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St. Helena, in short
How far from my house do I have to clear in St. Helena?
The City’s Weed Abatement page says, “Maintain 150 feet of clearance around structures in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas.” It does not say where those areas are, so ask the City’s Fire Department about your address. The City’s code, Chapter 15.56, also says to “Maintain the roof of a structure free of leaves, needles or other dead vegetative growth.”
The story of St. Helena
St. Helena, which the City’s pages say was incorporated in 1876.
The City’s and the Historical Society’s pages tell of the Wappo people who were here first, of the railroad and the stone buildings of Main Street, of a Carnegie gift for the library, and of the Main Street streetlamps the town kept.
The City’s history page says, “The St. Helena area was home to the Wappo people, a Yukian-speaking group who were the area’s earliest inhabitants.”
On vineyards, the City’s history page says, “New arrivals began planting vineyards and making wine in the 1860s.”
According to the City, “The railroad came to town in 1868, providing an important shipping nexus for fruit, grain, and mining products.”
On the town’s trade, the City’s history page says, “From early on St. Helena was the commercial center of central Napa Valley, including settlements to the east on Howell Mountain and in Pope Valley and the villages of Rutherford and Oakville to the south.”
On the town’s newspaper, the Historical Society’s timeline says, “1874 – The St. Helena Star newspaper begins publishing.”
The City’s pages date St. Helena’s incorporation to 1876.
On street lighting, the Society’s timeline says, “1883 – The St. Helena Gas Company is founded, providing the first street lighting.”
The description of the downtown historic district that the City reprints says, “Local immigrant stonemasons transferred their skills to commercial buildings.”
On the library, its page says, “In 1904, local citizens interested in a more permanent home for the library, contacted library philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who eventually donated $7500 to construct the first permanent library building in 1908.”
On power, the Society’s timeline says, “1909 – Power is switched on June 12; residents gain twenty-four-hour electricity.”
On schools and festivals, the Society’s timeline says, “1912 – The new St. Helena High School opens; the first Vintage Festival is held.”
The City’s page on the Main Street streetlamps says the 1959 proposal to replace them “with 20,000-lumen lamps” was unpopular, and that “Modernization was achieved without giving up the unique illumination these electroliers give to our streetscape.”
The Historical Society says, “Robert Mondavi opened his winery on Highway 29 in 1966, ushering in the modern era of Napa Valley winemaking”.
The City’s anniversary site marks March 24, 2026 as the day the City turned 150.
Fire safety
When the City asks for weeds and brush to be cleared
The City’s Weed Abatement page lists steps that “must occur on or before June 1st”. It asks, “Properties should be consistently maintained, even after the June 1st deadline, as there is potential for re-growth throughout the season.” The list also refers to wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas. No City page we read says which parcels those areas are.
City page undated, read Nov 2 2026 (refresh before use)
The City’s wildland-urban interface code
Chapter 15.56 of the City’s Municipal Code, titled “California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Adopted”, cites Ordinance 26-3 and says the 2025 edition of Title 24, Part 7 “is hereby adopted in its entirety with the following amendments.” Its amendments include these lines: “Maintain an effective fuel break by removing and clearing away flammable vegetation and combustible material from areas within 150 feet of buildings and structures”, “Maintain trees adjacent to or overhanging a building free of deadwood” and “Maintain the roof of a structure free of leaves, needles or other dead vegetative growth.”
City’s code site read in Chrome Nov 2 2026; the site says the code is current through Ordinance 26-6, passed July 22, 2026 (refresh before use)
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The City’s self-inspection checklist
The City’s Defensible Space Self-Inspection Form lists, among its items, “Remove leaves, needles, and vegetation from roofs, gutters, decks, porches, and stairways.” It also lists “Remove all branches within 10 feet of chimneys and stovepipe outlets.”
City form undated, read Nov 2 2026
The State’s fire hazard severity zone map
The City’s page about the State’s map says the maps “show underlying hazards rather than current risks and don’t reflect fuel reduction efforts.” It says, “You can search for your property in the Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) live map by clicking on the picture below.”
