Author Profile

Jim Sprouse | Co-Founder, Ember Pro

2+ years of experience in wildfire mitigation, community risk reduction, and home ignition zone strategies across California. Jim has led defensible space programs, trained with fire marshals, and now advises homeowners and inspectors on best practices for code compliance and home hardening.

Reading Time: 10 minutes

California homeowners in wildfire-prone areas are facing more legal and insurance pressure than ever to harden their properties. With overlapping state laws, building codes, and local ordinances, it can be overwhelming to figure out what’s required, and how to get it done.

In this blog, we break down the five most important wildfire safety codes in California, explain how they work together, and give you simple steps to comply. And yes we’ll also show how Ember Pro’s wildfire defense systems and spray services provide the ultimate protection.

1. AB 38 – Real Estate Defensible Space Disclosure

What it is: Requires sellers of homes in designated wildfire zones to provide documentation of defensible space compliance.

When it applies: During real estate transactions in State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ).

What’s required:

• A CAL FIRE or local agency inspection
  
• If unavailable, buyers must comply within 1 year
  

How to comply:

• Keep documentation ready for escrow
• Schedule an inspection
• Remove flammable vegetation
  

2. AB 3074 – The Ember-Resistant “Zone 0”

What it is: Creates a mandatory 0–5 foot non-combustible zone around homes in VHFHSZ areas.

Status: Passed in 2020 but not yet enforced (pending State Fire Marshal rules).

What it will require:

• No wood mulch, fencing, plants, or furniture in Zone 0
  
• Use only non-combustible materials near structures
  

How to prepare now:

• Replace mulch with gravel
  
• Remove flammable shrubs near siding
  
• Switch to metal fencing at structure connection
  

Ember Pro Tip: Our team can future-proof Zone 0 with fire-resistant landscaping and ember-blocking spray coatings.

3. PRC §4291 – 100-Foot Defensible Space Law

What it is: California’s core defensible space law. Required year-round.

Who it applies to: Most homes in State Responsibility Areas (SRA).

What’s required:

• Clear flammable vegetation within 30 feet
  
• Reduce fuel load between 30–100 feet
  
• Trim tree limbs 10 feet from chimneys
  
• Remove leaves from roofs and gutters
  

How to comply:

Ensure spacing between shrubs and trees

Schedule annual defensible space work

Limb trees 6 feet from ground

4. Chapter 7A & the CWUIC – Building Codes in WUI Areas

What it is: A section of the California Building Code requiring ignition-resistant construction in fire-prone zones.

Applies to: New homes and major remodels (>50%) in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zones.

What it regulates:

• Class A roofs
  
• Ember-resistant vents (1/8” mesh)
  
• Boxed eaves or fire-rated soffits
  
• Non-combustible siding
  
• Tempered dual-pane windows
  
• Fire-rated decks and fencing
  

Inspector’s role: Flag flammable materials or non-compliant retrofits.

Ember Pro solution: Retrofitting packages, vent upgrades, and consultation to help meet or exceed 7A standards.

5. SB 63 – Fire Zone Disclosure on NHD Forms

What it is: Expands seller disclosure forms (NHD) to include wildfire zone information.

Applies to: Any residential property in a mapped fire hazard area.

Requires disclosure of:

• Fire zone designation (VHFHSZ or SRA)
  
• Whether defensible space laws apply
  

Inspectors don’t fill it out, but should be ready to help homeowners understand:

• Where they fall on CAL FIRE maps
  
• If mitigation or inspection is required
  

Use the CAL FIRE FHSZ Viewer
Or let Ember Pro help clients confirm and comply.

6. How to Meet These Requirements with Ember Pro

Ember Pro offers turnkey wildfire defense, helping homeowners comply with all relevant codes from Zone 0 to real estate inspections.

Our wildfire protection services include:

• Ember-resistant vents and Class A upgrades
• Fire-retardant spray service for decks, siding, and outbuildings
• Inspection prep for AB 38 compliance
• Installation of wildfire defense systems
  

Schedule your wildfire defense consult at www.emberprousa.com

FAQ

Do I have to comply with all of these codes?
Not always. Some apply at sale (AB 38), some year-round (PRC §4291), and some during new builds (Chapter 7A). We help you sort it out.

What happens if I don’t comply?
You may face fines, fail inspections, or be denied insurance.

Is Ember Pro’s spray enough on its own?
It’s powerful, but for full compliance, we often combine spray with vegetation removal and structural upgrades.

Can I do it myself?
You can handle some yard work, but full compliance (especially Zone 0 or 7A) is best left to professionals.

How do I know if I’m in a VHFHSZ?
Check your address at CAL FIRE’s Viewer or contact us—we’ll check for you.

Does insurance care about compliance?
Yes! Many carriers require documentation and some offer discounts for mitigation work.

How often do I need defensible space work?
At least once a year—ideally pre- and mid-season. We offer seasonal plans.

Can Ember Pro prep my property for sale?
Absolutely. We specialize in real estate readiness for AB 38 inspections.

8. References & Resources

• CAL FIRE FHSZ Viewer
  
• PRC §4291 – Full Law Text
  
• Chapter 7A Overview – OSFM
  
• AB 38 – CAL FIRE Guide
  
• AB 3074 – Legislative Info
  
• Ember Pro Services
  

 Ready to Defend Your Home the Smart Way?

Visit www.emberprousa.com to schedule your wildfire defense consultation today.

Ember Pro: Science-backed defense. Real-world results.