LATC urges flexible, science‑based approach to proposed ‘Zone 0’ defensible‑space rules

The Landscape Architects Technical Committee discussed draft statewide rules for a five‑foot “Zone 0” defensible space around buildings and urged a flexible approach that preserves some living plantings while restricting combustible materials.

Committee members reviewed four draft policy options that range from a near‑total ban on planted materials in the 0–5‑foot strip around a structure to more permissive approaches that allow potted or low‑growing plants if maintained and kept free of dead leaves, needles and combustible mulches. The LATC emphasized that a rule that removes all vegetation risks negative public‑health and local climate effects while delivering unclear benefits in extreme ember‑driven fires.

“Some plants have helped cool ember showers and protected structures in past fires,” Vice Chair Patricia Trapp said during the discussion. Committee members pointed to recorded cases where well‑maintained vegetation reduced firebrand impacts and urged regulators to avoid one‑size‑fits‑all…