Updated Brush Management Guide on City's Web Site;
Reflects Recommended Changes to Codes
City Council to Consider Recommendations in January

SAN DIEGO - The City of San Diego continued to expedite its actions to address fire safety issues today by releasing an updated brush management guide (PDF: 2.7Mb) and posting it on the City's web site (www.sandiego.gov). The guide reflects proposed changes to the City's brush management regulations that dictate a uniform distance Citywide of 100 feet where brush should be thinned from properties adjacent to canyons and natural vegetation. Previously, the regulations differentiated between properties east of Interstate 5 and west of Interstate 5.

"Given what we've learned from this year's fires, it seems prudent that we have a uniform standard throughout the City," said Fire Marshal Sam Oates.

In addition, the regulations for creating defensible space now indicate two zones: a level, ornamentally-planted area adjacent to a building and a zone of thinned vegetation further away. Previously, the City required a more complicated three-zone system.

City officials expedited the development of the brush management recommendations to help property owners create an appropriate defensible space around their homes in areas bordering on canyons and natural vegetation. The code changes were recommended by the Fire-Rescue Department in a collaborative effort with the Development Services, Park and Recreation and Planning departments and the City Attorney's Office.

The proposed brush management code recommendations will go before the San Diego City Council for consideration in late January. Prior to adoption of the proposed regulations, City staff would be required to conduct an environmental review and provide for a public hearing. Then the matter would go to the City Planning commission for a recommendation, to the City Council for adoption, and ultimately to the California Coastal Commission for permission to modify the City's Local Coastal Program. In the interim, the Uniform Fire Code gives authority to the Fire Chief to implement the recommended changes administratively.

Members of the public wanting additional information can contact the Brush Management section in the Fire Prevention Bureau at 619-533-4444.

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