Brush Clearance: Mountain View vs Santa Clara
How do brush clearance rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Santa Clara, CA?
Mountain View and Santa Clara have similar restriction levels.
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 →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara is mostly on the valley floor and not mapped as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, but nearby foothills trigger PRC 4291 defensible space for properties bordering wildland.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| VHFHSZ status | - | City mostly not in VHFHSZ |
| PRC 4291 zone 0 | - | 0 to 5 ft ember-resistant if applicable |
| Weed abatement | - | Grass kept under 6 inches |
| Inspections | - | Santa Clara County Fire spring |
| Wildland parcels | - | Full 100 ft defensible space |
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.
Santa Clara FAQ
Is Santa Clara in a fire hazard zone?
Most of the city is classified as Local Responsibility Area outside any Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, but individual parcels near foothills or open space may still require defensible space.
What if I ignore a weed abatement notice?
The city or county can abate the hazard and place a lien on the property for the cost plus administrative fees.
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