California’s “Zone Zero” Fire‑Safety Rules Could Strip Homes of Gardens
A new state mandate—known as “zone zero”—has been delayed amid fierce criticism, but it could soon force roughly 2 million Californians to clear out flowers, shrubs and other plants within five feet of their houses. The rules were drafted in 2020 by former Glendale Assemblymember Laura Friedman and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, but officials failed to finalize the regulations before the original January 1, 2023 deadline.
The law requires homeowners to remove all combustible vegetation near their homes, even if that means tearing out a well‑tended garden. “We care about the plants. We don’t want to rip them out and put in cement,” said East Bay resident Rhonda Gruska during an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle in April. The quote underscores the emotional backlash from residents who see the policy as an attack on their homes and on nature.
Despite the resistance, some communities have moved to comply. In leafy Berkeley, voters passed new rules that bring the city into line with the state’s mandate. Nonetheless, activists argue that “well‑maintained plants would protect homes and wildlife,” a claim that has become a rallying point for homeowner groups across Los Angeles.
The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, which oversees the rule‑making, told the Chronicle it will complete the final regulations next year. “We’ve heard criticism, we’ve heard feedback, we’ve heard support,” said Tony Andersen, executive director of the Board. Although the board says the rules are slated to take effect in 2029, the timeline could shift as the policy continues to provoke debate.
For now, the “zone zero” requirement remains a contentious topic—promised to reduce wildfire damage on one side, but seen as an overreach that could cost families both their gardens and their peace of mind.
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