Can my city downgrade my Very High zone designation?

No. Cities must adopt the state maps and may only increase, not decrease, the hazard classification of any parcel.

What disclosures apply when selling a home in a fire hazard zone?

AB 38 requires sellers of homes built before 2010 in High or Very High zones to provide a home-hardening disclosure to buyers.

California Wildfire Zones Law: Statewide Fire Regulations Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Statutes: Gov Code 51178, PRC 4202
Zones: Moderate, High, Very High
Mapping authority: State Fire Marshal, CAL FIRE
Adoption deadline: 120 days after release

Source: California Government Code 51178

Full Breakdown

Government Code Section 51178 and Public Resources Code Section 4202 require the State Fire Marshal and CAL FIRE to designate Fire Hazard Severity Zones (Moderate, High, Very High) across both State Responsibility Areas and Local Responsibility Areas. Local agencies must adopt the state maps within 120 days of release and cannot reduce zone classifications. Properties in Very High zones trigger Chapter 7A ignition-resistant construction standards in the California Building Code, AB 38 home-hardening disclosures at sale, and Public Resources Code 4291 defensible space duties. The 2024-2025 statewide map updates apply to all jurisdictions.

Violations & Penalties

Failure to comply with zone-based building, disclosure, or vegetation rules can result in stop-work orders, denial of insurance, and civil penalties.

California Fire Hazard Severity Zone Mapping Mandate

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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