Placer County’s Initiative for a Safer and Greener Community: The Chipper Program Explained

Overview of the Placer County Chipper Program

The Placer County Chipper Program is an initiative geared towards promoting fire prevention and defensible space adherence. This program is a collaboration between Placer County and CAL FIRE. It offers residents of Placer County an affordable residential chipper service and encourages the reduction of fuel.

Service Cost and Financial Assistance

For a mere $80 per hour, residents gain access to a dedicated crew to chip piled vegetation. But there’s good news for those on a tight budget. If you fall under the “Very Low Limit” category set by the Placer County Department of Housing and Urban Development, you might be eligible for a fee waiver. Always ensure you verify your eligibility before making a request.

Service Area Limitations

A crucial note: The Placer County Chipper Program exclusively serves addresses within the Placer Resource Conservation District service domain. If your residence is within the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) jurisdiction, including communities like Tahoe City, Kings Beach, and Homewood, among others, this service is unfortunately not available to you.

Requesting the Service: Important Points to Consider

• Preparation is Key: Ensure your piles are set and ready for chipping. Familiarize yourself with the list of prohibited items before piling.
• Accessibility Matters: If the crew can’t access your pile, they won’t chip it. This extends to scenarios with locked gates or any other barriers.
• No Appointments: This program functions on a drive-by-service model. That means residents can’t schedule appointments, ensuring cost-efficiency by saving on fuel.
• Property Restrictions: Only residential properties are eligible. Vacant lands, commercial spaces, or project lots don’t qualify.
• Origin of Materials: The items for chipping should originate from the property where the service is being requested.

Safety First!

The safety of both residents and the crew is paramount. Ensure you strictly adhere to program guidelines. Non-compliance or the inclusion of prohibited items in your piles might lead to service denial.

Prohibited Items

Placer RCD cannot chip:

• Foreign materials or non-vegetative items.
• Leaves, pine needles, or yard clippings.
• Poison oak or any plants with thorns.
• Trunks or branches not meeting size requirements.
• Any material perceived as a safety threat.

Chipping Requirements

For a smooth chipping experience, ensure:

• Piles are hand-stacked.
• They are within 10 feet of chipper access.
• They are on level ground.
• Cut ends face the access route.
• Materials meet the size criteria.

For any further queries or clarifications, residents are encouraged to contact the Placer RCD team via email or phone. You can make a request for service online here or call (530) 390-6680 or email chipper@placerrcd.org with your questions.

The Placer County Chipper Program is a commendable initiative to ensure a safer environment for its residents. By adhering to the guidelines and ensuring timely requests, residents can make the most of this service.