Wildfire Zones: Mountain View vs Palo Alto
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Palo Alto, CA?
Mountain View has fewer restrictions than Palo Alto.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Most of Mountain View sits outside state-mapped Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, but western hillside areas near open space are treated as elevated risk by local fire authorities.
View full Mountain View rules →Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
Western foothill neighborhoods in Palo Alto sit in the CAL FIRE Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Properties there face defensible space, ember-resistant construction, and inspection requirements under California law.
View full Palo Alto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Palo Alto |
|---|---|---|
| City core | Moderate or no zone | - |
| Foothill edge | Moderate to High zone | - |
| WUI construction | CBC Chapter 7A | - |
| Ember vents | Required in zones | - |
| Map | CAL FIRE FHSZ Viewer | - |
| VHFHSZ area | - | Foothills west of I-280 |
| Defensible space | - | 100 feet required |
| New construction | - | Chapter 7A WUI standards |
| Evacuation routes | - | Page Mill, Arastradero |
| Mapping agency | - | CAL FIRE |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
How do I check my wildfire zone?
Use the CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone Viewer and search your Mountain View address to see the current classification.
Do WUI rules affect existing homes?
Chapter 7A generally applies to new construction or substantial remodels in mapped zones, not to unchanged existing homes.
Palo Alto FAQ
How do I check if my home is in VHFHSZ?
Use the CAL FIRE FHSZ Viewer online or call Palo Alto Fire Prevention. Address-level searches show the designation.
Does VHFHSZ affect my insurance?
Yes. Many carriers non-renew or raise premiums in VHFHSZ areas. The California FAIR Plan is the insurer of last resort.
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