Zone 0

Rules and regulations for defensible space around the home

Adopted State Regulation — Zone 0

New implementation guidelines for Zone 0, adopted by the  Board of Forestry & Fire Protection, effective on TBD. They apply in all State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones Local Responsibility Areas (LRA).  Look up CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone Viewer to check your location

The regulations are effective immediately for new construction and will phase in over 5 years for existing homes.

What is Zone 0?

Zone Zero refers to the area within the first 5 feet from your home. Keeping the area closest to buildings, structures, and decks clear prevents embers from combustible materials, such as vegetation and wooden fences, that can spread fire.

Zone 0 Broken Down

Zone 0 is broken into two parts — the Safety Zone (non-combustibility zone) and the Low-combustibility Zone. Both zones occur within the first five feet of the home.

Safety zone (Non-combustibility zone)

Innermost ring, against the wall and under the eaves

  • Fully non-combustible — no plants, mulch, or storage

  • Width equals your eave depth (minimum 1 ft)

  • An attached deck counts as part of the structure here

  • Use gravel, stone, pavers, or bare hardscape

Low-combustibility zone

The rest of the 5 ft, beyond the safety zone

  • Some plantings are allowed here

  • Still no dead vegetation, mulch, or debris

  • Keep vegetation 2 ft clear of windows, doors, and vents

  • 5 ft clearance applies to attached decks; treat decks as part of the building

What is NOT allowed in Zone 0

Bark Mulch or Wood Chips

Debris on the Roof or Gutters

Combustible items stored beneath decks, balconies, pergolas, or stairs

Dead Plants, Leaves, Needles, or Branches

Firewood or Lumber Storage

Combustible Fencing or Gates Attached to Home

What IS allowed in Zone 0

Trees

Allowed in Zone 0, if maintained: branches 10+ ft from chimneys, 5+ ft above the roof, and never under eaves. Clear dead wood and low branches — bottom 6 ft on large trees, lower third on small trees.

Fences and Gates

Herbaceous Plants: Small, non-woody plants in spaced groupings — bulbs, poppies, succulents.

Maintained Lawns: Mowed and irrigated turf — not allowed to go dry or dormant.

Low Ground Cover: Moss, beach strawberry, creeping thyme — kept low and actively green.

Potted Plants: Any species, in movable, non-combustible containers.

The 5 ft of fence attached to your home must be non-combustible (typically metal). No new combustible fencing may be built in Zone 0; repairs to existing fencing are allowed.

Outbuildings and Sheds

Any shed or outbuilding standing within Zone 0 needs a non-combustible exterior roof and walls.

Mendocino County Fire Safe Council Recommendations

With every home hardened against embers, it doesn’t just protect those homes, it helps shield the entire neighborhood by slowing fire spread.

MCFSC Recommends: 

  • Doing something instead of nothing, even if it means starting small and building over time.

  • Start with Zone 0 and the main vulnerabilities for your home.  Work on and closest your home first, then work outward from there.

  • Each easy fire start you remove creates a better chance for first responders to gain control of a fire.