What Zone 0 Rules Apply in Calabasas?
Three labels for every rule on this site
We separate what the law requires today from what has only been proposed, and from what we simply recommend. Required now · Proposed — not in force · Recommended now.
Existing defensible-space law
PRC §4291 and Government Code §51182 require roofs and gutters to be kept clear of leaves and needles, and branches within 10 feet of a chimney outlet to be removed. LA County Fire's Defensible Space page lists chimney clearance as required.
The statewide Zone 0 draft
The Board of Forestry approved a final draft on August 19, 2026. OAL file 2026-0828-03E is listed as withdrawn on September 8, 2026, so there is no statewide effective date. AB 3074 (2020) directed the state to develop an ember-resistant zone; it is not a current statewide "must keep Zone 0 clear" rule.
Harden the first five feet
Clear combustibles, use non-combustible ground cover, and consider ember-resistant vents. LA County Fire recommends a 100-foot defensible-space radius. These steps work whether or not a Zone 0 rule ever applies to your parcel.
In Calabasas, no local Zone 0 ordinance identified
Calabasas contracts its fire services through the Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County, and the LA County Fire Department's Defensible Space program page lists Calabasas. That page does not use Zone 0 as a requirement.
As of September 19, 2026 we have not identified a local Zone 0 ordinance for Calabasas. That is a finding of our review, not a statement that none exists. Wildfire Los Angeles (August 22, 2026) notes that implementation "will increasingly occur locally" and that local alternatives may be adopted, so confirm with LA County Fire and the City of Calabasas before acting on any deadline.
Regulation questions from Calabasas homeowners
Is Zone 0 a statewide law in California?
No, not as of September 19, 2026. There is no statewide Zone 0 regulation in force in California. The Board of Forestry approved a final draft on August 19, 2026, but the state's own record lists OAL file 2026-0828-03E as withdrawn on September 8, 2026. AB 3074 directed the state to develop an ember-resistant zone; that direction is not a current statewide rule that homeowners must keep the first 5 feet clear. Existing defensible-space law (PRC §4291 and Government Code §51182) still applies, including keeping roofs and gutters clear of leaves and needles.
Is Zone 0 required in Calabasas?
As of September 19, 2026 we have not identified a local Zone 0 ordinance for Calabasas, and no statewide Zone 0 regulation is in force. The statewide Zone 0 draft is Proposed — not in force. Existing law still applies (Required now): PRC §4291 and Government Code §51182. Clearing the first 5 feet is Recommended now. Confirm with LA County Fire and the City of Calabasas before acting on any deadline.
Has the City of Calabasas adopted its own Zone 0 rule?
As of September 19, 2026 we have not identified one. Calabasas is on LA County Fire's Defensible Space program list, and that county page does not use Zone 0 as a requirement. Wildfire Los Angeles (August 22, 2026) says local alternatives may be adopted, so confirm with LA County Fire and the City of Calabasas.
What should I do in the meantime?
Follow existing law (Required now): keep roofs and gutters clear of leaves and needles, and remove branches within 10 feet of a chimney outlet. Then consider the Recommended now steps: clear combustibles from the first 5 feet, use non-combustible ground cover, and consider ember-resistant vents.
Not sure what applies to your parcel?
Send a request and the team will follow up by email about your exact parcel.