New fire safety rules are coming for San Diego homeowners. Here's what to know

Nearly two-thirds of San Diego homeowners will soon have to take a hard look at the space around their homes. New fire prevention rules are set to take effect in February 2026, banning flammable items — like plants, or even fencing — within 5 feet of a home.

Last week, the San Diego City Council fast-tracked controversial “Zone 0” regulations (there are Zones 0-2), requiring this new regulation in very high fire hazard severity zones to create much tighter defensible space, which is the area close to a home where flammable material is removed or reduced, Cal Fire said.

It was initially set to take effect statewide in 2023, then was delayed due to fierce backlash. It could get very expensive, very quickly, for San Diego homeowners.

The red parts of the fire hazard severity zone map from Cal Fire show what’s considered “very high fire risk,” which includes about two-thirds of San Diego homes.

According to Cal Fire, if you live in the State Responsibility Area (SRA) or the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone in the Local Responsibility Area (LRA), you are responsible for making sure your property follows the state’s defensible space requirements. The agency calls this taking proactive steps to protect your structures from wildfire.

So those living in the red areas of the map must take measures to make defensible space around their homes.

For a detailed and interactive map to help you find your Fire Hazard Severity Zone, click here.

Data shows that buildings lost to wildfire are ignited by flying embers that travel miles ahead of an active front of a wildfire, according to Cal Fire. So keeping that area closest to your home free of flammable materials should help prevent embers from igniting flammable materials near homes.

For more in-depth questions and answers about defensible space and Zone 0, find Cal Fire’s FAQ here.