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1. Why do I need a Fire Hazard Reduction Inspection?

The intent of the inspections and fuel management is to reduce the risk, severity, and intensity of wildfire.

There are several codes and state statutes that require defensible space in Fire Hazard Severity Zones, including the California Fire Code, California Government Code, California Public Resource Code and Natural Resources Code that govern defensible space and fuel management in the fire hazard severity zone areas. 

2. Why am I getting a notice? How do I know if I'm in compliance?

The letter is a reminder to maintain vegetation year-round. If you receive a letter, it does not mean that you are not in compliance or that there is a violation on your property. Please follow provided guidelines.

3. Why do I have to clear 100 feet?

You do not have to clear 100 feet. You have to maintain 100 feet of vegetation and clear all dead and dying vegetation in accordance with the adopted standards.

4. What vegetation do I need to maintain?

You must maintain all vegetation within 100 feet of your property or to the property line. View our Fire Hazard Reduction Program guidelines to ensure that your property is maintained to the California Fire Code and City of Ventura requirements. 

5. When will the inspections occur?

Inspections occur annually in mid-May. Ventura Fire Department inspectors will inspect properties in the high and very high Fire Severity Zones. Inspections take approximately one year to conduct.

6. I don’t own 100 feet of land. Do I have to still clear 100 feet?

No, you must maintain 100 feet of vegetation or just that vegetation up to your property line. 

7. How do I schedule an inspection?

Inspections will not be scheduled. The inspections will be conducted in a time efficient order based on geography. Inspectors will start in one area of the city and will complete all inspections in that space prior to moving to the adjacent neighborhoods.

8. Why am I being billed? When was the fee approved?

The Ventura City Council directed staff to implement a billing program as a method to recover the costs associated with administering the Fire Hazard Reduction Program. This fee was approved at the City Council meeting on May 24, 2021. Watch that meeting here.

9. Will I get a bill if I pass the inspection?

Yes, all property owners involved in the Fire Hazard Reduction Program will receive a bill after the initial required inspection. Maintaining your property year-round will eliminate the need for re-inspections and additional fees.

10. When will I get a bill?

We expect that you will receive the bill 2-3 weeks after your inspection has occurred. Fire inspections are billable at $38.97 for the frist required annual inspection, including associated fees. Non-compliant property owners are subject to additional inspections and can be cited for subsequent fees. Fire Recovery USA, a third party service, is responsible for administering all defensible space billing on behalf of the Ventura Fire Department.

11. How do I pay the bill?

When you receive the bill there will be various payment options. Please contact Fire Recovery USA at (888) 640-7222 or info@firerecoveryUSA.com with any additional questions regarding your bill.

12. What if I don’t pay the bill?

Fire Recovery USA will follow through with the collections process for unpaid bills.

13. I live in an HOA where they maintain the landscaping. Will the HOA get the bill?

Homeowners Associations, or HOAs, will get the initial inspection bill for landscaping in the common areas. If there are further problems in personal backyards of these properties, we will contact the property owners to discuss further action.

14. How do I update my mailing address?

Please email FHRP@cityofventura.ca.gov with your property address and the new mailing address. We can only update you address in our inspection system. Please permanently change it through the tax assessor’s office.