CL_NWS_260513_Special_F
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE ROLLING HILLS SAFER
Defensible Space Requirements
Rolling Hills properties often include acreage, horse facilities, and natural vegetation,
making early preparation especially important.
• Maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures by thinning vegetation to
help protect your home from approaching wildfires
• Remove deadwood, litter, and combustible vegetation from all trees and shrubs
• Remove highly combustible vegetation (such as Acacia, Cedar, Cypress,
Eucalyptus, Juniper, Pine, and Pampas Grass) within 30-50 feet of structures or
properly trimmed and maintained
• Keep grass trimmed to 3 inches or less
• Recommended minimum 15 feet spacing between vegetation and structures
• Clear ladder fuels (vegetation connecting ground to trees)
• Trim tree branches away from structures and roofs
• Maintain fire access roads with a minimum 10 feet clearance on each side and
adequate vertical clearance for emergency vehicles
• If a fire hydrant is located on your property, maintain 3 feet of clearance around
all hydrants
Coming Soon - Zone Zero
Assembly Bill 3074, also known as the “Zone Zero” or Ember-Resistant Zone, is expected
to establish new defensible space requirements within five feet of homes in Very High
Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Final regulations are anticipated in 2026. Once adopted, the
requirements are expected to apply immediately to new construction and phase in for
existing homes over approximately three years. Additional information will be shared as
it becomes available.
Defensible Space is Important – Do it Safely
Creating defensible space is critical, but even routine yard work can spark a fire. Avoid
using power equipment, mowing dry grass, or trimming vegetation during hot, dry, or
windy conditions. Work during cooler morning hours when possible, avoid Red Flag
Warning days, and keep a hose or water source nearby in case vegetation ignites.
On-Call Brush and Green Waste Collection
Republic Services offers Rolling Hills residents one free on-call brush and green waste
roll-off dumpster (up to 40 cubic yards) per calendar year. Residents are responsible for
loading the dumpster and ensuring adequate space for placement on their property.
To schedule service, email or call 800-299-4898.
Additional Tips
Prepare Your Go-Bag – Assemble evacuation supplies early and keeping them
accessible.
Sign Up for Alerts – Text ALERTSB to 888-777 – You will then receive a link to register and
select Rolling Hills and visit AlertSouthBay.com/register
Know Your Zone – Residents, visitors, businesses, and schools on the Peninsula are
encouraged to visit PVPready.gov to identify their evacuation zone.
Questions?
Contact the City of Rolling Hills – 310 -377 -1521
Los Angeles County Fire Department - Brush Clearance Unit – 626-969-2375
Alert SouthBay PVP Ready Defensible Space Ready! Set! Go!
SPECIAL EDITION OF THE BLUE NEWSLETTER
PREPARING FOR JUNE ANNUAL DEFENSIBLE
SPACE AND FUEL MODIFICATION INSPECTIONS
Spring in Rolling Hills is one of the most beautiful times of year, but it is also an important
time to prepare for wildfire season. Much of the community is located within a Very High
Fire Hazard Severity Zone and faces increased risk due to dry vegetation, steep terrain,
and limited access routes.
Rolling Hills benefits from strong regional coordination, early fire detection technology,
nearby HeloPod firefighting resources, and layered alerting systems. However, recent fires
such as the Eaton and Palisades fires demonstrated how quickly wildfire conditions can
escalate during extreme winds and dry weather, even in well-prepared communities.
Each year, the Los Angeles County Fire Department conducts defensible space
inspections to identify hazardous vegetation, including brush, dry grass, weeds, and other
flammable plants. Property owners who receive a notice of violation are typically given
30 days to complete required corrections. Failure to comply may result in additional fines,
enforcement costs, or County-performed brush clearance at the property owner’s
expense.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Step 1 — Annual Notice
• Residents receive a notice to remove
hazardous vegetation
• This includes brush, dry grass, weeds, and
flammable vegetation (including
ornamental plants)
Step 2 — Inspection (Beginning around June)
• Fire Department inspectors evaluate
defensible space
• Properties with hazards receive correction
notices
• You do not have to be home for the
inspection to be completed
Step 3 — 410/Abatement Notice (If Needed)
• If hazards remain, a 410 Notice may be
issued
• Property owners are given time to correct
issues
• If not addressed, the County may perform
work and recover costs
Step 4 — Reinspection
• Fire Department verifies compliance
The goal is not enforcement, it's prevention.
These inspections help create defensible
space so firefighters can safely protect homes.
LOMITA SHERIFF’S TOWN HALL
Monday, May 18, 2026 at 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Where – Peninsula Center Library
The Lomita Sheriff’s Station invites all residents
of the Palos Verdes Peninsula to join them for
an upcoming Community Town Hall for an
opportunity to hear directly from your local
deputies about the latest public safety
concerns. Ask questions, share feedback, and
engage in an open conversation.
FLEX VOTE CENTER
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where – City Hall Council Chambers
LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
will be hosting a Vote Center for the June 2nd
Statewide Direct Primary Election on May 27
at Rolling Hills in the City
Council Chambers. Find a
Ballot Drop Box near you at
http://plan.lavote.gov/