parcels may be inspected multiple times throughout the year.
After a property owner has been given notice to clear his/her property and it is determined to be in continued non-compliance, the parcel will be subject to inspection fees and possible abatement at the cost of the owner.
Thirdly, our Fire Prevention staff also receives complaints requests from members of the community and from City employees during the course of the year. A fire inspector will verify that a hazard exists, fill out an inspection form and the City will give notice to the property owner.
Every year, all parcels in the City receive an annual inspection for compliance with the City's Municipal Code and Fire Code. These annual inspections are conducted by the fire department year-round beginning May 1st. In addition to annual inspections, the Fire Marshal and/or Fire Chief routinely inspect parcels throughout the City for the requirements listed below throughout the year. Any parcels with hazards noted during these inspections will also be subject to inspection fees and possible abatement. Parcels may be inspected multiple times throughout the year.
After a property owner has been given notice to clear his/her property and it is determined to be in continued non-compliance, the parcel will be subject to inspection fees and possible abatement at the cost of the owner.
Thirdly, our Fire Prevention staff also receives complaints requests from members of the community and from City employees during the course of the year. A fire inspector will verify that a hazard exists, fill out an inspection form and the City will give notice to the property owner.
- Trees, shrubs, bushes or other vegetation adjacent to or overhanging any structure shall be maintained free of dead limbs and other combustible material.
- Roof surfaces shall be maintained free of accumulations of leaves, needles, and other combustible material.
- All cut brush, weeds, and debris shall be removed and legally disposed of.
- Emergency Vehicle Clearance: Trim back a minimum distance of three (3) feet from the edge of the pavement. Trim to a minimum height of thirteen (13) feet six (6) inches above the street pavement.
- Un-maintained Landscaping: Excessive overgrowth of vegetation, dead, decayed, or diseased trees, growth of weeds or deposit of garden waste that are likely to harbor rats or vermin constitutes a fire or health hazard or may be dangerous to the public health safety or welfare.
- Dead or Diseased Landscaping: Overgrown, dead, decayed, diseased, or hazardous trees or other vegetation, other than compost, that constitutes a fire hazard, is likely to create a hazard to motor vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians or otherwise interfere with the safe use of street or road or is likely to impede drainage within or over a parkway, drainage course, or watercourse.
- Storage of Hazardous Materials: All flammable vegetation must be removed from gutters, roof areas, and eaves. Firewood, lumber, flammable chemicals or other combustible materials shall not be stored next to any structure.
- Chimney Clearance: Tree limbs must be trimmed for a minimum distance of ten (10) feet from any chimney or stovepipe.
- Overhang Clearance: Any dead limbs or vegetation hanging over roofs must be removed.
- Fence Clearance: All flammable materials must be removed within ten (10) feet from an wooden or combustible fence.