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The state timeline runs in phases. Montecito's own district is not waiting for it.
The timeline
| Requirement | Status | Applies |
|---|---|---|
| District hazard abatement inspections | Underway | Since June 1, 2026, across the district |
| Zone 0 for new construction (statewide) | Immediate | Upon adoption of final regulations, expected late 2026 |
| Combustible fence restriction (attached to structures) | Immediate | Upon adoption; plan replacements to the ember-resistant standard now |
| Existing homes, first wave | Phase 1 | Estimated 2027 to 2028 |
| Existing homes, local schedule | Phase 2 | Set by the district, up to 5 years after adoption |
| Voluntary early compliance | Best practice | Any time; the district's own programs make this easier here than almost anywhere |
To be precise: Montecito has not adopted a separate, earlier mandatory Zone 0 deadline, and this site won't claim one. What is true is that between the June 2026 inspections, the Firewise certification, and the district's survey and hardening programs, the practical expectation in this community is already ahead of the state's paper timeline.
Questions
There is no single date yet. Final state regulations are expected in late 2026. Phase 1 for existing homes is currently estimated for 2027 to 2028, and Phase 2 is set by the local authority, which can extend up to five years. Montecito Fire has not adopted its own earlier mandatory Zone 0 deadline, and we won't claim one; what it has done is begin hazard abatement inspections on June 1, 2026.
Two, upon adoption of the final regulations: the restriction on combustible fences attached to structures, and Zone 0 requirements for new construction.
The June 2026 inspections enforce the district's existing hazard abatement standards, which overlap with but are not identical to the coming Zone 0 rules. Practically, a property that passes a Zone 0 assessment will be in strong shape for both, which is why acting on the five-foot ring now serves double duty.
A free assessment tells you exactly which Zone Zero requirements apply to your parcel, what your local fire authority will look for, and what to fix first. 100% free, no obligation.
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