Wildfire Zones: Mountain View vs San Jose
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Mountain View, CA and San Jose, CA?
Mountain View has fewer restrictions than San Jose.
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 →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
Cal Fire maps significant portions of eastern and southern San Jose as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, including Alum Rock, East Foothills, Evergreen, Silver Creek, and Almaden Valley rims. Homes in these zones face stricter building codes, defensible space inspections, insurance scrutiny, and AB 38 disclosure requirements on sale.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| - | - |
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.
San Jose FAQ
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See how Mountain View and San Jose compare on other ordinance categories.
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