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Butte County reviews state’s draft ‘zone 0’ ember-resistant rule, asks for insurer and science alignment
Summary
Butte County fire and planning officials briefed supervisors on the California Board of Forestry’s draft ‘zone 0’ rule that would require ember-resistant defensible space within 5 feet of structures. Staff outlined options, estimated ~13,000 structures affected, and the board directed staff to seek clearer alignment with insurers and scientific justification for retroactive requirements.
Butte County officials on the Board of Supervisors’ November meeting reviewed a draft regulation from the California Board of Forestry that would require new standards for the area within 5 feet of buildings, known in the draft as "zone 0." Butte County Fire Chief Garrett Schoelen said the rule aims to reduce ember ignitions near homes and would be phased in over three years for existing structures, while applying immediately to new construction.
"The rule will require all property owners in the state responsibility area and very high fire hazard severity zones in the local response area to maintain defensible space around buildings," Schoelen said, describing the draft’s requirements to keep gutters…
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