HomeMy WebLinkAbout_ 9.8(a)--Consider an uncodified ordinance adopting the State of California Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) Map pursuant to Government Code 51179.C IT Y OF
REMDINO�"
AN CITY OF REDDING
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING DATE: April 15, 2025
FROM: Jerrod Vanlandingham, Fire
ITEM NO. 9.8(a)
Chief
***APPROVED
BY***
"r °Ong ram, Fire C" d f _ 3/26/2025
ry ippni, C i an e 4/10/202:
jvanlandingham@cityofredding.org
btippin@cityofredding.org
SUBJECT: 9.8(a)--Consider an uncodified ordinance adopting the State of California Fire
Hazard Severn Zone (FHSZ) Map pursuant to Government Code 51179.
Recommendation
Authorize and approve the following:
(1) Introduce an Uncodified Ordinance for first reading by title only and waive the full
reading, adopting the State of California Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map, pursuant to
Government Code 51179.
Fiscal Impact
There are no identified fiscal impacts if an ordinance is adopted.
Alternative Action
The City Council could choose not to adopt the State of California Fire Hazard Severity Zone
(FHSZ) Map and provide alternate direction to staff. If the Council does not adopt the FHSZ
Map - the City of Redding (City) may be at risk of litigation with the State Attorney General.
Background/Analysis
The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) released updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps
for Local Responsibility Areas (LRAs). The update changes the acreage in the two higher hazard
tiers, which may require updates to building and local planning requirements for the City.
Amended by Assembly Bill No. 211, Government Code Section 51179, a local agency shall
designate, by ordinance, moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones in its
jurisdiction within 120 days of receiving recommendations from the State Fire Marshal pursuant
to Section 51178. Further, the local agency shall transmit a copy of an ordinance adopted
pursuant to the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection within 30 days of adoption.
Report to Redding City Council April 10, 2025
Re: 9.8(a)--Authorize and approve the ordinance adopting the State of California Fire Hazard
Severity Zo Page 2
The zones are designated in three categories: moderate, high, and very high. Cal Fire's fire
scientists and wildfire mitigation experts developed the map using a science -based and field-
tested model that assigns a hazard score based on the factors that influence fire likelihood and
fire behavior. Many factors are considered such as fire history, existing and potential fuel
(natural vegetation), predicted flame length, blowing embers, terrain, and typical fire weather for
the area.
It should be noted that Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps evaluate "hazard," not "risk". They are
like flood zone maps, where lands are described in terms of the probability level of a particular
area being inundated by floodwaters, and not specifically prescriptive of impacts. "Hazard" is
based on the physical conditions that create a likelihood and expected fire behavior over a 30 to
50-year period without considering mitigation measures such as home hardening, recent wildfire,
or fuel reduction efforts. "Risk" is the potential damage a fire can do to the area under existing
conditions, accounting for any modifications such as fuel reduction projects, defensible space,
and ignition resistant building construction.
Government Code Section 51179 also requires local jurisdictions to publish and support public
comments within 30-days of receiving the maps. The City has complied by posting the map on
the City website for community members to view and post their comments.
The City's FHSZ shows impacts to the community in moderate, high, and very high fire severity
zones. Previous versions of the FHSZ only identified very high severity zones. Overall, the very
high severity zone in Redding decreased in size, removing 4,809 primary structures from the
zone. However, the very high severity zone added 1,212 new structures that were not included
previously. These structures are all in the west side of the City.
Environmental Review
This is not a project defined under the California Environmental Quality Act, and no further
action is required.
Council Priority/City Manager Goals
• Public Safety — "Work to improve all aspects of public safety to help people feel secure
and safe where they live, work, and play in the City of Redding."
• Budget and Financial Management — "Achieve balanced and stable I 0—year Financial
Plans for all funds."
• Government of the 21st Century — "Be relevant and proactive to the opportunities and
challenges of today's residents and workforce. Anticipate the future to make better
decisions today."
