SACRAMENTO — California's Building Standards Commission has adopted sweeping amendments to the state building code that require fire-resistant construction for all structures rebuilt in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ), effective January 1, 2026.
The amendments, developed in response to the catastrophic 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, require Class A fire-rated roofing materials, ember-resistant vents meeting ASTM E2886 standards, non-combustible or ignition-resistant exterior cladding, and dual-pane tempered glass windows. The requirements apply to new construction and to rebuilds following fire damage.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) estimates that approximately 2.1 million existing structures in the state are located in VHFHSZ, representing a massive long-term rebuilding and retrofit market for contractors with fire-resistant construction expertise.
Restoration contractors working in California must now be familiar with the new requirements when advising homeowners on post-fire rebuilding options. Structures that do not meet the new standards cannot receive building permits for reconstruction in affected zones.
The insurance industry has broadly supported the new requirements. Several major carriers have indicated they will offer premium discounts for structures that meet or exceed the new standards, and some have announced they will resume writing new policies in previously abandoned high-risk areas for compliant structures.
Industry training organizations, including the IICRC and the Restoration Industry Association, are developing updated curriculum to help contractors understand and comply with the new California requirements.
