Are you ready for Zone Zero?

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Zone Zero (also known as Zone 0) is California’s new ember-resistant zone required within the first five feet of any structure in designated high fire hazard areas. This critical buffer helps prevent flying embers from igniting combustible materials next to a home or building.

When Does Zone Zero Take Effect?

The California Legislature directed the creation of Zone Zero through Assembly Bill 3074 (2020) and Senate Bill 504 (2024), which amended Public Resources Code Section 4291. Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-18-25 required the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to complete formal rulemaking no later than December 31, 2025.

As of mid-2026, statewide regulations remain in the final stages of development through public workshops. Many local jurisdictions have already begun applying Zone Zero standards to new construction permits in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones as of February 2026. Existing structures generally receive a multi-year phase-in period (commonly three to five years from the effective date of the regulations) so property owners can plan and implement changes. Exact timing for full statewide enforcement and any local variations should be confirmed with the Board of Forestry and your local fire authority.

What Zone Zero Means for Property Owners

Zone Zero requires an ember-resistant area immediately surrounding structures (including attached decks and stairs). The goal is to eliminate materials that embers can easily ignite.

Typical expectations under the developing regulations and official guidance include:
• Use of non-combustible hardscape such as gravel, pavers, or concrete instead of mulch, wood chips, or bark.
• Removal of dead vegetation, leaves, needles, and debris from roofs, gutters, decks, and the ground within five feet.
• Replacement of combustible fencing, gates, and arbors that attach directly to the structure with non-combustible alternatives.
• Limits on combustible outdoor furniture, storage, firewood, and certain plants within the zone.
• Maintenance of clearances around chimneys and under decks.
 

These measures work together with the existing Zone 1 (5–30 feet) and Zone 2 (30–100 feet) defensible-space requirements under Public Resources Code Section 4291.

Why This Matters for Fencing and Landscaping

Because Zone Zero restricts combustible materials immediately next to structures, traditional wood or vinyl fencing that attaches to a home will often need to be modified or replaced with non-combustible options (metal, masonry, or specially rated products) in the first five feet. Property owners, builders, and contractors should plan accordingly for new construction and renovations in fire-hazard areas.

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Curious about the Timeline?

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Zone Zero requirements are already in effect for new construction in many Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (as of February 2026 in cities such as San Diego). For existing homes and structures, compliance is being phased in over the next several years, with most jurisdictions targeting full compliance between 2027 and 2028. Exact dates can vary by local fire authority, so property owners should check with their local jurisdiction for specific deadlines.

Learn More from Official Sources

Use these primary government websites for the most accurate and current information. Do not rely solely on secondary summaries.
 

State of California – Board of Forestry and Fire Protection

https://bof.fire.ca.gov/projects-and-programs/defensible-space-zones-0-1-and-2

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CAL FIRE – Defensible Space

https://www.fire.ca.gov/dspace

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California Public Resources Code Section 4291

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=4291.&lawCode=PRC

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Assembly Bill 3074 (2020)

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB3074

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Senate Bill 504 (2024)

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB504

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Governor’s Executive Order N-18-25

https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/EO-_Urban-Conflagration-N-18-25-Final.pdf

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City of San Diego Implementation Example

https://www.sandiego.gov/fire/community-risk-reduction/defensible-space-property-owners

This page provides a high-level overview for educational purposes. Requirements are established by California law and Board of Forestry regulations and may vary by jurisdiction. Always consult the official sources listed above and your local fire authority for compliance obligations.

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If you need to replace combustible fencing with non-combustible aluminum solutions that meet Zone Zero requirements, contact Antebellum Manufacturing. Our American-made aluminum fencing is designed for durability, compliance, and long-term performance in high fire hazard areas.