When does Zone 0 apply to existing homes in San Diego?

The City of San Diego says Zone 0 applies to existing structures in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones from February 28, 2027, with enforcement possible on or after that date. The first year focuses on maintenance items, plant replacement follows from February 2028, and full compliance is expected by February 28, 2029.

How far does brush clearance have to go in San Diego?

The City requires 100 feet of brush management around homes in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, in three zones: 0–5 feet, 5–30 feet and 30–100 feet.

How much does Zone 0 work cost?

Published San Diego prices put a typical suburban Zone 0 crew job at $800–$3,500. Brush clearance farther out runs about $1,800–$4,000 per acre, more on slopes.

Do you do the clearing?

No. SD Price Hub is a free price guide, not a contractor. Send a request and we reply ourselves with a price range and next steps. We do not share your details with any business unless you ask.

San Diego wildfire defensible space

Brush clearance and Zone 0 in San Diego: what it costs and what is due

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In the City of San Diego, homes in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must keep 100 feet of brush management, and the new Zone 0 rules for the first 5 feet apply to existing homes from February 28, 2027, starting with cleanup and maintenance. A typical Zone 0 crew job costs $800–$3,500, and clearing brush farther out runs about $1,800–$4,000 per acre. Clearing in sensitive coastal sage habitat is only allowed August 16 to January 31.

Sources: City of San Diego Fire-Rescue defensible space page and Zone 0 Guidelines for Existing Structures (rev. April 2026); published prices from SD Defensible Space and SoCal Removal, checked Oct 21, 2026.

By Christian Kjeldsen, San Diego researcher · Last updated October 21, 2026

Ready for February 2027? An 8-point check

Tick what is already done. Nothing here is saved or sent unless you submit the form above, and then only your score goes with your request.

I checked whether my home is in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (City map).
Roof and rain gutters are clear of leaves and needles.
No dead plants, dry leaves, pine needles or bark and wood-chip mulch within 5 feet of the house.
Firewood, trash and recycling bins and other stored combustibles are moved out of the 5-foot zone.
Nothing is stored under decks, stairs or balconies, and no plants grow there.
Tree branches are at least 5 feet from the roof and walls.
Any wood fence or gate that touches the house has a plan for a noncombustible section.
Zones 1 and 2 (5 to 100 feet): dead brush removed and native brush thinned and pruned to City rules.

0 of 8 done

The Zone 0 dates for existing homes

Date	What the City says happens
Feb 28, 2026	Zone 0 applies to new buildings in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. For existing homes, year one is education and door-to-door outreach.
Feb 28, 2027	Applies to existing homes. Enforcement may begin on or after this date, starting with maintenance: dead plants and debris, firewood, bins and other stored combustibles, and under-deck storage.
Feb 28, 2028	Focus moves to removing and replacing plants that don't meet the guidelines.
Feb 28, 2029	Full compliance expected.

From the City's Zone 0 Guidelines for Existing Structures (rev. April 2026), sections 3 and 5. The City says the dates may change at the Fire Code Official's discretion and that owners don't have to act yet. The statewide Zone 0 regulation is not final (the Board of Forestry withdrew it from the Office of Administrative Law on Sept 8, 2026), so check back.

The three zones, in plain words

Zone 0, 0–5 feet: nothing that embers can light. Gravel, pavers, concrete or bare soil. Clear roof and gutters, keep stored items out, and keep branches 5 feet off the roof.
Zone 1, 5–30 feet: lean, green and irrigated. Remove dead plants and keep space between shrubs and trees.
Zone 2, 30–100 feet: thin native brush and prune what remains. No structures or permanent irrigation, and no grading of native soil.

City of San Diego Fire-Rescue, Guide to Defensible Space: Property Owners.

The clearing window closes January 31

On land with coastal sage scrub, sage-chaparral or maritime succulent scrub, the City allows brush clearing only from August 16 through January 31, to protect nesting birds. From February 1 through August 15 you need a City exception, and biology surveys can be required. If your lot backs onto a canyon, book clearing work for December or January.

What it costs

Job	Published price	Source
Zone 0 basics you do yourself (rake, move bins and firewood, clean gutters)	$0–$200	SD Defensible Space
Typical suburban Zone 0 crew job	$800–$3,500	SD Defensible Space
Wood fence section at the house to a metal gate	$400–$1,500 per attachment point	SD Defensible Space
Limb up one tree, clear canopy from roof	$250–$600	SD Defensible Space
Brush cutting for fire clearance	$1,800–$2,200 per acre; $3,500 job minimum	SoCal Removal
Full brush clearance, Zones 1–2, moderate growth	$2,000–$4,000 per acre, more on slopes	SD Defensible Space
Goat grazing	$800–$3,500 per acre; 1–10 acre minimums common	Our goat grazing prices

Related San Diego guides

Hiring a crew

Ask for the license number and check it at cslb.ca.gov. Brush and tree crews usually hold a D-49 (tree service) or C-27 (landscaping) class.
Ask whether your lot touches sensitive habitat and who handles any biology survey.
Get the scope in writing by zone (0, 1, 2), with haul-away included.
Ask for proof of workers' comp and liability insurance.
Neighbors on the same canyon edge can often share one crew visit.

Questions

When does Zone 0 apply to existing homes in San Diego?: The City of San Diego says Zone 0 applies to existing structures in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones from February 28, 2027, with enforcement possible on or after that date. The first year focuses on maintenance items, plant replacement follows from February 2028, and full compliance is expected by February 28, 2029.
How far does brush clearance have to go in San Diego?: The City requires 100 feet of brush management around homes in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, in three zones: 0–5 feet, 5–30 feet and 30–100 feet.
When can I clear brush in San Diego?: In coastal sage scrub, sage-chaparral and maritime succulent scrub, the City allows brush clearing only from August 16 through January 31. Outside that window you need a City exception.
How much does Zone 0 work cost?: Published San Diego prices put a typical suburban Zone 0 crew job at $800–$3,500. Brush clearance farther out runs about $1,800–$4,000 per acre, more on slopes.
Do you do the clearing?: No. SD Price Hub is a free price guide, not a contractor. Send a request and we reply ourselves with a price range and next steps. We do not share your details with any business unless you ask.