Berkeley Home Hardening Tax Rebate

City of Berkeley Fire Department, Wildland Urban Interface Division; Berkeley Finance Department issues approved rebates

OpenRebate

Program rules decide eligibility. Check details with the program before starting work.

Award: Up to one-third of the base 1.5% transfer tax.
Status: Open
Who it's for: Rebate of Berkeley transfer tax for sellers or buyers of properties in a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone with a final sale price under $3,000,000, after a Class A roof and other listed hardening work done on or after January 1, 2025.
Where: City of Berkeley, Alameda County, California; eligible property must also be in a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone
Measures: Class A fire-rated roof, Upgraded multi-pane windows, Ember-resistant vents, Enclosed eaves, Fire-resistant exterior wall siding, Noncombustible deck, patio cover, or porch surface, Noncombustible bottom six inches of exterior walls, Removal of combustible sheds and outbuildings within 30 feet, The five feet closest to your house, Defensible space, Tree Removal

How to Apply

Schedule a defensible space inspection for the year you apply and fix cited violations
Complete the eligible work, Class A roof first
Take photos of the completed work
Submit the online Home Hardening Rebate Application with receipts

Tick items as you go. Nothing here is saved.

Source · Checked October 20, 2026