City page undated, read Nov 2 2026
State-wide Zone 0, the State’s rule: where it stands
The State’s rule for the first five feet around a home, called Zone 0: adopted by the Board; in final review with the Office of Administrative Law; no effective date known. This is the status on our standing check of October 22, 2026, and the Board’s page said the same on November 2, 2026.
Standing check of Nov 7 2026, and the Board’s page read again Nov 2 2026 (20:20)
Need a hand with this? Gutter guards
St. Helena this month
Storm season: the City says, “The City of St. Helena has two sandbag stations available for residents.”
The St. Helena blog starts when there is enough local news to keep it current.
Culture and history
Main Street’s historic district
The City’s history page says part of its downtown is listed as a National Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. The description the City reprints says, “The district is especially notable for its collection of native stone commercial buildings, although it contains examples of other construction materials as well.”
City page undated, read Nov 2 2026
A walking tour of Main Street
The City says it partnered with the Historical Society, the Chamber of Commerce and the community “to create a walking tour of all buildings on St. Helena’s Main Street, within its historic downtown core, and beyond.”
City page undated, read Nov 2 2026
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St. Helena Farmers’ Market
The City’s Crane Park page says the park “is home of the St. Helena Farmers Market, which is open from 7:30 a.m. to noon every Friday, May through October.” The market’s own site says, “See you again on May 6, 2027”.
City page undated; market site read Nov 2 2026 (refresh before use)
Carnegie Building
The City’s page says, “The two-story Mission Style building remained St Helena’s library until 1979.” It adds that the building now “serves as a small community and event space.”
City page undated, read Nov 2 2026
Lyman Park
The City says the one-acre park on the 1300 block of Main Street has a “historic gazebo” and “is host to the summer band concerts on Wednesday evenings during summer.”
City page undated, read Nov 2 2026
Heritage Center
The Historical Society says, “We operate the Heritage Center, open First Saturday of each month, 12-4 p.m.” and “Admission: Free”.
Society page undated, read Nov 2 2026 (refresh before use)
The cemetery walk
The Society’s page says, “Each fall, the St. Helena Historical Society leads a living history tour through the town’s historic cemetery.”
Society page read Nov 2 2026 (refresh before use)
The first people
The City’s history page tells who lived in the St. Helena area first. More in The story of St. Helena, below.
City page undated, read Nov 2 2026
The railroad and the town’s trade
The City’s history page tells of the railroad and of how the town became the commercial center of central Napa Valley. More in The story of St. Helena, below.
City page undated, read Nov 2 2026
The Main Street streetlamps
The City’s page on the streetlamps tells how the town kept them when a replacement was proposed. More in The story of St. Helena, below.
City page undated, read Nov 2 2026
Community
County-wide St. Helena Fire Safe Council
The Napa Communities Firewise Foundation has a page for a St. Helena Fire Safe Council, with a Firewise designation of “In Progress” and a community wildfire protection plan of “No”. The foundation’s Firewise communities page lists St. Helena under “Not Yet”.
Pages read Nov 2 2026 (refresh before use)
City rules and regulations
Permits for a re-roof
The City’s re-roof handout says, “A permit is required for all roofing projects, including re-roofing. These permits can typically be issued as an over-the-counter permit.”
City handout undated, read Nov 2 2026
Inspections
The same handout says, “Re-roof projects require a minimum of two inspections.” and “A Roof Nail and Roof Final Inspection are required for all jobs.” The City’s Building page says, “All Building and Fire Permits will be valid for 365 days from the date of issuance and each inspection will extend the life of the permit another 365 days.”
City pages undated, read Nov 2 2026
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Trees in the street
The City’s Permit Fees page says, “If you wish to prune, root prune, remove or replace any trees in the City right-of-way, a tree permit/contract and encroachment permit/contract will be required.”
