South Lake Tahoe’s New Defensible Space Ordinance: What Homeowners and Sellers Need to Know
South Lake Tahoe is taking proactive steps to address the growing wildfire risk with a new defensible space ordinance. This ordinance, officially adopted on June 18, aims to enhance fire safety measures for both residential and business properties. The city’s fire officials, drawing from lessons learned during the Caldor Fire, believe that these new requirements will not only protect individual properties but also strengthen community-wide resilience.
One significant aspect of the ordinance is its expansion beyond state code requirements. Previously, defensible space regulations in South Lake Tahoe were guided by state mandates, such as Public Resource Code 4291, which primarily focused on residential properties. However, the new ordinance extends these requirements to include business parcels, ensuring that all properties within city limits contribute to fire safety efforts.
One of the most stringent measures in the ordinance is the requirement for a five-foot noncombustible perimeter around structures. This “Zone 0” is designed to protect homes from fire exposure via embers, which can travel up to a mile ahead of a fire. This measure is particularly forward-thinking, as it is not required by state law until 2026 under Assembly Bill 3074. By implementing it now, South Lake Tahoe is positioning itself as a leader in fire safety, potentially appealing to insurance agencies that may take these proactive measures into account when determining coverage.
Fire Marshal Kim George emphasized the importance of this new zone, stating, “Embers can travel a mile ahead of the fire, which is why it is so important to minimize ignitability.” The ordinance specifies that the Zone 0 area should be free of woody vegetation and materials that could propagate a fire, such as stored firewood or pine needles. Instead, homeowners are encouraged to use rock, non-combustible mulch, or well-irrigated vegetation to stabilize the soil in this area.
Another critical component of the ordinance is its impact on real estate transactions. The ordinance states:
“Prior to the close of any Real Estate Transaction subject to Civil Code section 1102.19 within the County, the seller of any real property shall obtain a defensible space inspection report from an Investigative Official documenting that the property is in compliance with this Chapter and provide that report to the buyer at or before the close of escrow.”
If a property is found to be non-compliant, the seller must perform the necessary wildfire protection measures and have the property re-inspected before closing. If compliance cannot be achieved before the close of escrow, the seller and buyer must enter into a written agreement where the buyer takes on the responsibility to bring the property into compliance within 180 days of closing. Importantly, the ordinance allows enforcement officials to take action even if there is an agreement between the buyer and seller.
This new requirement is part of the city’s comprehensive approach to mitigating wildfire risks. By enforcing defensible space inspections as part of property sales, the city ensures that fire safety standards are maintained and that new homeowners are immediately aware of and responsible for maintaining those standards.
The South Lake Tahoe Fire Department conducts defensible space inspections seasonally, covering about one-third of the city each year. These inspections are funded through grants from the Tahoe Resource Conservation District, making it easier for property owners to comply with the new regulations.
The Fire Department encourages property owners to request inspections, particularly if they are facing insurance issues or simply want to be proactive. “This is intended as an educational tool,” said Fire Chief Jim Drennan, “not as a hammer.” The department hopes that by fostering a community-wide commitment to defensible space, South Lake Tahoe can reduce its wildfire risk and make the city a safer place for all residents.
The ordinance will go into effect on July 18, and the Fire Department urges all property owners to take these new requirements seriously. As George put it, “Defensible space can work, but only if it is done.”
For a detailed look at the new defensible space requirements in South Lake Tahoe, you can read the full article from the Tahoe Daily Tribune here.
