As wildfires in California become more destructive and widespread with climate change, fire safety authorities and insurance companies alike are moving to accelerate the adoption of “Zone 0” regulations across the state. Governor Gavin Newsom recently issued an executive order aimed at encouraging forestry and fire protection authorities to adopt these regulations to reduce the chances of more urban firestorms like the ones that destroyed parts of Los Angeles earlier this year.

The Zone 0 fire safety standards require property owners in high-risk areas to maintain an ember-resistant zone within 5 feet of building structures on their property. This protective buffer can significantly decrease the risk of embers igniting building structures during a wildfire.

The regulations don’t just apply to vegetation — they also cover hardscape elements like fencing, gates, and decorative features that connect to your home.

Maintaining Your Home’s Character While Improving Safety

Many homeowners in high fire-risk areas throughout the Bay Area are discovering that their beautiful wooden fences and gates now represent both a fire hazard and a potential insurance liability.

In recent months, our team at V Studio has seen a significant increase in inquiries from homeowners whose insurance companies have threatened to cancel or not renew their policies unless they replace wooden fencing and other combustible materials within the 5-foot Zone 0 perimeter. Luckily, we have been able to work with them to create custom metal fencing and gates that not only meet Zone 0 fire resistance requirements but also maintain the aesthetic appeal of their property.

The images below show two projects we recently completed in Moraga and in the Berkeley hills where we replaced a wooden fence that was within 5 feet of the home with a custom-designed metal alternative.

One concern we often hear from homeowners is that metal fencing might look too industrial or clash with their home’s architectural style. But as you can see from these images, it’s possible to replicate the design and character of existing wooden elements using metal materials.

Our skilled team can create metal fencing with:

• Similar design patterns to your existing wooden fence
• Custom finishes that complement your home’s exterior
• Integrated decorative elements that preserve your property’s unique character
• Long-lasting, low-maintenance materials that withstand both fire and time

Contact Us for Your Fire Safety Upgrade

With the updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps for California pending finalization, more homeowners will likely find themselves required to comply with stricter regulations.

If you’re concerned about wooden fencing or other combustible materials within 5 feet of your home, we invite you to reach out to V Studio for a consultation. Our team can assess your property’s needs and provide custom metal fabrication solutions that satisfy both safety requirements and aesthetic preferences.