Zone Zero Workgroup

In 2020, California passed AB-3074 that laid out a new Zone 0 defensible space that was to cover the first 5 feet around a structure for those properties that fall within a State Responsibility Area. The regulations would be promulgated by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.

In 2023, SB-504 passed that introduced Zone 0 defensible space created in AB-3074 to those properties deemed Very-High Fire Risk wihtin a Local Responsibility Area.

On February 6, 2025, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-18-25 that charged the Board of Forestry to finalize Zone 0 regulations and make modifications to Zone 1 regulations as needed via hosting a series of workgroups, drafted regulations, and a 45 day period of public input.  They are to complete their work by end of the year. Their resulting regulations would be effective with existing homes 3 years after January 1, 2026. 

Zone Zero (0–5 Feet)

Proposed California Wildfire Safety Regulations – April 2026 Draft

The California Board of Forestry has released an updated draft of the proposed Zone Zero defensible space regulations, which focus on the first five feet surrounding homes and structures.

This area is considered the most critical zone for preventing ignition, as wind-driven embers are the primary cause of home loss during wildfires.

Important:
These regulations are not yet finalized and are still undergoing public review and refinement.

Overview of the Approach

The proposed regulations introduce a phased, flexible framework designed to improve wildfire resilience while allowing time for homeowners to adapt.

• Applies to homes in State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ)

• Focuses on reducing combustible materials near structures

• Allows for local flexibility in how standards are implemented

Phased Implementation Timeline

Phase 1 (Within 3 Years)

Focus on fuel reduction and maintenance

• Remove combustible materials (mulch, leaves, wood chips, firewood) within 5 feet

• Clear roofs and gutters of debris

• Remove dead and dying vegetation

• Trim trees and eliminate ladder fuels

Phase 2 (Up to 5 Years – timeline set locally)

Focus on structural and near-home improvements

• Establish non-combustible “safety zone” near the structure

• Modify fences, gates, and attachments near the home

• Address sheds and outbuildings within Zone Zero

The emphasis is on progress over time, with education and assistance prioritized over enforcement.

Zone Zero Structure

The draft introduces two distinct areas within the first 5 feet:

1. Immediate “Safety Zone” (Non-Combustible Zone)

A vegetation-free buffer directly adjacent to the home.

Required distances:

• Minimum 1 foot from the structure, or out to the eave dripline (whichever is greater)

• 2 feet from windows, doors, and vents

• 5 feet around attached decks, stairs, and similar features

This zone is designed to protect the most vulnerable parts of the home, including walls, eaves, and openings.

2. Low Combustibility Zone (Remainder of the 5 Feet)

The area between the safety zone and the 5-foot boundary allows limited, controlled landscaping.

Landscaping and Vegetation Rules

Prohibited Within Zone Zero

• Combustible mulch, bark, wood chips

• Dead leaves, needles, and debris

• Firewood and stored combustible materials

• Vegetation under decks, stairs, or balconies

Allowed (With Conditions)

Low-growing vegetation

• Grass, groundcovers, and non-woody plants under 3 inches

Plants 3–18 inches

• Must be well-maintained

• Limited to small groupings (≤ 1 sq ft)

• Spaced apart (≥ 1.5× plant height)

Potted plants

• Must be in non-combustible containers

• Max size: 5 gallons

• Must be spaced and movable

Trees (Allowed With Maintenance)

• No dead or dying branches

• Ladder fuels removed (bottom 6 feet or lower 1/3 of tree)

• Branches:

  • ≥ 10 feet from chimneys

  • ≥ 5 feet above roofs

  • Not under eaves

Fences, Gates, and Structures

• A 5-foot non-combustible section is required where fences or gates attach to or come within 1 foot of the home

• No new combustible fences within Zone Zero

• Existing fences may be repaired

• Sheds/outbuildings must have non-combustible materials

Local Flexibility

Local fire agencies may approve alternative approaches if they provide equivalent fire safety outcomes.