Attachments
^Ordinance
^Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map
2024 Fire Hazard Severity Zones FAQ's
AN UNCODIFIED ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF REDDING,
CALIFORNIA, TO DESIGNATE FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES
WHEREAS, the State Legislature, through Government Code section 51178, directed the
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to map fire hazard throughout the state; and
WHEREAS, the City of Redding, under Government Code section 51179, shall 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 Marshall; and
WHEREAS, the City of Redding received the State Fire Marshall's fire hazard severity zones
recommendations on February 10, 2025;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF REDDING, CALIFORNIA, DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
The City of Redding hereby designates the Fire Hazard Severity Zones as recommended by the
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Government Code section
51178.
The map, approved by the City, is hereby incorporated by reference and entitled "City of Redding
Fire Hazard Severity Zones," dated April 15, 2025.
The official map is also located electronically on the City of Redding website.
13EREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing ordinance was introduced by the City Council of the
City of Redding at a regular meeting on the 15th day of April, 2025, and was duly read and adopted
at a regular meeting on the day of , 2025, by the following vote:
AYES:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSTAIN:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
JACK MUNNS, Mayor
ATTEST:
SHARLENE TIPTON, City Clerk CHRISTIAN M. CURTIS, City Attorney
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT:
2024 Fire Hazard Severitu Zones
Fire Hazard Severity Zones Explained
• What is a "Fire Hazard Severity Zone," or FHSZ?
o Answer: Public Resource Code 4202; The State Fire Marshal shall classify lands within state
responsibility areas into fire hazard severity zones. Each zone shalt embrace relatively
homogeneous lands and shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other
relevant factors present, including areas where winds have been identified by the
department as a major cause of wildfire spread. Government Code 51178; The State Fire
Marshal shall identify areas in the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard
severity zones based on consistent statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire
hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Moderate, high, and very high fire hazard
severity zones shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant
factors including areas where winds have been identified by the Office of the State Fire
Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread.
• Why are fire hazard severity maps being updated?
a Answer: The hazard maps are being updated to more accurately reflect the zones in
California that are susceptible to wildfire. The hazard mapping process will incorporate
new science in local climate data and improved fire assessment modeling in determining
hazard ratings.
• What do Fire Hazard Severity Zones measure?
o Answer: The Fire Hazard Severity Zone map evaluates "hazard," not "risk". The map is
like flood zone maps, where lands are described in terms of the probability level of a
particular area being inundated by floodwaters, and not specifically prescriptive of
impacts. "Hazard" is based on the physical conditions that create a likelihood and
expected fire behavior over a 30 to 50-year period without considering mitigation measures
such as home hardening, recent wildfire, or fuel reduction efforts. "Risk" is the potential
damage a fire can do to the area under existing conditions, accounting for any
modifications such as fuel reduction projects, defensible space, and ignition resistant
building construction.
• Where do Fire Hazard Severity Zones apply?
o Answer: Fire Hazard Severity Zones are found in areas where the state has financial
responsibility for wildfire protection and prevention, called the State Responsibility Area.
More than 31 million acres are in this area. Under Senate Bill 63 (Stern, 2021) Government
Code 51178 was amended to add the Moderate and High Fire Hazard Severity Zones with
the Very High in local jurisdictions.
• What are the uses of Fire Hazard Severity Zones?
o Answer: The zones are used for several purposes including to designate areas where
California's defensible space standards and wildland urban interface building codes are
CAL FIRE — December 18, 2024
2024 FAQ Page I
required. They can be a factor in real estate disclosure, and local governments may
consider them in their general plan.
• Is there an easy way to determine the Fire Hazard Severity Zone of my property?
o Answer: You can search by address to find your current designation on the web at:
osfm.fire.ca. ov1FHSZ
• What are the key elements of the Fire Hazard Severity Zone model?
o Answer: The fire hazard severity model for wildland fire has two key elements: probability
of an area burning and expected fire behavior under extreme fuel and weather conditions.
