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BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
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DELIA IBARRA
PRESIDENT
ANDREW GLAZIER
VICE PRESIDENT
JIMMY H. HARA, M.D.
REBECCA NINBURG
JIMMIE WOODS -GRAY
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LETICIA GOMEZ
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT II
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CITY OF LOS ANGELES
CALIFORNIA
 ERIC GARCETTI
MAYOR
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FIRE DEPARTMENT
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RALPH M. TERRAZAS
FIRE CHIEF
BRUSH CLEARANCE UNIT
6262 VAN NUYS BLVD. #451
VAN NUYS, CA 91401
(800) 994-4444
Phone Hours: 8:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m
www.lafd.org/brush
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OWNER NOTIFICATION
THIS NOTICE IS INFORMATION ONLY - THIS IS NOT A BILL
AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY-AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
The LAFD provides reasonable accommodations to assure equal access to its programs, services and facilities. For more information call (800) 994-4444
March 1, 2020
Dear Property Owner,
The Los Angeles Fire Department provides a thorough and comprehensive brush program in order to protect lives and property for those who live and enjoy the hillside communities within the City of Los Angeles. Section 57.322.2 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code and Ordinance No. 172449 adopted by the Los Angeles City Council and approved by the Mayor, provides the Fire Department the authority to collect a fee for inspection of properties located in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ).
A $29 Inspection fee has been instituted to recover the cost associated with the initial brush inspection, which is conducted by a team of Fire Inspectors during the months of May and June to identify hazards. Property owners that are not in compliance with the Brush Clearance Ordinance shall be issued a Notice of Noncompliance, and billed $29 for the inspection. Inspection billing will begin during the month of July 2020, and must be paid by the dates specified on the bill. Failure to submit payment will result in an assessment of a 200% penalty.
However, the Ordinance provides an opportunity for the property owner to avoid the $29 inspection fee by maintaining their property in accordance with the provisions set forth in L.A.M.C Section 57.322, et seq. In order to avoid assessment of an inspection fee, brush clearance shall be conducted and complete compliance is required as defined in L.A.M.C Section 57.322 by April 30, 2020. If compliance is not complete by April 30, 2020, property owners are subject to the $29.00 fee if their property fails the inspection.
The safety of your home can be significantly increased with proper brush clearance, advanced planning, and preparation. Brush clearance is a year-round responsibility. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. For questions or concerns, please contact the Brush Clearance Unit via phone at (800) 994-4444 between the hours of 8:00 a.m and 11:00 a.m, email us at lafdbrush@lacity.org or visit our website at www.lafd.org/brush.
Kristin M. Crowley
Fire Marshal
TAKE THE FOLLOWING STEPS TO EXEMPT YOUR PARCEL(S) FROM THE 2020 INSPECTION FEE ($29)
Step 1. Conduct a thorough and comprehensive inspection of your property.
Step 2. Remove from the property any hazardous refuse or hazardous vegetation, as defined in L.A.M.C. Section 57.322 (See page 3 for minimum requirements) by April 30, 2020
It is not necessary to notify the Fire Department after completing Steps 1 and 2. The Fire Department will automatically conduct the initial inspection of your parcel(s) beginning May 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020
NO BRUSH CLEARANCE INITIAL INSPECTION FEE IF COMPLIANT BY APRIL 30, 2020
THE FEE SCHEDULE FOR NONCOMPLIANCE IS AS FOLLOWS
- INITIAL INSPECTION (PASSED), NO INITIAL INSPECTION FEE ASSESSED
- INITIAL INSPECTION (FAIL), INITIAL INSPECTION FEE IS $29*
ALL PARCELS RECEIVING A FAILED INITIAL INSPECTION WILL RECEIVE A RE-INSPECTION
- RE-INSPECTION (PASS) NO RE-INSPECTION FEE ASSESSED
- RE-INSPECTION (FAIL) FEE IS $516*
- RED TAG AND CONTRACTING ADMINISTRATIVE FEE $1303* + CONTRACTOR’S PRICE IS $29*
PARCELS RECEIVING A FAILED RE-INSPECTION AND REMAIN IN NONCOMPLIANCE WILL BE CLEARED BY CITY CONTRACTORS.
- CONTRACTING ADMINISTRATIVE FEE IS $1303* + CONTRACTOR’S PRICE
Each parcel located in the VHFHSZ is subject to the $29* Initial Inspection Fee.
The Fire Department is the final authority in determining compliance.
To View Secured Information regarding your annual brush inspection, log onto vms3.lafd.org register a Brush Clearance account and follow the brush status of your property through 2020. Simply use the APN and PIN printed next to the name and address on the Owner Notification that was mailed to you in March. With a registered account: 1.The status of your property (Compliance or Noncompliance) can be determined, 2. If your property is found to be in noncompliance, photos taken by the Inspector of brush hazards on your property are viewable, and 3. You will receive a Noncompliance emailed notification at the time of the failed inspection.
If your property failed the Initial Inspection, expect to see a notice in the mail within 7-10 days of the inspection. If your property passed the Initial Inspection you will not receive any further correspondence from the LAFD Brush Clearance Unit regarding your Annual Brush Inspection.
*SUBJECT TO CHANGE
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