This allows for consideration of:

• Lot size and layout

• Topography and vegetation

• Building materials and design

• Community-specific fire risk

Current Concerns

• How is outdoor furniture impacted by the regulations? Are they permitted under pergolas, decking, or balconies? Are they permitted in the safety zone?

• Is synthetic turf treated like lawns in the low-combustibility zone?

Pre-April 2026 Concerns

After our review of the workgroups first two sessions we are highlighting some top concerns: 

• The Board of Forestry is largely crafting regulations for their purview: State Responsibility Areas (SRA's).  These are largely rural homes whose have completely different risk vectors and mitigation steps compared to suburban wildlife interfaces like Emerald Heights. However, whatever they craft for SRA's will be adopted for Local Responsibility Area's Very High Fire Risk Zones like Emerald Heights. 

• There is confusion amongst the workgroup of the timeline. Regulation indicates a timeline of 3 years but includes verbiage that could indicate that timeline could be extended if homeowner has an approved phased plan for making required changes.

• Common feedback from various experts in public discussion is that they believe that Board of Forestry (BOF) is not utilizing science based research. Specifically in regards to suburban medium and high density communities. The BOF seems open to reviewing the research and adjusting

• If adopted as is, the regulations would require significant changes for most homeowners in Emerald Heights including the removal of plant material, trees, and wooden fences.

• Concerns of enforcement and whether insurance to deny access to insurance or claims.

• Potential for increased insurance rates

• A representative from San Diego County indicated they may want to place even stricter regulations

• The timeline for changes are going to be short as the HOA will need to modify our rules and the CC&R's to allow for the changes. The HOA will need to process the related applications for requested changes. 

  • Additionally, with nearly 5 million residents falling in the impacted area completing these changes all at once will likely cause labor and material shortages.

• Potential that insurance will deny claims of homeowners who failed to move their potted plants for a loss during a red flag warning day

• Ambiguous nature of verbiage makes it unclear if lawn furniture or pergolas would be permitted; as such one can assume that insurance will prohibit it

• Takes priority from home hardening efforts

• Strategy is in isolation and ignores home hardening and community mititgation efforts

General:

Board of Forestry Zone 0 Workgroup
Map Changes for Fire Severity Zones 

December 8th

December Meeting Notice & Agenda 

1 BOF Zone 0 Short FHSZ Presentation 

2 RCDSMM BOF Dan Cooper_ Clark Stevens Presentation 

Zone Zero Regulatory Advisory Committee Meeting (Part 1) 12-08-2025 

Zone Zero Regulatory Advisory Committee Meeting (Part 2) 12-08-2025 

November 3rd Meeting:

November 2025 Notice & Agenda 

11 03 2025 Presentation 

Valachovic Zone 0 Experiments - Oct 2025 

Zone Zero Regulation Advisory Committee Meeting (Part 1) 11-03-2025 

Zone Zero Regulation Advisory Committee Meeting (Part 2) 11-03-2025 

Zone Zero Regulation Advisory Committee Meeting (Part 3) 11-03-2025 

October 23rd Meeting: 

Final October 23, 2025 Zone Zero Agenda 

October Zone 0 Summary and Rule Plead 

Zone Zero Regulation Advisory Committee Meeting (Part 1) 10-23-2025 

Zone Zero Regulation Advisory Committee Meeting (Part 2) 10-23-2025 

September 22nd Meeting:

Zone Zero Regulation Advisory Committee Meeting (Part 1) 9-22-2025

Zone Zero Regulation Advisory Committee Meeting (Part 2) 9-22-2025

August Zone 0 Draft Rule Plead

September 2025 Notice Agenda

Fire Safety Zone Zero FAQ Sept 17 2025

Zone Zero Inspection Overview Sacramento Presentation

Zone Zero Guidance Interpretation Presentation

September 18th Meeting:

