2020 Owner Notification Mailer

Q. What procedures must I complete to ensure I am not assessed brush clearance fees?
A. Prior to May 1, 2020, compare your native brush and landscape vegetation with information on our website’s (vms3.lafd.org) “Clearance Requirement” tab.  If you are not able to clear your property yourself, hire a professional who can both understand the information and apply it to your property. If you need assistance securing a brush clearance contractor, visit the Brush Unit website at www.lafd.org/brush and click on ‘Brush Clearance Vendor List’. Clean your property as required prior to May 1, 2020  to ensure that you pass the Initial Inspection, avoiding potentially costly Non-Compliance fees.

 

Q. How can I check my property to ensure complete compliance?
A.  It is the responsibility of every property owner to understand the boundaries of their entire parcel(s). If the property lines of your property are not clear, you can utilize the following websites for assistance:

 

LA County Property Assessment Information System- allows you to identify your parcel on the assessor map using your assessor parcel number (APN) or address. Property line dimensions are also included on this map. 

 

Zimas - allows you to view your parcel in a colored satellite view. The image may not be the most current but can allow you to see landmarks and how they relate to your parcel regarding property lines.
This site has other features that can be useful. For example, to check if your property is in the Zone - open the map of your parcel using your APN or address. In the left hand column, click on the blue line item labeled ‘Additional’. The row, Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone will read either ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.

 

The Brush Unit’s website www.lafd.org/brush is very informative and can be helpful prior to beginning the brush clearance on your parcel(s).
Satisfactorily complete your annual brush clearance by April 30, 2020 in order to be exempt from the 2020 Initial Inspection Fee of $29.

 

Q. How will I know when my property has been inspected?
A. The Brush Clearance Unit begins Initial Inspections on May 1, 2020 and should be completed by June 30, 2020.

 

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 and log onto vms3.lafd.org. 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. Check the status of your parcel anytime after May 1st.  

 

A. The Brush Clearance Unit begins Initial Inspections on May 1, 2020 and should be completed with all 141,000 Initial Inspections by June 30, 2020. It is not possible to schedule or reschedule your Initial Inspection.  Should the Brush Unit inspect and fail your parcel prior to brush clearance, you should expect to receive a notice of Non-Compliance in the mail within 7-10 days. As set forth in the notice, you will have 15 days to bring your property into compliance. Because the parcel failed the Initial Inspection, you will be assessed an Initial Inspection Fee of $29. An invoice for $29 should be mailed to you mid July- August. 

 

Q. Why am I receiving this mailer?
A. The Los Angeles City Fire Department has the responsibility of notifying all property owners owning property in the VHFHSZ of the Brush Clearance Program.