City page undated, read Nov 2 2026
Trees on your own property
Chapter 12.24 of the City’s Municipal Code is its tree chapter, and its section 12.24.130 is titled “Pruning, maintenance and removal of protected trees.” The chapter defines a “protected tree” as a “heritage tree, protected replacement tree, street tree and city tree”, and a heritage tree as one “designated by a resolution of the city council”. Section 12.24.130 says no person shall “cut or prune, below or above ground, brace, move, remove, cause to cut, alter, or perform such other acts with respect to any protected tree without first obtaining a written permit to do so from the director.”
City’s code site read in Chrome Nov 2 2026; the chapter was not read in full (refresh before use)
The Historic Preservation Overlay
The City’s code section on the Historic Preservation Overlay says it is meant to “safeguard the historic and architectural character of St. Helena”. The City Council adopted the overlay map on October 24, 2023, and it was updated in March 2024; the map says it “should only be used for reference”. The code section says its provisions “apply to parcels included in the Historic Preservation (HP) Overlay Map on file with the City”. The code’s Chapter 17.21 adds that the provisions cover “those properties on the city’s historic resources list (local register), properties designated as a local historic district, and properties designated as a historic resource.” For those parcels its roof standard says, “When replacement is necessary roofing materials must be selected that are appropriate to the structure’s architectural style.”
City map and code copy undated, read Nov 2 2026 (refresh before use)
Need a hand with this? Roofing
Storms, flood and drainage
Sandbags
The City says, “The City of St. Helena has two sandbag stations available for residents. Sand and bags are available at each location for residents to fill and transport to their homes or businesses.” Its Emergency Preparedness page says the stations “are located at City Hall (1088 College Ave.) and Crane Park (parking lot between Tennis Courts/Little League Fields and St. Helena Primary School off South Crane Ave.) throughout the rainy season.”
City pages undated, read Nov 2 2026; addresses as printed (refresh before use)
The Napa River
The City’s Safety Element says, “The Napa River and some of its tributaries are prone to flooding, which poses a risk for people and structures in adjacent parts of the Napa Valley.” It adds, “The peak flows generally occur in January, February, and March.”
Element adopted May 9, 2023, read Nov 2 2026
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The City’s flood project
The Safety Element says, “In 2011, the City completed a Comprehensive Flood Control and River Restoration Project north of the Pope Street bridge and on the west side of the Napa River.” It says the project is “designed to reduce flood risk to protect approximately 470 homes”.
Element adopted May 9, 2023, read Nov 2 2026
FEMA’s record for the City
FEMA’s community status book lists St. Helena as taking part in the National Flood Insurance Program, with a current effective map dated 09/26/08.
FEMA data read Nov 2 2026
Where to watch the river
The City’s Emergency Preparedness page links “Flood Levels (NOAA.gov)”, “Napa OneRain (Napa County)” and “Napa County Real-Time Rainfall and River-Stream Data Network”.
City page undated, read Nov 2 2026
Need a hand with this? Gutter cleaning
Programs, loans and insurance
Free defensible space inspection
The City’s Fire Department page says, “The St. Helena Fire Department is pleased to provide free defensible space inspections.” The page says you receive a Defensible Space Certificate on completing the inspection, and to “Use the Defensible Space Checklist (PDF) to prepare for your inspection.”
City page undated, with no end date shown, read Nov 2 2026
County-wide Check back Defensible Space Cost Share: check back
The Napa Communities Firewise Foundation’s page says, “Thanks to a CAL FIRE grant, Napa Firewise is offering financial assistance for residents within the High or Very High Fire Severity Zones”. The City’s Weed Abatement page words it differently: “To qualify, your home must be in or adjacent to a high or very high fire hazard severity zone.” The foundation’s page says, “only first-time participants can join the cost share program until further notice.” It says eligible items include “defensible space within the 100 feet of structures, or 150 feet if the structures are on a slope, and egress/ingress to the home.” A roof or gutter item is not named. Its page carried the banner “Cost Share Funding Available. Apply Now” when we read it on Nov 2 2026 and gives no closing date, so check with the foundation before you plan around it.
