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There is no statewide Zone 0 clock. Local status depends on which fire department covers the parcel.
Local status
| Status | What it means | Where it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Required now | Existing defensible space under PRC section 4291 (SRA) and Government Code section 51182 (VHFHSZ LRA), plus local brush-clearance rules: roofs and gutters clear of leaves and needles. | Countywide, under the fire department that covers the parcel |
| Required now | 2025 Ventura County Wildland-Urban Interface Code section 604.8.2 / 604.8.2.1: combustible materials and vegetation prohibited in Zone 0 for new buildings, additions, new landscape, and refurbished landscape. Effective March 1, 2025. | Inside VCFPD only, not City of Ventura or Fillmore city limits |
| Proposed — not in force | Statewide Zone 0. AB 3074 directed the state to create an ember-resistant zone; OAL emergency filing 2026-0828-03E was withdrawn September 8, 2026. As of September 19, 2026 there is no statewide Zone 0 regulation in force. | California (not a current statewide mandate) |
| Not at sale | Ordinance 34 says Zone 0 clearance 0 to 5 feet is still under review and will not be required or enforced at sale until a final determination is made. | VCFPD High and Very High at property transfer |
| Recommended now | Clear the first five feet of combustibles, mulch, and stored items on existing homes. Trash and recycling containers and outdoor cushions in that band are recommended unless a local rule names them. | Every parcel; highest-leverage prevention |
Your fire department sets the specifics. VCFPD Zone 0 for new work does not apply inside City of Ventura or Fillmore city limits. With the 2025 remap placing 59,000 of 86,000 mapped parcels in Very High, confirm the parcel and the AHJ first.
Questions
No. As of September 19, 2026 there is no statewide Zone 0 regulation in force. Existing defensible space still applies. Inside VCFPD, local Zone 0 is Required now for new buildings, additions, and new or refurbished landscape. Ordinance 34 says Zone 0 clearance at sale is still under review.
Inside VCFPD, Zone 0 for new buildings, additions, and new or refurbished landscape is Required now (March 1, 2025). Statewide Zone 0 is Proposed — not in force. If you're building or replacing a fence in the first five feet, plan for the ember-resistant standard now. That is Required now for VCFPD new buildings, additions, and new or refurbished landscape; Recommended now elsewhere.
No. The city runs its own independent fire department. Do not copy VCFPD Zone 0 onto city parcels. Statewide Zone 0 is Proposed — not in force. Existing defensible space still applies. The first five feet is Recommended now.
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