Wildfire Zones: Castro Valley vs San Leandro
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Castro Valley, CA and San Leandro, CA?
San Leandro has fewer restrictions than Castro Valley.
Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County
Much of east Alameda County including the Oakland Hills, Castro Valley, and Sunol foothills is designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone by CAL FIRE, triggering strict defensible space rules.
View full Castro Valley rules →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
San Leandro has minimal wildfire exposure. The vast majority of the city is outside CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zones, with only eastern hillside edges mapped.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Castro Valley | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| Zone designation | CAL FIRE VHFHSZ | - |
| Defensible space | PRC 4291, 100 feet | - |
| Building standard | CBC Chapter 7A | - |
| Disclosure | CA Civil Code 1103 | - |
| Historic fire | 1991 Oakland Hills Firestorm | - |
| Citywide Risk | - | Low |
| VHFHSZ | - | None in flatlands |
| Hillside Edges | - | Moderate/High zones |
| Chapter 7A | - | New hillside builds |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Castro Valley FAQ
How do I find out if my property is in a VHFHSZ?
Use the CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone Viewer online or contact the Alameda County Fire Department to confirm your parcel status.
What are the insurance implications?
VHFHSZ properties face higher premiums, non-renewals, and may need the California FAIR Plan; completing home hardening can help qualify for the Safer From Wildfires program discounts.
San Leandro FAQ
Is San Leandro a wildfire risk area?
No. San Leandro sits in the flat East Bay lowlands and is largely outside CAL FIRE hazard zones. Only properties bordering the eastern hills face elevated risk.
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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