What is a Fuel Modification Plan?

A Fuel Modification Plan is a special landscape plan that ensures the outdoor areas around newly constructed structures will minimize the risk of a fire spreading to the structure or neighboring structures.

Who approves the Fuel Modification Plan?

The Fuel Modification Unit of Los Angeles County is responsible for the approval of a landscape plan for structures located in the Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The process of approval consists of reviewing aspects such as structure location and type of construction, topography, slope, amount and arrangement of vegetation and overall site settings. Our objective through this approval plan process is to create defensible space necessary for effective fire protection of homes in the Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

When is a Fuel Modification Plan required?

A Fuel Modification Plan is required when you build a new home, ADU, or other structure in the below areas, OR if you construct a new addition to your home or other existing structure that is more than 50% of that original structure’s size.

Areas that are in Los Angeles County’s High Fire Severity Zone currently include Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates; parts of Glendale, Pasadena, Altadena, La Crescenta; parts of Ladera Heights and Baldwin Hills; Topanga, Malibu, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Westlake Village; and communities including Mandeville Canyon, Brentwood, Bel Air, Beverly Glen, Beverly Crest, Benedict Canyon, Laurel Canyon, Hollywood Hills, Silver Lake, Echo Park, Los Feliz, and other parts of Los Angeles.

How Can Grand View Design Studio Help Me?

We have nearly two decades of experience of preparing and submitting Fuel Modification plans to the Los Angeles County Fuel Modification division for review and approval. We are experts in flame-resistant plant selection and placement strategy while still delivering a great exterior design. Contact us today with any additional questions! We want to help you protect your home and community.