City Council Meeting
May 20, 2025
AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING LOCAL
RESPONSIBILITY AREA FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY
ZONES
2 Background:
• AB 337 (Bates 1992), prompted by the devastating Oakland Hills fire of 1991, called for CAL FIRE to evaluate Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in Local Responsibility Area (LRA) and make recommendations where Very High FHSZ exist.
• SB 63 (2021), included a mandate for CAL FIRE to implement changes to enhance fire prevention efforts by through vegetation management and fire safety building standards due to recent significant wildland fires:
• Notable fires include:
• Camp Fire (Paradise) - Nov. 2018, 18,000 structures lost, 85 fatalities,153,336 acres. • Tubbs Fire (Santa Rosa) - Oct. 2017, 8,000 structures lost, including 5% of Santa Rosa.
• Thomas Fire – Dec. 2017, 1,063 structures lost, 488 in Malibu, two fatalities. • Woolsey Fire – Nov. 2018, 1,600 structures lost, two fatalities, 98,000 acres. 3 Analysis:
• In 2023, CAL FIRE notified agencies that an updated model was being created to reflect local conditions and incorporate additional factors following recent wildfires.
• The updated model adjusted fire intensity scores based on the most extreme fire weather at a given location, considering temperature, humidity, and wind speed.
• On March 24, CMFR received official transmittal of the FHSZ map. • The maps evaluate Moderate, High, and Very High Hazards.
Hazard is based on physical conditions that create expected fire behavior over a 50-year period without considering short-term modifications.
• Costa Mesa’s map only included zones identified as Moderate and High. 4 Analysis:
Posting of LRA FHSZ Map:
• CMFR had 30 days after receiving a transmittal to make the information available for public review and comment (Government Code (GC) 51178.5).
• On April 10th, the Map and Public Comment Survey was posted on the City website (https://apps.costamesaca.gov/maps/FireHazard.html). • On April 15th, the map was posted in the City Clerk’s office.
Community Outreach:
• Three Emergency Preparedness community town hall events occurred that included a review of the map and adoption process:
• March 31st at Costa Mesa Senior Center.
• April 29th at Estancia High School.
• May 15th at Balearic Community Center.
5 Analysis:
6 Analysis:
7 Analysis:
8 MODERATE ZONE:
• The Moderate zone is identified for knowledge and awareness of adjacent hazards.
• Defensible space requirements do not apply.
*Note that the Public Works Department, in coordination with the Fairview Park Administrator and a Biological Consultant, annually conduct proactive brush clearance in areas of Fairview and Canyon Parks. A second clearance is completed based on seasonal growth. • Building and Fire Code requirements are no more restrictive than other areas of the city.
Analysis:
9 HIGH ZONE:
• Building and Fire Code requirements are currently no more restrictive than other areas of the city.
• Defensible space requirements do not apply.
• While parcels in the High FHSZ are not mandated by law to meet defensible space requirements, it is recommended that home and building owners consider low-cost home hardening retrofits and create defensible space voluntarily.
• Starting on July 1, 2025, the seller of any real property in a High FHSZ must provide a natural hazard real estate disclosure notice to the buyer highlighting any fire hardening retrofits that have been installed.
Analysis:
10 Analysis:
FUTURE CODE CONSIDERATIONS:
• Future application of more restrictive Building and Fire Code requirements are proposed and currently being reviewed by the Office of the State Fire Marshal for High FHSZ areas.
• 2025 Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) codes are proposed to include expanded requirements that will apply to High areas (effective 01/01/2026). • The 2025 WUI Codes will address exterior wildfire exposure including ignition resistant construction roofing, vents, exterior coverings, windows, doors, decking and accessory structures.
11 FUTURE CODE CONSIDERATIONS:
12 Analysis:
Ordinance Adoption:
CMFR has 120 days from transmittal to adopt the maps through ordinance (GC 51179).
• The local agency may not decrease the hazard level or map area of the LRA FHSZ (GC 51179).
• The local agency may increase the level or area following a finding supported by substantial evidence in the record that the requirements of Section 51182 are necessary for effective fire protection within the area. • CMFR is not recommending an increase to the hazard level or area of the CAL FIRE developed LRA FHSZ map.
