Wildfire Zones: El Cerrito vs Martinez
How do wildfire zones rules compare between El Cerrito, CA and Martinez, CA?
El Cerrito and Martinez have similar restriction levels.
El Cerrito, CA
Contra Costa County
California uniformly classifies and maps Fire Hazard Severity Zones statewide, with mandatory building, disclosure, and defensible space rules tied to zone designations.
View full El Cerrito rules →Martinez, CA
Contra Costa County
The State Fire Marshal has designated portions of Martinez as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ). Properties within these zones face additional building code requirements (Chapter 7A of the California Building Code), mandatory defensible space, and stricter vegetation management. Check the Cal Fire FHSZ maps or cityofmartinez.org for zone designation of your property.
View full Martinez rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cerrito | Martinez |
|---|---|---|
| Statutes | Gov Code 51178, PRC 4202 | - |
| Zones | Moderate, High, Very High | - |
| Mapping authority | State Fire Marshal, CAL FIRE | - |
| Adoption deadline | 120 days after release | - |
| Zone Designation | - | Very High FHSZ in hillside areas of Martinez |
| Building Code | - | CA Building Code Chapter 7A applies |
| Check Your Property | - | cityofmartinez.org fire hazard zone FAQs |
| Cal Fire Maps | - | osfm.fire.ca.gov for statewide FHSZ maps |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Cerrito FAQ
Can my city downgrade my Very High zone designation?
No. Cities must adopt the state maps and may only increase, not decrease, the hazard classification of any parcel.
What disclosures apply when selling a home in a fire hazard zone?
AB 38 requires sellers of homes built before 2010 in High or Very High zones to provide a home-hardening disclosure to buyers.
Martinez FAQ
Is my Martinez home in a fire zone?
Hillside properties near Briones Regional Park, Alhambra Valley, and Franklin Canyon are most likely in VHFHSZ. Check CAL FIRE maps.
Do refineries affect fire risk?
Martinez refineries maintain their own fire response, but the proximity of industrial and wildland areas creates unique safety planning considerations.
Compare other topics
See how El Cerrito and Martinez compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool