Brush Clearance: Oakland vs San Leandro
How do brush clearance rules compare between Oakland, CA and San Leandro, CA?
San Leandro has fewer restrictions than Oakland.
Oakland, CA
Alameda County
Properties in Oakland's Wildfire Prevention Assessment District and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under California Public Resources Code §4291, including a 0–5 foot ember-resistant zone, 5–30 foot lean/clean/green zone, and 30–100 foot reduced-fuel zone. Oakland Fire Department conducts annual inspections of Hills parcels and issues correction notices with abatement deadlines.
View full Oakland rules →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
San Leandro sits in the flat East Bay lowlands with minimal wildfire risk. PRC 4291 defensible space applies only to hillside parcels near Lake Chabot Regional Park.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Oakland | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Fire Zone | - | Mostly non-VHFHSZ |
| PRC 4291 | - | Hillside parcels only |
| Weed Abatement | - | Citywide nuisance rules |
| Enforcement | - | ACFD and Code Enforcement |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Oakland FAQ
Do I need to clear 100 feet if my lot is smaller than that?
You only need to clear to your property line. You are not required (or allowed) to clear vegetation on neighboring parcels. If a neighbor's vegetation threatens your structure, coordinate with them or contact OFD's Vegetation Management Unit.
Can I keep a wood fence attached to my house in the Hills?
Zone 0 rules under AB 3074 are phasing out combustible materials within 5 feet of structures. Wood fences directly attached to homes are discouraged and may be cited. Replacing the section within 5 feet of the house with non-combustible material is recommended.
What if I don't clear by the deadline?
Oakland will perform forced abatement through a contractor and bill the owner, typically at rates higher than private clearance. Administrative fines and a lien against the property can also be imposed.
San Leandro FAQ
Do I need 100-foot defensible space in San Leandro?
Only if your property abuts the East Bay hills. Most flatland parcels are not in a fire hazard severity zone.
Who enforces this in San Leandro?
San Leandro code enforcement at (510) 577-3394 handles most complaints. Alameda County agencies handle regional issues.
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