Berkeley Hills Vegetation Ban Gets Final Approval

The Berkeley City Council has approved a ban on vegetation within five feet of homes in hillside neighborhoods to reduce wildfire risk. - The ordinance, EMBER, requires clearance around structures, decks, and stairs, with exceptions for small potted plants and trimmed mature trees.

- Enforcement starts next month, but the fire department prioritizes education over fines, having issued only about 70 citations. - Opponents have launched a recall campaign against Councilmember Brent Blackaby, citing high costs up to $60,000 for some homeowners.

- The city has secured $1 million in state funds for a Resident Assistance Program to help vulnerable residents comply. The measure aims to create a "culture change" in wildfire safety, with officials emphasizing that Berkeley's rules are stricter than proposed state regulations.