—Homeowners are expressing confusion about California’s new Zone 0 defensible-space rules. The new rules require replacing parts of fences made from combustible materials with noncombustible materials. Take heart, because there’s some good news too. Francisco Valdovinos, founder of Paso Robles Fencing 101, helps clear up the confusion and offers solutions for noncombustible fencing.
What is defensible space?
Defensible space rulings have been around since 1965, expanded in 2006, and were recently updated to stricter rules for Zone 0, which is the most vulnerable to structures during wildfires. Visit the Cal Fire website for details about defensible space. The good news for homeowners includes:
- The ruling only applies to properties within State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ). Check with local fire authorities for fire zone information.
- Phased compliance timelines give property owners time to modify fences. All new construction must comply immediately.
- Only the first five feet of fencing, including gates, that is in contact with a structure is affected, not the entire fence.
Local jurisdictions enforce defensible space rules, and they may differ between city and county rules, and even between cities. Local county fire agencies and Cal Fire oversee unincorporated areas. City fire departments generally enforce defensible space rules for incorporated cities. For fences, inspectors will be looking for materials such as metal or masonry replacing wood or vinyl in that first five-foot zone.
Solutions from Fencing 101
The Paso Robles fencing company has solutions for replacement materials. “But first,” says Valdovinos, “Let’s define some terms. Noncombustible is not the same as fire-resistant. So fire-retardant treated wood is not going to be acceptable.” Valdovinos continues to detail the replacement options:
- Metal includes steel, aluminum, wrought iron, chain link, and wire.
- Masonry includes brick, concrete, concrete blocks, and different kinds of rock,
The solutions include creative uses of acceptable materials. “There’s no reason a brick or concrete fence has to be unattractive,” said Valdovinos. “One of our specialties at Fencing 101 is creativity.”
- Wrought iron by itself can be elegant, and combining it with stone, brick, or decorative concrete can create an old-world, even a fortified atmosphere.
- Aluminum panels are available in flat or corrugated sheets or strips that can be combined into attractive, even artistic, horizontal and vertical patterns.
- Fence wire can be combined with wrought iron fence posts for a modern, dramatic look.
- Creative combinations of metal livestock panels and wrought iron can freshen farm and ranch house fences.
Creative noncombustible fencing solutions are as plentiful as there are ideas and imagination. The Paso Robles fencing team can take an idea and supply the materials. Their fencing contractor can create and build something special that blends with existing wood and vinyl fencing. There’s no reason to compromise personal style or property value.
Reach out to Fencing 101, and get started!