REGISTER AN ACCOUNT

The information you provide is secure, not shared or spammed. A registerd account allows you to:
  1. View the inspection status of your property (compliance or non-compliance)
  2. If non-compliance, view the photos of the brush hazards on your property taken at the time of the inspection.
  3. Receive a non-compliance emailed notification at the time of the failed inspection.
or register a new account now.
How to meet brush clearance requirements, watch here
Brush Inspection Training - Target Hazards Brush Clearance Training - On Site Inspections
The 2024 annual brush inspections begin on May 1st. For more, please refer to your Owner Notification mailed in March.

Submit Your Self Inspection Affidavit(s) Online

THIS FUNCTION IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE IF YOUR DUE DATE HAS EXPIRED

Thank you for choosing to submit your Self Inspection Affidavit online.

Please have your Affidavit available with APN (Assessor Parcel Number) and PIN provided. A maximum of 10 Affidavits can be submitted in a single entry. Please follow the process to complete your online submission. A printable confirmation for Affidavits will be provided upon successful completion of submission.

For further guidance go to lafd.org/brush

Click on the green button with plus sign to add additional APN's for bulk submission

BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
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JIMMIE WOODS-GRAY
PRESIDENT

JIMMY H. HARA, M.D.
VICE PRESIDENT

DELIA IBARRA, ESQ.
CORRINE TAPIA BABCOCK
ROY HARVEY
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LETICIA GOMEZ
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT II
CITY OF LOS ANGELES
CALIFORNIA

KAREN BASS
MAYOR
FIRE DEPARTMENT
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FIRE CHIEF
KRISTIN M. CROWLEY

BRUSH CLEARANCE UNIT
6262 VAN NUYS BLVD. #451
VAN NUYS, CA 91401

Phone Hours: 7:00 a.m to 3:30 p.m
Monday – Friday
800-994-4444
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OWNER NOTIFICATION

THIS NOTICE IS INFORMATIONAL ONLY – THIS IS NOT A BILL


March 10, 2024

Dear Property Owner,

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) provides a thorough and comprehensive brush program to protect lives and property for those who live in and enjoy the hillside communities within the City of Los Angeles. Section 57.4906.5.2. of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (L.A.M.C) and Ordinance No. 172449 adopted by the Los Angeles City Council and approved by the Mayor provide the Fire Department the authority to collect a fee for inspection for properties located within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ).

A $31* Inspection fee has been instituted to recover the cost associated with the initial brush inspection, which is conducted by a team of Fire Inspectors to identify hazards during the months of May and June. Property owners that are not in compliance with the Brush Clearance Ordinance shall be issued a Notice(s) of Noncompliance, and billed $31* for the initial inspection. Inspection related bills will be mailed beginning August 2024, and must be paid by the dates specified on the bill. Failure to submit payment will result in an assessment of a 200% penalty.

The ordinance provides an opportunity for the property owners to avoid the $31* inspection fee by maintaining their property in accordance with the provisions set forth in L.A.M.C Section 57.4906.5., et seq. To avoid the assessment of an inspection fee, brush clearance shall be conducted and completed within the requirements defined in L.A.M.C Section 57.4906.5. by May 1, 2024. If the property fails the compliance inspection after May 1, 2024, property owners will be fined the $31* failed inspection fee. The safety of your home can be significantly increased with proper brush clearance, advanced planning, and preparation. Brush clearance is a year-round responsibility. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. For general questions or concerns, please contact the Brush Clearance Unit via phone at (800) 994-4444 between the hours of 8:00 a.m and 03:00 p.m Monday - Friday, email us at lafdbrush@lacity.org or visit our websites at www.lafd.org/brush and www.vms3.lafd.org. For billing questions please contact the LAFD Accounting Department at lafd.brushacctg@lacity.org.

Very truly yours,
David A. Perez
Fire Marshal


REGISTER WITH VMS3

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY-AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

TAKE THE FOLLOWING STEPS TO PREPARE YOUR PARCEL(S), AND AVOID A 2024 INSPECTION FEE ($31)*

Step 1. Conduct a thorough and comprehensive inspection of your property.
Step 2. Remove any hazardous refuse or hazardous vegetation from the property as defined in L.A.M.C. Section 57.4906.5 (See page 3 for minimum requirements) by May 1, 2024.

It is not necessary to notify the Fire Department after completing Steps 1 and 2. The Fire Department will automatically conduct the initial inspection of your parcel(s) beginning May 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024.

