Resident Assistance Program
Grizzly Peak Mitigation Area • Panoramic Hills Mitigation Area • Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone
The Resident Assistance Program (RAP) is a grant-funded initiative that provides financial and/or logistical support to qualified residents facing challenges with vegetation removal and/or addressing defensible space violations in the Grizzly Peak Mitigation Area, Panoramic Hills Mitigation Area, or in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
RAP can help coordinate work, provide funding, and connect residents with contractors to resolve defensible space violations on their property.
The RAP provides:
Prescribed defensible space treatments located between 0 and 100 feet of structures, with priority given to hazards within 5 feet.
Removal of dead vegetation, including plants, grass, and debris.
Pruning and thinning of tree branches.
Hazardous tree removal.
Contractor coordination, scheduling, or guidance to help residents move toward compliance
The RAP does not provide:
Large and small diameter tree removal.
Treatments beyond 100 feet of structures.
Hardscaping, like replacing combustible bark
or mulch with pavers, gravel, or concrete.
Replacing combustible fencing, gates, and arbors.
Eligibility & Assistance Types
The Resident Assistance Program (RAP) helps eligible residents in the Grizzly Peak and Panoramic Hills Mitigation areas. Eligibility requirements vary depending on the type of assistance requested.
General Eligibility- Applicants must live in the Grizzly Peak Mitigation Area, Panoramic Hills Mitigation Area, or in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
Financial Assistance Eligibility - To qualify for financial assistance, applicants must meet one of the following criteria and provide supporting documentation:
Age 65 or older (proof of age required)
Physical disability (explanation required)
Financial limitations, based on household income (proof of income required)
Income eligibility is based on the current California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) State Income Limits.
Coordination Assistance Eligibility - Residents who do not qualify for financial assistance may still qualify for coordination assistance if they meet one of the following criteria:
Language barriers
Unsure where to start
Do not have a contractor
Income Eligibility Guidelines
| Household size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income (at or below) | $87,550 | $100,050 | $112,550 | $125,050 | $135,100 | $145,100 | $155,100 | $165,100 |
Income limits are based on the current California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) State Income Limits and are used to determine eligibility for financial assistance.
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What is the process?
Submit Application and proof of eligibility as needed.
Application will be reviewed for eligibility by Berkeley Fire staff.
Complete the Right of Entry and Participation Agreement.
Receive a full-access inspection by the Berkeley Fire Department (BFD) staff.
Contractors will schedule directly with residents.
Upon completion, properties will be reinspected to document completed work. Inspectors will take before-and-after photos to verify work completion, as required by the grant.
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How do I qualify for financial assistance?
Residents with physical or financial hardships, or those aged 65 or older, may qualify for assistance. Please review the factsheet for more information.
How do I qualify for coordination assistance?If you do not qualify for financial assistance but need help getting started, we can help. Please fill out the application.
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