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defensible-spaceLast Reviewed: 2026-10-05
Defensible Space Zones: The 0-1-2 System Explained
Difficulty
beginner
Est. Time
1-3 weekends
Est. Cost
$100-$1,500
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What has changed in this article
October 11, 2026
MOFD has its own Zone 0 rules for Moraga and Orinda (Ordinance 23-03) that apply today, separate from the state Zone 0 rules that are not in effect yet.
- Added MOFD's local Zone 0 requirements to the Zone 0 background and linked MOFD's abatement requirements.
- The 100-foot requirement now says 'or to your property line', as CAL FIRE states it.
October 5, 2026
The state's new Zone 0 rules are not in effect yet: the filing was withdrawn on September 8 and no effective date is set. Zone 0 work is still smart ember protection.
- Corrected the Zone 0 background: the statewide Zone 0 rules were adopted by the Board of Forestry on August 19, 2026 but are not in effect.
- Renamed the Zone 0 checklist from Requirements to Checklist.
- Added a disclaimer and links to CAL FIRE, the Board of Forestry, MOFD and ConFire.