NO BRUSH CLEARANCE INITIAL INSPECTION FEE WILL BE ASSESSED IF PARCEL(S) ARE COMPLIANT BY MAY 1,2024
THE INSPECTION CYCLE AND FEE SCHEDULE FOR NONCOMPLIANCE IS AS FOLLOWS
- INITIAL INSPECTION (PASS) = NO INITIAL INSPECTION FEE ASSESSED
- INITIAL INSPECTION (FAIL) = INITIAL INSPECTION FEE IS $31*

ALL PARCELS RECEIVING A FAILED INITIAL INSPECTION WILL RECEIVE A 2nd INSPECTION
- SECOND INSPECTION (PASS) =
INITITAL INSPECTION FEE OF $31* WITH NO 2nd INSPECTION FEE
- SECOND INSPECTION (FAIL) =
$31* INITITIAL INSPECTION FEE PLUS SECOND INSPECTION FEE OF $722*

PARCELS FAILING FIRST INSPECTION AND REMAINING IN NONCOMPLIANCE AFTER SECOND INSPECTION SHALL BE CLEARED BY CITY CONTRACTORS AND BILLED TO THE PROPERTY OWNER.


CONTRACTING ADMINISTRATIVE FEE OF $1434* + CONTRACTOR’S LOWEST BID PRICE + FIRST INSPECTION FEE ($31)* + SECOND INSPECTION FEE ($722)*

The Los Angeles City Fire Department is the final authority in determining compliance.
To View Secured Information regarding your annual brush inspection, log onto www.vms3.lafd.org, register a Brush Clearance account and follow the brush status of your property through 2024. Simply use the APN and PIN that is printed next to the name and address on this form.

With a registered account:
1. The status of your property (Compliance or Noncompliance) can be determined.
2. If Noncompliant, the photos of brush hazards on your property are viewable.
3. You will receive a Noncompliance emailed notification at the time of the failed inspeciton.

If you have registered your property(s) with VMS3 the previous year, there is NO need to register that parcel again.

Maintaining your property in accordance with L.A.M.C Section 57.4906.5 is due by May 1, 2024, and is a year round responsibility. To assure continuous compliance, it may be necessary for you to conduct a thorough inspection and maintenance clearing of your property MORE THAN ONCE A YEAR.

*SUBJECT TO CHANGE


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS


  1. Areas within 200 feet of structures and/or 10 feet of roadside surfaces or combustible fence: Grass shall be cut to 3 inches in height. Native brush shall be reduced in quantity to 3 inches in height. This does not apply to individual native shrubs spaced a minimum of 18 feet apart, provided such shrubs are trimmed up from the ground to 1/3 of their height with all dead material being removed (See diagram below).
  2. For trees taller than 18 feet, trim lower branches so no foliage is within six feet of the ground and remove all dead material. For trees and shrubs less than 18 feet, remove lower branches to 1/3 of their height. All dead trees and vegetation must be removed. (See diagram below).
  3. Trees shall be trimmed up, so the foliage is no closer than 10 feet from the outlet of a chimney (See diagram below).
  4. All roof surfaces shall be maintained free of substantial accumulation of leaves, needles, twigs, and any other combustible matter. Maintain 5 feet of vertical clearance between roof surfaces and portions of overhanging trees (See diagram below).
  5. All cut vegetation and debris shall be removed in a legal manner. Cut vegetation may be machine processed (i.e., chipped) and spread back onto the property at a depth not to exceed three inches within 30 feet of structures and six inches beyond 30 feet of structures. In addition, spread material shall not be placed within 10 feet of any usable roadside (in accordance with Fire Prevention Bureau Procedure No. 25).

The above general requirements also apply to landscape vegetation.

To Review ALL Enforceable Brush Clearance requirements, visit VMS3.lafd.org “Clearance Requirement.”

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IS A YEAR-ROUND RESPONSIBILITY

Clear Early, Clear Often.

You Are Only Responsible To Clean Your Property.

LAFD Brush Clearance Unit (BCU)


The Brush Clearance Program: visit lafd.org/brush- this site is informative and can be helpful prior to beginning the brush clearance on your parcel(s). If you are not able to clear your property yourself, hire a professional that understands the requirements. If you need assistance securing a brush clearance contractor, click on “Brush Clearance Vendor List.” This website also provides new information such as RESTRICTIONS ON METAL CUTTING BLADES. To contact the Brush Clearance Unit for any additional information, please email us at lafdbrush@lacity.org

  • - If a homeless encampment has developed on your property, go to lapdonline.org/trespass for further instructions.
  • - Los Angeles Sanitation offers Once-A-Year collection for excess yard trimming free of charge, call (800) 773-2489 or visit lacitysan.org to schedule your pickup.
  • - To record updated owner/address information please contact the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office at assessor@lacounty.gov or (818) 833-6000, and the BCU office (800) 994-4444.

