Does AB 38 apply to every California home?

AB 38 applies to homes in designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. CAL FIRE's online map at egis.fire.ca.gov shows the designation for any parcel.

How long does AB 38 work typically take?

Depends on lot size, vegetation, and Zone 0 scope. Vetted contractors aim to align the work to your escrow timeline.

Can I credit the buyer instead of doing the work?

Sometimes deals are restructured that way, but more buyers and lenders want the work documented before close. Talk to your agent about your options.

AB 38 Defensible Space Inspection for Home Sale

Name: San Bernardino Wildfire Defense
Address: San Bernardino County, CA, US
Telephone: (909) 515-0885
Price range: $$

Vetted Licensed Contractors

CAL FIRE Compliance Focus

Insurance Inspection Ready

Free On-Site Estimates

Vetted Licensed Contractors

CAL FIRE Compliance Focus

Insurance Inspection Ready

Free On-Site Estimates

Overview

What AB 38 Actually Requires

Under California AB 38, sellers of homes in designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones are required to provide a defensible space documentation disclosure to buyers, with the property generally needing to be in compliance with PRC 4291 at transfer.

In practice this means: defensible space work completed (or under contract to be completed shortly after close), and documentation in the disclosure package. Buyers and their lenders increasingly insist on this — and on Zone 0 readiness — as a condition of moving forward.

Detail

What This Looks Like in Escrow

Vetted contractors scope the property against PRC 4291, complete the work to meet the AB 38 standard, and provide before/after photos and a compliance summary that drops directly into your disclosure package.

If your timeline is tight, work can often be staged so you have credible documentation in front of the buyer before close, with remaining items contracted forward — keeping the deal on track.

Service Areas