You might be doing everything right:

• Clearing 100 feet of defensible space
• Removing dead vegetation
• Maintaining fire-safe access roads

But if your neighbor neglects their brush clearance responsibilities, your property — and your entire street — could still be at risk.

Here’s how to handle it legally, politely, and effectively if you live in a wildfire-prone community like La Habra Heights, Malibu, or Pacific Palisades.

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🔹 Note: While many of our examples reference La Habra Heights, the principles of brush clearance apply across Southern California’s wildfire-prone zones — including Malibu, Altadena, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica Mountains, and hillside communities throughout Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Ventura Counties.

We focus on La Habra Heights for a reason:
LHH is a wildfire-resilient city with an excellent reputation for proactive fire safety.

• The La Habra Heights Fire Department (LHHFD) is highly regarded and is a hands-on training ground for fire science students from Rio Hondo College, many of whom go on to become firefighters throughout OC and LA Counties.
• LHHFD’s experience, training, and brush clearance enforcement are respected across the region, making their 2024 standards an ideal model for best practices.

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🔥 Steps to Take If a Neighbor Isn’t Clearing Brush

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1. Start with a Friendly Conversation

Sometimes neighbors simply:

• Aren’t aware of the legal deadlines.
• Don’t realize their brush poses a fire hazard.
• Might be physically or financially unable to complete the work.

Approach them respectfully:

• Mention upcoming fire inspections.
• Offer resources (like your city’s 2024 Fire Brochure).
• Suggest brush clearance crews if they need help.

✅ Use our Brush Clearance Checklist to explain the basics.

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2. Document the Condition

If friendly outreach doesn’t work:

• Take dated photos of the hazardous vegetation.
• Note the proximity to structures or roadways.
• Keep copies of any communications (texts, emails) for your records.

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3. Report the Violation to the City

Most Southern California cities have:

• Online reporting forms
• Code enforcement phone lines
• Fire department hotlines for brush complaints

In La Habra Heights:

• Reports can typically be made through the Fire Department or City Hall.
• Anonymous reports are often allowed.

✅ Understand what standards your city enforces for clearance.

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4. What Happens After You Report It

The city will typically:

• Send an inspector to verify the violation.
• Issue a notice of violation to the property owner.
• Set a correction deadline (usually 15–30 days).
• Fine or force-clear the property if noncompliance continues.

✅ Learn what happens if a property fails a brush clearance inspection.

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5. Protect Your Own Defensible Space

Even if your neighbor lags:

• Maximize your own defensible zone.
• Trim trees and shrubs at property lines where legally allowed.
• Install fire-resistant fencing or landscaping if possible.

✅ See how to create a strong 100-foot defensible space.

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📋 Bonus Tip: Avoid Neighbor Disputes

If possible:

• Offer to help rather than criticize.
• Suggest sharing costs for a clearance crew if boundaries are tricky.
• Remind them it protects everyone’s insurance eligibility and property value.

✅ Good brush clearance also helps lower homeowners insurance premiums.

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🌟 Final Thought

Brush clearance isn’t just about passing inspections — it’s about survival.

If your neighbor’s negligence endangers your family and home, you have legal rights and clear steps to resolve it — without escalating tensions unnecessarily.

✅ Visit our full Brush Clearance Resource Center for homeowner guides, legal tips, and trusted local crews.
✅ Need vetted assistance fast? Contact us today.