MEETING DATE:
MAY 13, 2025
SUBJECT:
Title
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-1559 - ADOPTION OF LOCAL RESPONSIBILITY AREA FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE MAP
Body
Recommendation
Recommendation
INTRODUCE (First Reading) Ordinance approving the local responsibility area fire hazard severity zone maps.
Body
Board or Commission Action
Not Applicable
Relevant Council Strategic Theme
Good Governance
Executive Summary
The City of San Marcos Fire Department (SMFD) seeks adoption of an Ordinance to adopt updated local responsibility area (LRA) fire hazard severity zone (FHSZ) as required by state law. These maps categorize fire hazard levels based on statewide criteria and require City adoption. SMFD is not proposing to make changes to the recommended LRA FHSZ maps.
Discussion
The California Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is responsible for classifying lands within State Responsibility Areas (SRAs) into Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs), in accordance with Public Resources Code Section 4202. These classifications are based on scientifically modeled physical characteristics that affect wildfire behavior, including fuel loading, slope, local weather patterns, and other factors-particularly areas where wind has historically contributed significantly to wildfire spread.
Similarly, Government Code Section 51178 requires the State Fire Marshal to identify lands across the state as Moderate, High, or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones based on consistent statewide criteria. These criteria focus on the severity of hazard expected in the area, utilizing factors such as historical fire behavior, vegetation (fuel) conditions, terrain, and wind exposure. Government Code section 51179 requires that local agencies designate, by ordinance, moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones within its jurisdiction within 120 days of receiving recommendations from the State Fire Marshal.
Purpose of Map Updates
The FHSZ maps are currently being updated to more accurately...
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