12 Attachment 1 - Letter to Property OwnersDear Property Owner
Collaborative efforts are key to building fire resilient communities. You play a vital role in keeping not only
your property safe, but your neighborhood safe. This year, the Santa Clara County Fire Department will
be hosting wildfire preparedness workshops with special presentations by The California Department of
Insurance and PG&E. Please see the enclosed flyer for more information.
Creating and maintaining defensible space around your property increases the chances of your home
and other structures surviving a wildfire. Defensible space is the buffer created around a structure when
combustible vegetation is removed or reduced. This buffer space is needed to slow or stop the spread of
wildfire and can also protect your home from catching fire - either from direct flame or radiant heat.
Your property is in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone of the Wildland Urban Interface Area (WUI) and
requires 100 feet of defensible space from all structures. Your area’s specific enforced safety regulations include:
Enforced Safety Regulations (Items A - F)
A.Create 100 feet of defensible space around the home, clear all flammable vegetation a minimum of 30feet around structures, and create a reduced fuel zone for the remaining 70 feet.
B.Remove pine needles, leaves, and other dead vegetation from roofs, eaves and rain gutters.
C.Trim tree limbs 10 feet from chimneys and stove pipes; remove dead limbs that hang over rooftops.
D.Remove all non-fire-resistive vegetation a minimum of 10 feet on each side of a fire apparatusaccess road or driveway.
E.Cover chimney outlets or flues with a 1/2” mesh spark arrester.
F. Post a clearly visible house address, using at least 4” high numbers, for easy identification. For
homes located more than 50 feet from the street, post address numbers at the driveway entrance.
Additional Safety Recommendations
•Create and maintain a 0 to 5 feet noncombustible zone around all structures.*(see below)
•Clear 10 feet around and 15 feet above fuels (e.g. woodpiles, lumber, scrap, etc.) Move allwoodpiles as far away as possible from structures.
•Clear vegetation and other combustible material from underneath decks. Enclose elevated deckswith fire-resistive materials.
•Trees 18 feet or taller should be limbed up 6 feet from the ground. Provide additional verticalclearance when trees have vegetation beneath it.
*The Town of Los Gatos recently enacted new municipal codes which will enhance the safety of WUI residents. For all new construction, the Town now mandates a noncombustible area of 5 feet from structures. The Town also enacted State legislation which recognizes the importance of neighbors maintaining defensible space across property lines in certain instances. For more info. about wildfire safety in Los Gatos visit www.losgatosca.gov/2581/Be-Wildfire-Ready.
SANTA CLARA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT
ATTN: FIRE PREVENTION DIVISION
14700 WINCHESTER BOULEVARD
LOS GATOS, CA 95032-1818
PLACE
STAMP
HERE
<<APN>> <<TRA>>
<<Full Name>>
<<Address Line 1>>
<<City>>, <<State>> <<ZIP Code>>
February 28, 2020
<<Full Name>>
<<Address Line 1>>
<<City>>, <<State>> <<ZIP Code>>
RE: <<APN>>
<<Property Address>>
ATTACHMENT 1
Owner Responsibilities:
1.You have the option to complete the required work yourself, hire your own contractor, or you may
elect to schedule the authorized contractor to perform the work. If you choose to have the authorized
contractor perform the work, the charges will appear on your next property tax bill.
2.Please complete the attached information card to report the current status of your property and return
before April 1, 2020.
Inspection Schedule:
On April 1, 2020, Santa Clara County Fire Department will begin conducting property inspections. Property
owners not in compliance will be notified of what work needs to be completed to comply with the Enforced
Safety Regulations. Please contact us if you are unable to complete the required work due to late season
rains or other special circumstance.
On June 1, 2020, we will begin conducting re-inspections of the properties that were out of compliance
at the time of the first property inspection. Properties must comply with the Enforced Safety Regulations
(Items A, B, C and D) otherwise the compliance work will be completed by the Town of Los Gatos’
authorized contractor and the charges for this service will appear on your next property tax bill.
If you would like to schedule a courtesy property inspection, have questions regarding the safety compliance
of your property or for more information about the upcoming wildfire preparedness workshops, please
contact the Fire Prevention Division at 408.378.4010.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping to establish a fire resilient community.
