San Mateo Resource Conservation District’s Neighborhood Chipper Program assists residents in maintaining defensible space by providing no-cost chipping to select neighborhoods vulnerable to wildfire. Prepare for CAL FIRE’s Zone Zero.
Residents can sign up using this link <<<
The program is based on a “you cut, we chip” model.
- El Granada (click here to view eligible streets)
- Moss Beach (click here to view eligible streets)
- Montara (click here to view eligible streets)
After clearing brush and small trees from around homes, residents can participate in neighborhood events by piling branches, limbs, and other woody vegetation on the curbside or designated drop-off locations when available.
On the day of your community’s event, a mobile woodchipper and crew come to you!
Neighborhoods are chosen based on a risk-asset model for communities in unincorporated areas. New neighborhoods may be added as funding becomes available.
Be prepared, learn more about defensible space on the FIRESAFE San Mateo County website.
How to participate: Chipper Program Dos and Don’ts
To keep the program running smoothly and safely, there are a few easy tips for homeowners participating in this program. Not following directions can cause issues and may result in your pile not being chipped.
Removing Vegetation: Give yourself a few weekends to do vegetation maintenance around your yard.
Piling Vegetation: Your pile must be accessible to the chipper (within 8 feet of the road). When building your pile, face the cut ends toward the street. Material must be less than 8 inches in diameter for it to fit through the chipper. Piles must not exceed 10 ft wide, 10 ft long and 5 ft tall.
Chipping Schedule: Chipping is scheduled for communities for spring, summer, and fall. See above for details on when the chipper visits your neighborhood and any specific instructions you may need to know. Make sure to give yourself enough time to cut and pile your vegetation.
Eligibility: To be eligible to participate for the neighborhood chipping program, your must have a residential home in San Mateo County. Your home must be within one of the chipping areas listed above. Unfortunately, commercial properties/business are unable to participate.
Partners:
Funders:
- San Mateo County Measure K
- CA Fire Safe Council
RCD contact:
Eddie Sanchez
(650) 712-7765 x 126
[email protected]
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ZONE O
Coastside Fire Protection District and CAL FIRE Work on Messaging for New Fire Hazard Severity Maps: What You Need to Know and What You Need to Do for “Zone 0” Home Hardening; April 2, 2025
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