Erin Perry from Compass Realty has provided great guidance and help to navigate fire safety legislation that takes effect in 2026. She also has resources that can assist with evaluating your fire risk so you can more easily comply with the new laws. Please review below.
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Hi friends,
I want to share an important update for San Diego homeowners in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, because this is one of those changes that’s much easier to handle proactively than under pressure from an insurance company or during escrow.
Starting February 2026, San Diego will formally implement updated wildfire safety standards known as “Zone 0.” Zone 0 refers to the first 0–5 feet around the exterior of your home, and it’s now being treated as an ember-resistant safety buffer, not a landscaping area.
Why this matters: Most homes lost during wildfires don’t burn because a wall of flames reaches them. They ignite when wind-blown embers land close to the house and find something combustible. Zone 0 is designed to eliminate that risk right at the structure.
WHAT HOMEOWNERS SHOULD KNOW:
Within 5 feet of the house, combustible materials are being restricted in high fire zones, including:
Plants, shrubs, and trees
Mulch (bark, rubber, wood chips – all of it)
Wood fencing or planter boxes
Firewood or storage near the structure
A few important clarifications:
Trees within 5 feet of the house are generally not allowed, even if well maintained.
Dense or woody plants close to the home are increasingly being flagged.
Property lines don’t matter – Zone 0 is measured from the house itself, not the parcel boundary.
What is allowed and encouraged within 5 feet:
Hardscape such as concrete, pavers, stone, gravel, or decomposed granite
Masonry or metal fencing
A clean, vegetation-free buffer around the home
WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:
Even ahead of February 2026, insurance companies are already reviewing homes using these standards. We’re seeing:
correction notices during renewals
last-minute issues during escrow
buyers struggling to secure coverage
Small landscaping or fencing changes can quickly turn into bigger headaches if they’re discovered late.
HOW I CAN HELP:
If your home is in or near a high fire zone, I can:
review photos or do a quick walk-through of your property
help you identify low-cost, high-impact fixes
connect you with trusted local landscapers, insurance agents & brokers, fencing contractors, local inspection specialists, contractors and fire-hardening resources
help you think ahead if you’re planning to sell, refinance, or renew insurance
This isn’t about panic or aesthetics – it’s about insurability, safety, and protecting long-term property value. Small changes now can prevent much bigger problems later.
As always, my goal is to keep you informed, prepared, and protected – not surprised.
Warmly,
Erin Perry
Compass | San Diego
REALTOR® | DRE# 02190074
erin.perry@compass.com
M: 707-889-3338