Defensible Space Disclosure FAQ

Does OCFA conduct inspections in any city in Orange County?

No. Fullerton, Brea, Anaheim, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Orange are outside of OCFA jurisdiction. Contact the city’s fire department directly to schedule an inspection. If your property is located outside of Orange County, visit the CAL FIRE Defensible Space Webpage to request an inspection.

Is there a cost for the inspection?

There is no cost for the inspection.

Is there a local ordinance that requires a defensible space inspection?

Yes. The OCFA Vegetation Management Guidelines are used in FHSZ’s that fall under defensible space disclosure requirements in OCFA’s jurisdiction.

I am selling a multi-unit property; does it require a Defensible Space Disclosure Inspection?

Per the California Association of Realtors Fire Hardening and Defensible Space Disclosure Addendum, any multi-unit property with 5 or more units does not require a Defensible Space Disclosure inspection.

Does the inspection need to take place prior to the close of escrow?

No. The seller can defer inspection to buyer; inspection needs to take place within 1 year of sale.

Who can request the inspection?

The property owner or the selling agent. The buyer’s agent may also request the inspection but will need the current property owner’s permission.

When should the inspection be scheduled?

When the home is listed to be sold. A recent buyer, as the current property owner, may also request an inspection within 1 year of sale.

Does someone need to be present for the inspection?

Yes. This is usually the property owner or seller’s agent. The person needs to be 18 years old or older and have a legal right to be on the property. The person must accompany the inspector while the inspection is conducted. This person must be able and willing to sign and receive documentation issued by the inspector. OCFA does not retain copies of handwritten notices. Someone is required to meet the inspector even if the home is vacant.

What does the inspection entail?

The inspection will be of the exterior of the property only. Please refer to OCFA Vegetation Management Guidelines for specifics. Transactions involving lots with no structures do not require defensible space inspections.

How long will the inspection take?

Approximately 30 minutes.

Will an inspection certificate be issued of inspection results?

If the property is compliant, a compliance form will be emailed to the inspection contact within 1-3 business days. If the property is not compliant, the inspector will issue a handwritten notice which will detail the work that needs to be done to make the property compliant. OCFA does not retain copies of handwritten notices.

How long is the compliance documentation valid for?

6 months from the inspection date.

Is an inspection required in a community where the vegetation management is mostly the HOA's responsibility?

Yes. The inspector will consider the HOA responsibility areas during the inspection.

Does the inspector fill out or sign the disclosure?

No, the disclosure is a real estate form and OCFA does not assist with this form.

Is an inspection required if the property is not in the pink mapped area on the OCFA Property Locator, but an NHD report indicates the property is in a fire zone?

No. The NHD company may be using a different map that contains fire zones of a lower severity. The OCFA Property Locator includes those fire zones where OCFA is required to conduct inspections for Defensible Space Disclosures as requested.

What if the property recently had an inspection?

If the property has been inspected within the last 6 months documentation will be emailed to the inspection requestor.

I have submitted an inspection request through the CAL FIRE Defensible Space Webpage and received a reply stating the inspection is the responsibility of OCFA. Do I need to submit a second inspection request through OCFA.org?

No. The inspection request was automatically forwarded to OCFA. OCFA will process your request and contact you to schedule an inspection.