On September 18th, 2025, the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection held a Zone Zero workshop in Pasadena, CA. Our Agoura Hills Mayor, Penny Sylvester, was present advocating for the City of Agoura Hills and requesting local control of Zone Zero from the Board.
“We share the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection’s goal of safeguarding communities and support the intent behind Zone 0. However, we believe there is a need for balance and flexibility in the final approach. California’s diverse geography, vegetation, and climate conditions mean that what works in one region may not be feasible or even appropriate in another. A uniform ban on all landscaping within Zone 0 is not the answer. Not all vegetation is equally flammable and certain plants can enhance fire resilience and ecological health. The City of Agoura Hills is hopeful that the final regulations will achieve the shared goal of protecting lives and property while allowing local fire authorities to determine what can remain in Zone 0.” — Penny Sylvester, Mayor, City of Agoura Hills
Background:
Following catastrophic wind-driven fires in 2017 and 2018, the Legislature directed the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to create a third zone of defensible space through AB 3074 (2020).
The zone has been termed Zone 0 and is a defensible space zone within the first five feet of a home or building.
It is considered the most important area to keep clear of combustible items such as mulch and woody plants to reduce the risk of structure ignition during an ember-driven wildfire.
Pre-rule making Phase in 2025:
- February Executive Order
- Zone 0 Committee established
- Public workshops and public comment opportunities every month since March 2025
- Revised draft rule text posted August 18
- Draft reflects public comment, need for flexibility, recognizes local variations in local conditions
When will regulations take effect:
Executive Order N-18-25: The Board shall complete the rulemaking process by the end of 2025.
Simultaneously work is ongoing on a guidance document, as described in Public Resources Code § 4291(e). Public outreach and information campaigns to follow concurrently.
- When the regulations are in effect and the guidance document is updated, regulations will apply immediately for new construction and in 3 years for existing buildings and structures.
Timeline and Next Steps:
SEPT/OCT 2025: Additional revisions to draft rule text considered. Committee forwards rule text to full Board.
NOVEMBER 2025: Full Board considers rule text and rule package. Vote to initiate formal rulemaking process.
NOV/DEC 2025: Formal rulemaking comment period. Public hearing. Response to comments. Revise regulations as necessary.
JANUARY 2026: Board considers rulemaking process. Completes formal rulemaking process.
- The regulations are not effective until a guidance document on compliance is published.
- The Board will make this guidance document publicly available.
For Enforcement Purposes: The Department may allow compliance with Zone 0 in stages, to address the cost of compliance.
Where will Zone 0 apply:
State Responsibility Area (SRA)-Estimated 1.25 million structures
Local Responsibility Area (LRA) Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ)-Estimated 870,000 structures
Estimate: 17% of all structures statewide
For more information visit:
- California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection
- California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Defensible Space Zones: 0, 1, and 2
NOTE: These Zone Zero guidelines have not been finalized, and are therefore still subject to change in the final review stage.
The in-person Zone Zero workshop in Pasadena, one of eight workshops held since March, was attended by about 150 people, including many who lost their homes in the Eaton and Palisades fires in early January.
Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Chair, Terrence O’Brien addresses the workshop.