Zone Zero Regulation Advisory Committee Meeting - Southern CA (Part 1) 09-18-2025

Zone Zero Regulation Advisory Committee Meeting - Southern CA (Part 2) 09-18-2025

August Zone 0 Draft Rule Plead

UPDATED VENUE LOCATION September 18 Zone Zero FLYER

UPDATED VENUE LOCATION- September 18 Zone Zero Meeting Notice Agenda

Fire Safety Zone 0 FAQ

Ember Resistant Zone 0 Overview of Draft Rule Plead 81825

August Meeting:

Part 1 Zone Zero Regulation Advisory Committee Meeting 08-18-2025

Part 2 Zone Zero Regulation Advisory Committee Meeting 08-18-2025

August Zone 0 Draft Rule Plead

July Meeting:

Zone Zero Regulatory Advisory Committee Meeting (Part 1) 07-24-2025

Zone Zero Regulatory Advisory Committee Meeting (Part 2) 07-24-2025

Zone Zero Regulatory Advisory Committee Meeting (Part 3) 07-24-2025

July Run of Show

July Zone 0 Draft Rule Plead

ZZ 3 Summary of Changes 7-17-25 clean

Zone Zero Overview 7.24

Zone Zero Overview 7.23

Valachovic_Paradise_BOF_July 2025

June Meeting:

June Zone 0 Draft Rule Plead

Zone Zero Regulatory Advisory Committee Meeting (Part 1) 06-16-2025

Zone Zero Regulatory Advisory Committee Meeting (Part 2) 06-16-2025

Zone Zero Regulatory Advisory Committee Meeting (Part 3) 06-16-2025

ZZ June Staff Memo

REVISED Agenda

June Run of Show

May Meeting:

May Zone 0 Draft Rule Plead

Staff Overview of Proposed Rule Changes

Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Zone 0 Workshop (Part 1) 05-12-2025

Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Zone 0 Workshop (Part 2) 05-12-2025

SRA & LRA Maps and D. Space Findings/ Compliance - PRESENTATION

Science behind Zone Zero - PRESENTATION

Science re: Trees in Zone Zero - PRESENTATION

Ventura County’s Approach to Zone 0 - PRESENTATION

Landscape Architect Perspective and Zone Zero Example - PRESENTATION

Ember Resistant Zone Zero Overview of Draft Rule Plead - PRESENTATION

April Meeting:

Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Zone 0 Workshop (Part 1) 04-07-2025 

Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Zone 0 Workshop (Part 2) 04-07-2025 

• BOF Zone Zero Presentation April 7, 2025 - Valachovic

• Rebuild Paradise Foundation - Board of Forestry Presentation

• Zone Zero 4 Draft Rule Plead Presentation 4.7

March Meeting:

Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Zone 0 Workshop 03-04-2025 

• IBHS Presentation

• Zone Zero Regulation Advisory Committee Workshop Presentation

Want to get involved? Here's How:

• Notify of us of your concerns and we will include it in our outreach to the BOF. 

• Complete the Fire Safety Committee Survey, you will be sent draft emails you can send the BOF summarizing your concerns based upon your responses within about a day. You can access the survey here: Zone Zero Feedback Form 

• Send your questions or comments to PublicComments@bof.ca.gov

• Attend the June 16 workgroup via MS Teams. We will update the calendar with log in information.

• Join the Emerald Heights Fire Safety Committee

Town Hall Meeting:

On June 3rd, 2025 the Fire Safety Committee hosted  an educational Town Hall for the Emerald Heights Committee.  Resources from the Town Hall are available here:

Zone Zero Town Hall Slide Deck

Emerald Heights Feedback:
An e-mail was sent to the workgroup on May 11th, 2025.  It is accessible here:

May 11th E-mail

A formal correspondence from the HOA Board is currently be drafted and will be sent out by the HOA President in the upcoming weeks. A copy will be uploaded here when it has been submitted.