What Is Zone 0? California's New 5-Foot Wildfire Rule, Explained for Loomis Homeowners

The state voted on new rules for the first five feet around your home. Then it pulled them back for edits. So what do you actually have to do right now?

By Meghan Mitchell, Realtor · DRE 01440500  |  Ryan Mitchell, Mortgage Lender · Loan Factory · NMLS #2603666

If you’ve heard the words “Zone 0” at a barbecue lately, you’re not alone. Clients ask me about it every week.

Here’s the short version. Zone 0 is the strip of ground within five feet of your house. It’s where embers land, pile up, and start trouble. California has been writing rules for it since a 2020 law, AB 3074.

And this fall, things got a little confusing. Let’s clear it up.

Where Zone 0 Stands Right Now

On August 19, 2026, the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection adopted Zone 0 regulations. The package went to the Office of Administrative Law for review on August 28.

Then on September 8, the package was withdrawn for technical edits. Reports say the Board expects to resubmit it, possibly in November. No effective date has been set.

So as of today, Zone 0 is not in effect. But it’s coming back. And the existing defensible space rules for Zones 1 and 2 still apply right now.

What the Adopted Version Would Ask of Homeowners

Final details can change before the rule takes effect. But based on what the Board adopted and how fire agencies have summarized it, here’s the general picture:

1

Clear the combustibles. Bark, wood chips, and other combustible mulch, fallen leaves and needles, dead plants, and firewood would not be allowed within five feet of the home.

2

Watch under decks and stairs. No combustible items or vegetation stored underneath.

3

Rethink fences and gates. Combustible fences or gates attached to the house would need to be replaced with noncombustible materials in a later phase.

4

Plan for a phased timeline. As reported, existing homes would get about three years for the cleanup items and about five years for the bigger changes, counted from the date the rule takes effect. New construction would have to comply right away.

5

Check if it applies to you. The rules are aimed at properties in the State Responsibility Area and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Plenty of Loomis and Penryn acreage falls in those maps, so look up your address on CAL FIRE’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone viewer.

Why This Matters When You Buy or Sell

This part is already law. Since July 1, 2021, California Civil Code 1102.19 requires sellers in High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones to give buyers documentation that the property meets defensible space requirements.

If the seller can’t get that documentation by close of escrow, the buyer and seller sign a written agreement. In areas without a local ordinance, the buyer then gets the documentation within one year of closing.

Translation? Defensible space is already part of the deal on a lot of homes out here. Zone 0 will just raise the bar on the first five feet.

Meghan’s Take

Don’t wait for the final rule. Pulling bark mulch and firewood away from the house costs almost nothing. If you’re selling in the next year, do it now. Buyers notice, and so do inspectors.

Ryan’s Take

Every loan needs homeowners insurance in place before closing. On rural properties, getting that policy bound can take time. Buyers, start your insurance quotes early and budget for any fence or hardscape changes the seller hasn’t done.

The Bottom Line

Zone 0 isn’t in effect yet. The rules could still change. Confirm the latest with CAL FIRE, the Board of Forestry, or your local fire district before you spend real money.

But the direction is clear. The first five feet around your home matter. Start there.

Buying or selling on acreage in Loomis or Penryn?

We know these properties, these fire maps, and these inspections. Call or text. We’ll walk you through it.

Meghan MitchellLicensed CA Realtor · Sold by Mitchell · DRE #01440500

916-871-5466[email protected]soldbymitchell.com

Ryan MitchellMortgage Lender · Loan Factory · NMLS #2603666

916-202-7202

This post is general information, not legal, insurance, or fire-safety advice. Zone 0 regulations were not in effect as of October 30, 2026, and final requirements may change. Confirm current rules with CAL FIRE, the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, or your local fire agency. Not a commitment to lend.

Read my reviews on Google

Read More Articles

View All