Sincerely,
Julie Linney, Deputy Chief
Fire Prevention Division
Resources and Information
California Department of Insurance: www.insurance.ca.gov • 800.927.4357
Provides information about all types of insurance, including insurance coverage and limits for high fire risk areas
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E): www.PGE.com • 800.743.5000
Services include courtesy gas appliance inspections, energy conservation, tree management and electrical safety near power lines
Santa Clara County Fire Department: www.SCCFD.org • 408.378.4010
Offers community education and risk reduction programs, including fire safety, injury prevention, disaster and wildfire preparedness
Santa Clara County Fire Safe Council: www.SCCFireSafe.org • 408.975.9591
Protects and educates communities at risk from wildfire through fuel reduction programs, outreach and community planning efforts
Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Management: www.SCCgov.org/sites/oes • 408.808.7800
Coordinates county-wide all hazards preparedness, including AlertSCC Emergency Alert System and ReadySCC Mobile App
Please Complete and Return
I have received the annual Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Enforced Safety Regulations letter related to flammable
vegetation abatement. The current status of my property is as follows:
τ I have inspected my property for flammable vegetation clearance and believe it complies with the Enforced Safety
Regulations. I understand that an inspection of my property may be conducted to verify compliance.
τ I will remove flammable vegetation around all structures on my property in accordance with the Enforced Safety
Regulations no later than June 1, 2020. I understand that if the required work is not completed, the authorized contractor
may complete the work and the charges will appear on my next property tax bill.
τ I authorize the designated contractor to enter my property and clear all flammable vegetation to comply with the Enforced
Safety Regulations. I understand the charges to complete this work will appear on my next property tax bill.
τ I would like to schedule a courtesy inpsection of my property with the Santa Clara County Fire Department for
recommendations of the work needed to comply with the Enforced Safety Regulations.
τ I am no longer the owner of this property.
Name (print clearly): _____________________________________________________________ Date: _________________
Phone: (______)____________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________
τ There are no structures on this property.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS BY:
Learn How to Reduce Wildfire Risk and Better Prepare Your Home,
Your Family and Your Neighborhood
SANTA CLARA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT
Red Flag Warnings and Responding to Extreme Fire Conditions
Creating Defensible Space and Fire Safe Landscaping
Making Your Home More Fire Resistant
Creating a Wildfire Action Plan
Evacuation Planning
Programs and Services to Build Fire Resilient Communities
Proudly serving Campbell, Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Saratoga and the surrounding unincorporated communities.
SANTA CLARA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT | (408) 378-4010 | WWW.SCCFD.ORG
WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS WORKSHOPS 2020
REGISTER ON EVENTBRITE.COM OR CALL (408) 378-4010
For more information, visit www.sccfd.org
DATE LOCATION TIME
APRIL 1WEDNESDAY
Los Altos Hills Town Hall26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills 6:30 - 8:00 pm
APRIL 8
WEDNESDAY
Pavillion @ Redwood Estates
21450 Madrone Drive, Los Gatos 6:30 - 8:00 pm
APRIL 9 THURSDAY Joan Pisani Community Center19655 Allendale Avenue, Saratoga 6:30 - 8:00 pm
APRIL 21
TUESDAY Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center
14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos 6:30 - 8:00 pm
APRIL 29 WEDNESDAY Cupertino Community Hall10350 Torre Avenue, Cupertino 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Understanding Homeowners Community Wildfire Safety and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)Insurance in High Fire Risk Areas
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE PACIFIC, GAS & ELECTRIC (PG&E)
Homeowners Insurance Basics
Shopping for Insurance
Insurance Coverage and Limits
What to Do After a Loss
Insurability in High Risk Areas
What Rural Landowners Should Know
For more information, visit www.insurance.ca.gov
Monitoring for the Threat of Wildfire
Vegetation Management and Safety Inspections
Infrastructure and System Upgrades
PSPSs from Early Warning to Restoration
How to Register for PSPS Alerts and Notifications
How to Access PG&E Community Resource Centers
For more information, visit www.pge.com
To participate in the Community Chipping Program, visit www.SCCFireSafe.org and select the PREPARE menu tab.
