Homes subject to full EMBER requirements must replace the first 5 ft of combustible fences and gates attached to their homes by noncombustible fences, such as aluminum, steel, or brick fences.
This brand new Berkeley Fire Department program, as of July 2026, allows for partial reimbursement for fence replacement costs, for homes that are required to replace attached fence sections, for up to 50% of cost and up to $2,500 of reimbursement. This applies to homes in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, including both Grizzly Peak and Panoramic Hill Mitigation Areas.
Newly replaced fence, courtesy Berkeley Fire Department
Eligibility
To qualify, applicants must:
- Complete the online application.
- Have received a full-access defensible space inspection within the last 6 months.
- Be in compliance with defensible space requirements and have no outstanding future action items.
- Have a current combustible or wooden fence or gate attached to a structure in Zone 0.
- Sign the participation agreement and Right of Entry agreement.
- Submit required documentation, including invoices, proof of payment, and photos of completed work.
- Complete a final inspection.
Program description and application