California’s Board of Forestry and Fire Protection voted unanimously Wednesday to adopt new landscaping requirements within five feet of homes—an area designated as 'Zone Zero'—for residents in high fire-risk zones. The rules, which apply to an estimated 2 million homes, ban all plants within a foot of structures and prohibit combustible materials such as firewood, fallen leaves, and mulch in the first five feet around homes. Wooden sheds and fences attached to houses are also prohibited in this zone.
The regulations, finalized after nearly six years of debate, will take effect after a formal rule-making process expected to conclude in September. Existing homes will have up to five years to comply, while new constructions must adhere immediately. The requirements apply to State Responsibility Areas and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, with local jurisdictions granted some flexibility to tailor the rules to community needs.
Board chair Terrence O’Brien stated the regulations are necessary to address the state’s wildfire crisis, emphasizing that delays are not an option. 'The regulations will make our communities safer,' he said during the meeting. The new rules complement existing defensible space requirements, which have been in place for decades and govern tree spacing, dead vegetation removal, and other fire-prevention measures. The state also mandates home-hardening measures, such as covering vents to prevent ember entry.
Wildfire experts highlight that dry vegetation near buildings can accelerate fire spread, particularly when high winds carry burning embers beyond the fire’s perimeter. 'In extreme conditions, high winds carry a deluge of tiny, burning embers far beyond the fire itself,' according to research cited by regulators. The rules aim to mitigate this risk by restricting vegetation and combustible materials in close proximity to structures.
The decision follows years of deliberation, including pushback from some communities concerned about losing greenery and the financial burden of yard maintenance. Regulators ultimately compromised, allowing lawns, flowers, and non-woody plants up to 18 inches tall in the five-foot zone, except under rooflines. Trees are permitted if branches are trimmed five feet away from structures. The phased implementation reflects a balance between fire safety and practicality for homeowners.
State officials link the new regulations to the increasing severity of wildfires, driven in part by climate change. Over the past decade, California has seen more than 57,000 homes and buildings destroyed by wildfires, according to state data. The rules represent the state’s latest effort to adapt to a worsening fire landscape, with local areas retaining some authority to adjust the requirements to their specific risks.