Brush Clearance: Oakland vs Sunol
How do brush clearance rules compare between Oakland, CA and Sunol, CA?
Oakland and Sunol have similar restriction levels.
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 →Sunol, CA
Alameda County
Public Resources Code 4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space around all structures in VHFHSZ and SRA areas of Alameda County, enforced by CAL FIRE and the Alameda County Fire Department.
View full Sunol rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Oakland | Sunol |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Legal basis | - | PRC 4291 |
| Defensible space | - | 100 feet |
| Zone 0 | - | 0-5 feet ember-resistant |
| Zone 1 | - | 5-30 feet lean clean green |
| Grass height | - | 4 inches max in Zone 2 |
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.
Sunol FAQ
When do inspections occur?
The Alameda County Fire Department and CAL FIRE typically inspect from May through October, with peak focus in June and July before peak fire season.
What happens if I fail inspection?
You receive a notice to correct with a deadline; failure to correct results in fines and county abatement where contractors perform the work and bill the property owner.
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