Pages undated, read Nov 2 2026 (refresh before use)
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Check back Rainwater Harvesting rebate: check back
The City’s Water Conservation Rebates page lists “Rainwater Harvesting” with “Up to $100 rebate” and “Must have a minimum of 100 gallons of storage”. The City’s flyer says the rebates are for “current St. Helena municipal water customers in good standing with no delinquent charges” and that “Rebates are not guaranteed.” The page carries no open or closed word, so check with the City before you buy.
Page and flyer undated, read Nov 2 2026 (refresh before use)
County-wide Check back MCE Home Energy Savings: check back
MCE Clean Energy’s Home Energy Savings page offers a “Free in-home home energy assessment performed by a trained energy advisor” and says, “Your home must be located in MCE’s service area”. MCE’s Service Area list, read on Oct 14 2026, shows “St. Helena” under Napa. We could not re-read MCE’s pages on Nov 2 2026, so check with MCE whether your address is covered.
Pages read through the county sheet of Oct 14 2026; not re-read Nov 2 2026 (refresh before use)
County-wide North Coast Energy Services
North Coast Energy Services’ own page says, “Serving Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties”. It says, “North Coast Energy Services helps income-qualified households pay gas, electric and propane bills, and provides free weatherization and heating repair for renters and homeowners.” Ask the agency what is open and how to apply.
Page read through the sheet of Nov 2 2026 (refresh before use)
State-wide Check back California Safe Homes: check back
California Safe Homes, a State program, is not open. This is the status on our standing check of October 8, 2026.
Standing check of Oct 8 2026 (21:52), read from the file Nov 2 2026
County-wide Check back Earthquake Brace + Bolt: check back
The California Residential Mitigation Program, a joint body, runs Earthquake Brace + Bolt. Its 2025 Northern California ZIP list shows St. Helena’s ZIP code, 94574, and says, “Eligibility based on ZIP Code only, city provided as reference.” The program’s page says, “An EBB seismic retrofit is only done on wood-framed, pre-1980 homes with a raised foundation.” It also says, “EBB program registration is open for a limited time each year.” The registration page, read on Oct 20 2026, said, “The EBB Program is currently closed.”
ZIP list printed 2025; registration page read Oct 20 2026 (refresh before use)
Who serves your home in St. Helena
- Fire: The St. Helena Fire Department, a City department. The City’s Fire page says, “The St. Helena Fire Department currently staffs one engine with three personnel, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”
- Water: The City’s Public Works Department. Its Water page says, “The Water Treatment Division of the Public Works Department provides water from three sources: Bell Canyon Reservoir, Stonebridge Wells, and water purchased from the City of Napa.”
- Sewer and storm drains: The City’s Public Works Department again. Its page says the department’s work covers “streets, storm drains, parks, water distribution, water treatment, wastewater collection, and wastewater treatment.” The City’s pollution-prevention page adds, “stormwater is collected in a separate system and flows to the Napa River without any additional treatment.” That is the street’s drainage system, not roof gutters.
- Garbage and recycling: The Upper Valley Waste Management Agency. The City’s page says, “Waste management within the City of St. Helena is handled by the Upper Valley Waste Management Agency”, and, “To set up waste service, contact Upper Valley Disposal and Recycling Services (UVDS)”.
- Electricity and gas: MCE makes the electricity and PG&E delivers it, and the gas. The City’s Energy page says, “Starting in September of 2016 electricity ratepayers in St. Helena are automatically opted into MCE’s Light Green program.” It adds that “PG&E continues to provide transmission and distribution of electricity, monthly billing to customers, and natural gas services.”
