San Diego starts applying Zone Zero
On February 12, 2026, the City of San Diego began applying Zone Zero to new homes in its Very High fire zones. It expects existing homes there to comply by February 2027.
The city says this covers about two-thirds of San Diego property.
Within 5 feet of a house, the city's list includes no dead plants, leaves, mulch or firewood, hardscape like gravel or pavers, and no combustible fences or gates attached to the house.
What it means for you
- If you live in San Diego's Very High fire zones, plan to clear the first 5 feet before February 2027.
- Elsewhere, check with your own city or fire district.
Added to this site on October 10, 2026.
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Sources
- State-mandated Zone Zero requirements set to go into effect to build wildfire resilience, City of San Diego, February 12, 2026
More updates
-
Still no statewide Zone 0 rule
As of October 10, 2026, the state's list of emergency rules under review has nothing from the Board of Forestry. The statewide rule is not law. Some cities, like San Diego and Berkeley, have their own.
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State pulls Zone 0 rules back before a ruling
The Board of Forestry withdrew its Zone 0 rules from final state review on September 8, 2026, before the Office of Administrative Law ruled on them. The rules never took effect.
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Board of Forestry adopts Zone 0 rules
On August 19, 2026, the Board of Forestry adopted emergency rules for the 5 feet around homes in fire zones. They still needed state approval to take effect.