California’s Zone Zero defensible space law is now in effect for new home construction; existing homes must comply by February 2027

By Paul Levikow

April 3, 2026 (San Diego County) – New structures being built in Very High Fire Severity Zones in California must now comply with state-mandated Zone Zero[1] wildfire safety requirements, which includes the area within five feet of an occupied dwelling.

Existing homes have until February 2027 to fulfill the law’s requirements, which calls for maintaining an ember-resistant area. Those requirements include:

• Trees within this zone must not have dead or dying branches, and roofs and gutters must be kept clear of combustible debris.
• Removing dead plants, dry or fallen leaves, pine needles, mulch, firewood, trash, debris, and other flammable materials within five feet of structures, including roofs and gutters, decks, porches, balconies, stairways, and areas beneath the home.
• Using hardscape materials such as concrete, gravel, pavers, or bare soil within the Zone Zero area.
• Limiting combustible items such as outdoor furniture and planters on decks.
• Replacing combustible fencing, gates, and arbors with non-combustible alternatives.
• Relocating garbage and recycling containers, boats, RVs, and vehicles outside of Zone Zero.
• Trees allowed in Zone Zero must be properly maintained and regularly pruned.
• Healthy branches must be kept at least five feet from roofs and exterior walls, and the tree canopy must be maintained at least 10 feet from roofs and other structures. 

“Creating defensible space is one of the most effective steps a homeowner can take to reduce their wildfire risk,” San Diego Fire-Rescue Chief Robert Logan said. “These statewide standards focus on the area closest to the home, where embers pose the greatest threat, and where informed and intentional actions today help protect homes, communities, and firefighters tomorrow.” 

There are three Defensible Space Zones[2] defined by Cal Fire. Zone Zero is the five feet adjacent to the building, Zone 1, which is between 5 and 30 feet of the home and Zone 2, covering the area between 30 to 100 feet from the home. Zone Zero addresses the immediate area where research shows many homes are first ignited by wind-driven embers in a wildfire.

The Zone Zero requirement is the result of AB 3074[3] that was enacted in 2020 and was intended to reduce ignition risk and strengthen overall community wildfire resilience throughout the state. The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and State Fire Marshal released proposed rulemaking language[4] last October establishing Defensible Space Zone 0. The proposed rules apply to structures located in a State Responsibility Area or a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone within a Local Responsibility Area.

Property owners and residents can check the fire hazard severity zones map[5] from the Office of the State Fire Marshal to see where their neighborhood is located. There are Fire Safe Councils statewide, including several in East County where residents can get help and stay informed of wildfire preparedness. There is a Fire Safe Council statewide locator[6] to find the nearest one serving your neighborhood. Cal Fire has a web site dedicated to getting ready for a wildfire[7] and another page that answers frequently asked questions[8].

Details of the City of San Diego ordinance can be found here[9].

The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, a government-appointed body in the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, is hosting a Zone Zero Regulatory Advisory Committee webinar April 23 at 1 p.m. Register here to attend[10].