2023 Owner Notification Mailer

BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS --- JIMMIE WOODS-GREY PRESIDENT   JIMMY H. HARA, M.D. VICE PRESIDENT   DELIA IBARRA, ESQ. CORINNE TAPIA BABCOCK ROY HARVEY --- LETICIA GOMEZ EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT II	CITY OF LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA KAREN BASS MAYOR	FIRE DEPARTMENT --- KRISTIN M. CROWLEY FIRE CHIEF   BRUSH CLEARANCE UNIT 6262 VAN NUYS BLVD. #451 VAN NUYS, CA 91401 (800) 994-4444 Phone Hours: 8:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m www.lafd.org/brush ---

 

 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 10, 2023

Dear Property Owner,

The Los Angeles Fire Department provides a thorough and comprehensive brush program to protect lives and property for those who live in and enjoy the hillside communities within the City of Los Angeles. Section 57.322.2 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (L.A.M.C) and Ordinance No. 172449 adopted by the Los Angeles City Council and approved by the Mayor provide the Fire Department the authority to collect a fee for inspection for properties located within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ).

A $31* Inspection fee has been instituted to recover the costs associated with the initial brush inspection, which is conducted by a team of Fire Inspectors to identify hazards during the months of May and June. Property owners that are not in compliance with the Brush Clearance Ordinance shall be issued a Notice of Non-Compliance and billed $31* for the initial inspection. Inspection related bills will be mailed beginning August 2023 and must be paid by the dates specified on the bill. Failure to submit payment on-time will result in an assessment of a 200% penalty.

The ordinance provides an opportunity for the property owners to avoid the $31* inspection fee by maintaining their property in accordance with the provisions set forth in L.A.M.C Section 57.322, et seq.
To avoid the assessment of an inspection fee, brush clearance shall be conducted and completed within the requirements defined in L.A.M.C Section 57.322 by May 1, 2023. If the property fails the compliance inspection after May 1, 2023, property owners will be fined the $31* failed inspection fee.

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 general questions or concerns, please contact the Brush Clearance Unit via phone at (800) 994-4444 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., email us at lafdbrush@lacity.org or visit our website at www.lafd.org/brush. For billing questions please contact the LAFD Accounting Department at lafd.brushacctg@lacity.org.

Very truly yours,

Orin Saunders
Fire Marshal

 

Step 1. Conduct a thorough and comprehensive inspection of your property. 

Step 2. Remove any hazardous refuse or hazardous vegetation from the property as defined in L.A.M.C. Section 57.322 (See page 3 for minimum requirements) by May 1, 2023.

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, 2023 through June 30, 2023.

NO BRUSH CLEARANCE INITIAL INSPECTION FEE WILL BE ASSESSED IF PARCEL(S) ARE COMPLIANT BY MAY 1, 2023

THE INSPECTION CYCLE AND FEE SCHEDULE FOR NONCOMPLIANCE IS AS FOLLOWS
- INITIAL INSPECTION (PASS) = NO INITIAL INSPECTION FEE ASSESSED
- INITIAL INSPECTION (FAIL) = INITIAL INSPECTION FEE OF $31*

ALL PARCELS RECEIVING A FAILED INITIAL INSPECTION WILL RECEIVE A 2nd INSPECTION
- SECOND INSPECTION (PASS) = INITIAL INSPECTION FEE OF $31* WITH NO 2nd INSPECTION FEE
- SECOND INSPECTION (FAIL) =$31* INITIAL INSPECTION FEE PLUS SECOND INSPECTION FEE OF $674*

PARCELS FAILING FIRST INSPECTION AND REMAINING IN NONCOMPLIANCE AFTER SECOND INSPECTION SHALL BE CLEARED BY CITY CONTRACTORS AND BILLED TO THE PROPERTY OWNER.

CONTRACTING ADMINISTRATIVE FEE OF $1398* + CONTRACTOR’S LOWEST BID PRICE + FIRST INSPECTION FEE ($31)* + SECOND INSPECTION FEE ($674)*

The Los Angeles City 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 2022.  Simply use the APN and PIN that is printed next to the name and address on this form. 

With a registered account: 
1. The status of your property (Compliance or Noncompliance) can be determined.
2. If Noncompliant, the photos of brush hazards on your property are viewable. 
3. You will receive a Noncompliance emailed notification at the time of the failed inspection. 

If you have registered your property(s) with VMS3 the previous year, there is NO need to register that parcel again.

Maintaining your property in accordance with L.A.M.C Section 57.322 is due by May 1, 2022, and 
is a year round responsibility. To assure continuous compliance, it may be necessary for you to conduct a thorough inspection and maintenance clearing of your property MORE THAN ONCE A YEAR.  

*SUBJECT TO CHANGE