California homeowners in areas prone to wildfires may soon be subject to stricter property maintenance regulations under a proposed "Zone 0" policy. This new rule, potentially effective by September, aims to create a mandatory five-foot ember-resistant buffer zone immediately surrounding homes and other structures.
The proposed regulation requires the removal of combustible materials such as weeds, leaves, branches, and plants from the area closest to buildings. Certain types of fencing and gates may also need replacement. According to CAL FIRE, clearing the area immediately surrounding structures and decks is crucial to prevent embers from igniting materials that could spread fire to the home.
The policy recommends using non-combustible materials like gravel, pavers, or concrete for the "Zone 0" area, explicitly advising against the use of combustible bark or mulch. This initiative is overseen by the Zone Zero Regulatory Advisory Committee, established in 2025 and operating under the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The legislative groundwork for this regulation was laid in 2020 when California lawmakers passed Assembly Bill 3074. This bill mandated that the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection create an ember-resistant defensible zone extending five feet from a structure. Governor Gavin Newsom further directed the board through an executive order in 2025 to finalize the regulation by the end of that year.
These measures come in response to the significant impact of wildfires on California communities in recent years. A 2019 report indicated that embers were the initial ignition source for 90% of structures damaged or destroyed in wildfires. California already has established requirements for defensible space beyond the immediate vicinity of homes, including Zone 1 (5 to 30 feet) and Zone 2 (30 to 100 feet).