RECOMMENDATION:
CMFR recommends that the City Council introduce for first reading an ordinance designating moderate and high
Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones by map within the jurisdiction of the City of Costa Mesa.
Questions?
CMFR Fire Hazard Map Website QR:
City Council Meeting
May 20, 2025
2025-2029 Consolidated Plan &
2025-2026 Annual Action Plan
City of Costa Mesa
2 Background
Costa Mesa is a recipient of two U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant program funds:
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
• CDBG funds are used to achieve one of three National Objectives:
1) Elimination of slums or blight 2) Meet an urgent need, or 3) Benefit low- and moderate-income persons.
• HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME)
• HOME funds create affordable housing for low- and very-low income households.
These two HUD programs annually provide approximately $1.3 million to assist low-income Costa Mesa residents.
3 Background – Income Limits
% median
income
Persons in Household
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Extremely
Low (30%)
$35,550 $40,600 $45,700 $50,750 $54,850 $58,900 $62,950 $67,000 Very-Low
(50%)
$59,250 $67,700 $76,150 $84,600 $91,400 $98,150 $104,950 $111,700 (60%)
$71,100 $81,240 $91,380 $101,520 $109,680 $117,780 $125,940 $134,040 Low
(80%)
$94,750 $108,300 $121,850 $135,350 $146,200 $157,050 $167,850 $178,700 2025 Orange County Income Limits Summary
4 Background
• The Consolidated Plan is a five-year strategic planning document required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the City to receive CDBG and HOME funding.
• The Consolidated Plan includes an Executive Summary,
Housing Needs Assessment, Housing Market Analysis,
Strategic Plan, and Annual Action Plan.
• HUD requires that the City have a Citizen Participation Plan which outlines the public participation requirements for the Consolidated Planning process.
5 Public Participation
•HealthFair
Expo
•Survey
available
9/26/24
•Community
Meeting
•Survey
available
10/10/24
•Community
Meeting
•Survey
available
10/24/25
•Stakeholder
Meeting
•Survey
available
10/29/24
H&PSG
Committee
Public
Meeting
3/5/25
City Council
Public
Hearing
5/20/25
• Notices posted on City’s website, social media, website event calendar, City Hall concierge screen, City Hall lobby, City Libraries and Community Centers
• Online Survey in English and Spanish available 9/25/24 – 2/28/25 • Notices emailed to community groups and nonprofit organizations including Orange County Housing Authority
• Announcements included in City Snapshot 9/27,10/4 and 10/18, flyers available at community meetings (with survey QR code)
• Public Comment Period and Public Notice for Meeting for Draft Consolidated Plan posted on City website, at City Hall and in a local newspaper in English and Spanish: 4/18/25 to 5/20/25 6 Public Participation
Affordable Housing Development ranks the highest among funding priorities overall, with special needs services ranking the highest among Spanish-speaking residents that attended community meetings
7 Consolidated Plan: Housing Needs Assessment
Five-year data (2016-2020) from the American Community
Survey (ACS) and the Comprehensive Housing Assessment
Strategy (CHAS) automatically populates the 2025-2029
Consolidated Plan.
8 Consolidated Plan: Housing Market Analysis
9 Consolidated Plan: Strategic Plan
1 Goal Name Housing Preservation
Goal
Description
To provide decent and affordable housing through a variety of activities, including owner-occupied housing rehabilitation, code enforcement, and rental housing acquisition/rehabilitation.
