Zone Zero regulations approved for final comment and approval

By Jolena Voorhis, legislative advocate (public safety)

The Board of Forestry on Aug. 19 approved new Zone Zero regulations, landscaping rules for the first five feet around a home or structure in fire-prone areas. The Office of Administrative Law has until Aug. 31 to review and approve the regulations.

The proposed regulations will affect any property in a Very High Fire Severity Zone in Local Responsibility Areas. Property owners will need to remove combustible materials within five feet of structures. For new construction, the regulations take effect immediately upon adoption and when a permit is pulled for construction.

• PHASE 1 (Implemented within the first three years): Includes removing combustible items — such as firewood, dead leaves and branches, mulch, and wood chips — within five feet of the structure, as well as cleaning gutters, removing dead and dying plants, and trimming trees according to regulations.
• PHASE 2 (Implemented within five years): Local jurisdictions will assign a timeline, within five years of the effective date of the regulations, for creating an under-eave safety zone, replacing combustible gates, and making any necessary adjustments to sheds and fencing.

Local governments can adopt alternatives to these timelines, which must be approved by the local fire agency. However, they cannot be less stringent than the regulations.

At the final public hearing, some stakeholders continued to express concerns over the regulation’s impact on trees and other native vegetation. Some fire experts raised concerns regarding local alternative plans. However, the board made no changes to the draft regulations.

To make a public comment on the regulations, please contact staff@oal.ca.gov by Aug. 28.