08/29/2026
🔥 California’s wildfire landscaping rules are changing — and the first 5 feet around your home matter more than ever.
On August 19, 2026, the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection considered the final draft of new Zone 0 defensible space regulations, which are now moving through the state’s emergency rulemaking process.
What is Zone 0?
Zone 0 is the first 5 feet immediately surrounding your home and certain attached structures — the area where wind-driven embers can collect and ignite combustible vegetation, mulch, fencing, furniture and other materials.
For homeowners throughout Atascadero, Paso Robles and unincorporated San Luis Obispo County, understanding these changes is especially important as many properties throughout our area fall within designated fire hazard severity zones.
🔥 Is your home in a fire hazard severity zone?
Elation Scapes can help you evaluate your property and begin making thoughtful changes that improve wildfire resilience without turning your landscape into a barren space.
We can help with:
• Zone 0 property evaluations
• Defensible space planning
• Fire-conscious landscape design
• Mulch + vegetation modifications
• Hardscape improvements
• Deck, fence + exterior landscape considerations
• Home gardening within defensible space
• Guidance for adapting your landscape to evolving requirements
Our goal is to create landscapes that are beautiful, functional, ecologically thoughtful and better prepared for wildfire.
🌿 If you're wondering what Zone 0 could mean for your property, reach out to Elation Scapes to schedule an evaluation.