2 Goal Name Infrastructure and Facility Improvements
Goal
Description
To enhance the suitability of the living environment through improvements to public infrastructures and facilities
3 Goal Name Homeless Continuum of Care
Goal
Description
To provide supportive services and housing assistance for the homeless and near homeless
4 Goal Name Public Social Services
Goal
Description
To provide services for low- and moderate-income persons, and those with special needs
5 Goal Name Program Administration
10 Annual Action Plan: FY 2025-2026 CDBG Funds
FY 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan CDBG anticipated resources:
FY 2025-2026 CDBG Allocation $907,261
Previous Year(s) Unused Funds $172,000
Program Income $0
TOTAL Anticipated Resources $1,079,261
The FY 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan identifies CDBG resources to fund:
• Housing Rehabilitation Administration and Grant program • Infrastructure/Public Facilities
• Code Enforcement
• Public Service Grants (maximum 15% allocation)
• CDBG program administration (20% of annual allocation maximum) 11 FY 2025-2026 CDBG Funds- $1.04M
1. Public Service Grants: $136,089
• Maximum 15% of annual allocation
2. Infrastructure: $251,720
• Staff Recommends Wilson Street Westside
Neighborhood Improvement
3. Code Enforcement: $385,000
4. Housing Rehab Administration: $50,000
5. Housing Rehab Grants: $75,000
6. Administration: $181,452
• Maximum 20% of annual allocation
• Includes $20,000 Fair Housing Services
Code
Enforcement
36%
Capital Projects
23%
Housing Rehab
Admin
5%
Housing Rehab
Grants
7%
Public Service
Grants
12%
Administration
17%
CDBG Recommendations
12 CDBG Public Service Applications
Applicant Name Program #
Served
Population
Served
Amount
Requested
Committee
Recommends
Amount
Recommended
Families Forward Support Svcs 33 Homeless $30,000 Yes $26,522 Human Options Housing 58 Homeless $30,000 Yes $26,522
Trellis Labors of Love 15 Seniors $30,000 Yes $15,913
Project Hope
Alliance Case Mgmt 83 Youth $30,000 Yes $21,219
Stand Up for Kids
OC Case Mgmt (25) Youth $30,000 No --
Assistance League
Newport Mesa
Operation
SchoolBell 300 Youth $30,000 Yes $15,913
TOTAL $106,089
13 Annual Action Plan: FY 2025-2026 HOME Funds
FY 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan HOME anticipated resources:
FY 2025-2026 HOME Allocation $378,720
Previous Year(s) Unused Funds $1,685,283
HOME Program Income $50,000
TOTAL Anticipated Resources $2,114,003
The FY 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan identifies HOME resources to fund:
• Housing Rehabilitation program
• TBRA program administered through Families Forward
• Affordable Rental Housing Project(s)
• CHDO set-aside (15% of annual allocation required); and • HOME program administration (10% of annual allocation maximum) 14 FY 2025-2026 HOME Funds $2.11M
1. Single-family Housing Rehabilitation Program: $319,323
2. Tenant Based Rental Assistance: $200,000
3. Affordable Housing (CHDO): $56,808
• 15% of annual allocation set-aside required
4. Affordable Housing Project(s) RFP: $1,500,000
5. Administration: $37,872
• Maximum 10% of annual allocation
Housing
Rehab
15%
TBRA
9%
Affordable Housing
Project(s)
71%
CHDO
3%
Admin
2%
HOME Recommendations
Recommendations
Staff recommends that City Council:
1. Approve the recommended allocation the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships Grant.
2. Adopt a resolution to:
• Approve the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan including the 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan and amended Citizen Participation Plan. • Approve the 2025-2029 Orange County Regional Assessment of Fair Housing.
3. Authorize the City Manager, or the City Manager’s designee, to submit the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, including the 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan, to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
4. Designate the City Manager, or the City Manager’s designee, as the official representative of the City to administer the programs and to execute and submit all required agreements, certifications, and documents required by HUD, and execute all agreements and subrecipient agreements for the use of funds approved in the 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan.
15 WWW.TOWNSENDPA.COM
SACRAMENTO • WASHINGTON, DC
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA • CENTRAL CALIFORNIA • SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Legislative Update
May 20, 2025
Slide 2
Company Overview
• Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. (TPA) was founded in 1998 by Christopher Townsend with a mission to support organizations that improve our communities. • TPA has represented over 300 local public agencies, including cities, counties, transportation agencies, water and sanitation districts, school districts, community college districts, park and recreation districts, and other special districts. • TPA ranks among the Top Five lobbying firms registered with the California Secretary of State.
• TPA provides federal advocacy services to more California public agencies than any other federal advocacy firm in the nation.
