wildfire alternative means & measures request

What is a wammr?

A Wildfire Alternate Means and Measures Request (WAMMR) allows a resident to propose an alternative way to achieve the same practical effect of defensible space regulations.

Where there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code, such as properties that have unique site conditions or sensitivities that make compliance difficult, such as existing vegetation a homeowner wishes to retain, environmental concerns or physical constraints of the property. A WAMMR gives the Fire Department a way to evaluate whether an alternate approach can provide an equivalent or greater level of wildfire protection.

A WAMMR is not an exemption. Each request is reviewed individually and must demonstrate that structural ignition risk is reduced to a level consistent with the intent of the regulations.

When Might a WAMMR apply?

You may choose to consider submitting a WAMMR if:

  • An existing tree or landscape feature conflicts with standard Zone 0 requirements

  • Property-specific constraints make exact compliance impractical

  • You are proposing an alternate vegetation plan or other measures that still reduce wildfire risk

Your inspector or Berkeley Fire staff can help determine whether a WAMMR is appropriate for your situation and identify any additional measures required.

Approval is not guaranteed.

What an approved WAMMR typically requires

While every WAMMR is reviewed individually, most approved requests include additional maintenance, clearance, or defensible space measures to offset the proposed alternative and ensure ongoing wildfire safety.

These requirements often include:

  • Expanded defensible space beyond minimum distances

  • Clearance of vegetation and ongoing maintenance

  • Removal of combustible material

  • Implementation of voluntary home-hardening retrofits

  • Continued compliance with inspection requirements

Important things to know

  • Each WAMMR must be submitted and approved for a specific property

  • An approved WAMMR cannot be transferred to another site

  • Previously approved WAMMRs may be reviewed as examples to help inform your request

In some cases, additional evaluation or testing may be required based on vegetation type, materials, or site conditions. If testing is required, the homeowner is responsible for associated costs. An inspector can help you determine whether a WAMMR is appropriate and how to proceed.

EXample WAMMR

existing tree in
zone 0

Berkeley WUI Code 604.3.2.1.b

Trees:

Existing trees and shrubs are permitted in Zone Zero if:

i. Maintained free of dead material.

ii. The crown (canopy) is maintained to create:

1. Six feet (6’) above the adjacent building or structure’s roof

2. Ten feet (10’) away from chimneys and stovepipe outlets; and

3. Five feet (5’) of horizontal clearance from the sides of any Building,

Structure, attached deck, porch, landing or stairs, and hot tubs within five (5) feet of a structure.

Proposed Alternative Means of Protection

In order to maintain the subject tree, the applicant agrees to extend Zone Zero five (5) additional feet from the drip line of the tree, which, exclusively for the purpose of determining the extent of Zone Zero, will be measured by treating the tree as an appurtenance to the structure. The following standards are proposed to apply to the subject tree:

i. As the tree is greater than six (6) feet tall, at least ⅓ the height of the tree will be maintained free of foliage or peeling bark to create an air gap capable of preventing ladder fuels from forming.

ii. No ground fuels will be allowed to grow beneath the tree.

iii. All tree litter, leaves, and/or needles will be removed on a regular basis to prevent accumulations capable of acting as a receptive fuel bed.

iv. Tree limbs will be maintained to prevent contact with the structure.

v. At all times, the tree will be maintained free of dead material. 

vi. Any ground fuels or shrubs in Zone 1 will be maintained to create horizontal separation of at least two times their height from the edge of the subject tree canopy.

Additional Factors to be Considered

The windows in proximity to the tree are double-pane, one being double-pane and tempered.

The applicant agrees to screen the louvered crawlspace vent near the vent utilizing ember-resistant mesh provided by the City of Berkeley via the vent mesh program  outlined here:  https://www.berkeleyfiresafe.org/programs/home-hardening-mesh-program

  1. Review the example WAMAR to understand how alternate requests are structured

  2. Discuss your site conditions during your inspection or with Berkeley Fire staff

  3. Submit a formal WAMAR if advised

Next Steps

APPLY