Defensible Space Assistance Program

Defensible Space Assistance Program is sponsored by City of Nevada City Office of Emergency Services (California). This program offers financial assistance to eligible low-income property owners and occupants who are either 65+ or disabled within the City of Nevada City to assist in bringing the property into compliance with the City's Defensible Space Ordinance requirements.

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Office of Emergency Services Defensible Space Assistance Program Defensible Space Assistance Program The goal of this Defensible Space Assistance Program is to assist vulnerable residents in creating defensible space around their homes and properties to reduce the risk of loss of life and property in the event of a wildfire.

The program offers financial assistance to eligible low-income property owners and occupants who are either 65+ or disabled within the City of Nevada City to assist in bringing the property into compliance with the City’s Defensible Space Ordinance requirements. If you would like assistance with the application process please reach out of the Office of Emergency Services Department. We are happy to walk you through it.

Beginning April 1, 2025, and continuing until July 1, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. The City has budgeted $15,000 for the program which includes up to three hours of work on up to 75 parcels. The City will evaluate the program after July 1, 2025, and may continue, amend, or discontinue the program in the future.

Although maintenance is not guaranteed, unused funds may be allocated for continued maintenance of parcels that received defensible space actions in the program. The program is designed to assist in creating defensible space around qualified properties. This is accomplished by fuel reduction activities provided by City of Nevada City fire fuels mitigation crews.

Defensible space work per property may include grass, brush, and tree trimming/thinning, and chipping of removed vegetation. Trimmings may be placed in the property green waste bin or compost pile, or be hauled off site at the discretion of City crews. Work completed will be according to the Defensible Space standards identified in Chapter 8.

10 of the City of Nevada City Municipal Code. These standards are consistent with the State Public Resource Code 4291 and Title 4 Chapter 1 of the County of Nevada Municipal Code. THE EMBER-RESISTANT ZONE (Zone 0) | 0–5 feet : The zone within 5 feet of your home reduces the vulnerability of the home to embers by creating a zone of ember-resistant materials around the home.

THE LEAN, CLEAN AND GREEN ZONE (Zone 1) | 5–30 feet : The objective of this zone is to reduce the risk of fire spreading from surrounding vegetation to the home. Lean indicates that there is only a small amount of vegetation, if any, present. Clean indicates that vegetative debris and dead materials are routinely removed.

Green indicates that vegetation within this zone is kept green and well irrigated (if appropriate) during fire season. THE REDUCED FUEL ZONE (Zone 2) | 30–100 feet : The objective of this zone is to reduce fire spread and restrict fire movement into the crowns of trees or shrubs. Remove dead plant material, lower tree branches, and other ladder fuels.

Limitations for work performed Work is limited to maintenance activities that do not require additional review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). No work may be performed prior to approval in the program and without the execution of a right-to-access form listing the activities to be performed. Work performed will be limited to the work allowed within the right-to-access form.

Work performed will be limited to the work achievable in three hours by a crew of two personnel using hand tools and limited power tools and excludes heavy equipment. Limbs over 15 feet high, very large limbs, and large limbs overhanging roofs that cannot be safely removed may not be addressed. No activities that require roof access will be provided.

Pruning or ornamental trees is not included in the program. Planted items and combustible ground cover removal from Zone Zero shall be at the discretion of the crew with occupant permission. Services do not include removal of household trash or other materials surrounding the home.

If crews cannot access the home due to large accumulations of non-vegetative debris, safety concerns, or other access issues, crews cannot provide services. Prior to work commencing OES staff must meet on site with the property owner or occupant and confirm the work to be undertaken is consistent with this program and Nevada City regulations.

To qualify for this program, you must: Be a full-time resident in the City of Nevada City Have annual income that qualifies you as at or below Median Income (see below table) and be age 65+ or disabled (includes qualifying access functional needs) Qualifying income may be demonstrated through providing any of the following: Individual federal tax returns, state tax returns, or W-2s; At least two consecutive paystubs; Proof of eligibility for a program that provides financial aid to adults without enough income or resources such as: Supplemental security income Social security disability Qualifying disability may be demonstrated through any of the following: Disabled Veterans ID Card; Proof of Social Security insurance or disability insurance benefits; Letter from a medical professional recommending wheelchair-accessible vehicles; Proof of disability or qualifying access functional needs from the County, State, or United States government program.

Individuals may apply and submit required documents through the City’s FireASide defensible space inspections software after the completion of the annual defensible space inspection for their parcel. Individuals may request application materials and/or inspection of their parcel by contacting the Nevada City Office of Emergency Services. Evan.

mclenithan@nevadacityca. gov - 530. 265.

2496 x 121 camille. oneto@nevadacityca. gov - 530.

265. 2496 x 131 This program is funding dependent, and services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis as program funds become available. Defensible space created by the City does not guarantee that your home will not be lost in the event of a wildfire.

On-going maintenance is not included in this program. Community Risk Reduction and Outreach Officer Office of Emergency Services Specialist Powered by CivicPlus®