Zone 0 Vegetation Removal Grant
Safer homes start at Zone 0. Grant funding to help San Elijo Hills homeowners remove trees and combustible vegetation in the first five feet around the home.
The San Elijo Hills Fire Safe Council is launching a new reimbursement grant program, funded by the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation, to help homeowners create Zone 0 defensible space (0 to 5 feet from the home) by removing trees and combustible vegetation.
A total of $7,500 is available. This program requires a dollar-for-dollar match: homeowners contribute at least as much as their award toward eligible project costs. Awards are based on wildfire risk, project scope, and homeowner need, and projects that provide the greatest wildfire risk reduction are prioritized.
Qualifying homeowners may receive
$750 to $2,250
in reimbursement funding
Creating Zone 0 defensible space (0 to 5 feet from your home) by removing trees and combustible vegetation.
Reimbursement after project completion. Receipts and before-and-after photos are required.
Supports California's evolving wildfire safety standards and improves community resilience.
Owner-occupied homes within the San Elijo Hills Fire Safe Council boundaries (see our community maps) that demonstrate one or more of the following:
Financial need or fixed income
Senior or disabled homeowner
Veteran
Located on a canyon rim or within a CAL FIRE Strategic Project Area
High-risk vegetation within Zone 0 (0 to 5 feet from the structure)
Pursuing (or planning to pursue) a Wildfire Prepared Home designation
Priority consideration is given to projects that provide the greatest wildfire risk reduction and align with the program's wildfire mitigation goals.
- 1
Obtain a proposal or estimate from a tree or vegetation management vendor. This estimate is required before you apply, and helps the Selection Committee evaluate project scope and award amounts.
- 2
Complete and submit the grant application form.
- 3
If selected, complete your project and submit all required documentation (receipts plus before-and-after photos) for reimbursement.
This is a reimbursement-only program. Complete your project first, then submit receipts for the work and before-and-after photos to receive your award.
Important: No grant funds are awarded for invoices reflecting payment made before the award announcement on November 15, 2026. Homeowners are responsible for any costs above their grant award.
You may use any licensed contractor of your choosing. These vendors have been asked to offer discounted or bulk pricing to program participants where possible. Using them is optional.
How Awards Are Decided
Applications are reviewed by the San Elijo Hills Fire Safe Council Selection Committee and are not awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Awards are determined using the program's prioritization criteria, including wildfire risk, homeowner need, anticipated risk reduction, and community resilience. The Committee may award varying amounts to maximize wildfire risk reduction across the community.
Directors, officers, Selection Committee members, and volunteers of the San Elijo Hills Fire Safe Council, and members of their immediate households, are not eligible to participate.
Questions about the grant? Contáctenos o escriba a info@sehfsc.org