To all Kern County Property Owners,

In accordance with Kern County Ordinance Codes within Chapter 8.46, all Kern County property owners whose properties are located within State Responsibility Area’s (SRA) are required to perform fire hazard reduction clearance on all property they own by June 1^st of every year. No extensions will be granted beyond this date. Vacant lots without a structure (120 sq ft or larger) within 100 feet of your property line do not require clearance currently.

Failure to meet these requirements by June 1 will result in a minimum $500 Administrative Citation. If a citation is issued the owner of the property will be given 15 calendar days from the mailing date of the citation to either dispute the citation or show proof the violation(s) was/were corrected. After the 15 calendar day period, the property owner may be subject to an additional $1000 fine for continued non-compliance. If you sell the property, failure to disclose this legal notice to the new owner may make you liable for hazard abatement citation fines assessed to the property.

The goal of the Kern County Fire Department’s Fire Hazard Reduction Program is to protect life and property by providing an effective public education and regulation program that reduces hazards resulting from improper and/or inadequate defensible spacing. This reduction of hazards increases firefighter and public safety, as well as improves our ability to protect your property in the event of a fire.

You are receiving this notice as a courtesy reminder being sent to all property owners within the County of Kern, regarding the upcoming clearance deadline and requirements for fire hazard reduction. This is NOT a citation and does not require any response. If you own or are responsible for more than one property you will only be receiving one of these reminders.

It is the responsibility of the property owner to notify the Assessor’s Office of any mailing address change: Click here to change

For more information, click on the Hazard Info tab to view the Hazard Reduction guidelines, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), a list of Fire Hazard Reduction Service Providers for your area, and other helpful links with valuable information on how you can ensure your property will pass inspection.