The basic facts:
In 2020, California enacted Assembly Bill 3074, mandating the creation of an “ember-resistant zone”—referred to as “Zone 0”—within five feet of structures in designated high fire hazard areas. This initiative aims to reduce the risk of homes igniting from wind-driven embers during wildfires, a leading cause of structural fires.
Despite the law’s passage, implementation has faced delays. Originally set to take effect in 2023, the regulations have not been finalized, leaving many homeowners uncertain about compliance requirements.
In response, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-18-25 in February 2025, directing the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to expedite the adoption of Zone 0 regulations. The goal is to have these regulations in place by the end of 2025.
Key Aspects of Zone 0:
Scope: Zone 0 encompasses the area within five feet of a structure, including attached decks and stairs.
Requirements: The regulations will likely prohibit combustible materials such as wooden fences, mulch, and flammable vegetation within this zone. Exceptions may include certain non-combustible items and well-maintained mature trees.
Applicability: Once finalized, the rules will apply immediately to new constructions in State Responsibility Areas and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Existing structures will have three years (some sources say 1 year) to achieve compliance.
Stakeholders:
Developing Zone 0 regulations involves collaboration among stakeholders, including CAL FIRE, the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, local governments, local fire agencies, and community organizations. This collaborative approach is supposed to ensure that the regulations are practical and consider the diverse needs of California’s communities.
Addressing Concerns:
Many homeowners have expressed concerns about the potential costs and quality of life impacts of complying with Zone 0 requirements. Community members are organizing because many of these concerns seem to be falling on deaf ears and information about the current draft and opportunities for public comment are difficult to locate. The current draft of the Board of Forestry Zone 0 requirements is provided here.
Our Take: (Zone Zero - Conejo Valley)
The one-size-fits-all approach fails to recognize the vast differences between homes in rural environments and the relatively small lots found in our suburban communities. The new risk mitigation regulations (see current draft) should reflect these differences.
We are questioning the science behind the mandated removal of well irrigated, high moisture plants from Zone 0. Videos circulated by CAL FIRE and insurance companies appear to be staged using very low moisture dead vegetation crafted into the shape of small trees, creating the impression that irrigated plants are a significant reason for wind-blown-ember-ignited house fires.
Moving Forward:
Implementation of Zone 0 regulations represents a proactive step toward enhancing community fire resilience. Homeowners will cooperate if there is evidence of good science behind the mandates, transparent communication, and if there is flexibility in implementation that takes benefits, enjoyment, and reasonable use of private property into account. The mitigations requiring landscape removal will be very expensive for government and property owners. Would that money be better spent on proven home-hardening measures such as replacing soffit vents (at the eaves), ridge vents (along the roof peak), and gable vents (at the ends of the attic)? See a list of facts and questions for decision makers here