Ventura County Zone 0 rules | Required now vs Proposed

The framework

The statutes, and what they do not currently do

AB 3074 (2020) directed the state to create an ember-resistant zone. SB 504 (2024) and AB 1455 (2025) refined the framework. The Board of Forestry emergency filing was withdrawn September 8, 2026. As of September 19, 2026 statewide Zone 0 is Proposed — not in force. Existing defensible-space law still applies.

Then it goes local, and Ventura County goes local three ways. VCFPD is the AHJ for the contract cities and unincorporated communities, with local Zone 0 Required now for new buildings, additions, and new or refurbished landscape. The City of Ventura and Fillmore have their own fire departments. Local adoption also matters for vegetation: draft statewide language scaled back blanket tree restrictions after widespread public concern, and local rules may allow well-maintained trees. In the oak-shaded Ojai Valley especially, verify with your own authority before removing anything.

Zone 0 is the first 5 feet out from every wall, deck, and attached structure. The first five feet is the highest-leverage prevention. Where a local Zone 0 rule is in force, combustible material in this ring is restricted; statewide Zone 0 is Proposed — not in force.

In the zone

What Zone 0 restricts in the first five feet

Combustible fencing and gates attached to or within 5 feet of the structure. This is the most common retrofit, and Required now inside VCFPD for new buildings, additions, and new or refurbished landscape. See the fences guide.
Combustible mulch such as bark and wood chips against the foundation. Hardscape, gravel, and stone are the replacements. See the landscaping guide.
Woody shrubs and flammable plantings under eaves and windows.
Stored combustibles: firewood and lumber in the ring, where a local Zone 0 rule applies. Trash and recycling containers and outdoor cushions in that five feet are Recommended now unless your local rule names them.
Attachments matter too: decks, stairs, and trellises within the zone face material requirements. See home hardening.

The science behind the rule comes from IBHS ember research: wind-driven embers, not the flame front, ignite most homes. Both of this county's anchor fires, the Thomas Fire and the Mountain Fire, were Santa Ana wind events that proved the point locally.

Questions

Quick answers

What laws actually create Zone Zero?

AB 3074 (2020) directed the state to create an ember-resistant zone. SB 504 (2024) and AB 1455 (2025) refined the framework. As of September 19, 2026 there is no statewide Zone 0 regulation in force: OAL emergency filing 2026-0828-03E was withdrawn September 8, 2026. Existing defensible-space law (PRC section 4291 and Government Code section 51182) still applies.

Is Zone 0 the same thing as defensible space?

Zone 0 is the newest and strictest part of defensible space. California already required Zones 1 and 2 (5 to 30 feet, and 30 to 100 feet). Zone Zero adds the 0 to 5 foot ember-resistant ring, because post-fire research shows embers igniting material right against the structure is how most homes are lost. The Thomas Fire's single-night destruction of 500+ Ventura residences is the local case study.

What happens if I don't comply?

There is no statewide Zone 0 regulation in force. OAL emergency filing 2026-0828-03E was withdrawn September 8, 2026. Existing defensible-space law still applies. Inside VCFPD, local Zone 0 for new buildings, additions, and new or refurbished landscape is Required now. Your fire authority — VCFD, or the City of Ventura's own department inside city limits — inspects under its local programs.

Find out what your property needs

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