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Vegetation Management Program Q: How do I know if the plant species is native? A: Generally, if it is irrigated, it is ornamental, if it is not irrigated, it is native. Q: Must I remove all native species? A: No. As noted in the letter, you may leave isolated single specimens. We suggest clearing around the plant 1-1/2 times the height of the plant. Q: My neighbor has combustible vegetation within 100' of my house. How do I clear on his/her property? A: In the interest of maintaining good neighbor relations, we suggest asking permission to clear on this adjacent property. Q: What if my neighbor will not allow me to clear on their property? A: Ultimately, this neighbor will be required to clear or will incur forced abatement, as described in your letter. Q: What roads are subject to the 10' clearance of combustible native vegetation requirements on either side. A: Any road which provides access to a structure is defined as a fire apparatus access roadway and subject to these clearing requirements. Q: What roads are subject to the 13'6" vertical clearance requirements, and what is included in this requirement. A: All roads as defined above. This pertains to any and all obstructions within 13'6" of the ground which are directly overhead of the roadway surface. Q: Can I burn cut vegetation? A: No. Open burning for fire clearance is not allowed by the Air Pollution Control Dist. or this agency.
Q: Can I bury cut vegetation? A: Yes. We suggest crushing with a bulldozer or similar piece of machinery and burying with at least 1 foot of earth. Q: Can I pile cut vegetation on site? A: No. Cut vegetation must be removed, crushed and buried, or chipped and spread. If material is to be chipped, it must be spread to a depth no greater than 6". Q: What does it mean to remove limbs within 6' of the ground? A: Remove any branches which are within 6' of the ground and any ground litter under trees. It does not mean to cut trees to 6' tall. Q: How do I properly clear groves around structures. A: Within 30' of any structure, mature trees must be maintained as described in the letter. This will require removing limbs within 6' of the ground and removing ground litter from under trees. Q: When may a property owner keep cut/dumped combustible materials on his property. A: Dumps are not permissible by this code. ONLY legitimate agricultural operations may leave only cut agricultural materials temporarily to allow for proper curing prior to burning. A 50' clearance, down to bare mineral earth, must be maintained around such piles. Q: Do I have to clear in wetlands? A: Yes. Clear any underbrush, arundo, and limb up trees within 100Õ of structures. Refer to your letter regarding environmental concerns in wetland or sensitive habitat areas prior to clearing. Q: Who do I contact to help us with clearing? A: We suggest tree services or weed control services. Q: Are there any services to assist us with clearing? A: The existing grant for free chipping services has been exhausted. There are no other free services available at this time. Q: When will I be inspected, and how long do I have to comply? A: We are inspecting the areas delineated in your letter. You will have a one-month period between inspections to comply. Not all areas will be inspected by engine companies or fire prevention bureau staff, but all are subject to these requirements. Some will receive their first inspections from the private contractor, as described in the letter.
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