City of Costa Mesa: Legislative Update Slide 2
Slide 3
Funding Secured Since 2018
PROJECT SOURCE AMOUNT
Transportation & FEMA Grants Federal $1,773,791
Local Transportation Grants County $8,686,546
State Earmarks State $18,950,000
TOTAL FUNDING SECURED $29,410,337
City of Costa Mesa: Legislative Update
Slide 4
State Update
City of Costa Mesa: Legislative Update
Slide 5
Sacramento Legislative Session Overview
Policy Committee Deadline – May 9
May Revise – Mid-May
Fiscal Committee Deadline – May 23
First House Deadline – June 6
Budget Deadline – June 15
City of Costa Mesa: Legislative Update
Slide 6
Governor’s May Revise Budget Proposal
Governor Newsom’s plan delivers a
$321.9 billion budget with a $12
billion deficit, backed by $15.7
billion in reserves.
The Governor and Legislature will
continue working toward an agreed
upon spending plan.
City of Costa Mesa: Legislative Update
Slide 7
Special Session Budget Items
$2.5 billion in
wildfire aid (reserve
and Climate Bond
sources)
$25 million to DOJ
for Presidential
Administration
Litigation
City of Costa Mesa: Legislative Update
Slide 8
State Budget Update
State Income Tax Revenue
Corporate Income Tax Revenue
Revenues
LA Wildfire Recovery Efforts
Medi-Cal Commitments
Expenses
City of Costa Mesa: Legislative Update
Slide 9
State Budget Update
May Revision
Deficit
CA-DC Fiscal
Dynamics Drive
Uncertainty
Overspending in
Key Programs
Stock Market
Spiral Could
Mean Turbulence
in Future Years
City of Costa Mesa: Legislative Update
Slide 10
Key Legislative Issues for 2025
Proposition 36 Implementation
Cap and Trade Reauthorization
Housing: DBL & RHNA Reform
Property Insurance Availability and Affordability
Sober Living Homes
City of Costa Mesa: Legislative Update
Slide 11
Federal Update
City of Costa Mesa: Legislative Update
Slide 12
2025 Key Federal Issues
City of Costa Mesa: Legislative Update
119th Congress: Evolving
Federal Dynamics
CA/DC Dynamics:
- Climate standards
- Sanctuary City/State
Policies
- Grant Funding programs
Continuing Resolution
Through September
Budget
Reconciliation
Slide 13
FY 2026 Community Project Funding Requests
Project Description Requested
Amount Status
Real Time
Crime Center
The project would fund a centralized hub
where officers, dispatchers, crime analysts,
and investigators can access, analyze, and
share critical information in real time.
$2,500,000 Pending
Selection
Westside
Substation
This project would demolish, redesign, and
ultimately rebuild the outdated Westside
Police Substation to better serve the
community's public safety needs. .
$5,325,000 Pending
Selection
Senior Center
Renovation
This project will replace the aging roof and
HVAC units at the Costa Mesa Senior
Center, along with making other muchneeded facility improvements $2,400,000 Pending
Selection
Victora
Corridor Park
and Street
Improvements
This project will revitalize the Victoria Street
Corridor through the creation of a linear
green space and key infrastructure upgrades
that will deliver lasting health, safety, and
mobility benefits to the community
$3,500,000 Pending
Selection
City of Costa Mesa: Legislative Update
Slide 14
Advocacy Program
City of Costa Mesa: Legislative Update
• Regular check-in meetings with City
staff
• Identification of legislative and
budget priorities for 2025
• Consistent reports and updates on
priority issues
• Legislative platform review and
updates
• Advocacy trip planning
• Ongoing advocacy in Sacramento
and Washington, DC on behalf of
City legislative priorities and budget
requests
• Relationship development with
Legislative Delegation / Leadership
Slide 15
[email protected]
Cori Takkinen
Vice President
California Advocacy | Federal Advocacy | Grant Writing
www.TownsendPA.com | (949) 399-9050
[email protected]
Elisa Arcidiacono
Senior Associate
Questions?
City of Costa Mesa: Legislative Update