California Proposes New 'Zone Zero' Fire-Safety Landscaping Rules

The state aims to reduce wildfire risk around homes with stricter vegetation requirements within 5 feet.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:57pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted earth tones, depicting a massive wildfire raging across a dry, desolate hillside, dwarfing any small structures or vegetation caught in its path and conveying the overwhelming power of nature.As California grapples with increasingly severe wildfires, new landscaping rules aim to protect homes while preserving some community greenery.Calabasas Today

California's Board of Forestry and Fire Protection has released proposed new landscaping rules for fire-prone areas, outlining what residents can and can't do within the first 5 feet of their homes. The rules create a stricter 'Safety Zone' within 1 foot of the house where all combustible vegetation must be removed, while allowing some low-growing plants in the rest of the 'Zone Zero' area. Homeowners would have 3-5 years to comply with the new regulations, which only apply to high-risk fire zones.

Why it matters

These proposed rules are a compromise between fire officials seeking total vegetation removal near homes and ecologists/advocates concerned about the environmental and financial impacts of such an approach. The new regulations aim to balance wildfire risk reduction with preserving some greenery and shade in neighborhoods.

The details

The 'Safety Zone' within 1 foot of the home would require removing all plants, mulch, and other combustible materials. In the broader 'Zone Zero' area extending 5 feet from the home, residents could maintain some low-growing plants and potted greenery, but would need to remove taller vegetation, dead plants, and combustible fencing/structures. Trees would generally be allowed but require regular pruning. Homeowners would have 3-5 years to comply, with new construction needing immediate adherence.

  • The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection will hold a public meeting on the proposal in Calabasas on Thursday, April 24, 2026 from 1pm to 7pm.
  • If adopted, homeowners would have 3 years to get their landscaping in compliance with the new 'Zone Zero' rules, and up to 5 years for larger changes like removing combustible fencing.
  • New home construction would need to comply with the 'Zone Zero' rules immediately upon completion.

The players

California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection

The state agency that oversees wildfire prevention and response, and has proposed the new 'Zone Zero' landscaping regulations.

Fire officials and safety advocates

Groups that have pushed for more stringent vegetation removal within 5 feet of homes to reduce wildfire risk.

Researchers and local advocates

Experts and community members who have argued for preserving some greenery and shade near homes, citing the benefits it provides.

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What they’re saying

“We must take aggressive action to protect homes and lives from the growing threat of wildfires, but we also need to be mindful of the broader environmental and community impacts.”

— John Ramirez, Board Member, California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection

“These new rules strike a reasonable balance - they give homeowners flexibility to maintain some greenery, while ensuring the most vulnerable areas are clear of anything that can fuel a fire.”

— Sarah Chen, Wildfire Ecologist

What’s next

The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection will review public feedback from the Calabasas meeting and aim to finalize the 'Zone Zero' regulations by the end of 2026. Once adopted, the state will work with local fire departments to enforce the new landscaping requirements.

The takeaway

California's proposed 'Zone Zero' rules demonstrate the challenge of balancing wildfire prevention with preserving the environmental and aesthetic benefits of residential greenery. The compromise approach aims to significantly reduce immediate fire risk around homes while still allowing some plants, trees, and landscaping elements that can enhance communities.