2020 · Assembly Bill
AB 3074
Created the zone
Created Zone Zero: an ember-resistant zone covering the first 5 feet around structures in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
The Law · Plain Language
The Zone Zero Regulations in San Diego, Explained
AB 3074 directed the state to create an ember-resistant zone. The implementing emergency filing was pulled back for review. As of September 19, 2026 there is no statewide Zone 0 regulation in force in California. What is in force locally: unincorporated county Zone 0 since April 13, 2023, and the City of San Diego's own phased program. Other incorporated cities keep their own fire authority.
The Statutes
The statutes, and what they do not currently do
AB 3074, SB 504, and AB 1455 are real bills. They are not a statewide Zone 0 regulation in force. The Board of Forestry emergency filing was pulled back for review on September 8, 2026. Local rules, where they exist, are what a San Diego homeowner actually follows.
2024 · Senate Bill
SB 504
Gave it teeth
Gave the Board of Forestry authority to enforce Zone Zero and write the regulations that make it real.
2025 · Assembly Bill
AB 1455
Set the clock
Directed a compliance timeline counted from an effective date. That statewide effective date does not exist; the emergency filing was pulled back for review.
San Diego's Local Layer
Two local instruments, not a statewide floor
Unincorporated county: Consolidated Fire Code, 8th ed., effective April 13, 2023, Sec. 96.1.4907.9.1 — non-combustible Zone 0, mulch prohibited, no phase-in. City of San Diego: Zone 0 Guidelines for Existing Structures, rev. April 22, 2026 — new structures February 28, 2026; full compliance including fences February 28, 2029. Cite the 2023 code as the county instrument in force; the 2026 consolidated edition still has a blank ordinance number.
Feb 28, 2026
New construction, in effect
Feb 28, 2029
City full compliance, including fences
(619) 533-4388
Community Risk Reduction Division
Wildfire Rules, Explained
What Zone 0 regulates, item by item
Every category below has a dedicated page with San Diego-specific guidance. Start where your property is most exposed.
Fences & Gates
Fences & gates: the immediate rule
Unincorporated county Zone 0 has covered combustible attachments since April 2023. City of San Diego existing fence replacement is February 28, 2029. Materials and the gate detail are on the fences page.
Read the fence rules →
Landscaping
Landscaping: the first five feet
Combustible mulch, dead vegetation, and plants against the structure leave the first five feet. City of San Diego vegetation replacement is February 28, 2028. February 2027 is Year 1 maintenance, not the landscaping date.
Gutters & RoofRoof, gutters & embers
Clean gutters and ember-resistant details protect the zone you clear. Covered in the home hardening overview.
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Decks & patios
Attached combustible decks in the first five feet are a local question. Statewide draft language is not in force. Recommended now as prevention.
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Vents & openings
Ember-resistant vents block the most common ignition path into the structure itself.
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Sheds & outbuildings
Structures within 5 feet of the home can carry the same requirements. Check before you build.
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Timeline & deadlines
City: new construction Feb 2026 · maintenance 2027 · vegetation 2028 · fences 2029. County Zone 0 since April 2023. Full table on the deadlines page.
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Who the local rules cover
City of San Diego: a local phased program. Unincorporated county: Zone 0 since April 2023. Other incorporated cities: their own AHJ. We do not publish a home count until maps are reconciled.
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