State approves ‘Zone Zero’ fire-safe landscaping rules, reshaping yards for millions of Californians

California’s Board of Forestry has approved sweeping Zone Zero rules, banning plants within one foot of homes and most combustibles within five feet for millions in high fire-risk communities. Existing homeowners in state responsibility and very high hazard zones will have up to five years to comply with Zone Zero, while new construction must adhere immediately. Officials say the changes are crucial as worsening wildfires have destroyed tens of thousands of homes; studies show hardened houses and cleared Zone Zero improve survival and insurability. The rules ban all plants within a foot of the home and require the first five...