One of the most important things homeowners need to prepare for whether staying, selling or buying a home in San Diego county
San Diego’s “newest” fire-hardening rules for homeowners in 2026–2027 are the city’s rollout of “Zone 0” (Zone Zero) wildfire requirements—an ember-resistant zone within the first 0–5 feet around structures in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ). (City of San Diego)
What changes in 2026
- Effective February 2026 (city’s implementation date): New structures built in VHFHSZ must comply with Zone 0 requirements based on state law (AB 3074), meaning the first 5 feet around the home (including attached features like decks/stairs and areas under/adjacent to the structure) must be kept free of flammable vegetation and combustible materials that can ignite from wind-blown embers. (City of San Diego)
What changes in 2027
- By February 2027: Existing homes/properties in VHFHSZ are expected to meet Zone 0 guidelines (San Diego has publicized this as the homeowner timeline), which typically means removing/relocating combustible landscaping/materials within 5 feet of structures and keeping the area clear of things like dead/dry vegetation, leaves/needles, debris, mulch, firewood, and other flammables (including attention to roofs/gutters and areas around decks). (City of San Diego)
Plain-English takeaway
If you’re in San Diego’s mapped high fire areas, Zone 0 turns the first 5 feet around your home into an ember-defense buffer—less about “brush trimming farther out,” more about eliminating easy ignition right next to the structure. (City of San Diego)
Sources (primary + reporting):
- City of San Diego Fire-Rescue: Defensible Space / Zone 0 (incl. dates and what to remove) (City of San Diego)
- CAL FIRE / Board of Forestry: Defensible Space Zones 0/1/2 and state basis (AB 3074, SB 504) (bof.fire.ca.gov)
- KPBS explainer on San Diego’s rollout and timelines (KPBS Public Media)
- NBC 7 San Diego coverage (what’s restricted within 5 feet; timeline) (NBC 7 San Diego)
