The California Board of Forestry labored for years on implementing a Zone Zero regulation, and on Aug-19-2026, it finally approved the legislation. The law applies to homes in the SRA (areas and homes serviced by CAL FIRE) and homes in the Very High fire hazard areas serviced by local fire jurisdictions. Zone Zero (aka Zone 0) is the first 5-feet from a building and any attached deck.

The new CA law does not affect us very much because WFPD passed its own similar 24-01 fuel mitigation ordinance in Apr-2024. WFPD has been inspecting Woodside homes to meet the requirements of that ordinance, and it plans to get to Portola Valley in early 2027.

To understand what is required of you, see the WFPD homeowner Guidelines for Ordinance 24-01. To prepare for your assessment, see the WFPD 8-page checklist.

The new CA law does affect us in other significant ways – it will result in more homeowners reducing flammables in the immediate zone around their structures. And it inspires local municipalities and fire districts to bring their laws up to the same level of fire resistance. The net effect is that CA will reduce its wildfire risk statewide, which will help with the insurance crisis.

Please subscribe to Portola Valley eNotices from the WPC and eNotifications from WFPD.  

San Mateo County Alert System SMC Alert is our primary emergency notification system. Encourage all adult members (18 and older) of your family to subscribe.

All the Wildfire Preparedness tips are on the committee’s page. To rate this tip or submit questions or concerns, please fill out this Google Form.