Defensible Space Assistance Program
The Defensible Space Assistance Program (DSAP) is designed to assist homeowners that need to create defensible space, and are not able to do so because of physical, economic or other barriers. It is imperative that all homeowners maintain at least 100 feet of defensible space around their homes to aid in protecting themselves and their communities from the devastation of wildfire.
The population targeted for the DSAP program is those who are not able to do this work for themselves because of physical, economic, or other barriers. For example, low-income homeowners and physically disabled or elderly individuals who are unable to pay a contractor. The property owner must be the individual to apply for the DSAP Program. Each application will be carefully considered.
Please note: This program is currently not accepting new applicants as we work through our waitlist and receive additional funding. Program updates and a new application will be posted by the end of the year.
DSAP Services Provided:
- Brush and tree trimming/thinning.
- Dead tree removal, if funding permits and is applicable.
- Raking of dead leaves and pine needles.
- Chipping of removed vegetation. Chips are left onsite.
- On-site education about effective defensible space.
- Initial one-day defensible space clean up.
- Performed by professional contractors, who are bonded and insured.
- Work will only be completed in the 100 foot zone surrounding the primary structure.
Guidelines:
- You must be the legal owner of the property to be cleared.
- You must be unable to complete this work due to physical, economic and/or other barriers.
- One person household: Income is <$54,660 annually.
- Two person household: Income is <$62,460 annually.
- Three person household: Income is <$70,260 annually.
- Four person household: Income is <$78,060 annually.
- Five person household: Income is <$84,360 annually.
Notes:
- This program is funding dependent and services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis as program funds are available. Currently, we are currently not accepting new applicants.
- This program is offered by the Fire Safe Council San Diego County in partnership with the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County. Funding is provided by the San Diego River Conservancy through the Governor’s Wildfire Early Action Plan and a grant from San Diego Gas and Electric.
- In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
- Completing an application is NOT a guarantee of service.
- Low income threshold is determined by the 2022 San Diego County Area Medium Income (AMI), to be eligible for our program, participants must meet the “very low income” guideline or 60% of the County’s AMI. Proof of monthly/yearly income by income tax return, or other comparable means may need to be shared. Income that will be considered is total gross income (income prior to deductions, not gross adjusted income).