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Fire Prevention: Chipper Program
Chipper Program Application
Review and Meet Program Guidelines Before Applying
How to Submit via the Chipper Application Portal
Portal will re-open in March 2025!
- Follow the Chipper Program Guidelines.
- Online application submittal only, no paper applications accepted. Ask a family member, friend, or neighbor for assistance with the online application if needed.
- Submit digital photos along with your application. One or two photos of the woodpile(s), and one photo displaying the pile’s distance from the access route. Submitting digital photos of your pile and pile placement with the application may speed up the application process. If you have problems submitting your photo please email to: chipper@sonoma-county.org
- Chipper Program Dashboard - Application status will be made available 24 hours after submission. Instructions on how to use the dashboard are in the FAQs below.
- All applicants have the opportunity to receive a second visit later in the season. You must select “Yes” to that question in your application submission. If you do not indicate that you want a second visit later in the season then you are forgoing that opportunity.
- By submitting a Chipper Program Application for free chipping services, you are acknowledging that the woodpile(s) are accessible at all times during the Chipper Program season.
- You will not receive an email or call confirming the application was successfully submitted. Use the Chipper Program Dashboard for application status. (Instructions on Dashboard use located on the Chipper Application page in the Frequently Asked Questions section.)
- Please include any helpful information such as gate codes, instructions on how to locate pile, etc.
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Chipper Application FAQs
What do I need to do before applying for free chipper services?
You must complete these three steps before you submit your application for free chipping services:
- Follow all Chipper Program Guidelines to meet the requirements for application approval.
- Place pile(s) per the wood pile location and pile placement guidelines (you will need to add this infomation on to your application).
- Note the wood pile(s) length, width, and height (you will need to add this infomation on to your application).
Do I need to schedule a chipper services appointment?
In order to provide free chipping services to as many properties in unincorporated Sonoma County, this program does not schedule chipping appointments. Customers are not required to be home for the crew to complete chipping jobs. All of the information needed is included in your application. If there is a gate at your property, be sure to provide your gate code.
The crew might call you if the need arises, but often you’ll discover your pile(s) have been chipped without contact from the crew.
How can I check on my chipping services request job status?
You will not receive a confirmation email after submitting your Chipper Program Application. You can check the status of your application 24 hours after you submitted it on the Chipper Program Dashboard.
To check on the status of your application, you will use the automated self-service tool in the Chipper Program Dashboard. Follow the below instructions:
- Click on the magnifying glass at the top right corner of the GIS map.
- At the center top of the screen, enter your address or Assessors Parcel Number (APN) in the search bar.
- The map will zoom in on your parcel and a bright colored icon will appear alongside your APN.
- The legend on the right side of the screen will indicate the status of your application and/or chipping service request.
What does the application mean about a "second visit" later in the season?
Applicants that noted "Yes" in their application to receive a second visit later in the season are eligible to receive an extra two hours of free chipping near the end of the Fire Season (late August through October).
Once your first woodpile(s) have been chipped, prepare for a second visit if you noted that you wanted one in the original application. Do not submit another application.
Contact us at (707) 565-6070 or Chipper@sonoma-county.org once your woodpile for the second visit is ready for inspection. You must meet the same guidelines as you did in the first round.
Do I need to submit a second application this season?
No, you do not need to submit a second application. We only accept one application per parcel owner per year. For further questions, contact us at (707) 565-6070 or Chipper@sonoma-county.org.