January 6, 2026
City Council
DATE: January 6, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Soheila Bana
Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda (co-sponsor)
Subject:
Develop an Ordinance Requiring All Homeowners
Association Located in Very High, High, or Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone Areas to Adopt Architectural
Design Guidelines for Non-Combustible Fences and
Gates
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact to the City. Homeowners Associations will bear the cost of developing their
Architectural Design Guidelines. Technical assistance will be available at no cost from the Diablo Fire Safe Council and the West Contra Costa Fire Safe Council
(WCCFSC).
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Wildfire risk is rising across California due to climate change, longer fire seasons, and increased ignition
sources. Richmond contains multiple neighborhoods
located within Very High, High, and Moderate Fire
Hazard Severity Zones, many of which are governed by
homeowners’ association (HOA) that oversee
architectural standards for property improvements—
including fences and gates.
Wooden fencing can act as a “ladder” for wildfire spread and can directly transmit flames to homes. Current fire science strongly emphasizes the importance of “Zone
Zero”, the ember-resistant zone within the first five feet of a structure. Non-combustible fencing and gates (e.g.,
AGENDA
REPORT
January 6, 2026
steel or aluminum) are consistent with “Zone Zero”
principles and significantly reduce ember-driven ignition risk.
However, many HOA’s currently lack guidelines that
allow or govern the installation of non-combustible fence and gate materials. Establishing City-wide requirements ensures that every HOA in wildfire-vulnerable areas
adopts clear, fire-resilient standards that homeowners
can follow.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
DIRECT staff to study California Assembly Bill
3074 and Senate Bill 504 (2024) that establishes an
ember resistant "Zone Zero" and return to City Council
within 60 days with a draft ordinance for the Council to review and consider for adoption - Councilmember
Soheila Bana (510-672-3490)/Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
(510-620-6593).
DISCUSSION:
California is experiencing record-breaking wildfire seasons and research shows most homes that burn during wildfires ignite from wind-borne embers, not direct flame.
Current fire science emphasizes that keeping the first five feet around homes free of combustible materials is one of the most effective fire-prevention strategies. Fences built of combustible materials—especially where they attach to the home—can allow fire to spread rapidly from one structure to another. The adoption of non-combustible materials—such as metal fencing—directly supports “Zone Zero” compliance.
Many Richmond Homeowners’ Association (HOA) still require or traditionally allow wooden fencing. Without updated Architectural Design Guidelines, homeowners face obstacles or delays when attempting to replace or upgrade fencing with safer, non- combustible materials. Developing an ordinance would align Richmond with State “Zone Zero” principles, improve wildfire safety across multiple neighborhoods, and clarify HOA responsibilities:
Clear allowable materials
Design and color standards
Installation specifications
Height and location requirements
Repair, replacement, and maintenance standards
The community and safety benefits of an would ordinance include:
Reduces the risk of structure-to-structure ignition
Reduces vulnerability to flying embers
Supports uniform safety standards citywide
Helps the City proactively meet future state mandates
January 6, 2026
The creation of an ordinance would establish administrative requirements to support wildfire prevention activities. It would encourage HOA’s to consult with the Diablo Fire Safe Council and West Contra Costa Fire Safe Council (WCCFSC), both of which are prepared to provide:
Technical guidance on fire-resistant fencing
Sample designs and manufactures referrals
Best practices for “Zone Zero”
Educational materials and presentations
Diablo Fire Safe Council and WCCFSC already provides community wildfire-mitigation outreach and the creation of this ordinance would only strengthen its support to HOA’s throughout 2025–2026.The Diablo Fire Safe Council and WCCFSC as Technical Partners, have expertise in fire-resistant materials and are prepared to assist HOA’s by providing:
Sample Non-combustible gate designs
Lists of manufacturers
Best practices for “Zone Zero” compliance
Technical presentations
The creation of this ordinance will encourage HOA’s to adopt high-quality guidelines efficiently.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – EXECUTIVE ORDER N-18-25
Attachment 2 – Diablo Fire Safe Council and West Contra Costa Fire Safe Council (WCCFSC) Collaborative Video Presentation About Non-Combustible Fences and Gates