Attachment 6 - Cal Fire Board of Forestry and Fire Prevention Assessment

General Plan Safety Element Assessment
Board of Forestry and Fire Protection

City of Orange 2024

RPC 2 (b)(iii)
Contents
Purpose and Background ...............................................................................................................................................1 Methodology for Review and Recommendations .........................................................................................................2 General Plan Safety Element Assessment .....................................................................................................................3 Background Information Summary ........................................................................................................................3 Goals, Policies, Objectives, and Feasible Implementation Measures ....................................................................5 Section 1 Avoiding or minimizing the wildfire hazards associated with new uses of land ................................5 Section 2 Develop adequate infrastructure if a new development is located in SRAs or VHFHSZs. ............... 13 Section 3 Working cooperatively with public agencies responsible for fire protection. ................................ 18 Sample Safety Element Recommendations ................................................................................................................ 20 A. Maps, Plans and Historical Information .......................................................................................................... 20 B. Land Use .......................................................................................................................................................... 20 C. Fuel Modification............................................................................................................................................. 20 D. Access .............................................................................................................................................................. 21 E. Fire Protection ................................................................................................................................................. 21 Fire Hazard Planning in Other Elements of the General Plan ..................................................................................... 22 Land Use Element ................................................................................................................................................ 22 Housing Element ................................................................................................................................................. 22 Open Space and Conservation Elements............................................................................................................. 22 Circulation Element ............................................................................................................................................. 22

RPC 2 (b)(iii)
1 * https://www.opr.ca.gov/docs/Final_6.26.15.pdf

Purpose and Background
Upon the next revision of the housing element on or after January 1, 2014, the safety element is required to be reviewed and updated as necessary to address the risk of fire for land classified as state responsibility areas and land classified as very high fire hazard severity zones. ( Gov. Code, § 65302, subd. (g)(3).)
The safety element is required to include:
• Fire hazard severity zone maps available from the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. • Any historical data on wildfires available from local agencies or a reference to where the data can be found.
• Information about wildfire hazard areas that may be available from the United States Geological Survey.
• The general location and distribution of existing and planned uses of land in very high fire hazard severity zones (VHFHSZs) and in state responsibility areas (SRAs), including structures, roads, utilities, and essential public facilities. The location and distribution of planned uses of land shall not require defensible space compliance measures required by state law or local ordinance to occur on publicly owned lands or open space designations of homeowner associations. • The local, state, and federal agencies with responsibility for fire protection, including special districts and local offices of emergency services. (Gov. Code, § 65302, subd. (g)(3)(A).) Based on that information, the safety element shall include goals, policies, and objectives that protect the community from the unreasonable risk of wildfire. ( Gov. Code, § 65302, subd. (g)(3)(B) .) To carry out those goals, policies, and objectives, feasible implementation measures shall be included in the safety element, which include but are not limited to:
• Avoiding or minimizing the wildfire hazards associated with new uses of land. • Locating, when feasible, new essential public facilities outside of high fire risk areas, including, but not limited to, hospitals and health care facilities, emergency shelters, emergency command centers, and emergency communications facilities, or identifying construction methods or other methods to minimize damage if these facilities are located in the SRA or VHFHSZ. • Designing adequate infrastructure if a new development is located in the SRA or VHFHSZ , including safe access for emergency response vehicles, visible street signs, and water supplies for structural fire suppression.
• Working cooperatively with public agencies with responsibility for fire protection. (Gov. Code, § 65302, subd. (g)(3)(C).)
The safety element shall also attach or reference any fire safety plans or other documents adopted by the city or county that fulfill the goals and objectives or contains the information required above. ( Gov.

Code, § 65302, subd. (g)(3)(D) .) This might include Local Hazard Mitigation Plans, Unit Fire Plans, Community Wildfire Protection Plans, or other plans.

There are several reference documents developed by state agencies to assist local jurisdictions in updating their safety elements to include wildfire safety. The Fire Hazard Planning, General Plan Technical Advice Series from the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), referenced in Government Code section 65302, subdivision (g)(3) and available at 1400 Tenth Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 322-2318
The Technical Advice Series is also available from the OPR website (Technical Advice Series link).* The Technical Advice
Series provides policy guidance, information resources, and fire hazard planning examples from around California that shall be considered by local jurisdictions when reviewing the safety element of its general plan.

