DEFENSIBLE SPACE INSPECTIONS

NOTICE – Defensible Space Inspections for construction projects, building permits, and Short-Term Rental (STR) permits are NOT grant-funded and have a cost recovery fee of $182. Visit the Appointments and Inspections page to schedule these types of inspections.

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. 

Area Defensible Space Inspection Scheduling

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.

CONSTRUCTION/PERMIT-RELATED DEFENSIBLE SPACE INSPECTIONS

Defensible Space Inspections for construction permits, building permits, and Short-Term Rental permits are NOT grant-funded and have a cost recovery fee of $182. Visit the Appointments and Inspections page to schedule.

California Public Resource Code 4291 – Defensible Space
Click here to learn more about “Ready for Wildfire

• • Defensible space inspections for construction permits, building permits, and Short-Term Rental permits are mandatory compliance defensible space inspections: The project/permit will require a final on-site defensible space inspection. This inspection will need to be completed, and in compliance, prior to scheduling the building department final or obtaining the Short-Term Rental permit.

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