Chipper Program

In the event of a wildfire, having 100 feet or more of defensible space has been clearly demonstrated to help save homes. Likewise, thinning vegetation on access roads can make it safer for residents and firefighters. We hope that free chipper services can help residents dispose of woody debris and assist them in creating beautiful, healthy, and “firewise” landscapes around homes and on roadsides.

Permit Sonoma Fire Prevention Division provides free chipper services to residents who are engaged in making their property more wildfire safe. The purpose of the program is to create defensible space, specifically around the home, structures, and access routes to the structures, for properties located in the unincorporated areas of Sonoma County. For unimproved properties, woody debris generated from areas within 30 feet of a structure or 20 feet from a roadway also qualifies for the program. Services such as fuel breaks, fuel management, and defensible space greater than 100 feet from structures and 20 feet from edges of access roads to those structures fall outside the scope of the program.

Complete these three steps before you submit an application for chipping services:

1. Follow all Chipper Program Guidelines to meet the requirements for application approval.
2. Place pile(s) per the wood pile location and pile placement guidelines (you will need to add this information to your application).
3. Note the woodpile (s) length, width, and height (you will need to add this information to your application).

After you've completed all three of the above steps, you can learn more about Chipper Program Application. Contact us if you have any questions at (707) 565-6070 or email us at Chipper@sonoma-county.org.