The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (Board) utilizes this Safety Element Assessment in the Board’s review of safety elements under Government Code section 65302.5. At least 90 days prior to the adoption or amendment of their safety element, counties that contain SRAs and cities or counties that contain VHFHSZs shall submit their safety element to the Board. (Gov. Code, § 65302.5, subd. (b).) The Board shall review the safety element and respond to the city or county with its findings regarding the uses of land and policies in SRAs or VHFHSZs that will protect life, property, and natural resources from RPC 2 (b)(iii)
2 unreasonable risks associated with wildfires, and the methods and strategies for wildfire risk reduction and prevention within SRAs or VHFHSZs. (Gov. Code, § 65302.5, subd. (b)(3).) The CAL FIRE Land Use Planning team provides expert fire protection assistance to loc al jurisdictions statewide. Fire captains are available to work with cities and counties to revise their safety elements and enhance their strategic fire protection planning.

Methodology for Review and Recommendations
Utilizing staff from the CAL FIRE Land Use Planning team, the Board has established a standardized method to review the safety element of general plans. The methodology includes 1) reviewing the safety element for the requirements in Government Code section 65302, subdivision (g)(3)(A),
2) examining the safety element for goals, policies, objectives, and implementation measures that mitigate the wildfire risk in the planning area (Gov. Code, § 65302, subd. (g)(3)(B) & (C)), and 3) making recommendations for methods and strategies that would reduce the risk of wildfires (Gov.

Code, § 65302.5, subd. (b)(3)(B)).

The safety element will be evaluated against the attached Assessment , which contains questions to determine if a safety element meets the fire safety planning requirements outlined in Government Code, section 65302 . The reviewer will answer whether or not a submitted safety element addresses the required information, and will recommend changes to the safety element that will reduce the wildfire risk in the planning area. These recommended changes may come from the list of sample goals, policies, objectives, and implementation measures that is included in this document after the Assessment, or may be based on the reviewer’s knowledge of the jurisdiction in question and their specific wildfire risk. By answering the questions in the Assessment, the reviewer will determine if the jurisdiction’s safety element has adequately addressed and mitigated their wildfire risk. If it hasn’t, any specific recommendations from the reviewer will assist the jurisdiction in revising the safety element so that it does.

Once completed, the Assessment should provide clear guidance to a city or county regarding any areas of deficiency in the safety element as well as specific goals, policies, objectives, and implementation measures the Board recommends adopting in order to mitigate or reduce the wildfire threat in the planning area.

RPC 2 (b)(iii)
3 General Plan Safety Element Assessment
Jurisdiction: City of Orange Notes: Formal Review CAL FIRE Unit: Riverside Date Received: 07/09/2024 County: Orange LUPP Reviewer: J Kennedy UNIT CONTACT: Date Reviewed: 07/09/2024

BACKGROUND INFORMATION SUMMARY
The safety element must contain specific background information about fire hazards in each jurisdiction.

Instructions for this table: Indicate whether the safety element includes the specified information. If YES, indicate in the comments where that information can be found; if NO, provide recommendations to the jurisdiction regarding how best to include that information in their revised safety element.

Required Information Yes or No Comments and Recommendations Are Fire Hazard Severity Zones Identified?
CAL FIRE or Locally Adopted Maps
YES SE pg. PS-20 Figure PS-4 Very High Fire
Severity Zones Map
City of Orange LHMP Pg. 51 Figure 3.7: City
of Orange Wildland Urban Interface Fire
Severity Zones
Is historical data on wildfires or a reference to where the data can be found, and information about wildfire hazard areas that may be available from the United States
Geological Survey, included?
YES City of Orange LHMP-Past Occurrences-Pg.
51 Has the general location and distribution of existing and planned uses of land in very high fire hazard severity
zones (VHFHSZs) and in state responsibility areas
(SRAs), including structures, roads, utilities, and
essential public facilities, been identified?
YES-

SE pg.PS-20 Figure PS-4 Very High Fire
Severity Zones Map
SE pg. PS-24 Figure PS-6a Residential
Development in a Fire Hazard Zone with a
single emergency evacuation route and
development planned in VHFSZ.

SE pg. PS-25 Map Figure PS-6b Detail of
Residential Development in a Fire Hazard
Zone with a single emergency evacuation
route and development planned in the VHFSZ
map.

Have local, state, and federal agencies with responsibility for fire protection, including special districts and local offices of emergency services, been identified?
YES SE pg. PS -36. Standardized Emergency
Management and Mutual Aid Assistance. The
City participates in the SOLAR Plan, an
agreement between the San Bernardino,
Orange, Los Angeles, and Riverside County fire
agencies to provide for common radio
communications and coordinated response.

RPC 2 (b)(iii)
4 Required Information Yes or No Comments and Recommendations Are other fire protection plans, such as Community
Wildfire Protection Plans, Local Hazard Mitigation Plans, CAL FIRE Unit or Contract County Fire Plans, referenced or incorporated into the Safety Element?
YES SE pg.PS-3 Inclusion of the City of Orange
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
SE pg. PS-22. The City participates in the
county-wide Community Wildfire Protection
Plan for Orange County. This plan addresses
pre-suppression, suppression, and post-
suppression tactics in the Natural
Communities Conservation Plan/Habitat
Conservation Plan areas within the City as
identified on Figure PS-4. The suppression
tactics identify desired actions and locations.

