Defensible Space Zones - 0, 1, and 2

Clear zones. Safer homes. Defensible space saves lives.

MISSION & GOALS

The Zone Zero Regulatory Advisory Committee is a special advisory committee of the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. Established in 2025, the Committee is tasked with developing defensible space regulations establishing a zero to five‑foot ember‑resistant zone, as directed by Public Resources Code Section 4291 and Executive Order No. N‑18‑25.

To view meeting agendas, meeting recordings, meeting materials, draft regulation text,  or any additional information, please visit the Board's Defensible Space webpage .

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Terrence O’Brien, Chair

Elicia Goldsworthy, Member

J. Lopez, Member

 

CONTACT

PublicComments@bof.ca.gov
Upcoming Zone 0 Meeting July 21, 2025
 
 

Zone Zero Guidance Document September 2026. 

The Board and Board staff continue to work with the Office of Administrative Law on a final review of the Zone 0 Regulations Rule Package. We will update this page when this review is complete and when the California Secretary of State publishes the final regulation. For any additional questions, please contact PublicComments@bof.ca.gov.

 

Zone 0 Committee Public Workshops and Materials Archive

Zone 0 and Resources

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.

Zone 0 Committee Public Workshops and Materials

Zone 1, 2, and Regulatory Resources

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 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.