Brush Clearance: Castro Valley vs Livermore
How do brush clearance rules compare between Castro Valley, CA and Livermore, CA?
Castro Valley and Livermore have similar restriction levels.
Castro Valley, 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 Castro Valley rules →Livermore, CA
Alameda County
Livermore enforces PRC 4291 defensible space — 100 ft of clearance around structures in east/south foothill VHFHSZ areas, inspected annually by LPFD.
View full Livermore rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Castro Valley | Livermore |
|---|---|---|
| Legal basis | PRC 4291 | - |
| Defensible space | 100 feet | - |
| Zone 0 | 0-5 feet ember-resistant | - |
| Zone 1 | 5-30 feet lean clean green | - |
| Grass height | 4 inches max in Zone 2 | - |
| State Law | - | PRC §4291 |
| Clearance | - | 100 ft defensible space |
| Zones | - | VHFHSZ east/south foothills |
| Inspection | - | Annual LPFD spring sweep |
| Enforcement | - | Abatement + tax lien |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Castro Valley 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.
Livermore FAQ
Does defensible space apply to my Livermore home?
Only if your property is mapped in the VHFHSZ — primarily hillside neighborhoods on the south and east sides. Check CAL FIRE's FHSZ viewer for your parcel.
When does LPFD inspect for weed abatement?
LPFD mails notices in spring (typically April-May) with 30-day compliance windows before city-contracted abatement at owner cost.
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