During a Defensible Space Inspection, a City of Riverside fire inspector will visit properties located in designated High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones within the city to evaluate wildfire safety conditions. Inspections are quick, educational, and focused on helping residents meet state and defensible requirements.
Wildfire safety begins at home, and every resident plays an important role in keeping our community protected. By creating defensible space, keeping vegetation well maintained, and staying aware of local fire safety practices, you help safeguard your family, your neighbors, and the firefighters who respond during an emergency. These small steps make a big difference by lowering the risk of wildfire ignition and spread and ensuring firefighters have safe, clear access when they are needed most.
What are Fire Hazard Severity Zones
The State Fire Marshal is mandated to classify lands within State Responsibility Areas into Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ). Fire Hazard Severity Zones fall into one of the following classifications: Moderate, High, Very High
The California laws that require Fire Hazard Severity Zones include California Public Resources Code 4201-4204, California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 1280 and California Government Code 51175-89.
What to Expect for Your Inspection
Below are sample documents you might receive in the mail. They explain the inspection notice, what inspectors will check, and the next steps.
Visual Walk Around of the Property
Inspectors will assess the areas immediately surrounding the home and up to 100 feet from structures (where applicable). They will not enter the interior of the property.
Evaluation of Defensible Space Zones
They check zones for defensible space:
- Zone 1 (5 - 30 feet)
- Zone 2 (30 - 100 feet)
Checking for Common Risks
Inspectors look for overgrown or unmaintained hazardous vegetation, accumulated combustible materials or debris, and inadequate defensible space around structures or outbuildings.
Defensible Space Observations
Inspectors will pass inspections or take note of violations.
After Your Inspection Has Occurred
Please select the appropriate option below to view your next steps, including how to request your official inspection report, submit any required fees, understand payment processing, and what to expect for reinspection or enforcement actions.
If no violations are found during the inspection, an official report is available upon request.
To request a report, please email [email protected] no sooner than 45 days from the date of the notice.
Please include the property address or APN, the property owner’s information, and the email address where the report should be sent.
A $167 inspection fee will be due 30 days from the date of the inspection.
The Riverside Fire Department has partnered with Fire Recovery USA, LLC to process inspection payments. An invoice will be issued by this vendor.
Payment Options:
- Online: A secure payment link will be included on the Fire Recovery USA, LLC invoice.
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By Mail: Send a check or money order payable to City of Riverside to:
City of Riverside Fire Department
c/o Fire Recovery USA, LLC
P.O. Box 548
Roseville, CA 95678-0548
Reinspections will occur 30 days after a failed inspection.
Failure to comply by the deadline will result in the following actions per §6.16.070:
- Issuance of administrative citations (RMC §1.17.230)
- City contracted abatement at the owner’s expense (RMC §6.15)
To help you understand what to do and why it matters, the City of Riverside provides clear guidelines, interactive property maps, and educational resources designed to make wildfire preparedness straightforward and effective. Our goal is to support every resident in keeping their property and community safe.
Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to community fire safey.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected]