Why Do We Inspect?
We inspect to help you understand the steps you can take to make your property resistant to wildfire.
Access Your Defensible Space Inspection Report
If your property has been inspected, you’ll receive a door hanger with a code to access your report, here.
If you lost your door hanger, contact the WUI Division at (510) 981-5620 or wildfire@berkeleyca.gov
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 $98 per quarter hour (15 minutes).
There is NO fee for the initial inspection.
There is NO fee for a re-inspection if violations have been abated.
There is a fee if violations persist upon re-inspection.
Payment Method, US Mail Only:
City of Berkeley
Finance – Treasury Division
PO Box 1910
Berkeley, CA 94701
The City’s Finance Department sends the billing statements, usually within 60 days following the 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 bill.
Get Prepared for Your 2024 Inspection
This is our target schedule; it is subject to change based on department operations:
March: Panoramic Hill
April: East of Grizzly Peak Blvd., Proximal to Wildcat Canyon & Tilden Park
May: Cerrito Canyon
June: Proximal to LBNL open space
July: Derby Creek drainage at base of Panoramic Hill, South Campus
August: Tunnel Rd. proximal to Claremont
September: North of Marin Ave
October: South of Marin Ave
November: North of Campus
To assist you in preparing your property, we created a self-inspection checklist.
Learn about the inspection process.
The Berkeley Fire Department Intern Inspector Team
The inspection is not scary.
Our goal is to educate you and help you protect your home.
Inspectors are all trained firefighters, fire inspectors, or interns trained as full-time staff.
Inspection Process Step by Step
Inspectors will ring your doorbell and ask for your permission to inspect the property.
If you are not home, the inspector will not enter your property. They will conduct the inspection based on what is visible from the street or sidewalk.
A door hanger will be left with a code you can use to access your inspection report.
Based on the report, you may need to address one or more infractions.
Take pictures when infractions have been corrected and upload photos to the inspection website.
Inspectors may clear violations virtually based on the photos you upload or may return to your home to perform a re-inspection.
A citation may be issued if you have not completed the recommended changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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Defensible space inspections only take place in Berkeley Fire Zones 2 & 3, which have been designated as areas of Very High Fire Hazard Severity by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
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.
Find a map of fire zones here.
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Section 4290 and 4291 of the CA Public Resources Code
California Fire Code 4907.1, 4907.2, 4907.3
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Unfortunately, we cannot offer scheduled inspections at this time. Please refer to the schedule provided above.
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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
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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.
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In addition to the Berkeley Municipal Code, Section 4907.4 of the California Fire Code outlines the process the City may take to abate hazards if a property owner fails to comply. We prefer to work with our property owners to help you understand why compliance is critical to our communities effort to become Fire Safe.
Please contact us for assistance if you are unable or unwilling to comply at (510) 981-5620 or wildfire@berkeleya.gov.
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The Department has applied for grants to support qualified residents with financial assistance. There is not currently a program in place to provide assistance.
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Your report is visible to only you and the Berkeley Fire Department. We do not share the report.