Defensible Space Matching Fund Program
Defensible Space is the area between a house and an oncoming wildfire where the vegetation has been modified and/or maintained in a way that significantly reduces fire fuel loads and the wildfire threat and provides an opportunity for firefighters to more effectively defend the house. The purpose of the Town’s Defensible Space Matching Fund Program is to encourage Woodside residents to create and maintain such a space around their homes through the provision of a matching fund grant to help offset the cost of this undertaking.
The Town will provide up to $1,000 through this matching fund program on a 50-50 basis (e.g. the Town will match on a dollar per dollar basis the property owner’s first $1,000 defensible space investment). A total of $25,000 has been provided by the Town Council for this Program and it will be made available on a “first come, first served” basis.
Applications are available below. Your completed application will consist of your name, property address, and contact information and a Defensible Space Assessment filled out by the Woodside Fire Protection District (WFPD). The WFPD will identify in priority order the specific steps to be taken to create or maintain a defensible space around your home. Once your completed application is approved by the Town, you may have the needed work done. Once completed, you will need to submit a copy of your Defensible Space Assessment, indicating which items on the list you completed, supported by copies of paid invoices/bills for the work. The Town will reimburse you for 50% of the accomplished work, up to a total of $1,000.
If you have questions about the Program, please contact Assistant Town Manager Kevin Bryant at (650)851-6790 or by kbryant [at] woodsidetown [dot] org (email).