The zones reflect areas that have similar burn probabilities and fire behavior
characteristics. The factors considered in determining fire hazard within wildland areas are
fire history, flame length, terrain, local weather, and potential fuel over a 50-year period.
Outside of wildlands, the model considers factors that might lead to buildings being
threatened, including terrain, weather, urban vegetation cover, blowing embers, proximity
to wildland, fire history, and fire hazard in nearby wildlands. FHSZs are not a structure loss
model, as key information regarding structure ignition (such as roof type, etc.) is not
included.
• How do the Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps differ from California Public Utilities Commission
(CPUC) High Fire Threat District Maps?
o Answer: The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) sponsored map, known as
"CPUC High Fire Threat District Map" (HFTD), includes similar factors as those in the FHSZ
maps, however the CPUC HFTD Map is designed specifically for identifying areas where
there is an increased risk for utility associated wildfires. As such, the CPUC map includes
fire hazards associated with historical powerline-caused wildfires, current fuel conditions,
and scores areas based on where fires start, as opposed to where potential fires may cause
impacts.
• Why is my property in a different zone than the adjacent area, which looks similar?
o Answer: In non-wildland areas, zone edges occur based on distance to the wildland edge.
Because hazard in these areas is largely determined by incoming embers from adjacent
wildland, urban areas that are similar in vegetation type and housing density may have a
change in FHSZ class as the distance to the wildland edge increases. Areas immediately
adjacent to wildland receive the same FHSZ score as that wildland where fire originates,
and the model then produces lower scores as the distance to wildland edge increases.
In wildland areas, zone edges are a result of the way zones are delineated. Specifically,
zones represent areas of similar slope and fuel potential. Zone boundaries divide zones
based on geographic and vegetation features that align with fire hazard potential;
although, at a local scale, it may appear that the immediate area is similar on both sides
of the edge. The class value within a zone is based on the average hazard score across the
whole zone, so areas that are in the same zone but not immediately adjacent to a local
area can have an influence on the final zone classification.
Data Related Questions
• How are Fire Hazard Severity Zones determined?
o Answer: CAL FIRE used the best available science and data to develop, and field test a
model that served as the basis of zone assignments. The model evaluated the probability of
CAL FIRE — December 18, 2024
2024 FAQ Page 2
the area burning and potential fire behavior in the area. Many factors were included such
as fire history, vegetation, flame length, blowing embers, proximity to wildland, terrain,
and weather.
• What new data will be included in the new model, and how does this differ from the previous
model?
o Answer: A 2 km grid of climate data covering the years 2003-2018 is being used in the
update. The previous model used stock weather inputs across the state to calculate
wildland fire intensity scores. The updated model will adjust fire intensity scores based on
the most extreme fire weather at a given location, considering temperature, humidity, and
wind speed. In addition, ember transport is being modeled based on local distributions of
observed wind speed and direction values instead of using a generic buffer distance for
urban areas adjacent to wildlands.
What is the difference between the various Fire Hazard Severity Zones?
o Answer: Classification of a wildland zone as Moderate, High or Very High fire hazard is
based on the average hazard across the area included in the zone, which have a minimum
size of 200 acres. In wildlands, hazard is a function of modeled flame length under the
worst conditions and annual burn probability. Both these factors generally increase with
increasing hazard level, but there may be instances where one value is Very High and the
other is low, pushing the overall hazard into a more intermediate ranking. On average,
both modeled flame length and burn probability increase by roughly 40-60% between
hazard classes. Classification outside of wildland areas is based on the fire hazard of the
adjacent wildland and the probability of flames and embers threatening buildings.
• Why does the model place an emphasis on the spread of embers?
o Answer: Embers spread wildfire because they can travel long distances in the wind and
ignite vegetation, roofs, attics (by getting into vents), and decks.
