Statewide rule status, Nov 10, 2026: adopted, not in forceState rule, Nov 10, 2026: not in force
Based on your answers
Check your city, then the state rule
Based on your answers: some cities set their own ember-resistant zone rules, and they can apply sooner or reach farther than the state rule. Berkeley’s, for example, has applied in two hillside areas since Jan 1, 2026. Our city guide lists the ones we have checked, with sources.
Because your home is in the State Responsibility Area or a Very High zone, the adopted state rule would also ask for the first 5 feet of a fence or gate at the house to be noncombustible. The state rule is not in force yet: the Board of Forestry adopted it on Aug 19, 2026, and it was not in effect when we last checked on Nov 10, 2026.
The state rule covers only the State Responsibility Area and local Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, so your zone decides whether any of this applies. Look up your address on the CAL FIRE fire hazard severity zone map (on CAL FIRE's website).