UPDATE: Understanding ‘Zone Zero’
New wildfire safety regulations are being developed that will affect many homes in San Diego, including those in Scripps Ranch. The focus is on “Zone Zero,” the first five feet immediately surrounding a home, where research shows structures are most vulnerable to ignition from wind-blown embers.
It helps to understand what rules are law already and what changes are still being developed.
Current law
California law already requires defensible space up to 100 feet around structures in wildfire hazard areas:
Zone 1: 5-30 feet from the structure
Zone 2: 30-100 feet from the structure
Within these zones, you are required to reduce fire risk by removing dead vegetation, clearing debris, spacing plants and trimming trees. These rules have been in place for many years and continue to be enforced.
In 2020, California also passed legislation directing the state to create new wildfire safety standards for Zone Zero, the first five feet around structures. State and local officials are developing regulations that would require the 0-5 foot area immediately around homes to be kept largely free of combustible materials.
Items that may be restricted in this zone include wood mulch, firewood stacks, wooden furniture, wooden fencing connected to the home and dry leaves or vegetation.
Materials such as gravel, stone, concrete or pavers are generally considered safer options close to structures.
The exact details – including whether certain plants such as succulents may be allowed – are still being finalized by the California Board of Forestry.
Expected timeline
City officials have indicated the following timeline:
February 2026 – new construction
February 2027 – existing homes
These dates are intended to give you time to understand the rules and plan any changes gradually.
Why this matters
Research following major wildfires shows that embers landing close to a home are one of the leading causes of structure ignition.
During the 2003 Cedar Fire, thousands of homes across San Diego – including in Scripps Ranch – were threatened at the same time. Firefighters can protect some homes, but during large wind-driven fires they cannot defend every structure at once. Homes that reduce flammable materials close to the structure have a much better chance of surviving.
What you can do now
For now, the best step is simply to look at the first five feet around your home. Small actions – such as clearing leaves from corners or moving firewood away from walls – can reduce risk while final regulations are completed.
It’s also important to know that the final rules are still being developed, so you do not need to make major landscaping changes immediately.
The Scripps Ranch Fire Safe Council will continue sharing updates as more information becomes available. Please reach out with any questions or concerns: srfiresafe.org; srfiresafe@gmail.com.