San Diego Zero Zone - What should you know?

Wildfire preparation starts closest to the building. Zone 0 is the first five feet around a structure. Its purpose is to reduce the chance that windblown embers ignite plants, debris, or stored items next to the building.

The City of San Diego’s Zone 0 Guidelines for Existing Structures explain what this means for properties in the city’s Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. These are City of San Diego guidelines; properties in Carlsbad or other cities need to check their own local requirements.

When does it apply?

San Diego’s Zone 0 requirements began applying to new structures seeking building permits on or after February 28, 2026. For existing structures, the city’s guidelines identify February 28, 2027 as the start of implementation. They describe a phased approach that begins with maintenance and moves toward full compliance by February 28, 2029. Property owners can use the time now to assess and plan improvements.

What should owners and HOAs look for?

Start with the areas immediately beside buildings, including patios, balconies, stairs, and spaces beneath decks. The city’s guidelines address combustible storage, firewood, trash bins, dead vegetation, leaf litter, mulch, plants, artificial turf, and fences or gates that could carry fire toward a structure.

Zone 0 does not automatically mean removing every plant or existing tree within five feet. San Diego’s guidance allows some maintained plants under specific conditions and describes when an existing tree may remain. It also says attached decks and balconies do not require replacement solely because they are combustible, although materials stored on or beneath them may need attention. Review the guidelines before making changes to established landscaping or structures.

For an HOA, a practical first step is to identify which buildings fall within the City of San Diego’s Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone map. Then walk the first five feet around those buildings, document conditions, and plan maintenance and any larger projects with the board and appropriate professionals. Owners should also review any requirements from their insurer, which may be stricter than the city’s guidance.

Read the attached guide: City of San Diego Zone 0 Guidelines for Existing Structures (PDF)