The canyons of Los Angeles are always a challenge in terms of fire safety. In addition to obvious brushy hillsides, there are multiple types of fire hazards that exist because of ornamental vegetation. The Los Angeles Fire Department works year-round to ensure those with this type of shrubbery obey the Fire Code relative to clearance and care.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can I check the brush status of my property?
- Log onto vms3.lafd.org. register a Brush Clearance account and follow the brush status of your property through 2024. Simply use the APN and PIN printed next to the name and address on the Owner Notification that was mailed to you in March. With a registered account: 1. The status of your property (Compliance or Noncompliance) can be determined, 2. If your property is found to be in noncompliance, photos taken by the Inspector of brush hazards on your property are viewable, and 3. You will receive a Noncompliance emailed notification at the time of the failed inspection.
What is the best way to contact the Brush Unit?
- The best way to contact us is to send an email to lafdbrush@lacity.org. Please include your APN and a brief description of the issue you would like to discuss. A member of the Brush Unit will respond to you within 48 hours. You are also welcome to call (800) 994-4444. We thank you for your patience in advance during this very busy season.
I received a Notice of Noncompliance in the mail. What am I supposed to do?
- Read the notice carefully to identify the violations your property was cited for. Please correct those violations by the “Due Date” located at the top right portion of your notice. If you need clarification about the violations you can refer to www.lafd.org/fire-prevention/clearance-requirements.
I was issued a “Notice of Noncompliance” and have finished clearing my property of the violations for which I was cited. What should I do next?
- You do not have to do anything at this point. As the notice indicates, you have 20 days to correct the violations on your property. After 20 days, a fire inspector will re-inspect your property. If your property is still found to be in “Noncompliance” after re-inspection, a “Second Notice to Abate a Fire Hazard” will be sent to you at which point the City will start the contracting process to have your property cleared at your expense.
Is there a contractor I should use to clear my property?
- The City does not provide a recommendation or endorsement of any contractor. It is the property owner's responsibility to request current proof of insurance, bond and license, and to obtain any other relevant information about any contractor, please see, 2024 Brush Clearance Contractor List. You may verify if a contractor is licensed by the California Contractors State License Board at www.cslb.ca.gov.