CAL FIRE maps Santa Clara County foothills (Santa Cruz Mountains and Diablo Range) as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. VHFHSZ designation triggers WUI building standards and defensible space rules.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) maps Fire Hazard Severity Zones for State Responsibility Areas and recommends zones for Local Responsibility Areas. In Santa Clara County, extensive unincorporated foothill and mountain areas on both sides of the valley are designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ), including communities such as Saratoga foothills, Los Gatos foothills, Loma Prieta, Mount Madonna, Mount Hamilton, and canyon areas along Calaveras Road and Uvas Road. VHFHSZ designation triggers several requirements: Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (WUI construction standards for new construction and major remodels), Public Resources Code 4291 defensible space, Government Code 51182 vegetation management, and real estate disclosure at time of sale. New homes in VHFHSZ must use ignition-resistant exterior materials, ember-resistant vents, Class A roofs, and tempered-glass or dual-pane windows. Property owners should verify their hazard zone status on the CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone Viewer.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Santa Clara County, CA
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Santa Clara County, CA
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Santa Clara County, CA
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Santa Clara County, CA
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Santa Clara County, CA
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See how Santa Clara County's wildfire zones rules stack up against other locations.
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