We design and install low-maintenance landscapes that follow California's fire-safe principles, helping protect your home and community.
Maintaining your investment since 1988
J&S Landscape designs and installs fire-smart, water-wise landscapes for homeowners and communities throughout Ventura County. Every project is built around three goals: a landscape that looks great, uses less water and helps protect your home.
With California and Ventura County updating wildfire landscaping rules, we also help homeowners and HOAs understand what applies to their property, from the first five feet around the home to the plantings and hardscapes beyond it.
What we take care of
Zone 0 • 0–5 ft
Ember-Resistant
No plants. No mulch. No grass. Noncombustible surfaces only.
The first five feet around your home matter most. We replace combustible materials next to the structure with gravel, stone and other noncombustible surfaces.
Know the rules
California and Ventura County are changing how landscapes near homes are built and maintained. This is a plain-language overview, not legal advice. Requirements depend on your property, so always confirm with your local fire authority.
California law (Public Resources Code 4291) requires owners in fire hazard areas to maintain defensible space around structures, commonly measured out to 100 feet. AB 3074 and SB 504 also direct the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to set “Zone 0” rules for the first 5 feet.
The Ventura County Fire Department administers local defensible space and fuel modification requirements, including Standard 515. Your fire hazard severity zone determines which requirements apply.
Under AB 38, sellers of homes in high fire hazard zones must disclose defensible space compliance, so a fire-smart landscape can also matter when it is time to sell.
What is changing? The state is still finalizing statewide Zone 0 regulations, and some cities and counties may adopt their own rules first. Whether Zone 0 applies to you depends on your fire hazard severity zone and whether you are building, adding on or updating your landscape. We can help you understand what applies.
Regulations last reviewed September 2026. Rules change, so verify current requirements with the Ventura County Fire Department.
What we do
Reduce your property’s exposure to embers and wildfire with an ember-resistant Zone 0 and defensible-space planning around your home.
Attractive, low-maintenance designs built around fire-safe plant choices, spacing and materials.
Efficient drip and irrigation systems that keep plants healthy while using less water.
Resilient plantings suited to our climate that stay beautiful with less water and upkeep.
Pathways, patios and stonework that add function and curb appeal and double as noncombustible surfaces.
Our work
What goes into every project
We choose materials for durability, water efficiency and fire safety.
Used forZone 0 borders and side yards.
WhyNoncombustible and low maintenance.
Used forPatios, walkways and driveways.
WhyNoncombustible, durable and easy to repair.
Read our pavers guide →Used forWalls, planters and terraces.
WhyNoncombustible, holds soil and shapes slopes.
Used forLawn replacement.
WhyNo mowing, saves water and does not create dry seasonal fuel like natural grass. We will show you where it fits.
Read our turf guide →Used forBoundaries and privacy.
WhyNoncombustible steel does not ignite, warp or melt in heat.
Why steel fencing? →Used forBeds, shrubs, trees and lawns.
WhyDrip and sprinkler systems deliver water where plants need it and reduce waste.
Used forPlanting areas beyond Zone 0.
WhySuited to our climate, and spaced with fire safety in mind.
Used forPlanting beds outside Zone 0.
WhyHolds moisture and suppresses weeds. Never used in the first 5 feet.
For HOAs & communities
Planning a community-wide upgrade, or helping owners meet fire-safe landscaping guidelines? We’ll walk the property, explain the options and put the plan in writing so your board can review it.
Ready to talk about your community or your home?
Call us for a free estimate805.299.6306Save on your project
With any new installation or service of $5,000 or more.
With any new installation or service of $10,000 or more.
Good to know
California law (Public Resources Code 4291) requires defensible space around structures in fire hazard areas, commonly measured out to 100 feet, and the Ventura County Fire Department administers local defensible space standards, including Standard 515. Statewide “Zone 0” rules for the first 5 feet are still being finalized under AB 3074 and SB 504. What applies to you depends on your fire hazard severity zone, so confirm with the Ventura County Fire Department.
Possibly. The state is finalizing Zone 0 rules, and Ventura County already has local defensible space standards. Whether and when they apply depends on your fire hazard severity zone and whether you are building, adding on or updating your landscape. We can review your property and explain what applies.
Zone 0 is the area from 0 to 5 feet around a home or other structure. In California’s fire-safe guidance it is kept free of anything embers can ignite, including plants, mulch and other combustible materials, and covered with noncombustible surfaces such as gravel, pavers and stone.
Home hardening means reducing how easily a home can ignite from embers and flames. It covers the building itself and the landscape around it. J&S Landscape focuses on the landscape side: Zone 0 surfaces, defensible space, and fire-smart plantings and hardscapes.
Defensible space is the buffer between a building and the vegetation around it. Keeping it managed helps slow the spread of fire and gives firefighters a safer place to work. It is commonly measured out to 100 feet from a structure, and requirements vary by property and location.
Noncombustible surfaces: gravel and crushed rock, concrete pavers, flagstone and other natural stone. We keep plants, mulch and other combustible materials out of Zone 0.
Yes. Beyond Zone 0 we design planting areas with California native and drought-tolerant plants, placed and spaced with fire safety in mind and watered with efficient drip irrigation.
Yes. We can provide a free on-site estimate, a written scope and a materials list for your board or landscape committee to review.
Yes. J&S Landscape is licensed and bonded (CSLB license #1073756) and has served Ventura County since 1988. We are also BBB accredited with an A+ rating.
Call 805.299.6306. We serve Ventura County and will set up a time to look at your property and talk through your options.