Brush Clearance: Berkeley vs Oakland
How do brush clearance rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Oakland, CA?
Berkeley and Oakland have similar restriction levels.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Properties in the Berkeley Hills VHFHSZ must maintain 100 feet of defensible space per PRC 4291. Berkeley Fire runs annual inspections and non-compliance triggers abatement at owner cost.
View full Berkeley rules →Oakland, CA
Alameda County
Properties in Oakland's Wildfire Prevention Assessment District and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under California Public Resources Code §4291, including a 0–5 foot ember-resistant zone, 5–30 foot lean/clean/green zone, and 30–100 foot reduced-fuel zone. Oakland Fire Department conducts annual inspections of Hills parcels and issues correction notices with abatement deadlines.
View full Oakland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Defensible space | 100 feet (PRC 4291) | - |
| Zone 0 | 0-5 feet ember-resistant | - |
| Inspections | Annual, starting April | - |
| Non-compliance | Abatement billed to owner | - |
| Applies to | All VHFHSZ parcels | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
What if my lot is less than 100 feet from the neighbor?
You must still clear to your property line and coordinate with neighbors. Berkeley Fire can require reciprocal clearance and will cite both parcels if vegetation threatens structures.
Can I keep my mature oak trees?
Yes, native oaks are encouraged, but lower limbs must be pruned to 6 feet above ground (or 1/3 tree height), and no branches may overhang within 10 feet of the chimney or roof.
Oakland FAQ
Do I need to clear 100 feet if my lot is smaller than that?
You only need to clear to your property line. You are not required (or allowed) to clear vegetation on neighboring parcels. If a neighbor's vegetation threatens your structure, coordinate with them or contact OFD's Vegetation Management Unit.
Can I keep a wood fence attached to my house in the Hills?
Zone 0 rules under AB 3074 are phasing out combustible materials within 5 feet of structures. Wood fences directly attached to homes are discouraged and may be cited. Replacing the section within 5 feet of the house with non-combustible material is recommended.
What if I don't clear by the deadline?
Oakland will perform forced abatement through a contractor and bill the owner, typically at rates higher than private clearance. Administrative fines and a lien against the property can also be imposed.
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