Oakland, CA Environmental Rules: Defensible Space (2026)
Key Facts
- Zone 1 clearance
- 0-30 feet
- Zone 2 reduction
- 30-100 feet
- Authority
- PRC 4291; Oakland Fire Code
- Funding
- Measure Q assessment district
Summary
Properties in Oakland Hills Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone must maintain 100 feet of defensible space, clearing brush, trimming trees, and removing combustible debris under PRC 4291 and Oakland Fire Code amendments after the 1991 firestorm.
4291. (a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in the state responsibility area shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The intensity of fuels management may vary within the 100-foot perimeter of the structure, with more intense fuel reductions being utilized between 5 and 30 feet around the structure, and an ember-resistant zone being required within 5 feet of the structure.
Full Breakdown
After the 1991 Oakland Hills firestorm killed 25 people and destroyed 3,000 homes, Oakland enforced strict vegetation management in the Wildland-Urban Interface zone. Owners must clear flammable vegetation 0-30 feet around structures (Zone 1) and reduce fuels 30-100 feet out (Zone 2). Trees within 10 feet of chimneys must be limbed. The Oakland Vegetation Management Plan and annual inspections enforce compliance. The Wildfire Prevention Assessment District (Measure Q, 2004, renewed) funds inspections and goat grazing on city land.
Violations & Fines
Non-compliance triggers warning, abatement order, then forced city clearance billed to owner plus fines up to 1,000 dollars per parcel; repeat violators may face liens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to my flatlands home?
Can I keep my eucalyptus trees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oakland
California rules heatmap·Compare Oakland to another location·View the California environmental rules overview
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Defensible Space in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle defensible space.