Zone Zero Guide
San Diego County
San Diego's Zone Zero
Compliance Guide
The definitive resource for San Diego County homeowners navigating California's ember-resistant zone regulations. Understand the law, check your property, and protect your home.
Zone Coverage
0–5 ft
from any structure
Compliance Deadline
Feb 2027
for existing homes
Penalty Range
$500–$1,000+
per violation
Legislation
AB 3074
PRC §4291
Step One
Understand the Law
What is Zone Zero?
Zone Zero — officially the "Ember-Resistant Zone" — is a 0 to 5 foot buffer measured from any structure on your property, including your home, garage, deck, and stairs. Under California Assembly Bill 3074 (AB 3074) and Public Resources Code §4291, all combustible materials within this zone must be removed or replaced with non-combustible alternatives.
The purpose is to create an ember-resistant perimeter that prevents wind-driven embers from igniting materials close to your home during a wildfire event. This is especially critical in San Diego County, where over 817,000 acres are designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
Defensible Space Zones: Zone 0 (0–5 ft) · Zone 1 (5–30 ft) · Zone 2 (30–100 ft)
Zone 0
0–5 feet
Ember-Resistant Zone. ALL combustible materials must be removed. Fences, gates, plants, mulch, and stored items within this zone must be non-combustible.
Zone 1
5–30 feet
Lean, Clean, and Green Zone. Thin vegetation, remove dead plants, maintain spacing between shrubs and trees. Fence lines in this zone can be combustible.
Zone 2
30–100 feet
Reduced Fuel Zone. Create horizontal and vertical spacing between plants and trees. Remove dead vegetation and debris. Standard fencing materials are acceptable.
There Are Two Different Fire Zone Maps — Which One Applies to You?
Many San Diego homeowners are confused because they’ve seen two different maps online and gotten different results for the same address. Here’s why: California has a state map (managed by CAL FIRE) and San Diego has its own local map (managed by the City or County). If either map shows your property in a Very High Fire Severity Zone, Zone Zero applies to you.
CAL FIRE State Map
State Responsibility Area (SRA)
- ›Who enforces it: CAL FIRE & San Diego County Fire Authority
- ›Where it applies: Unincorporated county — rural and wildland-adjacent areas outside city limits
- ›Examples: Ramona, Alpine, Julian, Fallbrook, Descanso, Borrego Springs, Warner Springs
- ›Check it at: CAL FIRE FHSZ Viewer
San Diego City/County Map
Local Responsibility Area (LRA)
- ›Who enforces it: City of San Diego Fire-Rescue & local fire departments
- ›Where it applies: Inside incorporated city limits — adopted by each city separately
- ›Examples: City of San Diego, El Cajon, Santee, Poway, Escondido, Carlsbad, Encinitas
- ›Check it at: sandiego.gov/fire
The Golden Rule: If Either Map Shows VHFHSZ, You Must Comply
AB 3074 and PRC §4291 apply to any property in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone — regardless of which map designates it. If your address appears on the CAL FIRE state map or the San Diego local map as VHFHSZ, Zone Zero ember-resistant fencing is required by February 2027. Use the property checker below to look up your address on both maps at once.
Which Map Applies to Me?
Answer 2 quick questions to find out
Not sure if you're on the CAL FIRE state map or the San Diego local map? Take this 2-question quiz to find out in 30 seconds.
Step Two
Check Your Property
Is Your Property in a Fire Zone?
Use our interactive map to check if your San Diego property falls within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Properties in these zones must comply with Zone Zero regulations by February 2027.
Covers incorporated cities — this is the primary map for most San Diego homeowners. Enforced by your local fire department (City of San Diego Fire-Rescue, etc.).
Common areas: City of San Diego, El Cajon, Santee, La Mesa, Poway, Escondido, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Chula Vista, National City
Map data: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). SRA zones effective April 1, 2024. LRA zones recommended March 24, 2025. For official confirmation, visit CAL FIRE FHSZ Viewer.
Check Your Property
Enter your address to check fire hazard zone status
This tool provides results based on 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone data from CAL FIRE and the City of San Diego. For official confirmation, check the CAL FIRE FHSZ viewer or the San Diego LRA map or call San Diego Fire-Rescue at (619) 531-2000.
Step Three
Visual Guides
Gates vs. Fence Lines
Understanding the difference between a gate and a fence line can save you thousands. Gates attached to or within 5 feet of a structure must always be non-combustible. Fence lines running along property boundaries more than 5 feet from any structure can be any material.
Gates (within 5 ft)
Must be steel, aluminum, or wrought iron
Fence Lines (5+ ft)
Can be wood, vinyl, or any material
Shared Fence Compliance
Even if your house is 6 feet from the shared fence, if your neighbor's house is less than 5 feet from that same fence, the fence falls within their Zone 0 and must be non-combustible.
Fence Material Requirements
Wood fencing
Including cedar, redwood, pine
Vinyl / PVC fencing
Melts and ignites easily
Composite materials
Contains combustible components
Fire-retardant treated wood
Still combustible — does NOT meet ASTM E136
Bamboo fencing
Highly combustible
Aluminum
Most popular — lightweight, durable, low maintenance
Steel / Wrought Iron
Strong, classic look, may need rust treatment
Masonry / Concrete Block
Maximum durability, highest cost
Gabion (stone in wire mesh)
Modern aesthetic, excellent fire resistance
Chain Link (galvanized)
Budget-friendly, meets non-combustible standard
Permit Requirements
Building permits are required for most fence work in San Diego County, with some exemptions.
