Annual Vegetation Inspections

Nestled along the bay and extending into lush hillsides, our community faces unique vegetation management challenges. To strengthen wildfire prevention efforts, the Hayward Fire Department conducts annual windshield inspections of properties within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)—located in the Hayward Hills and the Fairview Fire Protection District.

Defensible Space & Home Hardening

As part of this effort, the Hayward Fire Department and the Fairview Fire Protection District now use a powerful new tool: Defensible Space Inspection Application (DSI). This app enables our firefighters to:

  • Perform more thorough defensible space inspections
  • Collect detailed property data
  • Generate comprehensive reports
  • Track progress toward citywide wildfire resilience

Accessing Your Inspection Results

You’ll need a property code—generated during your inspection—to view your results.

To receive your report via email:

  1. Visit the Defensible Space Inspection Portal
  2. Follow the instructions to request access to your customized report

Your report includes detailed findings and recommendations to help your home better withstand a wildfire. It will also assess whether your property complies with local and state defensible space regulations.

What Happens If Violations Are Found?

If any code violations are identified, you’ll have 21 days to address them, before the re-inspection. Failure to comply may result in:

  • Re-inspection fees
  • Possible citations
  • An abatement notice, with detailed instructions on what must be corrected

Note: Recommendations included in your report are mandatory. Implementing all of them will enhance your neighborhood's overall fire safety.

City of Hayward Vegetation, Rubbish, and Litter Abatement Code

Additional Resources

Questions? Contact: Fire Administration at FiresafeHFD@hayward-ca.gov or (510) 583-4930