Defensible Space
Defensible space is the buffer between a structure and its surrounding area. Maintained defensible space acts as a barrier to keep wildfire from reaching your home. There are three defensible space zones: Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2. Each zone plays a vital role in keeping your home and community protected against the spread of wildfire. All parcels in Oakland's Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Area, also known as the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, must maintain defensible space.
Learn about what you can do to maintain each of these zones below.
Zone 0 (5 feet), Zone 1 (30 feet), and Zone 2 (100ft) (CAL FIRE)
Zone 0 - Ember Resistant Zone
What? Zone 0 is the five-foot area directly around your home, including attached decks and stairs. It includes the ground, fences, gates, plants, and furniture.
Why? Zone 0 is the most crucial in preventing embers from igniting materials that can spread the fire to your home.
How? Zone 0 guidance is not final. Zone 1 requirements currently apply in this area. Visit Oakland's Zone 0 page for updates.
What do I need to do to pass my yearly inspection? Visit our page on Compliance Standards for Vegetation Inspections for a checklist of City codes that will be enforced during your yearly inspection.
Zone 1 - Lean, Clean, and Green Zone
What? Zone 1 is the area 5 to 30 feet from buildings, structures, and decks, or to your property line, whichever is closer.
Why? Removing combustible materials near your home creates a buffer between potential wildfire and your home.
How?
- Clear dead plants, weeds, grasses, leaves, and pine needles from your yard, roof, and gutters.
- Prune tree limbs to at least six feet from the ground and ten feet from any structure or chimney.
- Maintain adequate spacing between plants.
What do I need to do to pass my yearly inspection? Visit our page on Compliance Standards for Vegetation Inspections for a checklist of City codes that will be enforced during your yearly inspection.
Zone 2 - Reduce Fuel Zone
What? Zone 2 extends 30 to 100 feet from buildings, structures, and decks, or to your property line, whichever is closer. In Oakland, if your property has a slope that poses increased wildfire risk, you may be asked to follow stricter defensible space measures in Zone 2.
Why? Removing combustible materials in Zone 2 slows the spread of fire and creates additional buffer between potential wildfire and your home.
How?
- Trim grass to a maximum height of four inches.
- Clear dead plants, weeds, grasses, leaves, and pine needles.
- Maintain horizontal and vertical spacing between trees and shrubs.
What do I need to do to pass my yearly inspection? Visit our page on Compliance Standards for Vegetation Inspections for a checklist of City codes that will be enforced during your yearly inspection.
Additional Defensible Space Resources