Zone Zero? Have you heard?

[SpeedRacer]

https://www.kcrw.com/shows/kcrw-reports/stories/zone-zero-wildfire-pacific-palisades-altadena-eaton-fire

The state of California’s Zone Zero rules will require homeowners to clear just about everything up to five feet from their property — landscaping, hedges, wooden fences, propane tanks, trees, basically anything the state thinks will contribute to the spread of fires. Residents are worried, and some researchers say the science just isn’t there.

Spurred by Gov. Gavin Newsom's February executive order, the state's Board of Forestry and Fire Protection will be revising these rules through the end of the year. After the rules are enacted next spring, homeowners will have three years to get their houses in order.

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

[lwt42]

The state of California’s Zone Zero rules will require homeowners to clear just about everything up to five feet from their property — landscaping, hedges, wooden fences, propane tanks, trees, basically anything the state thinks will contribute to the spread of fires. Residents are worried, and some researchers say the science just isn’t there.

I don't think I can legally clear five feet on my neighbor's property.  It's not mine.

[lagomorphmom]

⬆️ “property” = “structures” not 5’ from your property line.

[tlc]

That's financially impossible for me. That would mean I would have to cut down 7 very old, very tall pine trees. I hope people call with their opinions on this proposal.

[Bob C]

Might want to google this…. Everything I’m reading so far says trees in zone 0 are allowed as long as their are pruned and low branches trimmed up.

[Lepo]

So it looks like decks are allowed. But BBQ's on decks, even if 5 feet from the structure is not allowed...that sucks.

What about the gas meter? can't move that.

[SpeedRacer]

"Trees are only allowed if they stand five feet taller than your house and have their branches maintained five feet away from it. Effectively, the only plants you will be allowed to have within five feet of your home are potted plants less than 18 inches tall – and even this allowance is provided you do not place them in front of your windows, and you do bring them inside during a fire event."

https://www.montecitojournal.net/2025/09/30/zero-zero-the-regulations-being-defined-right-now/

[Cheinne]

This seemed to be very comprehensive.


https://34c031f8-c9fd-4018-8c5a-4159cdff6b0d-cdn-endpoint.azureedge.net/-/media/bof-website/projects-and-programs/defensible-space-zones-0-1-2/previous-public-workshops-and-materials/2025/sept-22/fire-safety-zone-zero-faq-sept-17-2025.pdf?rev=125d54dcf03047fe8d3cd4fbd77b5481&hash=BDA4C50FB1267A5B124B8181B611A261

[Lepo]

Effectively, the only plants you will be allowed to have within five feet of your home are potted plants less than 18 inches tall
https://www.montecitojournal.net/2025/09/30/zero-zero-the-regulations-being-defined-right-now/

wow. this sucks. there are so many cabins that have trees really close. So many trees would need to be cut down. this is so sad. I hope this doesn't get enforced with the current rules.

[tlc]

I am wondering... we already have the County of SB doing abatement so why would we be mandated to abide by it? Once the government opens I will be calling with my concerns. They don't understand mountain regions at all.

[Lepo]

Once the government opens I will be calling with my concerns. They don't understand mountain regions at all.

This is not a federal thing. This is an executive order signed by Gavin Newsom after the Palisades fire.

https://www.ca.gov/departments/53/

They have until 12-31-25 to define the new rules; so call now. 916-653-8007

[lagomorphmom]

Re Cheinne’s link (Good read)

“Trees are allowed in Zone 0 as long as they are maintained and their lower branches are pruned to
prevent fire from climbing into the canopy of the tree. Maintained trees cannot have dead and dying
branches, and no branches should be within 5 feet of the roof or walls or 10 feet of chimneys.
“Single specimen” trees (or live trees that stand alone and where there is no vertical overlap with the
canopy of other trees, and lower branches are pruned to prevent ignition) and trees protected by local
ordinance have exceptions from the regulations.”

[tlc]

Public Online Meeting Thursday, October 23

Call the Dept of Forestry before tomorrow to find out how to be online during the discussion of this proposal at 10 a.m.

You can also submit your thoughts to: Publiccomments@bof.ca.gov