CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 6/17/2025
DEPARTMENT: City Clerk
SUBJECT:
ADOPTION OF THE 2025 LOCAL RESPONSIBILITY AREA FIRE HAZARD
SEVERITY ZONES MAP
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Conduct second reading of and adopt an Ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF LAKE FOREST, CALIFORNIA DESIGNATING
FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES WITHIN THE CITY OF LAKE FOREST AS REQUIRED BY GOVERNMENT CODE § 51179, BASED ON MAPS PROVIDED
BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE
PROTECTION, REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 239, AND DETERMINING THE ORDINANCE TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
In compliance with California Government Code §§ 51178 and 51179, as amended by Senate Bill 63 (2021) and Assembly Bill 211 (2022), the City must adopt an ordinance formally designating Moderate, High, and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (“FHSZs”) as mapped by the State Fire Marshal within its Local Responsibility Area (“LRA”). This action is a critical step in aligning the City’s planning, building, and emergency response framework with evolving wildfire threats.
This designation ensures appropriate application of wildfire mitigation strategies such as California Building Code Chapter 7A construction standards, 100-foot defensible space requirements, and disclosure obligations in real estate transactions. Staff recommend the City Council conduct a second reading of and adopt the ordinance formally designating the updated Fire Hazard Severity Zones within the City of Lake Forest.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.
ATTACHMENTS:
Ordinance Adopting the 2025 Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map
Submitted By: Thy Merritt, Acting City Clerk
Approved By: Debra Rose, City Manager