Need help verifying your property lines?

zimas.lacity.org - allows you to view your parcel in colored satellite view. The image is not the most current but displayed landmarks and how they relate to your property lines can be helpful.


https://maps.assessor.lacounty.gov - allows you to identify your parcel on the assessor map using your APN or address. Property line dimensions are also included on this map.


The following links provide Onsite Brush Clearance Training:
https://vimeo.com/164469261
https://vimeo.com/164354384


Need Help with Brush Clearance Invoices?

Contact LAFD Accounting Department – lafd.brushacctg@lacity.org

The safety of your homes can be significantly increased with proper brush clearance, advance planning, and preparation. Brush clearance is a year-round responsibility. Clear Early, Clear Often.
Thank you for you continues support and cooperation.



LONGACRE ESTATES LP C/O EMPIRE WEST

31706 COAST HWY UNIT 303

LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651

REGISTER AN ACCOUNT USING THE FOLLOWING

APN 2601031014 PIN XXXXXXXX


Clearance Requirements

Owners of property located in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) shall maintain their property in accordance with the Fire Code (L.A.M.C. 57.322). Year-round compliance shall be maintained as described below on all native brush, weeds, grass, trees and hazardous vegetation within 200 feet of any structures/buildings, whether those structures are on the owner’s property or adjoining properties, and within 10 feet of any combustible fence or roadway/driveway used for vehicular travel.

  1. Maintain all weeds and grasses at a maximum height of 3 inches.

    NOTE: Due to soil erosion, your Brush Clearance Unit does not require neither recommend the removal of roots nor the practice of raking the soil (cutting the vegetation down below the soil surface). The requirement is to maintain hazardous vegetation (brush/grass/weeds) at a maximum height of 3 inches.  

  2. Maintain the lower 1/3rd of trees and shrubs by removing all leafy foliage, twigs, and branches up to a maximum of 6 feet from the ground (i.e., any tree 18 feet or higher requires only 6 feet of clearance).

    NOTE: This requirement does not apply to fruit trees, privacy hedges, and ornamental shrubbery (e.g., Italian cypress trees) provided they are well maintained and free of all dead and dry material.  

  3. Remove all dead trees and shrubs.
  4. Maintain 5 feet of vertical clearance between roof surfaces and portions of overhanging trees and shrubs (i.e., any overhanging foliage must be at least 5 feet above the roof).
  5. Remove any portion of a tree or shrub within 10-foot radius of a chimney outlet.
  6. Maintain the roofs of all structures free of leaves, needles, twigs and other combustible matter.
  7. Remove all dead/dry undergrowth and material within trees and shrubs to include all dead or dry palm fronds/branches.
  8. Once brush clearance is conducted, remove and safely dispose of all cut or bagged vegetation, all dead trees and all debris. This includes all combustible junk, trash or debris that may be on your property, regardless of how it got there. Combustible debris may include, but is not limited to, paper trash, cardboard boxes, household trash, fabric/clothing, plastic, rubber/tires, or piles of yard waste. 
  9. Cut vegetation may be machine processed (chipped) and spread as ground cover (mulch) so it does not exceed 3 inches in depth within
    30 feet of structures and no more than 6 inches in depth 30+ feet from structures/buildings. Machine processed/chipped material shall not be placed within 10 feet of combustible fences or road surfaces.
  10. Trim Native shrubs/brush so foliage is removed from lower third up to a maximum of 6 feet. Native shrubs shall not exceed 216 cubic feet in volume and shall be spaced not less than 3 times its maximum height but not less than 18 feet from other native shrubs, structures, and combustible material.

    NOTE: Native Shrubs/Brush are indigenous plants that mostly grow wild without any watering or care. High Energy Release Shrubs/Brush include, but are not limited to, Junipers, Spanish or Scotch Broom, Manzanita, Service Berry, Mountain Mahogany/Whitethorn, Sage, and Rabbit Brush, and as determined by the Fire Chief.  

  11. Maintain all other landscape vegetation, including, but not limited to, conifers (e.g., cedar, cypress, fir, juniper, and pine), eucalyptus, acacia, palm and pampas grass in such a condition as not to provide an available fuel supply to augment the spread or intensity of a fire or impede egress of emergency vehicles. This includes trimming up and removing all dead and dry material as required above.
  12. Firewood shall be located 30 feet away from any structure or shall be completely enclosed within a fire resistive closed container (L.A.M.C. Sec. 4906.3.3).
  13. Trim back vegetation and maintain 3 feet radius clearance around fire hydrants (L.A.M.C. Sec. 57.507.5).
  14. Vegetation/branches extending past curb and over the street shall be trimmed back to the curb line and up a minimum of 14 feet vertically from the roadway surface to the lowest overhanging branch to provide clearance for emergency vehicles (L.A.M.C. Sec. 57.503.1).

