Zone Zero:
CA Draft Regulations

Attention Santa Monica Mountain’s Residents

 

The state is currently in the process of finalizing details of the new Zone Zero laws. Although we are happy to see some much needed changes, there is some concern around the protection of our native oak trees. 

 

Zone Zero draft rule linked here

 

We ask everyone to please email the Board of Forestry using the address linked below to ask for an exemption of “Zone 0 Regulation (2) No trees in zone 0” for existing oak trees. 

 

Reasons include: 

• Oak canopies act as ember catchers which shield the house especially in wind driven fires. 

• If ladder fuels are not present oaks will rarely ignite. 

• Since they are a protected species it will be extra difficult to remove or modify as law is stated 

• Considerations for micro-climates and surface layer moisture retention should be examined when determining the potential effects of tree and tree canopy loss within the unique fire climate of the Santa Monica Mountains and California as a whole.

• Residents would be required to attain a permit for trimming oak tree branches larger than 2 inches in diameter.

• Additional permits would be required during nesting bird season (February-August).

Oaks that remain in zone zero should be free of ladder fuels, dead branches and heavy leaf litter accumulation. Branches less than 2 inches in diameter should be trimmed back by 5 feet from roof and eaves.  

 

Additionally we propose that the required distance from roof line to lowest branch for other tree species should remain at the original CALFIRE recommendation of 5 feet unless they are fire prone species such as palms, eucalyptus, and pine trees.