Zone Zero Fire Deadline: 4 Days to Comply or Face Citations

California's Zone Zero fire regulations become mandatory for new construction on February 28, 2026—just four days away. This state-mandated rule requires a five-foot ember-resistant buffer around all structures in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, affecting over 220,000 San Diego homeowners including properties in Pacific Beach, La Jolla, and surrounding coastal neighborhoods.

Zone Zero Takes Effect February 28: What San Diego Homeowners Need to Know

The regulation, established under California Assembly Bill 3074, mandates clearing all "woody vegetation, wood products and petroleum-based products" from the five-foot perimeter around homes—the area fire officials identify as "the most vulnerable place around the house" during wildfire events.

While new construction must comply immediately on February 28, existing homeowners have until February 2027 to meet Zone Zero standards. However, rental properties face immediate requirements under the ordinance.

What Must Be Removed from Your Zone Zero Buffer

The five-foot perimeter around your home must be cleared of common combustible materials:

• Vegetation: Dead plants, dry leaves, pine needles, wood-based mulch, grass, synthetic lawns, and small shrubs
• Structures: Wooden fences, trellises, arbors, and standalone decks (attached decks may require removal as structural extensions)
• Storage items: Firewood, trash, debris, garbage containers, and recycling bins
• Vehicles and equipment: Boats, RVs, and vehicles must be relocated outside Zone Zero

Healthy mature trees can remain if surrounding vegetation is cleared, and the California Bureau of Forestry is finalizing exemptions for less flammable plants like succulents. Homeowners should replace combustible materials with hardscape alternatives such as concrete, gravel, pavers, or bare soil.

Enforcement: Education First, Citations Last Resort

San Diego Fire Department Deputy Fire Marshal Alexander Kane emphasizes that the city prioritizes voluntary compliance with "an emphasis on education throughout 2027." The department focuses on properties with the highest risk—particularly "anchor homes" on canyon edges—for priority assessments.

"We're looking for progress, not perfection," Kane stated. Citations and fines occur only as a final notice after homeowners demonstrate no compliance effort. The fire department offers free home risk assessments to help property owners understand their specific requirements.

Insurance Discounts Reward Compliance

Homeowners who meet Zone Zero requirements can qualify for significant insurance savings through California's Safer from Wildfires program. The program offers premium discounts ranging from 4% to 40% for meeting ten fire safety requirements, with higher discounts available for residents in elevated-risk zones.

For low- and moderate-income homeowners, AB 888 establishes the California Safe Homes Grant Program within the Department of Insurance to help fund ember-resistant work in the Zone Zero area and fire-safe roof replacements.

Why Coastal Neighborhoods Are Affected

Many homeowners in Pacific Beach and La Jolla are surprised to learn their properties fall within Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Updated 2025 Cal Fire maps show a 26% increase in acres now designated as very high hazard, with coastal areas included due to ember transport risks.

"Embers from wildfires could easily be carried in the wind conditions into more urbanized neighborhoods," officials warn. Two-thirds of San Diego is now designated within Very High Fire Hazard Safety zones, including portions of La Jolla Heights, areas near Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, and neighborhoods adjacent to open space.

Homeowners can verify their property's fire zone designation using the 2025 LRA FHSZ Map on the City of San Diego website or Cal Fire's interactive mapping tool.

For comprehensive compliance guidance, see our detailed Zone Zero compliance guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About the February 28 Deadline

For project-specific Zone Zero guidance, consult with the City of San Diego Fire Department's Community Risk Reduction division or visit the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection website for the most current regulatory interpretations.