Defensible Space Inspection Program
Panoramic Hills Mitigation Area • Grizzly Peak Mitigation Area
The Berkeley Fire Department conducts annual defensible space inspections (March - November) in the Grizzly Peak and Panoramic Mitigation Areas, both designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
This area is characterized by hot and dry seasons, high winds, dense and flammable vegetation, steep and varied terrain, hill slope development, and limited accessibility for emergency responders.
The goal of this work is to reduce the amount of fire fuel (combustible, flammable vegetation) that could contribute to the spread, growth, and intensity of wildfires.
Watch An Inspection
Inspection Process Step by Step
Our goal is to educate you and help you protect your home.Defensible space inspections are not designed to be scary. Inspectors are all trained and are there to help you reduce the chances your property will ignite during a wildfire.
Inspectors will visit your home at the appointed time and will knock on your door.
Inspectors will walk with you to determine actions that must be taken, and also identify recommendations that will make your home more resilient.
Inspectors will also help you understand the new fire code, and develop a plan with you to accomplish the work, including explaining resources that may be available to you.
During the visit, inspectors will also review upcoming wildfire safety legislation taking effect in 2026 and provide guidance on how to align your property with the code.
Properties without a scheduled inspection will be visited by inspectors to conduct the inspection during the inspection season.
Access Your Defensible Space Inspection Report
The report is only visible to the property owner and the Berkeley fire Department. We do not share the report with any other parties
If your property has been inspected, you’ll receive a door hanger with a code to access your report.
If you can’t find your door hanger, contact the WUI Division at (510) 981-5620 or wildfire@berkeleyca.gov to get your code.
Pay Your Inspection Bill
Property owners will receive a bill only if they have defensible space fire code violations that persist upon re-inspection. Re-inspection fees can vary but are charged at $115 per quarter hour (15 minutes).
Initial inspection does not incur a fee.
If violations have been resolved there is no fee for a re-inspection.
After re-inspection, if violations persist a fee will be assessed.
Payment Method, US Mail Only:
City of Berkeley
Finance – Treasury Division
PO Box 1910
Berkeley, CA 94701
The City’s Finance Department normally sends the invoices within 60 days of your re-inspection. Fees are due within 60 days of the billing date. If payment is not received on time, a 20% late fee is added to the total due.
We understand creating defensible space on your property might be a hardship for some, and the Fire Department has applied for grants to support qualified residents with financial assistance. Learn more about available programs here.
-
Why are homes being inspected?
The Berkeley Fire Department conducts defensible space inspections to identify potential hazards in the Berkeley Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Zones 2 & 3. The goal is to reduce the amount of fuel (combustible, flammable vegetation) that could contribute to the spread, growth, and intensity of wildfires.
Do all homes in Berkeley get inspected?
Defensible space inspections are conducted only in Berkeley’s Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as designated by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). Properties within this zone are required by law to maintain defensible space to reduce wildfire risk.
These zones are characterized by hot and dry seasons, high winds, dense and flammable vegetation, steep and varied terrain, hill slope development, and limited accessibility for emergency responders.
Additionally, homes within the Grizzly Peak Mitigation Zone and Panoramic Hills Mitigation Zone are required to meet additional best practices for preventing loss due to wildfire.Which State and local laws require compliance?
Section 4290 and 4291 of the CA Public Resources Code
California Fire Code 4907.1, 4907.2, 4907.3
Can I schedule my inspection?
Schedule your defensible space inspection using our online scheduler.
What if I miss my inspection?
Inspectors will never enter your property without permission. If an adult is not present, inspectors will either return at a later date or review areas that can be seen from the front of your property.
Inspectors will leave a door hanger whether or not violations are present. Information will include:
Contact number
Property in compliance or property in violation
Online Inspection Report Code with Web URL
What happens if I don't pass inspection?
If violations are found on the property, a re-inspection of the property will be conducted 60 days after the initial inspection. If necessary, a third inspection may be scheduled 14 days after that. If violations persist after a third inspection, property owners will be issued a citation and/or abatement warrant.
What happens if I am unable, or unwilling to comply?
We prefer to work with property owners to help you understand why compliance is critical to our communities’ effort to become FireSafe.
The following codes explain the process the City may take to abate hazards if a property owner fails to comply.
California Fire Code 4907.1, 4907.2, 4907.3
If you still have questions or concerns, please contact us for further assistance at (510) 981-5620 or wildfire@berkeleyca.gov.
Is financial assistance available?
The Resident Assistance Program (RAP) offers financial or logistical support to qualified residents who face challenges addressing defensible space violations. The program is available now to residents of Grizzly Peak or Panoramic Mitigation Areas who meet the eligibility requirements. The program can coordinate, fund, and help connect residents to contractors to resolve defensible space violations on their property.
Eligibility requirements vary depending on the type of assistance requested. Learn more and apply for assistance.
-