Please complete and submit the online application when piles are stacked and ready to be chipped.
Due Date Community Project Type
April 13 Hutchinson Rd/ Summit Rd — West of Hwy 17 At Home
April 13 Summit Rd/ Melody Ln / Mountain Charlie Rd At Home
April 19 Montevina Rd/ Brush Rd/ Hillside Dr At Home
April 19 Redwood Lodge Rd/ Summit Woods Dr At Home
April 25 Redwood Estates — Day 1 Drive-up
April 26 Beardsley Rd/ Black Rd/ Thompson Rd/ Gist Rd At Home
April 26 Highland Rd/ Longridge Rd/ Stetson Rd At Home
May 10 Chemeketa Park At Home & Community Pile
May 11 Aldercroft Heights/ Lupin Lodge/ Soda Springs Rd At Home
May 11 Los Gatos – Below the Dam At Home
May 17 Bear Creek Rd/ Bear Creek Stables At Home
May 17 Summit Rd — Near Loma Prieta/ Villa Del Monte At Home
May 24 Saratoga/ Cupertino/ Los Gatos Foothill Areas At Home
June 6 Redwood Estates — Day 2 Drive-up
June 7 Gillette Dr/ Call of the Wild/ OSCH — Between Holy City & Summit Rd At Home
June 7 Oakmont Dr/ Wright Dr / OSCH — Between Holy City & Hwy 17 At Home & Community Pile
Project Types
Drive-up: Bring cut fuel to a designated location and chipping is done on the spot.
At Home: Chipping is done house to house. Chipping application must be submitted & piles must be ready by the due date.
Chipping will occur within 3 weeks of the due date; do not place additional material in piles after the due date.
West Valley Cities and
Lexington Basin/Summit Communities
2020 Chipping Program Schedule
The Defensible Space Chipping Program
is a FREE service provided by the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council
All hazardous fuel reduction programs are supported by local donations, which are greatly appreciated!
Donations are accepted @ www.SCCFireSafe.org or by mail:
Santa Clara County FireSafe Council 14380 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga CA 95070
CHIPPING PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST
DO
¨Maintain Defensible Space
Zone 1: 5 ft. non-combustion zone from house
•Clear 10 ft. around chimneys
•Remove limbs overhanging on roofs
Zone 2: 30 ft. clean & green zone
•Reduce fuel 30 ft. from roads
•Clear 14 ft. above & 12 ft. wide on driveway
Zone 3: 100 ft. reduced fuel zone
¨Piles must be located on the uphill side of the
road or driveway
¨Piles must be hand stacked & limbs must be under 8 inches thick
¨Pile location must be safely accessible for a large truck & chipper trailer
(narrow and/or steep driveways may not be serviceable)
¨Piles must be within 5 ft. of the chipper location & less than 4 ft. in height
¨Cut ends must face the same direction and point out toward the chipper location
¨Chips will be blown back onto the property or hauled away at the contractor’s discretion
¨Make sure street address is clearly visible from the road (min. 4” high numbers)
¨Notify SCCFSC if you have dogs, loose dogs may prevent chipping
DO NOT
¨No timber harvest debris, vineyard or orchard waste
¨No poison oak, ivy, or blackberry vines. No broom or acacia with seed pods or other invasive plant materials
¨No piles of leaves, pine needles or yard clippings. Only woody brush/branches
¨No non-compostable materials (painted or preserved lumber, trash, metal, wire, etc.)
¨No palm fronds, roots, stumps, rocks or mud
Note: 100 ft. reduced fuel zone required by law in State Responsibility Areas, and Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zones in Local Responsibility Areas. For details about 30 ft. zones, go to www.SCCFireSafe.org
PG&E Services
When clearing trees, check for power lines on or near
your property. PG&E’s qualified tree contractors may
be able to prune or remove trees near high voltage
lines for free.
To request this PG&E service, call: 800.743.5000
Note: Cal/OSHA requires certified line clearance tree
workers to perform any tree work within 10 ft. of
high voltage power lines.
For more information about Santa Clara County FireSafe Council’s Defensible Space Chipping Program,
service availability, or for further assistance, please visit: www.SCCFireSafe.org or call 408.975.9591