Bill > AB1455

This bill requires the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to adopt regulations for creating and maintaining an "ember-resistant zone" within 5 feet of structures in high fire hazard areas, with provisions designed to reduce wildfire risks. The bill authorizes local agencies to designate defensible space requirements based on state board regulations, allowing them to consider local conditions and potentially implement alternative practices that provide similar fire prevention effects. If adopting regulations through the standard administrative process would delay compliance with a 2025 executive order deadline, the board can instead adopt emergency regulations that can remain in effect until revised. The bill allows for a phased implementation of these requirements, with different timelines for new and existing structures, including special provisions for rental properties and properties being sold. Local agencies responsible for fire protection can develop ordinances that consider local fire hazards, geography, and other conditions, and property owners following local alternative practices will not be considered in violation of state regulations. The bill is deemed an urgency statute, taking immediate effect to protect homes from windborne embers and reduce potential wildfire structural damage, with provisions to reimburse local agencies for any state-mandated costs associated with implementation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1455