5 Steps to Rebate

The Nevada Fire Safe Council (NVFSC) will provide financial assistance to Lake Tahoe Basin homeowners who comply with defensible space recommendations related to vegetation management. Eligible participants can receive rebate of 50% for vegetation management costs up to $1000. This program is available to homeowners within the Tahoe Basin. This program is not available for commercial property. Funds are limited. Terms and conditions apply. Eligible residents can receive their rebate by following the five-step process below.

STEP ONE: Get an inspection. Contact your local fire protection district or department to schedule a defensible space inspection. Fire protection professionals will perform an inspection with the homeowner or homeowner’s representative to educate them on the steps necessary to comply with defensible space recommendations. The homeowner will be given one copy of the inspection form with written recommendations.

STEP TWO: Get a voucher. Contact the Tahoe Basin Region of the Nevada Fire Safe Council at (530) 543-3473 to receive a voucher ID number that places you on the rebate list or go to our website www.nvfsc.org to fill out the voucher request form. Voucher IDs expire 60 days from issuance. Homeowners who are not a member of the Nevada Fire Safe Council will be required to join at the nominal fee of $20. Only NVFSC members are eligible for the rebate. Join online at www.nvfsc.org.

STEP THREE: Get fire safe. Hire a contractor to complete the tree and brush removal recommended in Step 1. The homeowner is responsible for ensuring that the contractor completes ALL of the vegetation and hazardous debris removal outlined in the initial inspection. The homeowner is responsible for paying the contractor directly. Any work done in addition to vegetation removal recommended in the initial inspection form is the sole financial responsibility of the property owner. A list of available contractors will be provided as a courtesy online at www.nvfsc.org.

STEP FOUR: Get a rebate evaluation. Once the work is complete, contact the Tahoe Basin Region of the Nevada Fire Safe Council at (530) 543-3473 to schedule a rebate evaluation. NVFSC staff will ensure that the work is completed in accordance with the initial inspection. At the time of evaluating the property owner must provide NVFSC staff with the following: (1) Voucher ID number (2) A copy of the inspection form from Step 1, (3) A copy of the contractor’s invoice (4) Proof of payment to contractor (eg. Bank statement, cancelled check or credit card receipt).

STEP FIVE: Get a rebate. If the property owner has taken the necessary vegetation management steps, NVFSC staff will submit the inspection form, contractor invoice, and voucher ID for the rebate. Rebate checks will be mailed to homeowners within 6-8 weeks of the completed and approved evaluation.

That’s it. Just five easy steps to protect your home, your neighborhood, and your family.