Oakland Hills fire abatement questions

[sprorchid]

Hey Oakland home owners,

My dad passed away over the holidays, and my parents house is in the Oakland hills. They also had a really bad rat infestation, so I and 1 of my sibs have been up keeping the property and cleaning the house up (my parents are hoarders as well).

We didn’t know when the inspection would be, needless to say we did not pass inspection.
I have read the fire abatement guidelines but 30 ft of defensible space is a laugh.

I have questions about the ‘dead debris’. They hill they live on is not landscaped. If I have dead grass cuz it’s summer (wild grass, my parents don’t have a lawn) will I fail inspection again? Or can it just be cut all the way down?

And is there a gardener you can recommend, please.

I appreciate any and all assistance.

TIA.

 

[Yakoo752]

Per Oakland:
Maintain a 30-foot defensible space around all buildings/structures.
- The grass needs to be cut 6 inches or less. PRUNE LOW HANGING BRANCHES TO A HEIGHT OF 6 TO 15 FEET (OR 1/3 HEIGHT FOR TREES UNDER 18 FEET)
- REMOVE OR SEPARATE LIVE FLAMMABLE GROUND COVER AND SHRUBS
- Climbing vines must be removed from trees and structures
Remove dead/dying vegetation from property.
- Remove any and all dead/dying vegetation from the property
- REMOVE DEAD OR DYING VEGETATION FROM PORCHES, DECKS, STAIRWAYS ETC.

 

[WoodsChick]

I don’t know anything about fire abatement, but I’m sorry you lost your dad

 

[two wheel tramp]

I know an arborist if you need trees pruned back.

The rest is stuff a gardener or landscape maintenance company could help with. I don't know anyone in the East Bay but can check with another friend of mine who may have some leads.

 

[Joshman]

Hey Oakland home owners,
I have questions about the ‘dead debris’. They hill they live on is not landscaped. If I have dead grass cuz it’s summer (wild grass, my parents don’t have a lawn) will I fail inspection again? Or can it just be cut all the way down?

And is there a gardener you can recommend, please.

I appreciate any and all assistance.

TIA.

I live in the hills (Montclair), and yes they're pretty strict about the 30' rule. As annoying as it is, I can't say I blame them due to fires being pretty dangerous up here.

As for the grass, it needs to be cut down to 3" or less if I remember right. I usually pay someone about $300 every year to come and cut it down. It's hard work and takes a solid day, so I'm glad to pay it. I can't find his number at the moment, but I'll check again tomorrow and PM you.

Also as a heads up, any dead branches or brush needs to be cleared out as well.

The local fire dept's are pretty nice and I'm sure if you talk to them about your situation they'll come out again and give you some guidance.