Woodside Fire Protection District Fuel Mitigation Ordinance

Woodside Fire Protection District (WFPD) adopted a new Fuel Mitigation Ordinance on April 30, 2024 that will require property owners in Woodside, Portola Valley and surrounding communities to create defensible space around their homes to help guard against the spread of wildfires.

Ordinance 24-01 takes effect May 30, 2024, and the WFPD will review Standards and Guidelines for Defensible Space and Home Hardening for adoption at their May 28th board meeting.

Details and Information:

• WFPD passed New Fuel Mitigation Ordinance No. 24-01 on April 30, 2024

  • Ordinance No. 24-01 goes into effect May 30, 2024
  • FAQ New Fuel Mitigation Ordinance No. 24-01
  • Letter sent to residents regarding the Ordinance

• Ordinance includes Home Assessments by Zones on a three-year rotation

  • Property owners will have at least two years to comply
  • Assessments for 2024 will begin on June 1st and include Zones 1, 2, 3 and 4
  • Click here for a map of the zones

• Start Early and Schedule Assessment:

  • If your zone is not being inspected this year, you can get a jump start and schedule your assessment in advance and have more time to comply (or to ensure you are there when it’s inspected).
  • To schedule your Home Assessment, you can email Woodside Fire or call 650-851-1594.

Resources:

Town’s Defensible Space and Home Hardening Matching Fund

The Town of Woodside is committed to reducing the threat of wildfire in our community. In support of this effort, the Town Council has established the Defensible Space and Home Hardening Matching Fund Program. For approved projects, the Town will reimburse you 50% of the cost of creating defensible space and/or home hardening, up to a maximum of $3,000.

Woodside Fire Protection District (WFPD) Chipper Program

WFPD offers a neighborhood Chipper Program in conjunction with the Town of Woodside and the Town of Portola Valley. The Chipper Program is a fuel reduction program to help decrease our community threat from wildfire. The program's goal is to assist residents in maintaining defensible space around their homes. The WFPD Chipper Program runs from May through November. Please check the Woodside Fire Protection District's website for your scheduled chipping date. 

A few reminders from WFPD:

• Try to complete your defensible space mitigation work prior to your chipper date so you take advantage of the free chipping program.
• Piles should not be placed out more than 2 weeks in advance (as this creates a fire hazard).
• Chips will be chipped back on-site, and it is the homeowner's responsibility to pull back chips and spread or remove them (take advantage of your yard waste bins).