California note · Outdoors
Zone 0 is five feet, but the detailed state rule is still being written
California law calls for an ember-resistant zone within five feet of structures, but the Board of Forestry was still developing the implementing regulation in July 2026.
Treat the first five feet around a structure as a careful ember-safety area. But check the rule’s status before treating a landscaping checklist as final California law. State law tells the Board of Forestry to create an ember-resistant Zone 0. It runs from the structure out to five feet.
As of July 14, 2026, the Board was still holding workshops on draft rule text. Its project page did not yet show adopted statewide details or compliance dates.
Some low-regret work can still start now. Clear loose leaves, needles, and other debris from roofs, gutters, decks, and the space beside structures. Move portable combustible items away during fire weather.
Check the current Board page before you remove permanent landscaping or rebuild this strip. Ask the local fire authority too. Existing Zone 1 and Zone 2 duties can still apply in State Responsibility Areas. They can also apply in very high hazard Local Responsibility Areas. Local rules may be stricter.
Where to see it
California Board of Forestry Zone 0 workshops and current defensible-space rules.
Official sources
Official source trail
Reviewed July 14, 2026
California Porch explains the path. The official source is still the place to confirm the current rule, fee, form, map, deadline, or office decision.
Use the official page before you spend money, file paperwork, rely on a deadline, or change a property.
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