What Are Current Rebuilding Requirements in California?

Defensible Space Around Property

If you sell your California residential property or buy a new one, the seller and buyer will be responsible for disclosing and reviewing the current information about fire zones and the proximity of that property to fire zones per State Fire Marshal mapping. In Los Angeles County, Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHSFZ)requires fireproofing based on current standards for rebuilds. Actually, every homeowner no matter their location, should review these standards for home protection:

• Class A Roofing - Includes clay tile, asphalt shingle, concrete tile,  steel, slate tile. No wood shake.  Use concrete stop in clay tiles to prevent intruding embers.
• Use roof and ridge vents. Any vents should have screens (1/8") to prevent ember intrusion. 
• Roof gutters must have screens, spark arrestors in chimneys when burning solid fuel.
• Exterior walls: 1-hour rated made of stucco, brick, fiber cement siding--wood siding doesn't comply.
• Doors: Fire retardant wood or non-combustible for garage doors; other exterior doors to have 20-minute rating-metal, glass and solid hardwood, layer of tempered glass over glazing.
• Windows: One pane of double paned windows to be tempered.
• Decks, stairs, risers to be non-combustible materials, fiber cement, concrete/stone patio walkways.
• Defensible space: No vines or climbing plants, leave a clear 5 feet perimeter around house, remove dead vegetation 100 feet from structure, hedges no higher than 8 feet. Plant removal:  no Juniper, Italian Cypress, Bougainvillea, Wisteria, Eucalyptus, Pampas grass, and others. Remove fuel ladders by separate higher and lower plantings with at least a 2 foot space.
•  
• A final word on Smoke Cleanup: 
• Replace air filters, get ducts cleaned, and check for any exterior equipment damage.
• Use portable air cleaner with HEPA filter for as long as possible.
• Replace insulation in vented spaces. Smokey smell will return in hot months.
• Debris cleanup: use water, not a blower. Review local agency restrictions.
• Water:  remove all filters and clean/check all equipment.
• Under sink systems:  Drain multiple times, change filter.
• Whole house systems should be checked by a maintenance company.
  

See prior post.

This list is not all-inclusive of all activities a homeowner may have to take, please consult your local area County or City requirements.

*Information and illustration from Joseph Spierer Architects.

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | http://www.abodes.realestate | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996