P.P. Residents Association Urges Residents to Share Opinions on Proposed Foliage Laws Today

The Pacific Palisades Residents Association (PPRA) sent a letter to Palisadians encouraging them to contact the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Regulatory Advisory Committee about new strict foliage rules.

According to the letter, the committee will meet tomorrow, July 24, and “is moving towards enforcing Zone 0 rules statewide by December 31. As written, these regulations would require the removal of all vegetation—including protective, well-maintained hedges—within five feet of our homes. This has profound implications for insurance, fire risk, property values, and the character of our neighborhoods.”

The Board of Forestry committee’s pitch for the new regulations can be found here. A previous Canyon News article about the new regulations, which are also opposed by the Pacific Palisades Community Council is here.

P.P.R.A.’s position on the proposed Zone 0 regulations is as follows:

”We strongly oppose the current draft. We are urging the state to:
·   Delay adoption of Zone 0 until real-world studies are done in the Palisades and similar communities.
·   Recognize and study how well-maintained, irrigated hedges have protected homes during wildfires.
·   Listen to on-the-ground experience, not just laboratory-based models, to create fire-resilient AND livable communities.
·   Engage directly with local H.O.A.s, P.P.R.A., and the Palisades Forestry Committee before finalizing these rules.”

The letter is signed by Jessica Rogers, P.P.R.A. president, and Martin Hak, the organizations vice president of special projects. They request that concerned residents send an email to: PublicComments@bof.ca.gov.

The letter also includes a sample letter that residents can personalize. The sample letter is as follows:

Subject: Oppose Zone 0 as Drafted—Request Real-World Study and Community Input
Dear Members of the Zone Zero Regulatory Advisory Committee,

As a resident of Pacific Palisades, I am writing to oppose the adoption of the proposed Zone 0 regulations as currently drafted. I urge the Committee to delay any decisions and to conduct a thorough study of homes in our community—specifically those that survived the recent Palisades Fire due to well-maintained, hydrated hedges and on-the-ground resident action.

Our community had firsthand accounts showing that properly maintained vegetation—especially hedges and trees—played a crucial role in shielding homes from wildfire. In many cases, these landscape features served as effective barriers against embers and radiant heat, and residents who stayed behind to defend their properties saw their homes survive thanks in large part to these protective buffers.

I respectfully request that, before moving forward, the Board:

Conduct a dedicated study in Pacific Palisades and similar dense urban neighborhoods, with direct engagement from residents who experienced wildfire firsthand.
 Recognize the importance of practical experience and local context: The unique geography of our area—with small lots, multi-story homes, and closely spaced structures—means laboratory-style, one-size-fits-all approaches aren’t appropriate or effective for our community.
 Engage directly with the Pacific Palisades Residents Association, our Forestry Committee, and other local homeowners associations to ensure any proposed regulations are workable and grounded in real-world data, not just warehouse or laboratory conditions.Research cited by experts and organizations—including the MySafe:LA recommendations submitted to your committee—shows that structural factors and home proximity play significant roles in wildfire survival. Mandating the removal of all vegetation within five feet of every house, regardless of local conditions, risks unnecessary harm to our neighborhoods while potentially undermining effective wildfire mitigation strategies already in place.

Instead, I encourage the Committee to consider a more flexible, tiered approach:For older homes on small lots and in established neighborhoods, focus on educational outreach and voluntary improvements, not punitive mandates.
 For new construction, ensure regulations reflect the latest knowledge and best practices, but also allow for context-driven adjustments.

Above all, I support the vision of a fire-resilient California. But meaningful progress requires rules that are informed by science, field studies, and local knowledge—not just universal bans and models from distant settings. Please do not move forward without listening to the voices and experiences of those most impacted by these policies.

Thank you for your work and for your attention to the needs of all California communities.

Sincerely,
 [Your Name]
 [Your Pacific Palisades Address]
 [Optional: Your Contact Information]