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.
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