The City is also a participant in mutual aid via
the SOLAR plan, the mutual aid agreement
between the counties of San Bernardino,
Orange, Los Angeles, and Riverside County
fire agencies to provide for common radio
communications and a central ordering point
(dispatch center) for resources during
emergencies.”

Are residential developments in hazard areas that do not have at least two emergency evacuation routes
identified?
YES SE pg. PS-24. Figure PS-6a Residential
Development in a Fire Hazard Zone with a
single emergency evacuation route and
development planned in VHFSZ Map pg.

Figure PS-6b Detail of Residential
SE pg. PS-25. Figure PS-6b Development in
a Fire Hazard Zone with a single emergency
evacuation route and development planned in
the VHFSZ map
Have evacuation routes and their capacity, safety, and
viability under a range of emergency scenarios been
identified?
YES SE pg. PS-38. Figure PS-7. Generalized
Evacuation Corridors
SE pg. PS-39 Figure PS-8. Fire Evacuation
Area Map
City of Orange LHMP Pg. 28 Figure 2.4
Major Evacuation Corridors

Is there any other information in the Safety Element regarding fire hazards in SRAs or VHFHSZs? N/A
RPC 2 (b)(iii)
5 GOALS, P OLICIES, OBJECTIVES, AND FEASIBLE IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES The safety element must contain a set of goals, policies, and objectives based on the above information to protect the community from unreasonable risk of wildfire and implementation measures to accomplish those stated goals, policies, and objectives.

Instructions for this table: Critically examine the submitted safety element and determine if it is adequate to address the jurisdiction’s unique fire hazard. Answer YES or NO appropriately for each question below. If the recommendation is irrelevant or unrelated to the jurisdiction’s fire hazard, answer N/A. For NO, provide information in the Comments/Recommendations section to help the jurisdiction incorporate that change into their safety element revision. This information may utilize example recommendations from Sample Safety Element Recommendations and Fire Hazard Planning in Other Elements of the General Plan below, may indicate how high of a priority this recommendation is for a jurisdiction, or may include other jurisdiction-specific information or recommendations.

Section 1 Avoiding or minimizing the wildfire hazards associated with new uses of land Questions Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
Does local ordinance require development standards that meet or exceed title 14, CCR, division 1.5, chapter 7,
subchapter 2, articles 1-5 (commencing with section
1270) (SRA Fire Safe Regulations) and title 14, CCR,
division 1.5, chapter 7, subchapter 3, article 3
(commencing with section 1299.01) (Fire Hazard
Reduction Around Buildings and Structures
Regulations) for SRAs and/or VHFHSZs?
YES

SE pg. PS-7 Policy 3-19. All new
development and redevelopment in the
VHFHSZ shall prepare fire protection plans
that confirm compliance with the most current
version of the California Building Codes and
California Fire Codes as adopted by the City.

The fire protection plans shall also address
long term maintenance of fire hazard reduction
projects and activities such as community fire
breaks and private and public road vegetation
clearances; delineate safe ingress and egress
access area and routes; describe evacuation
and emergency vehicle access routes; ensure
that home and street addressing shall be
visible to emergency vehicles; and provide
appropriate signage that shows access areas
and routes for evacuation and emergency
vehicles. The City shall maintain vegetation
clearances along public roads. Private roads
shall be maintained by the appropriate private
homeowner’s association or easement holder
with abatement inspections conducted at least
annually by Fire Department staff.

SE pg. PS-7 Policy 3-20. All new
development and redevelopment in the
VHFHSZ shall comply with the requirements
found in Title 13 of the California Code of
RPC 2 (b)(iii)
6 Questions Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
Regulations, Division 1.5, Chp. 7, Subchapter
2 Articles 1-5 and Subchapter 3 Article 3.

Are there goals and policies to avoid or minimize new
residential development in VHFHSZs?
YES SE pg. PS-7 Policy 3.13. Avoid expanding
new development, critical facilities, and
infrastructure in areas subject to extreme
threat or high risk, such as High or Very High
FHSZs or areas classified by CAL FIRE as
having an Extreme Threat classification on
Fire Threat maps, unless all feasible risk
reduction measures have been incorporated
into project designs or conditions of approval.

Ensure subdivisions and developments exist in
concert with the natural ecosystem. Pg. PS-6
Has fire safe design been incorporated into future
development requirements?
YES SE pg. PS-7 Policy 3-19. All new
development and redevelopment in the
VHFHSZ shall prepare fire protection plans
that confirm compliance with the most current
version of the California Building Codes and
California Fire Codes as adopted by the City.

