Brush Clearance: Berkeley vs San Leandro
How do brush clearance rules compare between Berkeley, CA and San Leandro, CA?
San Leandro has fewer restrictions than Berkeley.
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 →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
San Leandro sits in the flat East Bay lowlands with minimal wildfire risk. PRC 4291 defensible space applies only to hillside parcels near Lake Chabot Regional Park.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Fire Zone | - | Mostly non-VHFHSZ |
| PRC 4291 | - | Hillside parcels only |
| Weed Abatement | - | Citywide nuisance rules |
| Enforcement | - | ACFD and Code Enforcement |
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.
San Leandro FAQ
Do I need 100-foot defensible space in San Leandro?
Only if your property abuts the East Bay hills. Most flatland parcels are not in a fire hazard severity zone.
Who enforces this in San Leandro?
San Leandro code enforcement at (510) 577-3394 handles most complaints. Alameda County agencies handle regional issues.
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