Wildfire Zones: Mountain View vs Santa Clara
How do wildfire zones 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
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 →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara is largely not mapped in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, but adjacent foothill communities are. Check the CAL FIRE map before building or landscaping near open space.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| City core zone | - | Not mapped VHFHSZ |
| Nearby foothills | - | Moderate to Very High |
| Chapter 7A | - | Ignition-resistant materials in VHFHSZ |
| Defensible space | - | 100 ft PRC 4291 where applicable |
| Map authority | - | CAL FIRE Office of State Fire Marshal |
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.
Santa Clara FAQ
Do I need fire-resistant siding in Santa Clara?
Only if your parcel is in or near a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Most valley-floor Santa Clara homes are exempt from Chapter 7A.
How do I check my fire zone?
Use the CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone viewer and enter your address to see the official designation.
Compare other topics
See how Mountain View and Santa Clara compare on other ordinance categories.
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