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By David Garrick, The San Diego Union-Tribune
Photo by: Michael Ho / U-t file


San Diego, CA — San Diego officials have approved sweeping new fire prevention regulations that will require thousands of homeowners to comply with controversial “Zone Zero” rules designed to reduce wildfire risk by eliminating flammable materials within five feet of homes.


The new regulations, fast-tracked by the San Diego City Council with no public debate, apply primarily to properties located in very high fire-hazard severity zones. About two-thirds of San Diego falls within such zones, making the changes among the most consequential updates to the city’s fire code in years.
Zone Zero regulations prohibit flammable items — including certain landscaping, wood fencing, decks, and patios — in the five-foot area immediately surrounding a structure. The intent is to prevent wind-blown embers from igniting homes during wildfires. The rules go beyond existing defensible space requirements for Zones 1 (5–35 feet) and Zone 2 (35–100 feet).
City fire officials say the focus will be on education rather than aggressive enforcement. According to the Fire-Rescue Department, limited staffing makes widespread enforcement impractical, and compliance will often be driven by insurance requirements rather than city citations.


“Even if the city doesn’t enforce it, insurance companies will,” said Deputy Fire Chief Tony Tosca, who emphasized that Zone Zero could help prevent catastrophic losses similar to recent wildfires in Southern California.


The regulations take effect in February, initially applying only to new construction. Existing owner-occupied homes will generally have until February 2027 to comply, though rental properties must meet the standards immediately. City officials said some flexibility will be allowed, such as preserving mature trees close to homes when mitigation alternatives are available.
Community groups are already mobilizing to educate residents. In neighborhoods like Scripps Ranch and Rancho Peñasquitos — where more than 95% of properties are in high fire-risk zones — local leaders warn the impact will be widespread. Compliance costs are estimated to range from $2,000 to $20,000 per home, depending on conditions and materials.


In addition to Zone Zero, the city’s updated fire code includes new requirements aimed at improving firefighter safety and access. Developers of mid-rise and high-rise projects must now ensure adequate water supply earlier in the construction process, following several recent construction-site fires. The rules also restrict dead-end streets in new developments to a maximum of 800 feet in most zoning areas to improve emergency access.
The changes align with statewide efforts to strengthen wildfire prevention. Zone Zero is expected to be implemented across California by the end of 2025 under an executive order issued by Gavin Newsom, with final regulations still being refined by the state Board of Forestry.


While some critics have raised concerns about costs and the accelerated approval process, fire officials argue the measures are necessary to protect lives, homes, and communities as wildfire risk continues to grow.

Scammer Poses as Homeowner to Solicit Property Valuations and Attempt Fraudulent Sale

San Diego, CA – [November 21, 2025] — The San Diego Association of REALTORS® (SDAR) is alerting the public about a dangerous real estate scam where individuals pose as homeowners to obtain property valuations and attempt fraudulent property sales. The scheme was exposed when multiple REALTORS® in different regions of the county were contacted by the same impersonator seeking a home valuation and a quick, underpriced sale.

Learn more from a broadcast news story from San Diego's NBC 7's coverage of an interview with SDAR President, Chris Anderson, and San Diego Tax Assessor Jordan Marks in an conducted by reporter Shandel Menezes here: https://www.nbcsandiego.com/video/videos/san-diego-realtor-targeted-in-elaborate-real-estate-scam/3934855/

REALTORS® can inform their clients to sign up for San Diego County’s Title Alert service — available at https://www.sdarcc.gov/content/arcc/home/divisions/recorder-clerk/recording/owner-alert.html 
— a service that proactively notifies property owners if any document is recorded using their name or parcel number.

About SDAR:
The San Diego Association of REALTORS® (SDAR) represents over 10,500 real estate professionals throughout San Diego County. Founded in 1878, SDAR is one of California’s oldest and most respected REALTOR® associations. SDAR delivers advocacy, education, resources, and ethical leadership to support its members and protect the dream of property ownership for all San Diegans.

San Diego, CA — October 31, 2025 — A controversial housing bill, Senate Bill 79, now sits on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk, sparking concern and confusion across California communities — including among Realtors who may soon see dramatic changes to local zoning laws.

As originally reported by Jack Flemming and David Zahniser in the Los Angeles Times, SB 79 proposes to override local planning rules, allowing the development of mid- to high-rise residential buildings — up to nine stories tall — near transit stations in eight of California’s most populous counties, including San Diego.

The bill aims to accelerate housing production near major public transit hubs in an effort to combat the housing crisis. However, Realtors and residents are raising serious questions about its potential consequences, particularly in neighborhoods historically dominated by single-family homes.

“If your home is close to a transit stop, you’re getting exclusive access to a publicly funded amenity that needs to be accessible to more people,” said Matt Lewis, spokesperson for California YIMBY, one of the bill’s sponsors.

While supporters cite housing affordability and environmental benefits, the bill has triggered alarm among homeowners, city leaders, and tenant advocates over displacement risks, reduced local control, and a lack of clarity on how the law will be implemented.

Among the key concerns:
 

• Upzoning overrides local zoning, potentially allowing dense developments in single-family areas.

• Rent-controlled buildings are exempt, but concern remains over indirect pressures on vulnerable renters.

• Complex carve-outs and deferrals, including controversial adjustments for smaller cities like Beverly Hills, have led to claims of political favoritism.

• No definitive maps are available, leaving homeowners uncertain about which properties are impacted.

SDAR urges its members and local officials to monitor this legislation closely. If enacted, SB 79 will impact land values, housing density, and transaction dynamics — particularly in areas near San Diego’s numerous rail and rapid bus stations.

“Sacramento keeps passing one-size-fits-all land use bills with political carve-outs to get votes. The result is that some cities get off the hook, and others face disproportionate impacts,” said L.A. Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky.

The bill’s fate now lies with Governor Newsom. Whether signed into law or vetoed, SB 79 has sparked a crucial statewide conversation about striking a balance between urgent housing needs and community integrity, as well as local planning authority.

Attribution:
Original reporting by Jack Flemming and David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times
Published source: Los Angeles Times – SB 79 Coverage

Media Contact:
SDAR Public Affairs
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 858-715-8000