Where the rules stand (checked October 26, 2026)
Zones 1 and 2 (5–100 ft) are in force now. In the State Responsibility Area and in local Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, California's defensible-space law (Public Resources Code 4291 and Government Code 51182) already requires owners to maintain vegetation out to 100 feet from a structure, or to the property line if that is closer. The Board of Forestry describes Zone 1 (5–30 ft) and Zone 2 (30–100 ft) requirements on its Defensible Space Zones page.
Zone 0 (0–5 ft) is not yet in effect statewide. The Legislature (AB 3074 in 2020 and SB 504 in 2024) directed the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to create an ember-resistant zone within five feet of structures. The Board approved its Zone 0 regulation on August 19, 2026 and filed it with the Office of Administrative Law on August 28, 2026 (file 2026-0828-03E). OAL's record of recent actions lists that filing as withdrawn on September 8, 2026. The Board says it continues to work with OAL on a final review. No effective date has been set, so no statewide Zone 0 compliance clock is running yet.
Local rules can differ. Some cities and fire districts have adopted their own ember-resistant-zone rules. Ask your local fire agency, or ask us and we'll check for your address.
Find your zone: enter your address in CAL FIRE's Fire Hazard Severity Zone viewer to see whether you are in the State Responsibility Area and which hazard class applies.
What a defensible-space plan from us includes
- 0–5 ft (Zone 0): what would need to change around walls, decks, fences and under eaves under the Board's approved text, phased so you aren't caught out when a date is set.
- 5–30 ft and 30–100 ft (Zones 1–2): a site-specific clearance and spacing plan based on your slope (spacing requirements grow on steeper ground), plus fire-resilient planting that still holds soil and water.
- Plant and material list with sources.
- Compliance checklist you can hand to an inspector, an insurer or a buyer.
- Water and land shape first: the same terrain model as our free design tool, so fire planning and keyline/water planning work together instead of against each other.
Pricing: fixed-price quotes after a quick look at your property. Send your address or a design-tool report.
What we don't do (yet)
Soil Solutions LLC provides plans and design. In California, installation work worth $1,000 or more in labour and materials, or any work needing a permit, requires a contractor licensed by the CSLB. We will tell you plainly which parts of your plan need a licensed installer.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules are changing; check with your local fire agency before you make major changes.
Counties we serve
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