California’s Zone Zero Defensible Space Law In Effect
New structures being built in Very High Fire Severity Zones in California must now comply with state-mandated Zone Zero wildfire safety requirements, which include the area within five feet of an occupied dwelling. Existing homes have until February 2027 to fulfill the law’s requirements, which call for maintaining an ember-resistant area.
The Zone Zero requirement is the result of AB 3074, which was enacted in 2020 and was intended to reduce ignition risk and strengthen overall community wildfire resilience throughout the state.
“Creating defensible space is one of the most effective steps a homeowner can take to reduce their wildfire risk,” San Diego Fire-Rescue Chief Robert Logan said. “These statewide standards focus on the area closest to the home, where embers pose the greatest threat and where informed and intentional actions today help protect homes, communities and firefighters tomorrow.”
