Wildfire risk in California is not just a matter for individual homeowners. In many communities, especially those governed by homeowners’ associations (HOAs), fire safety is a shared responsibility. A single property with overgrown vegetation or untreated wood fences can put entire neighborhoods at risk. That is why state law, through Public Resources Code §4291, requires homeowners in high-risk zones to maintain defensible space around their homes. For HOAs, the challenge is not only enforcing these requirements but also creating clear, consistent fire safety rules that protect both residents and common property.

Why defensible space matters for HOAs

Defensible space is the buffer you create between a building and the surrounding vegetation. It slows the spread of wildfire, reduces ember ignition, and gives firefighters a safer zone to defend. In California’s high and very high Fire Hazard Severity Zones, defensible space compliance is not optional—it’s a legal requirement. For HOAs, adopting and enforcing defensible space rules ensures the entire community remains compliant and reduces liability. It also makes properties more attractive to buyers and can improve the neighborhood’s insurability in a market where wildfire risk increasingly shapes coverage decisions.

Core elements of defensible space

Every HOA fire safety policy should address the basics of defensible space. California generally requires clearance up to 100 feet from structures, though the exact distance can depend on lot size, slope, and local ordinances. At a minimum, HOA rules should include:

• Zone 0 (0–5 feet): Eliminate combustible materials near structures. That means no wood mulch, stacked firewood, or flammable plants directly against walls or decks.

• Zone 1 (5–30 feet): Maintain “lean, clean, and green” conditions by trimming plants, removing dead vegetation, and spacing shrubs to prevent continuous fuel.

• Zone 2 (30–100 feet): Reduce density of trees and shrubs, create separation between canopies, and mow grasses to a low height.

By requiring homeowners to follow these zones, HOAs ensure consistency across the community and reduce weak points where fire could spread.

Specific rules HOAs should adopt

Beyond general defensible space zones, effective HOA fire safety rules should address common property features and resident behaviors. These may include:

• Roof and gutter maintenance: Require residents to clean gutters regularly and prohibit untreated wood shake roofs.

• Shared fencing: Ensure perimeter or shared fences use ignition-resistant materials. Wood fencing connected directly to homes can create fire pathways.

• Common area landscaping: Require the HOA to maintain greenbelts, medians, or open space in compliance with defensible space standards.

• Plant lists: Provide approved and prohibited plant lists for landscaping. Some species are highly flammable and should not be planted near homes.

• Storage restrictions: Ban the storage of firewood or other combustibles against exterior walls.

• Inspection schedule: Outline when and how inspections will be conducted to ensure ongoing compliance.

These rules protect the community, but they also reduce confusion. Clear standards help homeowners know what’s expected and avoid conflicts.

Educating residents

HOA rules only work if residents understand them. Boards should distribute defensible space guidelines in homeowner handbooks, newsletters, and annual meetings. Consider hosting fire safety workshops or walkthroughs with local fire departments or a provider like Golden State Home Hardening. Education turns rules from abstract requirements into practical steps residents can take.

The role of professional inspections

Enforcement can be tricky for HOAs. Many boards don’t have the expertise to evaluate vents, roofing, or vegetation spacing. Professional Fire Safety Inspections solve this problem. At Golden State Home Hardening, inspections are conducted by fire experts who provide photo documentation, recommendations, and a Property Defense Plan for the community. This helps HOA boards enforce rules consistently and provides homeowners with specific steps to correct issues. For HOAs in high or very high hazard zones, pairing inspections with documentation ensures compliance and creates a record that can be valuable for insurance purposes.

How defensible space ties into FHDS reports

California’s FHDS disclosure requirements apply to homes built before 2010 in high or very high hazard zones when they are sold. For HOAs, this means individual homeowners must be able to demonstrate compliance when they list their property. By enforcing defensible space rules across the community, the HOA makes it easier for members to complete FHDS disclosures accurately and avoid delays in escrow.

Insurance considerations for HOAs

Insurance carriers are increasingly wary of covering communities in wildfire-prone areas. Documented defensible space compliance across an entire HOA can make a difference in securing or maintaining coverage. While discounts are not guaranteed, insurers view organized mitigation as a positive risk indicator. If your HOA has struggled with coverage availability or high premiums, demonstrating a community-wide approach to fire hardening may help when negotiating with carriers.

Practical steps for HOAs

If your HOA does not yet have clear fire safety rules, the best time to create them is now. Start by:

• Reviewing California defensible space requirements and local ordinances

• Consulting with fire safety professionals to draft enforceable standards

• Educating residents about new expectations and timelines

• Scheduling community-wide inspections to establish a baseline

• Updating HOA governing documents (CC&Rs or Rules & Regulations) to reflect defensible space obligations

By formalizing these steps, HOAs not only reduce wildfire risk but also show insurers, buyers, and residents that the community is committed to resilience.

Final thoughts

Defensible space is not optional in California’s wildfire zones, and for HOAs it should be at the heart of fire safety rules. Clear standards, regular inspections, and community education are essential to protecting lives, homes, and common property. Strong defensible space policies also reduce liability for HOA boards and help residents stay compliant with state law and FHDS disclosure requirements when selling.

Golden State Home Hardening partners with HOAs to make this process simple. Our team of fire experts provides professional inspections, FHDS reports for sales, and community-wide Property Defense Plans that guide improvements step by step. Call 707-243-3082 today to schedule a consultation for your HOA and ensure your community’s fire safety rules include the defensible space measures every California neighborhood needs.