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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Zone Zero Update
1.Motion to Note and File
2.Motion Providing Direction
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Action
Approved for October 28, 2025 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This is an update on the State’s recently proposed “Zone Zero” regulations currently under development by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (BOF). Zone Zero refers to the area within five feet of a structure where specific building and landscaping standards are being considered to reduce structure ignition potential in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Communities.
These forthcoming regulations, currently in draft form, are anticipated to apply to new construction immediately upon adoption and to existing structures over a three-year phase-in period. The Board has held multiple public meetings throughout 2025 to gather feedback, with the final rule expected to be presented for adoption in early 2026.
The Glendale Fire Department continues to monitor this process closely and participate in stakeholder engagement to ensure local conditions, geography, and construction practices are considered when final regulations are implemented. 9d2
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RECOMMENDATION
This report is for information only. No Council action is required at this time. Council may note and file the Report, or provide direction or request follow-up it deems appropriate.
ANALYSIS
The current draft rule language proposes several new defensible space requirements for the first five feet adjacent to structures (“Zone Zero”). These requirements are intended to prevent direct flame contact, radiant heat exposure, and ember intrusion.
Key provisions include:
Debris Removal: Roofs, gutters, and the area within five feet of a structure must be kept clear of leaves, needles, and other combustible debris. Combustible Materials: Firewood, mulch, and other flammable materials must be removed from this five-foot zone.
Fences and Gates: Portions of attached fences or gates within five feet of a structure must be constructed of non-combustible materials. Outbuildings: Accessory structures within five feet of a residence must be built entirely of non-combustible materials.
Accessory Dwelling Units: Newly constructed accessory dwelling units must comply with Zone Zero requirements.
Local Alternatives: Within Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) such as the City of Glendale, the Authority Having Jurisdiction (Glendale Fire Department) may approve alternative compliance methods that achieve substantially similar fire- resistance outcomes, based on local conditions such as slope, lot size, vegetation type, or building density
Four primary vegetation management options are under review by the Board for the Zone Zero area:
1.Option 1: Potted plants under 18" tall allowed; no combustible vegetation or mulches.
2.Option 2: Same as Option 1, with limited maintained vegetation under 4" tall (e.g., moss or low ground cover).
3.Option 3: Plants up to 18" tall are allowed if well-spaced and kept clear of walls, vents, and windows.
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4.Option 4: Allows plants in pots and low vegetation provided they are well maintained and free of dead materials or combustible mulch.
Timeline:
September–October 2025: Additional revisions to the draft rule under review. November 2025: Full Board considers the rule package and may initiate formal rulemaking.
December 2025: Public comment and hearing process.
January 2026: Final rule consideration and completion of the formal rulemaking process.
Effective Date: Regulations become enforceable once a compliance guidance document is published by the Board.
Public Process:
To date, the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection has received over 5,000 public comments on the draft Zone Zero regulations. The Board has held nine public meetings statewide throughout 2025 — including one in Pasadena on September 18 — to gather input from residents, local agencies, and fire professionals. Two additional meetings are scheduled for October 23 and November 3, 2025, after which the Board will finalize the proposed rule language for consideration during the formal rulemaking process later this year.
The Board continues to invite public input on the draft regulations. Comments can be submitted by email to [email protected], and additional resources — including the draft rule text, meeting materials, and frequently asked questions — are available on the Board’s Zone Zero webpage at https://bof.fire.ca.gov
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
The Glendale Fire Department has engaged in public outreach and education regarding Zone Zero and related wildfire resilience measures through: City website information updates on the State’s proposed rulemaking. Homeowners Association (HOA) presentations and community forums throughout 2025. Continued coordination with regional fire agencies.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
N/A
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CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
N/A.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Jeffrey Brooks, Fire Chief
Prepared by:
Jeffrey Brooks, Fire Chief
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS