What is defensible space for property insurance?

What is defensible space?

Defensible space is the buffer between a building and the grass, trees, shrubs, wildland area, or combustible objects that surround it. It's meant to slow or halt wildfire.

Defensible space guidelinesThe defensible space area must be clear from all:

• debris
• vegetation
• mulch
• stored combustible materials
• movable combustible objects like outdoor furniture, planters, detached signage, and combustible structures including sheds and other outbuildings

Additions to the property like fences and gates must consist of non-combustible materials.

There must be defensible space from each side of the addition and from the front and rear of the building, including:

• vertical and horizontal spacing between any outdoor plants or trees
• separation between trees, shrubs and items that could catch fire
• removal of branches that hang over the roof

For more informationRead the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's (Cal Fire) "General Guidelines For Creating Defensible Space" from California Public Resource Code 4291.