Statewide rule status, Nov 10, 2026: adopted, not in forceState rule, Nov 10, 2026: not in force
Based on your answers
Metal or masonry fits the rule, if it passes ASTM E136
Based on your answers (a home in the State Responsibility Area or a Very High zone): the adopted rule asks for noncombustible material in the first 5 feet, meaning material that passes ASTM E136. Bare steel, aluminum, concrete and masonry usually do; a powder-coated product also needs its coating to meet the WUI Code surfacing limits (0.125 inch or thinner, ASTM E84 flame spread of 50 or less). Check the parts people miss: wood posts, wood gate frames and filler boards inside the first 5 feet.
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.
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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).