The 5 Feet Around Your California Home May Matter More Than You Think

When most homeowners hear “defensible space,” they think about clearing brush farther out on the property. But one of the most important areas may be much closer:

the first five feet around your home.

That includes things like:

• Leaves in gutters
• Bark mulch against siding
• Shrubs touching the house
• Wood fencing attached to the structure
• Firewood or storage near exterior walls

Why does this matter?

Because wildfire damage doesn’t only happen through direct flames. Wind-driven embers can travel ahead of a fire and land in exactly these kinds of places.

Defensible Space Is More Than Clearing Brush

• For certain California properties in designated wildfire areas, defensible-space requirements can extend up to 100 feet from the home, or to the property line if it’s closer.

• But that doesn’t mean removing every tree or turning your yard into gravel.

• The goal is to reduce fuel and create separation.

• A good place to start is simply walking around your home and asking:

• What could catch an ember right next to the house?

• Look at your gutters, roof, decks, fencing, landscaping and anything combustible stored near the structure.

• Sometimes the simplest maintenance makes a meaningful difference.

Why Sellers Should Pay Attention

This isn’t only a wildfire-preparation issue.

For some California properties in designated fire-hazard areas, defensible-space requirements and documentation can also come into play during a real estate sale.

That’s why we’d rather have a seller ask these questions before going into escrow:

• Is this home in a designated fire-hazard area?
• What local requirements apply?
• Is an inspection or documentation needed?
• Is there anything we should address before listing?

Those are much easier questions to answer early than during a transaction.

It Can Matter Here in Silicon Valley, Too

Wildfire preparedness isn’t limited to remote mountain properties.

• Homes in parts of Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Saratoga, Cupertino and surrounding foothill areas may have different wildfire considerations depending on the exact property.

• So don’t assume based on the city name alone.

• Check the property itself.

Defensible Space Is Closer to Home Than You Think

Defensible space isn’t just about what’s happening 100 feet away. Sometimes the most overlooked details are the ones sitting right next to the house.

If you remember three things:

• Start closest to the home.
• Look beyond landscaping.
• If you’re planning to sell, understand the requirements early.

A little knowledge ahead of time can prevent a much bigger surprise later.