Part 3/12:
While the concept appears to make intuitive sense—less combustible material near structures—critics raise significant concerns. The regulations threaten to strip many neighborhoods of their greenery, which in these crowded urban settings often includes mature trees and lush landscaping that provide ecological benefits and shade.
Notably, implementing Zone Zero could lead to staggering costs for homeowners. With an estimated 2 to 2.5 million structures affected across California, the expense to comply is projected to reach billions. For individual properties, particularly in upscale districts like Brentwood or Pacific Palisades, the costs could soar well beyond $100,000 when factoring in tree removal, fence replacement from wood to metal, and landscape redesign.