San Bernardino Zone 0 rules | Maps adopted, Zone 0 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. As of September 19, 2026 there is no statewide Zone 0 regulation in force. The Board of Forestry emergency filing (OAL 2026-0828-03E) was withdrawn September 8, 2026. AB 3074 directed the state to create an ember-resistant zone; that is not a current statewide rule requiring Zone 0 to be kept clear. Existing defensible-space law still applies: PRC section 4291 and Government Code section 51182, plus local defensible-space rules.

Then it goes local, and this county splits mountain vs valley. County fire covers district territory including the city of San Bernardino, Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, Wrightwood, and most unincorporated land. Ordinance 4489 (June 10, 2025) adopted LRA FHSZ maps; that is not Zone 0. CAL FIRE contracts in Highland and Yucaipa. Running Springs, Big Bear, Redlands, and Rancho Cucamonga run their own departments. Do not copy Redlands Ordinance 2998 onto the county homepage. On vegetation, draft statewide language scaled back blanket tree restrictions; in forested mountain communities especially, verify with your own authority before removing anything.

Zone 0 is the first 5 feet out from every wall, deck, and attached structure. AB 3074 directed the state to create an ember-resistant zone; that statewide rule is not in force as of September 19, 2026.

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, Recommended now unless a local rule has adopted it. 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. In mountain communities, the winter woodpile against the wall is the classic first fix. Trash and recycling containers and outdoor cushions in the first five feet are Recommended now unless your fire authority has adopted a local rule.
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, and this county supplied one of its defining case studies: post-fire analysis of the 2007 Grass Valley Fire found most of the 174 destroyed homes ignited from wind-driven embers or from house-to-house spread rather than the flame front itself. Zone 0 exists to break exactly that chain.

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. The implementing statewide regulation is not in force: OAL file 2026-0828-03E was withdrawn September 8, 2026.

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, the ground the Grass Valley Fire proved decisive when embers, not flames, took most of the 174 homes lost near Lake Arrowhead.

What happens if I don't comply?

Existing defensible-space law is already in force. Statewide Zone 0 is Proposed — not in force. Ordinance 4489 adopted FHSZ maps, not Zone 0. Your mountain or valley fire authority is the AHJ.

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