In 2019, the Montecito Fire Protection District took significant steps to address wildfire risks by amending the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. This amendment was informed by valuable lessons learned from the devastating fire seasons of 2017 and 2018, which underscored the urgent need for proactive measures.

Key recommendations included:

• Identification of innovative structure hardening programs aimed at improving the defensibility of homes
• Development of a cost-share grant program to alleviate financial burdens associated with essential structure improvements and fire-resistant landscaping

Recognizing the critical nature of these recommendations, we allocated funds from the Fire Defense Zone Budgets for 2021, 2022, and 2023 to launch the Home Hardening Assistance Program. This investment is part of our commitment to enhancing the safety of our community, ensuring that local homes are better equipped to withstand the increasing threat of wildfires. This initiative represents a proactive approach to building resilience and protecting our residents and their properties in the face of ongoing fire risks.

Budget: $60,000 annually

Objective: The primary objective of the Home Hardening Assistance Program is to empower homeowners by providing financial assistance and guidance in implementing effective retrofit measures that enhance the fire resistance of their properties. Understanding the science behind home hardening, particularly the concept of Zone 0, is essential for enhancing wildfire resilience. Zone 0 refers to the area immediately surrounding a home, typically within the first 5 feet, where effective management can prevent fire from igniting structures. The Montecito Fire Department's Compressive Mitigation Strategy focuses on the critical interplay of fuels management and the creation of community-wide defensible space, providing an integrated approach to wildfire mitigation.

To maximize the effectiveness of home hardening and defensible space measures, collaboration among neighbors is essential. By understanding how fire can potentially spread within the community and acknowledging shared risks, residents can work together to mitigate those risks. This collaborative effort not only enhances individual home safety but also strengthens community resilience. The Montecito Fire Department's Home Hardening Assistance Program serves as a valuable resource to empower homeowners. By providing financial assistance and motivation to pursue effective retrofit options, we are taking a proactive step toward achieving our program objective—enhancing the overall resilience of our community against the threat of wildfires. Building a safer future requires collective action and informed decision-making, and through this program, we are committed to supporting our residents in these vital efforts. 

The following actions are eligible under the program:

• Upgrading Wood Fences: Replace or modify the first 5 feet of wood fences with non-combustible materials.
• Window Upgrades: Install dual-pane windows with at least one tempered glass pane to minimize breakage risk.
• Roofing Upgrades: Replace wood shake roofs with non-combustible roofing materials.
• Mulch Replacement: Replace combustible mulch within 5 feet of homes with non-combustible materials (e.g., gravel).
• Ember-Resistant Vents: Retrofit or upgrade existing vents to ember-resistant models to prevent embers from entering and igniting the structure.
• Zone 0 Compliance: Implement measures to create a non-combustible zone immediately surrounding the home.

To participate in the Home Hardening Assistance Program, homeowners will begin by requesting a Defensible Space Inspection conducted by one of our Wildland Fire Specialists. Following this inspection, an individualized home assessment report will be generated specifically for each property. This detailed report will outline required, recommended, and optional measures that homeowners can undertake to enhance the fire resilience of their homes.

Homeowners have the flexibility to choose which retrofit options best suit their properties. Once the assessment is complete, the property owner may hire a contractor of their choice to carry out the selected improvements.

After the retrofit work is finished, the homeowner will need to submit a completed application to the Montecito Fire Department. This application must include before-and-after photographs of the property and an invoice that reflects the payment for the completed project.

Upon review and approval of the submitted application, the Montecito Fire Department will issue a reimbursement check to the property owner for eligible expenses, with a maximum assistance amount of up to $10,000 from the Home Hardening Assistance Program. It's important to note that this program is available as a one-time assistance option per property. Once a property has received funding and participated in the program, it will no longer be eligible for future applications. This funding aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with implementing critical home hardening measures, thereby supporting our community's resilience against wildfires.

Homeowner Contribution

Homeowners will cover the cost of the retrofit. The cost-share reimbursement amount will be determined based on project estimates and homeowner needs.

Maximum Assistance

A cap will be placed on the maximum support provided per household to ensure multiple homeowners receive assistance.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Location: Homeowners must reside within the Very High and /or High Fire Severity Zone and commit to completing the retrofit actions within a specified timeframe.
  • Reference this map to see if your property qualifies
• Ownership: Applicants must be the legal property owner of a residence located in a participating area at the time of application.
• Participation: Applicants must be willing to participate in a Defensible Space Inspection by a Montecito Wildland Fire Specialist.

Submission Requirements: Applicants must submit an application detailing the proposed retrofit actions along with contractor estimates for the work.

Approval Process: A committee will review applications to ensure they align with objectives and criteria, prioritizing homes in the Very High Fire Severity Zone north of East and West Mountain Drive.

To successfully receive reimbursement through the Home Hardening Assistance Program, homeowners must submit the following documents: 

1. Before-and-After Photographs: Clear images of the property taken before and after the completion of the retrofit work.
2. Invoice: A legible invoice that documents the work performed. This invoice must include:
   • Date of completion
   • Property address
   • Contractor's name
   • Total amount paid for the project

Submitting these documents is essential for the review and approval process, ensuring efficient and timely processing of reimbursement funds.

The Home Hardening Assistance Program will follow this timeline:

• Program Launch: The program will officially launch on December 1, 2024.
• Program Duration: The program will remain open and continuously accept applications until the allocated funds of $60,000 are exhausted.
• Annual Reopening: The program will reopen for the next fiscal year on July 1, 2025, and will again be open continuously until the available funds are depleted.

This timeline ensures that homeowners have access to vital resources for enhancing their property’s wildfire resilience while allowing for ongoing support each fiscal year.