City councilmembers in Berkeley, California are considering a law to ban most plants within five feet of houses in wildfire-prone neighborhoods. The proposal comes after costly disasters in 2025, including wildfires in California, a snowstorm in the South, and historic flooding in the Midwest.
One resident, Bert Monroy, objects to the proposed ordinance as he has spent over 30 years meticulously landscaping his home with colorful plants and foliage. The goal of the law is to create an “ember-resistant zone” for nearly 1,000 homes in the area, with the aim of protecting homes and creating defensible space for firefighters.
The proposed ban would also apply to wooden fences, play sets, and other flammable items within the designated zone. While city officials are working on a financial plan to potentially provide grants to help residents with the cost of complying with the ordinance, some residents like Monroy worry that the financial burden may be too high.
Berkeley’s motivation to take action on the issue stems from previous deadly wildfires in Southern California. The state has been working on developing zone-zero rules to create defensible space around homes, and these regulations are expected to be implemented statewide soon.
While there are concerns about the impact of the proposed ordinance on the aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods, proponents argue that it is essential for protecting lives and properties in the face of increasingly extreme weather conditions. The final decision on the ordinance will be made after a special meeting and a subsequent vote by the City Council.
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