Brush Clearance: Mountain View vs San Jose
How do brush clearance rules compare between Mountain View, CA and San Jose, CA?
Mountain View has fewer restrictions than San Jose.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Property owners must maintain defensible space and remove dry vegetation that poses a fire hazard. Mountain View follows Santa Clara County weed and fire abatement standards.
View full Mountain View rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose enforces defensible space requirements under California Public Resources Code §4291 in the East Foothills, Alum Rock, Almaden Valley, and Silver Creek WUI zones. Property owners must maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures, with annual inspections by San Jose Fire Department and Cal Fire in mapped hazard areas.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Defensible space | 100 feet in fire zones | - |
| Lean clean green | First 30 feet | - |
| Inspection season | Spring and early summer | - |
| Authority | PRC 4291 and Fire Code | - |
| Non-compliance | Owner-billed abatement | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Does my flat lot need brush clearance?
Flat urban lots must still be free of tall dry weeds as a nuisance, though the 100-foot rule mainly applies to hillside properties near open space.
Who inspects my property?
The Santa Clara County Fire Marshal and Mountain View Fire Department conduct inspections, usually annually in late spring.
San Jose FAQ
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