Brush Clearance: Berkeley vs Sunol
How do brush clearance rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Sunol, CA?
Berkeley and Sunol 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 →Sunol, CA
Alameda County
Public Resources Code 4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space around all structures in VHFHSZ and SRA areas of Alameda County, enforced by CAL FIRE and the Alameda County Fire Department.
View full Sunol rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Sunol |
|---|---|---|
| Defensible space | 100 feet (PRC 4291) | 100 feet |
| Zone 0 | 0-5 feet ember-resistant | 0-5 feet ember-resistant |
| Inspections | Annual, starting April | - |
| Non-compliance | Abatement billed to owner | - |
| Applies to | All VHFHSZ parcels | - |
| Legal basis | - | PRC 4291 |
| Zone 1 | - | 5-30 feet lean clean green |
| Grass height | - | 4 inches max in Zone 2 |
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.
Sunol FAQ
When do inspections occur?
The Alameda County Fire Department and CAL FIRE typically inspect from May through October, with peak focus in June and July before peak fire season.
What happens if I fail inspection?
You receive a notice to correct with a deadline; failure to correct results in fines and county abatement where contractors perform the work and bill the property owner.
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