Landscape Materials

NEW for all buildings except for one- and two-family owner-occupied dwellings used exclusively for dwelling purposes.
Effective April 15, 2025

N.J.A.C.5:70-3, 305.6 Landscape Materials. The use of combustible landscape materials, such as wood-based mulch products, is prohibited in any of the following conditions:

  1. Within 18 inches of any building or structure;

  2. Within 18 inches of a deck, porch, balcony, or any other portion of the building constructed of combustible material; 

  3. Within 18 inches of any designated smoking area defined in section 310.2

Exceptions:

  1. Live plant material such as shrubs, flowers and trees provided that they are not beneath a combustible overhang with less than 6 feet of clearance. 

  2. Non-combustible building or structure exteriors that have no combustible components or trim with less than 3 feet clearance from grade. 

  3. Fire resistant mulch

Examples of Mulch too Close to Buildings

  1. 1 IMG_1732
  2. 2 IMG_1733
  3. 3 hqdefault

Examples of Proper Mulch Separation and Applications

  1. 1 unnamed (1)
  2. 2 unnamed
  3. 3 Example of stones used to provide separation from combustible construction components.
  4. 4 Example of stones used to provide separation from combustible construction components.
  5. 5 OK Brick black-mulch-768x511
  6. 6 3973c4abfd7a595a0ce643f181a0e4d7

Fire Smart Landscaping Best Practices

Below are links to suggested best practices from Fire Safe Marin, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a safe, fire-adapted community in Marin County, California. Offer a wide range of programs and resources that promote wildfire safety preparedness, reduce fuel loads and fire hazards, build community cooperation, and encourage environmentally sound fire mitigation practices.

Their Mission is to educate our community about the dangers of wildfires and what we all can do to help save lives, protect homes, and create a resilient environment. We foster community involvement by building partnerships and providing resources for mitigating fire danger.

Harden Your Home – Lean how homes & buildings catch fire in a wildfire. Tips on how to make your home better protected from spreading brush and wildfire.  


Create a Fire Smart Yard – How to plan and use fire-resistant plants, materials and design to prevent the spread of fire to your home.


All Hazard Preparedness - Fire Safe Marin has created 12 short (1-3 minute) videos to help you prepare for any type of hazard. These videos draw from the California Office of Emergency Services Listos Program, describing the Five Steps of Disaster Preparedness: Get Alerts, Make a Plan, Pack a Go Bag, Build a Stay Box, Help Friends and Neighbors Get Ready. Detailed preparedness information is also included about each type of disaster we are likely to experience here in Marin.