Upcoming Zone 0 Meeting June 16, 2025
Defensible Space - Zones 0, 1, and 2
If you live in the State Responsibility Area (SRA) or the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone in the Local Responsibility Area (LRA), you are responsible for ensuring that your property complies with defensible space requirements that call for owners to take proactive steps to protect structures from wildfire.
Zone 0 (0-5 ft)
In response to the increased frequency and intensity of wildfires in California over the last decade, the Legislature passed AB 3074 (2020) and SB 504 (2024), making changes to Public Resource Code 4291. These changes require the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (Board) to establish an ember-resistant defensible zone the first 5 feet around a structure, referred to as Zone 0. Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-18-25 requires that the Board complete rulemaking for Zone 0 no later than December 31, 2025.
Resources
- What is Zone 0?
- 2020 Fire Hazard Severity Zones FAQs
- Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps: State Responsibility Area and Local Responsibility Area
- What Are Defensible Space Zones?
- Defensible Space Home Hardening Resources
Previous 2025 Zone 0 Committee Public Workshops and Materials
- Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Zone 0 Workshop (Part 1) 05-12-2025
- Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Zone 0 Workshop (Part 2) 05-12-2025
- Agenda
- May 8 Rule Plead
- Staff Memo
- SRA & LRA Maps and D. Space Findings/ Compliance - PRESENTATION
- Science behind Zone Zero - PRESENTATION
- Science re: Trees in Zone Zero - PRESENTATION
- Ventura County’s Approach to Zone 0 - PRESENTATION
- Landscape Architect Perspective and Zone Zero Example - PRESENTATION
- Ember Resistant Zone Zero Overview of Draft Rule Plead - PRESENTATION
- Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Zone 0 Workshop (Part 1) 04-07-2025
- Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Zone 0 Workshop (Part 2) 04-07-2025
- Agenda
- Zone Zero Draft Rule Plead
- Zone Zero Staff Memo
- Board of Forestry Zone 0 Presentation - Valachovic
- Rebuild Paradise Foundation – Board of Forestry Presentation
- Zone Zero 4 Draft Rule Plead Presentation 4.7
Zone 1 (5-30 ft)
Zone 1 extends from Zone 0 (first 5 feet around a structure) to 30 feet around a structure and deck or to the property line if less than 30 feet. Zone 1 is designed to reduce wildfire risk by minimizing flammable materials and maintaining vegetation in a way that slows fire spread.
Zone 1 Requirements:
- Remove dead leaves, pine needles, and debris from your yard, roof, and gutters.
- Trim overhanging branches to at least 10 feet away from chimneys.
- Keep trees pruned to maintain spacing.
- Clear flammable vegetation and items from under decks, balconies, and stairs.
- Maintain space between trees and shrubs.
- Ensure outbuildings and propane tanks have 10 feet of clearance with no flammable vegetation nearby.
Creating and maintaining defensible space is crucial for wildfire safety, helping protect homes and firefighters.
Zone 2 (30-100 ft)
Zone 2 extends 30 to 100 feet around a structure or to the property line if less than 100 feet. Zone 2 is designed to slow the spread of wildfire by reducing the amount of vegetation that could fuel flames.
Zone 2 Requirements:
- Mow grass to a maximum height of 4 inches.
- Create horizontal spacing between shrubs and trees.
- Remove dead vegetation and fallen leaves.
- Prune lower branches of trees.
- Ensure outbuildings and propane tanks have 10 feet of clearance with no flammable vegetation nearby.
This zone helps create a buffer that reduces fire intensity before it reaches a structure.
Regulatory Resources
- California Code of Regulations. Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 3, Article 3. Fire Hazard Reduction Around Buildings and Structures
- General Guidelines for Creating Defensible Space
STAY INFORMED – SIGN UP FOR THE BOARD’S LISTSERV.
Submit Public Comments to: PublicComments@bof.ca.gov.
Safer from Wildfires, California Department of Insurance: Safer from Wildfires