Zone 0 wildfire regulations will force landscape designers to 'pioneer a new California aesthetic', say experts. Here's what to expect from the rules

Exterior photo of a home in Beverly Hills at dusk, with neat privet planting.

Back in January, wildfires spread across the Los Angeles area in California. The effects were devastating and extensive – thousands of homes and structures were destroyed and many lives were tragically lost. In response, formal regulations are being developed by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, which will address ember-resistant defensible zones in yards, also known as Zone 0. These rules are expected to be finalized by the end of 2025.

Zone 0 refers to an area measuring five feet outwards from the perimeter of the home (including from any attached wooden deck). To help prevent wildfires from spreading and igniting buildings, impending rules are expected to prohibit flammable items within these spaces in certain areas of the state.