Remodeling in the foothills? Know the fire code before you draw plans.

Get the free Foothill Fire-Code Remodel Checklist. A one-page guide to confirming your fire hazard zone, finding the right permit counter, and understanding exactly which parts of California's 2026 fire code your project actually triggers.

Hi, I am Lior Mazor. I run Hillstar Construction, and I build and remodel homes around La Crescenta, Montrose, and La Cañada Flintridge.

The wildfire rules changed names in 2026, and most of the advice homeowners get is either out of date or aimed at the wrong jurisdiction. The honest truth is simpler than the rumors: the code applies to the work you do, not your whole house, and which permit office you deal with depends on which side of a city line you are on. I put the parts that actually decide your project onto a single page you can use before you spend a dollar on plans.

What is on it:

• How to confirm your Fire Hazard Severity Zone on the official state map, instead of guessing from a neighbor
• Which permit counter is yours: unincorporated La Crescenta-Montrose (LA County / EPIC-LA) versus the City of La Cañada Flintridge (its own city / ConnectLCF)
• The 2026 Wildland-Urban Interface Code Chapter 5 element list: roof, vents, eaves and soffits, walls, decking, windows
• The "work performed, not the whole house" rule, and the 50-percent-or-more re-roof trigger
• The 100-foot defensible-space rule, with a plain note on where Zone 0 stands
• The oak-tree permit note for your specific jurisdiction

It is free, it is written for homeowners rather than for inspectors, and it is short enough to actually use.