State Regulated Area Questions
When were the maps last updated?
o Answer: The Office of the State Fire Marshal began the regulatory process for the State
Responsibility Area (SRA) in December 2022, the final maps were adopted on January 31,
2024, and became effective April 1, 2024.
What is "State Responsibility Area," or SRA?
o Answer: SRA is a legal term defining the area where the state has financial responsibility
for wildland fire protection and prevention. Incorporated cities and federal ownership are
not included. Within the SRA, CAL FIRE is responsible for fire prevention and suppression.
There are more than 31 million acres in SRA, with an estimated 1.7 million people and
800,000 existing homes.
How is state responsibility area determined?
o Answer: The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (Board) classifies land as State
Responsibility Area. The legal definition of SRA is found in the Public Resources Code
Section 4125. The Board has developed detailed procedures to classify lands as State
Responsibility Area. Lands are removed from SRA when they become incorporated by a city,
change in ownership to the federal government, become more densely populated, or are
converted to intensive agriculture that minimizes the risk of wildfire. While some lands
are removed from SRA automatically, the Board typically reviews changes every five years.
CAL FIRE — December 18, 2024
2024 FAQ Page 3
What Fire Hazard Severity Zones are in State Responsibility Area?
o Answer: All of the State Responsibility Area is in a Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Lands are
either ranked as Moderate, High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
What are the wildland urban interface (WUI) building codes in State Responsibility Area?
o Answer: The WUI building codes (California Building Code (CBC) Chapter 7A) reduce the
risk of embers fanned by wind-blown wildfires from igniting buildings. The codes for
roofing, siding, decking, windows, and vents apply throughout all state responsibility area
regardless of the fire hazard severity ranking. Ember -resistant building materials can be
found at: htt s:d/osfm.fire.ca. ovldivisionsffire-en ineerin ®and®
investi ations<buitdin materials -listing/
Is the GIS data for Fire Hazard Severity Zones available for download?
o Answer: The data inputs used to develop the Fire Hazard Severity Zones are identified in
the Initial Statement of Reasons (ISOR) Title 19 Development (ca.gov. CAL FIRE has
developed an additional data package which consists of sequential modeling steps,
including any data inputs that were not already publicly available and referenced in the
ISOR. The data package encompasses 34 spatial datasets and 8 tables, provided in raster,
polygon, and table format. These datasets are formatted for Esri ArcGIS software, except
for four tables provided in Excel. Ten of the datasets are updated versions used to produce
an edited SRA FHSZ map following the public comment period that ended April 4, 2023.
Upon formal adoption of the FHSZ map, the final SRA FHSZ geospatial data file will become
available. The data package is available on the FHSZ website Fire Hazard Severity Zones
ca. oy under the science and methods banner.
Why do waterbodies have a Fire Hazard Severity Zone Classification?
o Answer: All areas in State Responsibility Area, including water bodies, require a fire hazard
severity zone designation. The 2007 FHSZ maps zoned all water as moderate by default. In
the 2023 FHSZ model we added a buffer of FHSZ from the surrounding wildland into water
bodies to account for potential threat of embers to buildings on docks and house boats, as
well as variation in reservoir height that occurs with drought.
Local Regulated Area Questions
What is "Local Responsibility Area", or LRA?
o Answer: Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) are incorporated cities, urban regions,
agriculture lands, and portions of the desert where the local government is responsible for
wildfire protection. This is typically provided by city fire departments, fire protection
districts, counties, and by CAL FIRE under contract.
When did Fire Hazard Severity Zones start in Local Responsibility Area?
o Answer: The "Bates Bill" (AB 337), Government Code Section 51175, was prompted by the
devastating Oakland Hills Fire of 1991. This mid-1990s legislation calls for CAL FIRE to
evaluate fire hazard severity in local responsibility area and to make a recommendation to
the local jurisdiction where very high FHSZs exist. The Government Code then provides
direction for the local jurisdiction to take appropriate action.
