Project Overview

The Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District (SHFPD) is committed to reducing the threat of wildfire in our community.  To this end, SHFPD has established the Direct Assistance – Zone Zero Pilot Project.  This new Pilot Project provides District residents with an opportunity to receive critical vegetation management, vent improvements, and landscape “Hardscaping” services at no cost or a reduced cost.

"Zone Zero" Definition

Zone 0 is defined as the area from 0 to 5 feet out from a building’s exterior walls, deck, or attached structures.  It’s the portion of the property immediately adjacent to the structure and includes the ground, walls, fences attached to the home, and anything else physically connected to the building.

Agencies such as CAL FIRE call it the “ember-resistant zone” because this is where wind-blown embers most often land during a wildfire and where a home is most likely to ignite if combustible material is present.

In short: Zone 0 = the first 5 feet around and under a structure, the area closest to the home that’s most vulnerable to embers.

Project Purpose

The expenses associated with vegetation management and home hardening often prevent property owners from taking action in a timely manner.  The purpose of the Pilot Project is to directly assist Sleepy Hollow residents with removing hazardous vegetation, improving vents, and hardening their homes by eliminating the financial obstacle. 

Scope of Work

This new Pilot Project provides Sleepy Hollow residents with the opportunity to receive the following services at no cost or at a reduced cost:

1. Removal of all Zone Zero vegetation and any combustible materials, such as the portion of a wooden fence connected to a structure (no cost).
2. Inspection of vents and, when necessary, installation of special mesh to make the vents more ember-resistant (no cost).
3. Consultation with SHFPD specialist to learn more about fire safe landscaping options and review pictures, videos, and other relevant information that will assist the resident to determine appropriate next steps (no cost).
4. “Ember Proofing” the Zone Zero space around the property.  This will include preparing the area, applying landscape cloth, and laying out gravel and/or stone mulch that’s been selected by the resident (reduced cost). 

All work will be done by local, licensed contractors.  Hardscaping material (e.g. – stones, gravel, etc.) will be provided at a reduced cost by A & S Landscape Materials of San Rafael.

Important Rules

Participation in the Zone Zero Pilot Project is voluntary.  To be considered, residents must complete an application and agree to follow all Project rules and regulations.  Key rules include:

1. Allowing a full inspection of the property by Marin Wildfire inspectors and/or SHFPD officials.
2. Opening and reviewing your Wildfire Risk Report and submitting it with your application.
3. Agreeing to the completion of ALL required services.  Removal of Zone Zero vegetation and vent inspection/mesh installation are required services.  “Ember Proofing” is not required but is strongly recommended.  Participants will not be permitted to negotiate the Scope of Work with the Program Manager.

All rules and regulations will be shared with residents during the application process.

Logistics

As in the past, residents wishing to participate will be required to complete an online application.  SHFPD will begin accepting applications on May 15, 2026.  Interested residents are encouraged to apply early, as participation will be on a first-come, first-served basis until the project budget is exhausted.  Preference will be given to residents who have not previously participated in a SHFPD Direct Assistance project/program.  Approved applicants must be prepared to have the work completed.

Pilot Project Webpage, Online Application, and Project Questions

Webpage and Application Link

All information on the Pilot Project, along with ongoing updates, will be found on the District website, shfpd.org.  We encourage residents to bookmark this page, as it contains all information on the Pilot Project along with the link to the online application.

Online Application

The online application will be released on/about May 15th.  The link to the application will be added to the bottom of this page. Once your application has been received it will be reviewed by SHFPD.  You should expect to hear back from someone at SHFPD within 2 weeks of application submission, if not sooner.  Please do not contact us about your application before then.

Questions

Residents are asked to review the Pilot Project webpage closely as answers to most questions are located on this webpage.  Still have a question?  No problem!  Please email shfpd.grants@gmail.com and we will reply as soon as we can.