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How-to
Step-by-step guides for planning, measuring and replacing fence sections near a house.
Adopted, not in force Statewide rule adopted Aug 19, 2026. Not in force as of Nov 10, 2026.
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GuideHow to comply with Zone Zero in CaliforniaHow to comply with Zone 0 in California: measure 5 ft, clear mulch and debris, replace attached wood gates. Rule adopted Aug 2026, not in effect as of Nov 2026.Updated Questions in this topic
- How to attach a gate to a stucco wall
Fixing a metal gate post or hinge plate to stucco, block or a wood-sided wall, keeping water out of the wall, and when a freestanding post is the better call.
Updated
- How to replace a wood gate with a metal gate
The steps, tools and time for taking out a wood side gate and hanging a metal one at the house, with the Zone 0 measurements built in.
Updated
- Zone 0 checklist: every item in California's 5-foot rule
Each Zone 0 requirement as a checkbox, tagged with its rule section and when an existing home would have to meet it, plus the Zone 1 and 2 basics.
Updated
Related topics
Fences and gatesHow Zone 0 applies to fences, gates and their attachments in the first 5 feet around a home.
CostWhat replacing or retrofitting a fence for Zone 0 costs, with ranges and the basis for each.
Noncombustible materialsWhich fence and gate materials count as noncombustible, and how that is tested and documented.