- Zone Zero requires that homes in areas with ‘very high’ fire risk have nothing flammable within five feet by February 2027. Some residents want flexibility in the regulations.
- Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map available at: https://www.sandiego.gov/fire/community-risk-reduction/fire-hazard-severity-zones
- University City Fire Safe Council: https://www.universitycitynews.org/fire-safe-council-university-city/
From the San Diego Union Tribune published January 11, 2026: The San Diego City Council ended 2025 — a year that brought wildfires to the forefront of people’s minds — by enacting a controversial new set of fire prevention rules.
So far, local reaction to the new regulations is mixed, with some saying they make “good sense” and others questioning whether there can be exceptions to the rules.
The regulations, dubbed “Zone Zero,” were approved by the council’s Public Safety Committee on Dec. 12 and by the full council four days later — both times with no discussion. They were then discussed by the Planning Commission during a December workshop where the commission did not vote on the rules.
Zone Zero goes beyond rules for Zone 1, which refers to the area within a 5- to 35-foot radius of a home, and for Zone 2, the area between 35 and 100 feet, to address the five feet of space directly next to a home.
The new rules essentially say nothing flammable can be in that zone. While plants and other landscaping are the chief focus, the law also applies to fencing, patios and decks made of wood or other flammable materials.
Zone Zero will take effect in February, applying only to new construction at first. Most existing homes that don’t already conform with the regulations will have until February 2027 to comply.
The rules apply only in “very high” fire hazard severity zones, but the vast majority of San Diego — about two-thirds — is in such a zone, including some of La Jolla. [Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map available at: https://www.sandiego.gov/fire/community-risk-reduction/fire-hazard-severity-zones ]
That’s a excerpt. Read the entire article with the Gift Share Link (expires in 30 days):
La Jollans and firefighters weigh in on new San Diego fire prevention rules
Defensible Space Zones from SD Fire-Rescue Department available at: https://www.sandiego.gov/fire/community-outreach/safety-tips/ready-set-go
See also – San Diego residents raise questions on “Zone Zero”: https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/san-diego-residents-raise-questions-on-zone-zero
