San Rafael homeowners whose properties fall within covered high-fire-risk zones could soon face stricter defensible-space requirements after California regulators approved new rules governing the first five feet around homes.
The California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection voted unanimously Wednesday, Aug. 19, to approve the long-awaited “Zone 0” regulations, which are designed to reduce the risk that wildfire embers ignite homes. The rules still must clear a state administrative review and public-comment period before taking effect.
“I advocated for a simple, fully non-combustible Zone Zero because the science supports it,” Todd Lando, president of Fire Safe Marin and a battalion chief with the Central Marin Fire Department, told the board before the vote, according to the Insurance Journal.
Lando ultimately supported the adopted rules, which allow some limited vegetation within the five-foot zone.
Who would be affected
The regulations apply to properties in State Responsibility Areas and homes within very high fire hazard severity zones in local jurisdictions. About 2 million California homes are expected to fall under the rules.
The exact number of San Rafael properties affected has not been identified. Local jurisdictions may also designate additional high-hazard areas beyond state maps.
Homeowners can check whether their property falls within a designated area using CAL FIRE’s fire hazard map viewer or local fire agency lookup tools.
What homeowners would have to do
New construction would have to comply once the regulations take effect. Owners of existing homes would have several years to make changes.
Within three years, homeowners would need to remove combustible materials such as firewood, dead leaves, mulch and wood chips from within five feet of the house. Gutters would need to be kept clear, dead or dying vegetation removed and tree branches trimmed away from roofs and eaves.
Within five years, the rules become stricter closest to the structure. Vegetation would have to be removed within one foot of the home, or out to the edge of the roof’s drip line when that extends farther.
Plants would also have to be kept away from windows, doors, vents and attached decks. Fences connected to a home would need a five-foot noncombustible section closest to the structure. New trees could not be planted within five feet of a home.
The regulations do not require homeowners to remove every plant from the entire five-foot area. Beyond the first foot, some well-maintained plants, low ground cover, mowed grass and small potted plants would still be allowed if properly spaced.
Existing trees may also remain if branches are properly trimmed.
Enforcement expected to focus on education
Fines for failing to comply would begin at $100, although local fire agencies are expected to have discretion in how the rules are enforced.
Board chair Terry O’Brien said fire agencies will initially emphasize helping residents understand and implement the requirements.
“The emphasis on the part of all the fire professionals will be on education and working with the public to implement the regulations,” O’Brien said.
The regulations come six years after California lawmakers first ordered the creation of Zone 0 requirements. The rules were originally due in 2023.
San Rafael already offers assistance
San Rafael residents already have access to a city program intended to help pay for wildfire-safety improvements.
The San Rafael Fire Department’s Wildfire Risk Reduction Refund Program includes a “Zone Zero Complete” refund for eligible residents who create defensible space around their homes.
What happens next
The Zone 0 regulations are scheduled for review by the California Office of Administrative Law between Sept. 2 and Sept. 7. A five-day public-comment period is expected to follow.
If the process stays on schedule, the rules could take effect as early as late September, although no final effective date has been announced.