Permit Exemptions
Fences/walls less than 6 feet high that comply with zoning setbacks. Open fences up to 8 feet high where allowed by zoning.
Height Restrictions
Front/exterior side yard: 42 inches max. Rear or interior side yard: 72 inches max.
Utility Easements
If your property has utility easements (SDG&E, water, sewer), additional rules apply to fence placement.
Key Rules
Fences cannot be built directly on top of utilities. Standard clearance: 8 feet from secondary utilities. Encroachments require utility company approval.
Contact SDG&E
Email: [email protected]
Contact before building near any utility infrastructure.
Step Four
Common Questions
Need Help with
Zone Zero Compliance?
Tom Sawyer Paint works with a network of trusted fence contractors across San Diego County. Whether you need a property assessment, material recommendations, or full fence replacement, we connect you with the right professionals.
Free Property Assessment
Licensed Contractors
Compliance Guarantee
Verified Information
Official Sources & News Coverage
Everything on this page is grounded in official government guidance and verified news reporting. Use these primary sources to confirm your compliance obligations directly.
State of California
State Agencies
CAL FIRE — Defensible Space
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
The primary state authority on Zone Zero. Explains the 0–5 ft ember-resistant zone, what must be removed, and enforcement timelines under AB 3074.
CAL FIRE — FHSZ Interactive Map
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Official ArcGIS viewer to check whether your address falls in a Very High, High, or Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone — the trigger for Zone Zero compliance.
CAL FIRE — Home Hardening
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Guidance on ember-resistant vents, windows, and roofing materials that work in tandem with Zone Zero fencing and landscaping requirements.
Board of Forestry — Defensible Space Zones
California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection
The regulatory body that formally established Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2. Hosts public meetings on upcoming rule changes and publishes the official zone definitions.
OSFM — Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Office of the State Fire Marshal
Oversees FHSZ mapping for Local Responsibility Areas (LRA). Publishes the 2025 LRA FHSZ rollout maps and the LRA viewer for all California counties.
AB 3074 — Full Bill Text
California Legislature
The original 2020 legislation that created Zone Zero. Read the exact statutory language that defines the 0–5 ft ember-resistant zone and the compliance deadlines.
Local Government
City & County Fire Agencies
City of San Diego — Zone Zero
San Diego Fire-Rescue Department
Official city page for Zone Zero. Covers the February 12, 2026 effective date for new structures and the February 2027 deadline for existing homes. Includes inspection info.
City of San Diego — Defensible Space Guide
San Diego Fire-Rescue Department
Step-by-step property owner guide covering all three defensible space zones (0, 1, 2), what inspectors check, and how to schedule a free inspection.
City of San Diego — FHSZ Map
San Diego Fire-Rescue Department
The city-adopted Local Responsibility Area (LRA) fire hazard severity zone map. Use this if your property is inside city limits rather than unincorporated county land.
San Diego County Fire Authority
County of San Diego
Enforces Zone Zero for unincorporated areas using the CAL FIRE State Responsibility Area (SRA) map. Contact for inspections outside city limits.
San Diego County — 2026 Fire Code
County of San Diego
The full 2026 Consolidated Fire Code adopted by San Diego County, including the specific fence and gate standards that apply in VHFHSZ parcels.
SDG&E Land Services
San Diego Gas & Electric
Required if your fence or gate replacement project is near a utility easement. Provides encroachment permit applications and easement boundary information.
Media Coverage
Local & National News
Strict wildfire safety rules will soon apply to much of urban San Diego
In-depth reporting on how Zone Zero affects urban neighborhoods across San Diego, with interviews from the Assistant Fire Marshal on the phased enforcement timeline.
City of San Diego will implement state-mandated Zone Zero fire clearance
Coverage of the February 12, 2026 effective date for new construction, with details on what the five-foot clearance means for fences, gates, and landscaping.
New wildfire safety rules for San Diego homes take effect today
Reports on the day Zone Zero took effect for new structures, noting that existing homeowners have until February 2027 to comply and explaining what inspectors will look for.
San Diego residents raise questions on 'Zone Zero'
Community Q&A coverage addressing the most common homeowner questions: what counts as flammable, whether shared fences apply, and how enforcement will actually work.
Zone Zero rules to impact majority of Rancho Bernardo, Poway properties
Analysis showing at least 250,000 San Diego parcels will need to comply, with expert commentary on contractor demand and the risk of price increases as the 2027 deadline nears.
San Diego fast-tracked new fire-safety rules — here's what homeowners should know
Comprehensive explainer on how San Diego accelerated Zone Zero adoption, what the rules require, and why thousands of homeowners need to act before February 2027.
State-Mandated 'Zone Zero' Requirements Set to Go into Effect
Official announcement coverage from the City of San Diego notifying residents of the new wildfire safety requirements and the path to compliance for existing homeowners.
New San Diego Fire Prevention Rules Introduce 'Zone Zero'
Real estate industry perspective on how Zone Zero affects property transactions, disclosure requirements, and the distinction between owner-occupied and rental property timelines.
Zone Zero, Defensible Space, and Other Ways to Protect a Home From Wildfire
National context for Zone Zero as part of California's broader wildfire mitigation strategy, with expert perspectives on the science behind the 5-foot ember-resistant zone.
News articles are linked for informational purposes. Tom Sawyer Paint does not control third-party content. For binding compliance guidance, always refer to official government sources listed above.