California Department of Insurance and local fire officials at a Laguna Beach town hall described the proposed Zone 0 standard that would limit combustible materials adjacent to homes.

Brenda Caloca said AB 3074 (referred to as “AB 30 74” in the meeting) defines Zone 0 as the first five feet from a dwelling and would require no combustible materials or structures in that 5‑foot band for homes in high or very high fire severity areas. “You cannot have any combustible materials or buildings or anything within 5 feet of the dwelling,” Caloca said.

When Zone 0 becomes effective, Caloca said, traditional combustible fencing and wood chips or wood mulch would not be permitted within that band; noncombustible materials such as metal or specially listed, fire‑resistant products will be acceptable. She pointed attendees to the State Fire Marshal’s list of “listed materials,” which, she said, are laboratory‑tested products that local building and fire officials will consider when deciding what can remain while meeting the new standard.

At the town hall, a resident asked whether privacy fencing and treated materials would be allowed. Fire Marshal Robert Montgomery said Zone 0 requires noncombustible fencing in that immediate 5‑foot perimeter; wood and vinyl would be excluded. Montgomery and Caloca recommended consulting the State Fire Marshal’s approved product lists and the city’s building and safety office for plan review.

Caloca said the state is discussing phased compliance: new construction would be required to meet Zone 0 immediately, while some presentations at fire marshal meetings suggest existing homes might have up to three years to come into compliance. “They’re talking still talking about the Zone 0 allowing up to 3 years for current homes,” she said, though she noted the state is still finalizing details and timelines.

Speakers emphasized that Zone 0 focuses on vegetation and immediate defensible space rather than most building code requirements, which the city already enforces separately. “Zone 0 is more defensible space…construction standards, chapter 7A has already been incorporated,” Montgomery said, referencing existing high‑fire‑severity construction rules the city enforces.

Audience members asked about treated wood and products that preserve historic character and curb appeal. Caloca and Montgomery said the State Fire Marshal’s listed materials include treated and manufactured products that have laboratory testing showing fire resistance; residents were advised to consult that list and city staff during design review to identify acceptable alternatives.

The presenters advised homeowners to plan ahead and sign up for state consumer alerts for the latest implementation guidance and grant announcements related to home hardening.