By Elizabeth Stage, OFSC Board Member
The Zone 0 Committee of the California Board of Forestry (BOF) met on April 23 to review draft regulations that responded to the considerable input that had been gathered over several workshops in 2025.
There were two panels, one that featured communities that had different experiences rolling out their versions of Zone 0 and another that shared information about sources of assistance to people who are trying to implement Zone 0.
The changes in the regulations were highlighted.
- The first five feet from the structure would be differentiated into two areas, a non-combustible “safety zone” under the eaves that is defined by the width of the eaves, and a low-combustible zone for the balance of five feet that allows small potted plants, short (less than 18”) in-ground non-woody plants, short (less than 3”) lawn or ground cover, and “well maintained trees.”
- No new combustible fences or gates are permitted, but repairs to existing fences are allowed.
- Local fire agencies may authorize “alternative practices” based on local variations such as geography/topography, fire risk, lot size, response resources if they provide “substantially similar” practical effects.
See the complete document of “Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Draft Zone 0 Regulations / April 2026” HERE
Three hours of public comment mirrored previous sessions.
Scientists, firefighters, firesafe councils, and Firewise communities are opposing the watered-down rules (especially combustible fences in perpetuity and “local control” without external review). Landscape designers, environmental scientists, and people who mistrust scientific expertise and government authority complained that the compromise didn’t go far enough.
The committee’s goal is to send the draft rule text to the full board by June 15th and, after a presentation on June 17th, for the full board to either send it back to the committee or to approve the draft rule text so that it proceeds on an expedited timeline so that the regulations take effect on July 7th, enforced immediately for new construction. The current draft creates a phase-in period, allowing three years for some of the easier steps (e.g., removal of mulch, firewood, and landscaping) and five years for more challenging steps (e.g, replacing gates, fencing, and shed materials).
The Board welcomes public input on this draft rule.
Comments help shape a final regulation that balances public safety and effectiveness for California communities. For more information, track the Board’s Zone 0 webpage, and/or submit your comment to PublicComments@bof.ca.gov.