Useful links: City of St. Helena: Fire Department · City of St. Helena: Free Defensible Space Inspection and Certificate · City of St. Helena: Weed Abatement · City of St. Helena: Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map · City of St. Helena: Building Division · City of St. Helena: Permit Fees · City of St. Helena: Municipal Code (Chapters 15.56 and 12.24) · City of St. Helena: Emergency Preparedness · City of St. Helena: Sandbag Stations · City of St. Helena: Flood Control and River Restoration Project · City of St. Helena: Water Conservation Rebates · City of St. Helena: Public Works · City of St. Helena: Trees · City of St. Helena: Parks · City of St. Helena: Historic Preservation Overlay · Napa Firewise: Defensible Space Cost Share · Napa Firewise: St. Helena Fire Safe Council · MCE Clean Energy: Home Energy Savings · North Coast Energy Services · St. Helena Historical Society · Earthquake Brace + Bolt
The homes of St. Helena
St. Helena’s median home was built in 1974, by the Census Bureau’s 2020-2024 survey, which puts the margin of error at 4 years. The State counted 2,907 housing units in January 2026: about 64 percent single detached houses, about 7 percent single attached, about 6 percent in buildings of two to four units and about 18 percent in buildings of five or more, our own calculation.
Historic residential areas
A variety of architectural styles
The City’s 2006 inventory of historic resources says, “St. Helena’s historic residential areas include a variety of architectural styles.” It says, “The majority of the properties surveyed were single-family residences, most of which are located on urban and suburban lots within the older built-up portion of St. Helena.”
Local Register of Historic Properties
294 properties on the City’s list
The City’s Local Register of Historic Properties lists 294 properties, our own count of the City’s list, which the City adopted with the overlay.
Older roofs and gutters need a different hand: Gutter Repair · Roof Repair · Gutter Installation
The story of St. Helena
History and character
The City’s history page says, “The St. Helena area was home to the Wappo people, a Yukian-speaking group who were the area’s earliest inhabitants.”
On vineyards, the City’s history page says, “New arrivals began planting vineyards and making wine in the 1860s.”
According to the City, “The railroad came to town in 1868, providing an important shipping nexus for fruit, grain, and mining products.”
On the town’s trade, the City’s history page says, “From early on St. Helena was the commercial center of central Napa Valley, including settlements to the east on Howell Mountain and in Pope Valley and the villages of Rutherford and Oakville to the south.”
On the town’s newspaper, the Historical Society’s timeline says, “1874 – The St. Helena Star newspaper begins publishing.”
The City’s pages date St. Helena’s incorporation to 1876.
On street lighting, the Society’s timeline says, “1883 – The St. Helena Gas Company is founded, providing the first street lighting.”
The description of the downtown historic district that the City reprints says, “Local immigrant stonemasons transferred their skills to commercial buildings.”
On the library, its page says, “In 1904, local citizens interested in a more permanent home for the library, contacted library philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who eventually donated $7500 to construct the first permanent library building in 1908.”
On power, the Society’s timeline says, “1909 – Power is switched on June 12; residents gain twenty-four-hour electricity.”
On schools and festivals, the Society’s timeline says, “1912 – The new St. Helena High School opens; the first Vintage Festival is held.”
The City’s page on the Main Street streetlamps says the 1959 proposal to replace them “with 20,000-lumen lamps” was unpopular, and that “Modernization was achieved without giving up the unique illumination these electroliers give to our streetscape.”
The Historical Society says, “Robert Mondavi opened his winery on Highway 29 in 1966, ushering in the modern era of Napa Valley winemaking”.
The City’s anniversary site marks March 24, 2026 as the day the City turned 150.
St. Helena, roof and gutters
St. Helena is a city in Napa County. The City says it is “located in the center of the world-famous wine-growing Napa Valley, 65 miles north of San Francisco.” Its Safety Element describes the setting: “St. Helena is surrounded by natural beauty, hillsides, vineyards, and waterways.”
