The state is working on new regulations that will toughen enforcement of defensible space around homes in areas at risk of wildfires.
The current round of rulemaking by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection is on Zone 0 — the area that stretches from the physical building out to five feet — a critical zone for wildfire defense. Under legislation passed in 2022, the board is required to complete its rulemaking for Zone 0 by the end of 2025.
The new rulemaking will add to the steps homeowners in high-risk areas are required to take.
The proposed rule
The Zone 0 rule would apply not only to the main house but to all other structures (like barns and sheds) as well.
The biggest change under the proposed rules is controversial: It would bar grass, ornamental or native plants, shrubs, branches, fallen leaves and tree needles, weeds and combustible mulches including bark and woodchips from Zone 0.
Some wildfire specialists say that adequately watered grass and shrubs can help protect the home in case of a wildfire. If well watered, they can reduce the temperature around the house, catch embers and keep them from starting a fire.
The rule makes an exception for potted plants. Ten or fewer would be allowed if they are in areas not directly beneath, above or in front of or adjacent to a window, glass door or vent, and are kept in unaffixed, noncombustible pots or containers that are no larger than five gallons.
Most trees would be barred from the zone, although mature trees without low-hanging branches may be allowed.
No items that are likely to be ignited by embers would be allowed, including:
- Combustible boards,
- Timbers,
- Firewood,
- Synthetic lawn,
- Attached window boxes, and
- Trellises.
The roof and rain gutters must be kept clear of leaves and needles. Areas under decks, balconies and stairs must be kept free of vegetative material and combustible items.
Gates made of combustible materials may not be attached to the home or other structures.
Is your home affected?
Homes in the following areas are required to comply with the board’s rules for defensible space:
State responsibility areas — The state of California is financially responsible for the prevention and suppression of wildfires in these areas. SRAs do not include land within city or certain county boundaries. You can check if your home is in an SRA on this webpage.
Very high fire hazard zones in local responsibility areas — These are areas at high risk of wildfire where local agencies, like city or county fire departments, are primarily responsible for wildfire protection and emergency response. You can check if your home is in a high fire hazard zone here.
Once finalized, the rules will apply immediately to new construction, while existing homes will have a three-year phase-in period.
Existing zone rules
The new rulemaking does not address Zone 1 (five to 30 feet from the home or property line, whichever comes first) and Zone 2 (30 feet to 100 feet).
Under current board rules, homeowners in at-risk areas must:
Zone 1 (5 to 30 feet)
- Remove dead leaves, pine needles and debris from the yard, roof and gutters.
- Trim overhanging branches to at least 10 feet away from chimneys.
- Keep trees pruned to maintain spacing.
- Clear flammable vegetation and items from under decks, balconies and stairs.
- Maintain space between trees and shrubs.
- Ensure outbuildings and propane tanks have 10 feet of clearance and no flammable vegetation nearby.
Zone 2 (30 to 100 feet)
- Mow grass to a maximum height of four inches.
- Maintain clear horizontal spacing between shrubs and trees.
- Remove dead vegetation and fallen leaves.
- Prune lower branches of trees.
- Ensure outbuildings and propane tanks have 10 feet of clearance and no flammable vegetation nearby.
Please note other organizations have similar but different guidelines, but only the board’s rules are mandatory for affected homes.
If you have questions or concerns about protecting your home from wildfire or have insurance questions, please give us a call.