Legislative Policy Committee
February 3, 2026

INFORMATION ITEMS

4. ZONE ZERO UPDATE

Fire DepartmentLegislative Policy CommitteeFebruary 3, 2026 Fire DepartmentBackground•In 2020, California enacted Assembly Bill 3074 mandating the creation of an “ember-resistant zone” within five feet of structures in designated high fire hazard areas.>This zone is referred to as Zone Zero •Originally set to take effect in 2023, the regulations have not been finalized. •In February 2025, Governor Newson issued Executive Order N-18-25 directing the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to expedite the adoption of Zone Zero with a goal to have these in place by the end of 2025.•As of December 2025, the Board has not finalized the adoption.2 Fire DepartmentWhat is Zone Zero?•Zone Zero is an area of defensible space within the first five feet of a home or structure. >Keeping the area closest to structure clear of combustibles helps prevent embers from igniting flammable materials on or adjacent to the structure.•Zone Zero will apply* to:>All new construction in California’s State Responsibility Area>All State Responsibility Areas and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones of Local Responsibility AreasAll existing structures, homes and business owners will have 3 years to clear vegetation and combustiblesLocal governments can set compliance rules based on local conditions, and historic buildings may qualify for exemptions3 *pending finalization and adoption of regulations
Fire DepartmentWhat is Zone Zero?•What to do* in Zone Zero:>Keeping roofs, gutters, and the area within five feet of a home free of leaves and needles>Removing combustible materials such as firewood near buildingsRules on vegetation such as plants and trees are still being finalized»Currently, no landscaping material that is likely to be ignited by embers are permitted with Zone Zero »Exceptions for potted plants and well-maintained plants are being discussed»Exceptions for trees that extend above structures are being discussed >Ensuring that fences and gates attached to buildings must be made of non-combustible materials for the first five feet>Ensuring that outbuildings within five feet be built entirely of non-combustible materials>Local fire agencies have discretion approve alternative methods that provide similar fire safety results as those outlined in the regulation4*pending finalization and adoption of regulations Fire DepartmentLocal Challenges•Lack of consensus at the State level>6 years of discussion with no adoption•Costs of Zone Zero abatement ranges from $10k-$100k>Removal of flammable materials including landscaping, firewood, and attached fences>Well-maintained trees would be allowed only if the branches are pruned so that the lowest are at least five feet above the roof 5 Fire DepartmentCurrent Status•The new rules are expected to be adopted in 2026>New properties will need to comply immediately upon adoption>Existing properties may need to be compliant by 2029 •The next Zone Zero Committee meeting is expected to take place in March 20266 Fire DepartmentRecommendations•Continue to monitor and wait for the final Zone Zero passage as details continue to change •Communicate to the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (Board) concerns over the cost of compliance per impacted residence•Communicate to the Board the City’s concerns regarding enforcement requirements and implementation challenges7