Defensible Space Program

There are two types of Defensible Space Inspection Programs

NOT GRANT FUNDED

THE OTHER is for all Short-Term Rental and Construction-related permits and are NOT FREE.

This is for all CONSTRUCTION and SHORT TERM RENTAL PERMITS [STRs].

ANY TYPE OF DEFENSIBLE SPACE INSPECTION FOR ALL ALPINE SPRINGS COUNTY WATER DISTRICT/ALPINE MEADOWS ADDRESSES ARE NOT GRANT-FUNDED AND WILL HAVE A COST RECOVERY FEE.

Defensible Space Inspections for construction projects, building permits, and Short-Term Rental (STR) permits are NOT grant-funded and have a cost recovery fee. Visit the Appointments and Inspections page to schedule these types of inspections.

GRANT FUNDED

ONE is grant-funded and are FREE.

This is for HOMEOWNERS who want an educational-only inspection to be compliant and/or have insurance requirements. Alpine Springs/Alpine Meadows properties are not grant-funded.

CLICK YOUR AREA BELOW TO SCHEDULE ONE OF THESE HOMEOWNER INSPECTIONS

Grant Funded Defensible Space Inspections are CLOSED for the season. We will open the calendars again May/June 2025.

MUCH MORE ABOUT DEFENSIBLE SPACE INSPECTIONS AND VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

MORE INFORMATION BELOW….

NOTICE – Beginning the summer of 2023, Defensible Space Inspections for Alpine Springs County Water District will NOT be grant-funded and will have a cost recovery fee.

Authorized Agent Form
Chipping Program
Click here to learn more about “Ready for Wildfire
California Public Resource Code 4291 – Defensible Space
Placer County Hazardous Vegetation Abatement
El Dorado County Hazardous Vegetation Management
Request a Public Meeting/HOA Meeting

The District performs defensible space inspections to reduce the impact of wildland fires. This season our Department will perform three types of inspections:

  • Free Property Inspections (funded by a grant): Property inspections help residents create defensible space around their homes and structures. The District will provide homeowners with a report of our findings along with educational materials to help them comply with local defensible space requirements. If you are requesting an inspection and are not the homeowner you will need to fill out an Authorized Agent Form.

  • Educational Inspections: District staff will walk the neighborhoods and mail the results of their findings to homeowners. Staff will not come on to your property without permission so their surveys will not be complete. Therefore, the inspections are only educational and intended to help you identify defensible space issues that require your attention and give you an opportunity to comply with the law.

  • Mandatory Compliance Defensible Space Inspections: Homeowners can expect to receive certified mailings advising them of defensible space action needed to bring their property into compliance with California state law. Homeowners are given a 30-day grace period to complete the necessary improvements. The properties will be re-inspected and homeowners who fail to remedy the violations may face a citation.

Real Estate Compliance

As of July 1, 2021, Assembly Bill 38 requirements pertaining to real estate defensible space compliance are in effect – Placer County Assembly Bill 38

  • All requests for real estate/AB38 defensible space inspection shall be directed to CAL FIRE by going to https://www.fire.ca.gov/dspace

  • Follow the instructions and fill out the defensible space inspection request form and a CAL FIRE defensible space inspector will receive the request.

For any specific questions, inquiries, or complaints regarding AB38 inspections

  • For properties in Placer County – CAL FIRE Nevada Yuba Placer Unit (NEU) Defensible Space Phone Line: 530-889-0111 ext. 1024

  • For Properties in El Dorado County – CAL FIRE Amador El Dorado Unit (AEU) Defensible Space Phone Line: 530-708-2793

Hazardous Tree(s) or Vegetation Management on U.S Forest Service Lands and California Conservancy Lands

U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
Hazardous Tree Phone Line (530) 543-2759 for any concerns about hazardous trees or vegetation management issues on U.S. Forest Service lands near your property at Lake Tahoe.

California Tahoe Conservancy
Report an Issue on Conservancy Lands (530) 542-5580 or submit inquiry by visiting the CTC website for any concerns about a hazardous trees or vegetation management issues on California Tahoe Conservancy lands near your property at Lake Tahoe.

Tree Removal

Tree Removal Permit Inspection
Authorized Agent Form
Placer County Hazardous Vegetation Abatement
El Dorado County Hazardous Vegetation Management
Tree Permitting: Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
Fire Adapted Communities

  • For questions about Tree Removal Permits call 530-584-2344

  • A defensible space inspection will also be completed while trees are being assessed for removal. Tree removal permits issued by the fire district require that the property be compliant with defensible space by the time the tree removal project is complete.

  • A tree removal permit is offered for defensible space purposes only. Permits are not issued for other reasons such as disease, structural hazards, or view enhancement. If a tree must be removed for one of these other reasons, visit the link below for the TRPA website.

  • TRPA allows the removal of trees up to 14 inches (6 inches for lakefronts) in diameter without a permit.

North Tahoe Fire Hazardous Fuels Reduction and Defensible Space Project – Click here to learn more about the project

The California Tahoe Conservancy is authorizing the North Tahoe Fire Protection District to complete fuels treatment on 881 lots owned by the California Tahoe Conservancy in Placer County. The treatment involves a thin from below approach to remove ladder fuels and retain larger healthy trees.