Defensible Space: San Jose vs Sunnyvale
How do defensible space rules compare between San Jose, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
San Jose and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.
San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose properties in mapped Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, including Almaden Valley and Coyote Valley, must maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures under California Public Resources Code §4291, with annual San Jose Fire Department inspections.
View full San Jose rules →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Properties in CalFire State Responsibility Area and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under California PRC §4291. Santa Clara County FireSafe Council and CalFire enforce in foothill unincorporated communities like Saratoga Hills, Los Altos Hills, and Mount Hamilton.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Jose | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Clearance distance | 100 feet around structures | 100 feet around structures |
| Zone 0 ember zone | 0 to 5 feet | - |
| Inspection authority | SJFD Wildland Section | - |
| State code | CA PRC §4291 | - |
| High-risk areas | Almaden and Coyote Valley | - |
| Code authority | - | CA PRC §4291 |
| Inspector | - | CalFire CZU and SCCFD |
| Inspection cycle | - | Annual, before peak fire season |
| First-offense fine | - | Up to $500 per violation |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Jose FAQ
How do I check if my property is in a fire hazard zone?
Use the Cal Fire Fire Hazard Severity Zone viewer or the San Jose Fire Department parcel lookup. Hillside neighborhoods in Almaden, Evergreen, and Alum Rock are commonly mapped Very High.
Can I keep mature trees within 30 feet of my home?
Yes if they are well-watered, limbed up at least six feet, and free of dead branches. Crowns must be spaced ten feet apart and trimmed away from the roof and chimney.
Who enforces clearance on vacant lots?
San Jose Fire Department's weed-abatement program issues notices to record owners. Unmaintained vacant parcels are force-cleared by city contractors with costs liened to the property tax bill.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Is my Santa Clara County property in a Fire Hazard Severity Zone?
Check the CalFire FHSZ Viewer by address. Most foothill unincorporated areas — Saratoga Hills, Los Altos Hills, Mount Hamilton, New Almaden — fall in Very High zones. Valley flatland parcels typically do not.
Who inspects my parcel — CalFire or county fire?
CalFire CZU inspects State Responsibility Area parcels in unincorporated foothills. Santa Clara County Fire Department covers Local Responsibility Area parcels under its service-area contract with western cities. Both follow PRC §4291 standards.
Can I appeal a clearance notice?
Yes. File written appeal within 15 days to the inspecting agency. Inspectors reinspect, may approve native landscape plans meeting intent, or grant short hardship extensions before force-clearance proceeds.
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