Does my new roof have to be Class A in the East Bay?

When does California require a Class A roof?

Health and Safety Code 13132.7 sets minimum fire ratings for roof coverings. In a very high fire hazard severity zone, the entire roof covering must be at least Class A when more than 50% of the roof is replaced within one year. Other zones carry lower minimum classes, and cities and counties can adopt stricter rules.

How do I check my fire hazard zone?

Look up your address on CAL FIRE's Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps. The state revised its maps in 2025, so check even if you looked before.

What are the local rules in the East Bay?

Berkeley adopted a Wildland-Urban Interface code chapter (Chapter 19.49) in 2025, and the state's fire hazard severity zone maps were revised in 2025, so a hill home's zone may have changed since its last roof. Oakland, Contra Costa cities and the counties apply the state rule plus their own codes; confirm with the building department for your address.

Which roofs are Class A?

Class A is the highest fire rating for roof assemblies. Many asphalt shingle, metal, clay and concrete tile products are listed as Class A when installed as the manufacturer specifies, sometimes with a particular underlayment. Ask the roofer for the product's listing and the assembly it was tested with, and keep the paperwork.

What else should a fire-ready reroof include?

CAL FIRE's building in the wildland guidance explains why embers, vents and gutters matter as much as the roofing itself. Details to ask about: ember-resistant vents, closed eaves, metal drip edge, gutter guards or regular gutter cleaning, and sealing gaps where embers can lodge.

Does a Class A roof help with insurance?

The Department of Insurance's Safer from Wildfires program lists a Class A fire-rated roof among the mitigation steps insurers recognize with discounts. Ask your insurer how they verify it, and read our insurance guide.