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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRourke, 163 Serrano Heights GREENVALE TREE COMPANY PO Box 13234 San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 info@greenvaletree.com Vegetation Management Plan– July 24, 2019 For: John Rourke RE: 163 Serrano Heights, San Luis Obispo DEFENSIBLE SPACE • Prior to erecting or modifying any building or structure, defensible space requirements shall be completed. A defensible space of 100 feet minimum around all buildings or structures is required. The goal is to create an area to assist in the protection of lives, property and the environment should a fire occur. • The owner shall maintain defensible space for all buildings and structures on the property. • Final approval or work shall be at the discretion of the Fire Marshal or his or her designee. DEFENSIBLE SPACE FOR BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES • A defensible space of 100 feet minimum around all buildings or structures shall be maintained for the life of the property. A defensible space consists of two zones (0-30 feet and an additional 70 feet totaling 100 feet minimum) from all buildings and structures. A greater distance may be required on a case-by-case evaluation. • In the 30 foot zone (Zone 1) or to the property line, whichever is nearer, all vegetation must be well maintained. No flammable vegetation shall exist in this zone. Large trees may occupy the zone if they are trimmed, well maintained and free of diseased, dead or dying material. • In the 70 foot zone (Zone 2) or to the property line, whichever is nearer, flammable vegetation shall be spaced as to reduce plant-to-plant, plant-to-tree and tree-to-tree transfer of fire both vertically and horizontally. • At 163 Serrano Heights there are numerous large trees that will need pruning. This includes trees that overhang this property from adjacent land. In particular the Eucalyptus and Oak trees that are numerous both on the property and on adjacent land. • Eucalyptus produce copious amounts of highly flammable debris such as leaves, shed bark and fallen twigs. This debris must be removed frequently and not allowed to build up in the entire 100 ft zone. • Areas beyond the property line shall be maintained by that property owner or tenant. Municipalities that own or are responsible for land adjacent to this property are also responsible to maintain appropriate clearance of combustible materials and vegetation up to 100 feet from an occupied building. • The defensible space requirement shall be maintained throughout the year. Property owners may have to cut vegetation or clean up tree debris shed multiple times a year to maintain the standard for clearance. • The removal of a portion of any tree or plant that extends within 10 feet of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe is required. Branches shall be no closer than six feet from the roof or sides of the building. • No tree or large shrub shall have branches lower than four feet from the ground. • Any tree, shrub or other plant adjacent to or overhanging a building must be well maintained and free of diseased, dead or dying wood. • The roof of all buildings and structures and their appurtenances shall be maintained free of leaves, needles or other dry vegetative materials for the life of the property. • Landscaping with fire resistant plants and avoiding highly flammable plants is part of preventing fires. Plants shall be planted and maintained so there is space between individual plants to allow for fire breaks. • Avoid the use of bark mulches which can burn. Do not use shredded bark such as Gorilla Hair which is highly flammable. Use of rock or decomposed granite as mulch is suggested. • Keep wood and plastic fences clear of flammable plants and materials. Outdoor structures (sheds, trellis, etc) shall be clear of combustible plants or materials. • All chimney, stove pipes and hot vents must have approved spark arresting caps to prevent possible ignition of vegetation. DEFENSIBLE SPACE FOR DRIVEWAYS AND ROADWAYS In order to maintain access for fire department operations, the following shall apply: • For all driveways and private roadways leading to and/or from buildings and structures on the property, dry flammable vegetation shall be reduced to a maximum of four inches stubble height or completely removed for a distance not less than 10 feet from both shoulders of the roadway or driveway. • Trees shall be well maintained, spaced to reduce the chance of tree-to-tree spread of fires and the branches shall not overhang the driveway and roadway from the edge of the required access lower than 13’6” for the life of the property. • No planting within six feet of fire hydrants. Sincerely Chris Stier, ISA Certified Arborist, #WE9262-A ANNUAL CHECKLIST DEFENSIBLE SPACE A defensible space of 100 feet around your home (or to the property line, whichever is nearer) is required. The goal is to create an area to assist in the protection of lives, property and buildings and structures. If property beyond your property line is owned by someone else then this check list should also be followed by that property owner, tenant or agency. When clearing dry vegetation, use care when operating equipment such as lawnmowers or trimmers with metal blades. When metal blades come in contact with a rock or metal post, the resulting spark can produce a fire. Work in early morning hours or on cool, moist days. Buildings and structures □ All combustible vegetation is cleared within the 30 foot zone. □ All trees and vegetation within the 30 foot zone are well maintained. □ All combustible vegetation within the additional 70 foot zone meets spacing requirements. □ All dry and combustible materials around the buildings and structures have been removed (dry leaves, needles, twigs, branches, pine cones, bark, etc.) □ No portions of trees are located within 10 feet of a chimney or stovepipe or 6 feet from the roof. □ All chimney and stovepipe outlets are fitted with the proper spark arresting screen. □ Trees overhanging buildings or structures are free of dead or dying wood. □ The roofs of all buildings or structures are free of leaves and other dry vegetation. Driveways and roadways □ All driveways and roadways are free from combustible vegetation for a distance of less than 10 feet from both shoulders of the roadway or driveway. □ Trees are well maintained, spaced to reduce the chance of tree-to-tree spread of fire, and the branches do not overhang the driveway and roadway lower than 13’6”. □ The area beneath the trees is free of combustible vegetation.