Yearly rain here runs from about 34 to about 40 inches, by NOAA’s 1991-2020 normals for the two stations nearest City Hall. The nearest, Saint Helena, has a normal of 33.97 inches, and the second nearest, Angwin Pacific Union College, 39.71 inches. The two differ by 5.74 inches, so we give the range and not an average, our own calculation. In its 2014 rain-year paper the National Weather Service says the Bay Area and Central Coast rains come “generally between November and April”.
The City says it has 15 Heritage Trees designated by its Council, and by our own count of its brochure’s legend, nine are valley oaks and three are coast live oaks. The City’s 2004 Master Street Tree List says of the coast live oak, “Drops old leaves in Spring.” and of the pin oak, “only drawback is that dried leaves remain on tree until late winter.”
We have been working on Bay Area roofs and gutters since 2002. If yours hasn’t had a look in a while, we’d be glad to come by.
Landmarks and parks
Cameo Cinema
The City’s page on the building says, “Over the years, successive owners have renamed the theater as the Roxy and then the Liberty again.” It adds, “There are now four storefronts occupying this wide building.”
Hunt Building
The City’s page says, “The Daniel Otis Hunt Building was completed in March of 1892.” It says the Wonderful Drug Store “was the first lessee and the most colorful occupant.”
Odd Fellows Building
The City’s page says, “This 2-story Italianate building was built in 1885. It has a brick façade with side and rear walls of randomly coursed stone.”
St. Helena Public Library
The library’s page says, “The world famous Silverado Museum is housed in a wing of the Library Building.”
How we can help in St. Helena
Why Sunshine Gutters and Roofing
- Family-owned since 2002, trusted by thousands of returning Bay Area homeowners
- Licensed (CSLB #1053780), bonded, with $2 million in general liability coverage
- Our own crew, never subcontractors
- We keep track of local regulations, fire safety rules and insurance programs
- We show you what we found, with photos, so you decide what happens next
St. Helena questions
What St. Helena homeowners ask us
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in St. Helena?
Yes. A re-roof needs a permit and inspections. The City’s re-roof handout says, “A permit is required for all roofing projects, including re-roofing. These permits can typically be issued as an over-the-counter permit.” If you wish, we can also pull the permit for you, as most of our customers ask us to.
Where can I get sandbags in St. Helena?
The City says its two stations are at “City Hall parking lot near Wappo Park (1088 College Ave.)” and “Crane Park (parking lot between Tennis Courts/Little League Fields and St. Helena Primary School off South Crane Ave.)”. It adds, “Sand and bags are available at each location for residents to fill and transport to their homes or businesses.”
Can I get my defensible space inspected for free in St. Helena?
The City’s Fire Department says it is “pleased to provide free defensible space inspections.” Its page says to “Schedule your free inspection today” by calling the Fire Department or emailing it.
How do I find out whether my home is in a fire hazard severity zone?
The City’s page about the State’s map says, “You can search for your property in the Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) live map by clicking on the picture below.”
What our customers say
Get a free estimate
We usually respond promptly within the day. Phone first for emergencies: (510) 525-0880.
Where we work
St. Helena neighbourhoods we serve
Downtown
The City’s newsletter says the Downtown St. Helena Specific Plan study area covers “the core downtown area extending south to Mitchell Avenue, west to Oak Avenue, east to Railroad Avenue and north to Fulton Avenue.”
The Historic Commercial District
The State form on the City’s site says the district is “bordered on the north by Railroad Avenue, on the south by Money Way, on the west by Adams Street, and on the east by Spring Street”.
Highway 29
The City’s Highway 29 Specific Plan, approved in 2005, covers “approximately 108 acres of land located on the east and west sides of Highway 29”.
Crane Park
The City’s Crane Park page says, “The 12-acre park features six lighted tennis courts, eight lighted bocce ball courts, two Little League baseball fields”.
Lyman Park
The City says it is “Located on the 1300 block of Main Street between Pine Street and Adams Street”.
Wappo Park
The City’s page says, “The park is located just south of Pope Street Bridge along the Napa River.”
Also serving nearby: Deer Park · Yountville · Napa · American Canyon