New California Zone 0 Rules
California has taken an important step toward reducing wildfire risk around homes. The California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection has approved new Zone 0 defensible space regulations, focused on the first 5 ft surrounding homes—the area most vulnerable to ignition from wind-blown embers.
The rules will be phased in over five years, with an emphasis on education and outreach. Key measures include removing combustible materials such as firewood, mulch, dead leaves and wood chips; maintaining vegetation and trees; keeping gutters clear; and creating non-combustible areas immediately adjacent to structures.
The regulations apply to homes in the State Responsibility Area (SRA) and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Local Responsibility Areas.
Importantly, the new standards allow vegetation—including certain plants, groundcovers, lawns and trees—to remain in Zone 0 when properly maintained and separated from vulnerable parts of the home.
What homeowners should know: Existing homes will have time to comply, but early action is encouraged. The regulation still must go through review by the Office of Administrative Law and approval by the California Secretary of State before taking effect.
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