Why Are Properties Being Inspected?

The Berkeley Fire Department conducts defensible space inspections to identify potential hazards in the Berkeley Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Zones 2 & 3,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. 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.

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 $98 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 usually sends the billing statements within 60 days following 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 bill. We understand these compliance fees and required defensible space updates to your property might be a hardship for some, and the Fire Department has applied for grants to support qualified residents with financial assistance. However, there is no current program to provide financial assistance.

Get Prepared for Your 2025 Inspection

Inspection Process Step by Step

Our goal is to educate you and help you protect your home. The Defensible space inspection should not be scary. Inspectors are all trained firefighters, fire inspectors, or interns trained as full-time staff and are there to help maintain your property.

The initial inspection is scheduled per neighborhood. We cannot offer personally scheduled inspections at this time. The Monthly schedule provided above gives a genera idea of when to expect inspectors to be in your area

What to expect during your inspection.

1. 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.

2. A door hanger will be left with a code you can use to access your inspection report.

3. 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.

4. Inspectors may clear violations virtually based on the photos you upload or may return to your home to perform a re-inspection.

5. A citation may be issued if you have not completed the recommended changes.

Frequently Asked Questions