Chapter 5 — FUEL MODIFICATION STANDARDS

Sections:

• § 3115-1. Fuel Modification - Intent.

• § 3115-2. Setback for Structure Defensible Space.

• § 3115-3. Disposal of Flammable Vegetation and Fuels.

• § 3115-4. Greenbelts.

3115-1. Fuel Modification - Intent.

To reduce the intensity of wildfire by reducing the volume and density of flammable vegetation, the strategic siting of fuel modification and greenbelts shall provide (1) increased safety for emergency fire equipment and

evacuating civilians by its utilization around structures and roads, including driveways; and (2) a point of attack or defense from a wildfire. (Ord. 1952, § 1, 12/17/1991; Ord. 2540, Section 1, 11/17/2015)

3115-2. Setback for Structure Defensible Space.

(a) Notwithstanding other provisions of this Code, all parcels one (1) acre and larger shall provide a minimum 30 foot setback for buildings and accessory buildings from all property lines and/or the center of a road, except as provided herein: (Ord. 1952, § 1, 12/17/1991)

(1) a building or accessory building may be located closer than 30 foot to a property line where a maintenance and open space easement for the benefit of the subject parcel has been recorded over the adjoining lot. The extent of the adjustment shall be no greater than the width of the easement, and no

The Humboldt County Code is current through Ordinance 2784, passed March 10, 2026.

Page 1182 of 1183

Title III Land Use and Development | Humboldt County Code

exception from minimum setbacks as specified in other provisions of this Code are granted pursuant to this section. (Ord. 1952, § 1, 12/17/1991)

(2) a detached accessory building may be located within the 30 foot setback when it is constructed using non-combustible or fire resistive materials, and is located not closer than 20 feet to another building.

The required specific distance between buildings or structures and property lines or the centerline of the road shall be measured perpendicularly in a horizontal plane extending across the complete length of said property line or lines and/or roadway. (Ord. 1952, § 1, 12/17/1991)

(Ord. 1952, § 1, 12/17/1991)

(b) For parcels less than one (1) acre, the County shall provide for the same practical effect

Methods of achieving the “same practical effect” include but are not limited to: (Ord. 1952, § 1, 12/17/1991)

(1) development of a community water system meeting the specifications as set forth in Section 3114-3 (a-c); (Ord. 1952, § 1, 12/17/1991)

(2) establishment of a County Service Area or other acceptable form of district or association to provide maintenance of defensible space measures, including vegetation modification; (Ord. 1952, § 1, 12/17/1991)

(3) use of non-combustible or fire-resistive materials in construction of buildings or installation of sprinklers within buildings; (Ord. 1952, § 1, 12/17/1991)

(4) development of greenbelts in strategic locations around the subdivision or parcels; or (Ord. 1952, § 1, 12/ 17/1991)

(5) road development which provides for travel lanes and parking lanes that exceed the minimum requirements of these regulations. (Ord. 1952, § 1, 12/17/1991)

(Ord. 1952, § 1, 12/17/1991)

3115-3. Disposal of Flammable Vegetation and Fuels.

Disposal, including chipping, burying, burning or removal to a landfill site approved by the County, of flammable vegetation and fuels caused by site development and construction, road and driveway construction, and fuel modification shall be completed prior to completion of road construction or final inspection of a building permit or initiation of a use under a use permit. (Ord. 1952, § 1, 12/17/1991)

3115-4. Greenbelts.

Subdivisions and other developments, which propose greenbelts as a part of the development plan, shall locate said greenbelts strategically, as a separation between wildland fuels and structures. The locations shall be

The Humboldt County Code is current through Ordinance 2784, passed March 10, 2026.

Page 1183 of 1183

Title III Land Use and Development | Humboldt County Code

approved by the inspection authority and should be consistent with the CAL FIRE Unit Fire Management Plan, where in effect. (Ord. 1952, § 1, 12/17/1991; Ord. 2540, Section 1, 11/17/2015)