El Dorado County Updates Defensible Space Requirements
On July 16, 2024, El Dorado County adopted updates to its Defensible Space Ordinance, repealing and replacing the previous Vegetation Management and Defensible Space Ordinance 5101. The updated requirements, Chapter 8.09 – Hazardous Vegetation and Defensible Space, became effective August 16, 2024 and build upon those previously established in 2019.
The Office of Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience (OWPR) is responsible for overseeing the County’s Defensible Space Program, including management and implementation of Chapter 8.09. Meeting these requirements and the removal of hazardous vegetation and combustible materials situated in the unincorporated areas of El Dorado County to helps reduce the potential for fire and to promotes the safety and welfare of the community.
OWPR, in partnership with CAL FIRE and local fire districts, is responsible for conducting defensible space inspections both in response to citizen complaints and proactively in identified County Emphasis Areas. The goal of these inspections is to provide valuable information to homeowners on how to meet these requirements while also providing education on the benefits of defensible space and resources to protect their home from the risks of wildfire.