    NOTE: Vegetation/branches extending over the sidewalk shall also be trimmed up a minimum of 9 feet vertically from the sidewalk surface to the lowest overhanging branch so as not to obstruct or interfere with the free passage of pedestrians (L.A.M.C. Sec. 56.08).  

Contact Us

Mail/Walk In:

BRUSH CLEARANCE UNIT 6262 VAN NUYS BLVD, #451 VAN NUYS, CA 91401

Phone: (800) 994-4444

Hours: 8:00 a.m to 03:00 p.m

Email: lafdbrush@lacity.org


Accounting Services

Billing Questions Call (213) 978-3424

Hours: 8:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m

Email: lafd.brushacctg@lacity.org

Brush Notice FAQs

Q. Why am I no longer receiving a Self Inspection Affidavit?

A. The Los Angeles Fire Department has decided to discontinue the use of Self Inspection Affidavits. A NEW user-friendly program has been established that continues to promote the protection of lives and property, and allows property owners to exempt their parcel(s) from the Initial Inspection Fee. Take the following steps to exempt your parcel(s) from the 2024 Initial Inspection Fee:
1. Conduct a thorough and comprehensive inspection of your property; and
2. Remove any and all hazardous vegetation and refuse, as defined in L.A.M.C. Section 57.322 by May 15, 2024.

Q. What procedures must I complete to ensure I am not assessed any brush clearance fees?

A. Prior to May 15, 2024, compare your native brush and landscape vegetation with information on our website’s (vms3.lafd.org) “Clearance Requirement” tab. If you are not able to clear your property yourself, hire a professional who can both understand the information and apply it to your property. If you need assistance securing a brush clearance contractor, visit the Brush Unit website at www.lafd.org/brush and click on ‘Brush Clearance Vendor List’. Clean your property as required prior to May 15, 2024, to ensure that you pass the Initial Inspection, avoiding potentially costly Non-Compliance fees.

Q. How can I check my property to ensure complete compliance?

A. It is the responsibility of every property owner to understand the boundaries of their entire parcel(s). If the property lines of your property are not clear, you can utilize the following websites for assistance:

www.maps.assessor.lacounty.gov/m/- allows you to identify your parcel on the assessor map using your assessor parcel number (APN) or address. Property line dimensions are also included on this map.

www.zimas.lacity.org - allows you to view your parcel in a colored satellite view. The image may not be the most current but can allow you to see landmarks and how they relate to your parcel regarding property lines.

This site has other features that can be useful. For example, to check if your property is in the Zone - open the map of your parcel using your APN or address. In the left hand column, click on the blue line item labeled ‘Additional’. The row, Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone will read either ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.

The Brush Unit’s website www.lafd.org/brush is very informative and can be helpful prior to beginning the brush clearance on your parcel(s).

Satisfactorily complete your annual brush clearance by May 15, 2024 in order to be exempt from the 2024 Initial Inspection Fee of $31.

Q. How will I know when my property has been inspected?

To view secured information regarding your annual brush inspection log onto www.vms3.lafd.org with your registered email/password or create a new account. A registered account qualifies you to receive an automated email notifying you that your Initial Inspection has been completed (in real time).

Q. What if I cannot complete the brush clearance on my property by May 15th?

A. The Brush Clearance Unit begins Initial Inspections on May 15, 2024, and should be completed with all 141,000 Initial Inspections by June 30, 2024. It is not possible to schedule or reschedule your Initial Inspection.
Should the Brush Unit inspect and fail your parcel prior to brush clearance, you should expect to receive a notice of Non-Compliance in the mail within 7-10 days. As set forth in the notice, you will have 30 days to bring your property into compliance. Because the parcel failed the Initial Inspection, you will be assessed an Initial Inspection Fee of $31. An invoice for $31 should be mailed to you mid July- August.

Q. Why am I receiving this mailer?

A. The Los Angeles City Fire Department has the responsibility of notifying all property owners owning property in the VHFHSZ of the Brush Clearance Program. However, if you would like to Go Green and Go Paperless, register an account with www.vms3.lafd.org and agree to receive all notifications from the Brush Clearance Unit via email. A registered account will opt you out of all paper notifications in the future.