California's Zone 0 Wildfire Law: What East Bay Sellers Need to Know

What is California's Zone 0 wildfire law, and does it affect your East Bay home sale?

Zone 0 is a new statewide rule requiring the first 5 feet around a home to be cleared of combustible material. The California Board of Forestry finalized the rule on August 19, 2026, effective around the end of September 2026. It applies to Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, including parts of Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, and the Walnut Creek hills near Shell Ridge — and AB 38 requires documented compliance when you sell.

By Michael Delehanty — Delehanty Group | DRE #01505346 | September 18, 2026

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