• How are Fire Hazard Severity Zones determined in local responsibility areas?
o Answer: CAL FIRE uses an extension of the state responsibility area Fire Hazard Severity
CAL FIRE — December 18, 2024
2024 FAQ Page 4
Zone model as the basis for evaluating fire hazard in Local Responsibility Area. The Local
Responsibility Area hazard rating reflects flame and ember intrusion from adjacent
wildlands and from flammable vegetation in the urban area.
What are the requirements for landowners in FHSZs in local responsibility areas?
o Answer: California's WUI building codes (CBC Chapter 7A) apply to the design and
construction of new buildings located in High and Very High FHSZs in Local Responsibility
Areas. Local ordinances may require ignition resistant construction for remodel projects.
Check with your local building department to determine which ignition resistant building
codes apply to your project. In addition, Government Code Section 51182 calls for
defensible space clearance and other wildland fire safety practices for buildings. Owners
are also required to make a natural hazard disclosure as part of a real estate transfer. For
information regarding "home hardening" and defensible space clearance, visit
www. e ForWiIdfkg.org.
Does the designation of Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the Local Responsibility Area
trigger the 100-foot clearance requirement?
o Answer: Yes, per Government Code 51182 unless a local government has passed a more
stringent requirement, the 100-foot defensible space clearance applies. For information
regarding "home hardening" and defensible space clearance, visit
www. ReadyForWildfire.or.
How does CAL FIRE assist Local Governments in Fire Hazard Severity Zones?
o Answer: CAL FIRE's Land Use Planning Program is a specialized unit that provides support
to local governments by providing fire safety expertise on the State's wildland urban
interface building codes, wildfire safety codes, as well as helping in the development of
the safety elements in general plans.
What is the process for developing Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the Local Responsibility Area?
o Answer: CAL FIRE uses the same modeling data that is used to map the State Responsibility
Area. The map, along with a model ordinance, are then sent to the governing body for
adoption.
How are the new Fire Hazard Severity Zones impacting development?
o Answer: Many of the changes expanding fire hazard severity zones in local responsibility
areas (LRA) have been supported by the building industry. CAL FIRE works closely with the
building industry when setting various building codes and defensible space requirements,
so we are working together to not affect development itself but to make sure development
matches the hazards of that area.
When will the Local Responsibility Area Map be released?
o Answer: The Local Responsibility Area Map Process will happen after the State
Responsibility Area process has been completed, which is estimated to occur in the winter
of 2025.
Why haven't Moderate and High Fire Hazard Severity Zone classes been classified before in
the Local Responsibility Area?
o Answer: New legislation, Senate Bill 63 (Stern, 2021), now requires the adoption of all
three Fire Hazard Severity Zone classes in the Local Responsibility Area. Previously only
Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones were required for adoption in Local Responsibility
Areas.
CAL FIRE — December 18, 2024
2024 FAQ Page 5
Insurance Related Questions
Will the new Fire Hazard Severity Zones affect my ability to get or maintain insurance?
o Answer: Insurance companies use risk models, which differ from hazard models, because
they consider the susceptibility of a structure to damage from fire and other short-term
factors that are not included in hazard modeling. It is unlikely that insurance risk models
specifically call out CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zones as a factor, but much of the same
data that is used in the fire hazard severity zone model are likely included in the insurance
companies' risk models. However, insurance risk models incorporate many additional
factors and factors that change more frequently than those that CAL FIRE includes in its
hazard mapping, which is built to remain steady for the next 10+ years.
Resources, Additional Information, and Contact Information
• To find the current FHSZ designation for a property, visit FHSZ Map Viewer (ca.gov).
• Helpful links:
o FHSZ Website:
0 osfmnfire.ca, ov1FHSZ
o FHSZ Map Viewer:
Contacts for FHSZ for Public Questions:
o (916)633-7655
o FHSZinformationCfire.ca.ov
CAL FIRE — December 18, 2024
2024 FAQ Page 6