New Fire Safety Rules May Impact Your Landscaping Choices

If you haven’t yet heard about upcoming legislation that will limit where wood-based landscape mulch products can be used, here’s a quick overview.

Several Southern California jurisdictions have already begun enforcing restrictions, and state-level bills are in the works to standardize defensible space requirements in high fire hazard zones.

At the center of these changes is the “five-foot ember-resistant zone” (Zone 0) surrounding buildings. In designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, new rules will prohibit most combustible materials—including organic wood mulch, in-ground plants, wooden fencing, sheds, and other flammable items—within five feet of a structure. Instead, non-combustible materials like hardscape pavers and decorative gravel are recommended.

As wildfire mapping expands, more California communities are being classified as very high fire hazard zones. You can see the latest designations by visiting the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s Local Responsibility Area Map—you may be surprised by how much of our state now falls under these restrictions.

When Will These Rules Apply?

• New construction in high-fire-risk areas: once finalized, the rules will take effect immediately.
  
  

• Existing buildings: up to a three-year grace period for compliance.
  
  

Why These Changes Matter
Wind-blown embers are one of the most common ways wildfires ignite homes and buildings. By removing combustible materials from the five-foot zone, the risk of ignition drops significantly.

What You Can Do Now

• Check your local fire authority’s guidelines to ensure your landscaping meets current fuel-modification requirements.
  
  

• Track the progress of state bills SB 504 and SB 326, which may soon set stricter statewide rules.
  
  

• Plan ahead: start using decorative landscape stone instead of wood mulch within five feet of structures—even before mandates take effect.
  
  

At Decorative Stone Solutions, we offer the largest variety of stone and gravel options for beautiful, fire-resistant landscaping. When you’re designing or installing your next project in a high fire hazard zone, contact us to explore the possibilities.