Defensible Space Cost Share

Defensible Space Matters

Adequate defensible space acts as a critical barrier, slowing or stopping wildfires from reaching your home and spreading to your neighbors. It’s your property’s first and best defense against the devastating power of wildfire.

These images from CAL FIRE LNU show the power of defensible space, where cleared/mowed vegetation created a vital buffer and stopped fire in its tracks. By removing flammable fuels around your home, you give first responders a safer environment to defend your property and dramatically increase the chances of your home surviving a wildfire. Residents have the power to take action and protect their home from wildfire.

Cost-Share Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is eligible for the Defensible Space grant?

Currently, this is open to all Napa County residents with homes in the High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. However, under terms of the Grant, priority is given to those residents who live in the greater Berryessa area (Estates, Highlands, Pines/West, and Capell Valley) and/or are income qualified. Once those areas have been serviced and NCFF still has additional grant funds remaining, the cost share will open to receive applications countywide.

What work is eligible for this Defensible Space grant?

This grant is to help residents mitigate wildfire risk around their homes. Eligible items include defensible space within the 100 feet of structures, or 150 feet if the structures are on a slope, and egress/ingress to the home. Work beyond 100-150 feet is not eligible. In addition, depending upon the time of year, some prescriptions like grass trimming may also be ineligible.

I went through the cost share program last year, can I participate again?

To ensure we reach all corners of Napa County, only first-time participants can join the cost share program until further notice. Consideration will also be given to those who may have previously participated that were verified as income qualified.

How do I determine if I’m income qualified?

If your Adjusted Gross Income is below $80,000 for a single resident or below $160,000 for a family of 2 or more, you are income-qualified for this program. You must provide a copy of your most recent income tax returns, which will be needed as verification of income.

Where can I sign up for a free home evaluation?

We currently offer no-cost home evaluations only as a part of this program to residents who are likely to complete defensible space work on their property under this program. However, if you are interested, the Napa County Fire Marshal’s Office has a Defensible Space Compliance Certificate Program that they offer. You can access their website here and then click the link provided to request a Defensible Space Inspection.

My property is located in both Napa and Sonoma counties; do I still qualify for the program?

You will need to provide property tax records to confirm your property is within Napa County. In addition, the structures must also be within Napa County to apply for this grant as the funds are only for defensible space around your home.

I am renting equipment for my contractor to do the work, is this reimbursable?

Equipment rentals will only be reimbursed if the contractor has listed the expense as a line item on their invoice.

I received my evaluation and detailed report, am I automatically in the program?

No. You will need to identify items to address from your report and request pre-approval in the online application to be approved for participation in the cost share. Do not complete work on items in your report prior to receiving pre-approval or the work may not be eligible for reimbursement.

My report shows an item that I can do myself, can I still be reimbursed?

The program will only reimburse applicants for out-of-pocket amounts paid to a contractor and supported by an itemized invoice.

If I clear trees beyond 100 feet around my home can I be reimbursed for that?

The program is designed to reimburse applicants for their defensible space efforts within the 100 feet of structures, or 150 feet if the structures are on a slope. Additional work is greatly encouraged; however, the program can only reimburse for work done in the first 100 feet (150 feet on a slope) around your structure(s).

I have concerns about my property’s defensible space that I want to address by this cost share. Can I add them to my report?

You will have the opportunity to walk around the property with the evaluator and point out any concerns. However, only items in your evaluation report are eligible for reimbursement.

I have an item that is not on my report that my contractor suggests that I do as well. Can I submit it for reimbursement?

Only items listed in your evaluation report are eligible for reimbursement. For example, a tree that is identified as eligible for limbing in your report can only be reimbursed for limbing, not for the removal of the tree.

What proof do I need to get reimbursed through the program?

You must first be in the system as pre-approved, have a detailed invoice and completion photos that clearly show the work that has been completed. The completion photos are very important!  It is recommended that you have a copy of your evaluation with the photos of identified work items with you when you take the completion photos.  Stand where the evaluator took the photo in the evaluation report and point your camera at the same angle.  If the items directly match your report, you will then be eligible for reimbursement.

What is the maximum reimbursement?

The reimbursement provided by Napa Firewise is 50% of the qualifying invoices submitted by the resident up to a maximum of $3,500. For example, if you paid your contractor $7,000 for tree limbing and vegetation in zone zero and you have an invoice and completion photos that support this claim, you can receive $3,500 as half of your total spent. Income qualified applicants are eligible for 100% reimbursement up to $3,500.  (See above for income qualifications.)