California Wildfire Defense Laws: A Complete Guide to Compliance and Home Protection

Infographic showing four wildfire defense law categories: defensible space, fire-resistant materials, maintenance, and inspections. — California wildfire defense laws cover defensible space, fire-resistant building codes, regular maintenance, and inspections.

If you live in a wildfire-prone area of California—especially in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone or a Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)—you must follow state laws designed to protect your property and community. These California wildfire defense laws require vegetation management, defensible space, fire-resistant building materials, inspections, and disclosure during real estate transactions.

By staying compliant, you reduce risk, avoid penalties, and strengthen your home’s resilience. And when you add optional systems like automated sprinklers or eco-friendly wildfire retardant you create a true wildfire defense system that actively protects your property during a fire event.

California Defensible Space Laws (PRC 4291 & CCR 1299.03)

Illustration of defensible space zones 0–5 feet, 5–30 feet, and 30–100 feet around a California home, showing vegetation clearance requirements. — California law requires three defensible space zones to reduce wildfire risk.

Homeowners in wildfire zones are required by California law to maintain defensible space in three zones around their property. These defensible space requirements are the foundation of wildfire protection.

Zone 0 (0–5 feet) – AB 3074 Compliance

Beginning in 2025–2026, Zone 0 must remain completely free of combustibles.

No wood mulch or firewood storage
No flammable plants like rosemary, juniper, or pampas grass
No wood fences or gates touching the structure
No combustible furniture, dry leaves, or pine needles

This is your most vulnerable zone. Keeping it clear is a core part of home hardening. For more, see our blog on Zone Zero wildfire compliance.

Zone 1 (5–30 feet) – Vegetation and Clearance

Trim tree branches at least 10 feet from roofs and chimneys
Space trees and shrubs apart to slow fire spread
Keep grass shorter than 4 inches
Remove dead plants, yard waste, and clutter

Zone 2 (30–100 feet) – Extended Defensible Space

Thin trees and reduce dense brush
Trim lower branches at least 6 feet above ground
Cut tall grasses and weeds
Remove “fuel ladders” that let fire climb from ground to canopy

These zones are not optional—they are legally required and critical for reducing wildfire risk.

California Wildfire Building Codes (CBC Chapter 7A & CFC 505.1)

Diagram showing a California home with fire-rated deck, gutters, fire-resistant siding, and tempered windows as required by wildfire building codes. — California building codes require fire-resistant siding, tempered windows, and ember-resistant vents.

If you’re building, remodeling, or rebuilding in wildfire zones, you must meet California wildfire building codes under Chapter 7A. These standards dramatically improve your home’s ability to withstand heat and flying embers.

Fire-Resistant Roofing and Siding

Use Class A fire-rated roofing
Install non-combustible siding and decking

Ember-Resistant Vents and Chimneys

Cover vents with metal screens no larger than 1/8 inch
Add spark arrestor screens on chimneys

Windows and Decking Requirements

Use dual-pane or tempered glass windows
Choose ignition-resistant decking materials

These improvements don’t form a defense system on their own, but when combined with home hardening strategies they dramatically improve survival odds.

Year-Round Maintenance Requirements for Wildfire Defense

Illustration of ignition vulnerabilities including roof edges, vents, fences, and vegetation that can ignite during wildfires. — Home vulnerabilities include dry vegetation, vents, fences, and decks that can catch fire from embers.

Even without construction projects, California law requires regular maintenance. These tasks reduce ignition sources and keep you compliant.

Clearing Roofs, Gutters, and Decks

Remove leaves, pine needles, and debris to stop embers from igniting your home.

Firewood and Storage Distance Rules

Store firewood at least 30 feet from structures. Keep combustible items out from under decks or stairs.

Regular Yard and Vegetation Cleanup

Trim tree branches up to 6 feet above ground. Cut weeds, remove dead plants, and manage dry grasses.

Consistent upkeep is the best way to avoid fines, insurance issues, and wildfire losses. Learn more in our blog on Fire Protection Systems for Wildfire Home Defense.

Real Estate Transactions and Wildfire Disclosure Laws (AB 38 & AB 111)

If you sell property in a wildfire zone, you must disclose risk and prove compliance with California wildfire defense laws.

Wildfire Risk Disclosure for Sellers

You must include fire risk in real estate documents.

Documentation of Compliance

Provide proof of defensible space and home hardening efforts.

The Wildfire Mitigation Assessor Program (2026)

Starting in July 2026, inspectors will verify compliance during real estate transactions. Local fire departments and Cal Fire may also issue notices.

For details, see California Department of Insurance: Wildfire Preparedness

Upcoming California Wildfire Laws You Need to Know

Several new laws will soon change how defensible space and compliance are enforced.

SB 326 – Zone 0 Enforcement and Grants

Finalizes Zone 0 rules by December 2025
Creates funding and grant programs for compliance
Allows civil or criminal penalties for violations
Promotes wildfire defense systems such as sprinklers and retardant

SB 629 – Expanded Fire Hazard Mapping and Inspections

Expands fire hazard severity zone maps
Requires rezoning of recently burned areas within 120 days
Mandates annual defensible space inspections beginning in 2027
Provides public access to updated fire maps

These changes show California’s shift toward stricter enforcement and prevention.

Wildfire Defense Laws for Multi-Family and Commercial Properties

Commercial buildings and multi-family units must also meet wildfire requirements.

Defensible Space for Property Managers

Maintain up to 100 feet of clearance, similar to homeowners.

Commercial Building Material Standards

Use fire-resistant roofing, siding, and venting.

Address Visibility and Access Routes

Ensure visible street numbers and clear road access for emergency responders.

For businesses, see our blog on Commercial Wildfire Mitigation.

Local Wildfire Ordinances May Be Stricter Than State Laws

California laws provide the baseline, but local governments often add stricter rules.

San Diego County Clearance Requirements

Requires 50 feet of clearance instead of the 30 feet set by state law.

Restrictions in Marin, Sonoma, and Los Angeles Counties

These counties may ban specific mulches, fencing materials, or plant species. Always check with your local fire authority.

For additional standards, review NFPA 1140: Wildland Fire Management.

California Wildfire Defense Compliance Checklist

Remove combustibles within 5 feet of structures
Maintain Zones 1 and 2 year-round
Clean roofs, gutters, and decks
Upgrade to fire-resistant materials during remodels
Schedule wildfire risk assessments
Apply long-term fire retardant if appropriate
Install automated sprinklers if possible
Create and practice an evacuation plan
Prepare for inspections beginning in 2026

Why You Can’t Ignore California Wildfire Defense Laws

Failing to comply with California wildfire defense laws can cost you:

Fines and citations
Delayed or denied permits
Insurance cancellation or increased premiums
Increased risk of property loss
Possible liability for damage to neighbors

By following these laws, you not only stay compliant—you protect your home, your family, and your community. To learn more, download our Wildfire Action Plan.