California homeowners in designated fire hazard zones have until February 2027 to comply with a new statewide wildfire safety requirement — and with much of San Diego County falling within those zones, residents from Santee to Alpine should start planning now.

Under updated defensible space guidelines approved by the state Legislature under Assembly Bill 3074, owners of properties in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must maintain what state fire officials are calling Zone Zero: an ember-resistant area extending five feet from all structures. That zone must be cleared of all flammable materials, including woody vegetation, wood products and petroleum-based products, according to CAL FIRE guidelines.

Building code changes for new construction take effect Feb. 28, but existing properties have until February 2027 to come into compliance. Fire officials note that Zone Zero was first formalized through AB 3074 in 2021, but vegetation clearance requirements were not finalized until 2025, which delayed enforcement.

Alexander Kane, assistant fire marshal for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, said Zone Zero is the most vulnerable place around the house, because the majority of residences that burn do so because of embers attacking a home. He said enforcement will rely primarily on voluntary compliance, with property assessments and compliance plans provided to homeowners in higher-risk areas. Non-compliance citations and fines would be issued only as a last resort for homeowners making no effort. We are looking for progress, not perfection, Kane said.

Homeowners may be able to offset some costs of compliance through insurance discounts. The California Department of Insurance's Safer from Wildfires initiative offers discounts ranging from 4% to 40% for homeowners who meet wildfire safety standards, with greater discounts available for those in higher-risk zones. Deputy Insurance Commissioner Michael Soller said the program will not pay for the whole cost of retrofitting a home, but is designed to help residents start chipping away at the price. Homeowners can learn more about defensible space requirements and local fire safe resources at cal fire's defensible space website or through their local fire department.