Home / Is it allowed? / Shrubs and woody plants
Can I keep shrubs within 5 feet of my house?
Would have to goUnder the August 2026 state draft. Not law yet, though some cities have their own rules.
Not under the draft. Only non-woody plants are on the allowed list for Zone 0.
- Woody plants have stiff, bark-covered stems that stay through winter, like roses, juniper, rosemary and lavender.
- Shrubs can usually stay farther out, in Zone 1 (5 to 30 feet), under existing defensible space rules.
What to do instead
Move or replace them with low non-woody plants, or gravel.
Timing: Existing homes: within 3 years, or up to 5 on a local fire agency's schedule.
Source
- Notice of proposed emergency action: Zone 0 defensible space, California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, August 20, 2026