If you own a home in Los Angeles or anywhere in California, a major new fire-safety regulation known as the Zone Zero ordinance is about to change how you landscape and protect your property. Set to roll out in 2025, this new law is part of the state’s effort to reduce wildfire risk by creating a five-foot “ignition-free” zone around all structures. The intention is good—protecting homes from embers and wildfire ignition—but the regulation brings sweeping changes to California homeowners, especially in areas like Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Santa Monica, and other high-value neighborhoods on the Westside of Los Angeles.
What Is the Zone Zero Ordinance?
The Zone Zero defensible space requirement mandates that no plants, wood mulch, fencing, or combustible materials be within five feet of any building. This includes ground-level landscaping. The only exception is potted plants, which must be:
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Under 2 feet in height
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Placed on non-combustible surfaces like concrete or gravel
These fire-safe home regulations in Los Angeles will impact new construction as well as existing properties, meaning homeowners will need to adjust or remove landscaping features—even those that are drought-tolerant or traditionally considered fire-resistant.
Why This Matters for Homeowners and Sellers
Many Westside Los Angeles homes feature beautifully maintained entry gardens or hedges that add curb appeal and privacy. These well-kept areas often use low-flammability native plants that have been carefully designed to cool the property and even slow fires. Yet under the new rule, if those plants are rooted in the ground within five feet of the home, they must be removed—regardless of their fire resistance. This is especially concerning for those who have invested in fire-resistant landscaping in California or are planning to sell a home in 2025, as they may need to make costly or unattractive modifications to comply.
A Call for Evidence-Based Policy
Not everyone agrees that this one-size-fits-all solution is the best path forward. Experts, community leaders, and concerned residents are advocating for a more flexible approach to home fire protection regulations. If you'd like to learn more, check out this open letter to CAL FIRE calling for evidence-based fire safety policies that don’t penalize responsible homeowners.
Moving Forward
As with many statewide laws, Zone Zero landscaping rules will likely evolve. Enforcement and guidelines may shift depending on public feedback and local agency decisions. If you own a home—or are considering buying or selling property in Los Angeles—now is the time to plan. We are here to help you navigate this transition, find compliant landscaping solutions, and ensure your home remains safe, beautiful, and up to code. Let’s protect our homes—and our Westside lifestyle—together.