SE pg. PS-7 Policy 3-20. All new
development and redevelopment in the
VHFHSZ shall comply with the requirements
found in Title 13 of the California Code of
RPC 2 (b)(iii)
7 Questions Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
Regulations, Division 1.5, Chp. 7, Subchapter
2 Articles 1-5 and Subchapter 3 Article 3.

Are new essential public facilities located outside high fire risk areas, such as VHFHSZs, when feasible?
YES SE pg. PS-7 Pg. PS-6 Policy 3.13. Avoid
expanding new development, critical facilities,
and infrastructure in areas subject to extreme
threat or high risk, such as High or Very High
FHSZs or areas classified by CAL FIRE as
having an Extreme Threat classification on
Fire Threat maps, unless all feasible risk
reduction measures have been incorporated
into project designs or conditions of approval.

Ensure subdivisions and developments exist in
concert with the natural ecosystem. Pg. PS-6
Policy 3.14 Prohibit land uses that could place
occupants at unreasonable risk in high or very
high fire hazard severity areas, such as areas
with large events or assembly of people,
health care facilities, or similar uses.

Are there plans or actions identified to mitigate existing non-conforming development to contemporary fire safe
standards, in terms of road standards and vegetative
hazard?

YES SE pg. PS-6. Policy 3.9 Obtain compliance
with State Regulations, Building and Fire
Codes, and City Guidelines for non-conforming
properties particularly to increase resilience of
existing development in high-risk areas built
prior to modern fire safety codes or wildfire
hazard mitigation guidance. Ensure all infill
development projects within the SRA or
VHFHSZ comply with all applicable State and
City fire safety and defensible space
regulations or standards which include using
best practices for fire-resistant or fireproof
construction methods, materials and
landscaping to reduce susceptibility to wildfire.

Does the plan include policies to evaluate re-
development after a large fire?
YES SE pg. PS-7 Policy 3-19. All new
development and redevelopment in the
VHFHSZ shall prepare fire protection plans
that confirm compliance with the most current
version of the California Building Codes and
California Fire Codes as adopted by the City.

The fire protection plans shall also address
long term maintenance of fire hazard reduction
projects and activities such as community fire
RPC 2 (b)(iii)
8 Questions Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
breaks and private and public road vegetation
clearances; delineate safe ingress and egress
access area and routes; describe evacuation
and emergency vehicle access routes; ensure
that home and street addressing shall be
visible to emergency vehicles; and provide
appropriate signage that shows access areas
and routes for evacuation and emergency
vehicles. The City shall maintain vegetation
clearances along public roads. Private roads
shall be maintained by the appropriate private
homeowner’s association or easement holder
with abatement inspections conducted at least
annually by Fire Department staff.

SE pg. PS-7 Policy 3-20. All new
development and redevelopment in the
VHFHSZ shall comply with the requirements
found in Title 13 of the California Code of
Regulations, Division 1.5, Chp. 7, Subchapter
2 Articles 1-5 and Subchapter 3 Article 3.

Is fuel modification around homes and subdivisions
required for new development in SRAs or VHFHSZs?

YES

SE pg. PS-5 Policy 3.3 Require defensible
space maintenance agreements for new
development projects and require extension of
defensible space maintenance agreements to
subsequent landowners. Landowners shall
maintain minimum defensible space from all
structures or improvements on their property
and work with neighbors and the City to
address defensible space within distances
deemed necessary by Fire Prevention staff
from structures existing on adjacent property.

Planting and maintenance of fire-resistant
slope cover shall improve defensible space
and reduce the risk of brush fires within the
wildland-urban interface areas located in the
northern and eastern portions of the City and
in areas adjacent to canyons, and the City
shall refine and development shall implement
structural hardening measures through
stringent site design and maintenance
standards for all areas with high wild land fire
RPC 2 (b)(iii)
9 Questions Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
potential. To the extent possible native, non-
invasive plant materials shall be used to
reduce the potential for conflicts between
safety and environmental goals. Fuel
modification plans shall be prepared for new
development projects to describe and address
allowable plant materials and hardscape
measures and design; defensible space
distances and maintenance; and how fuel and
vegetation around homes and roadways will
be maintained and cleared.

City of Orange LHMP Pg. 50 3.4.2
“Wildland/Urban Fire Risks associated with fire
hazards are generally reduced through
compliance with municipal codes.

Development located within or adjacent to the
wildland fire area must prepare and implement
a comprehensive fuel modification program in
accordance with City regulations. The City will
review new developments and fire services to
ensure adequate emergency services and
facilities to residents and businesses.

Coordinating with adjacent local cities, and
participating in regional, state, and federal
programs will better prepare the City for
wildfire emergencies and will reduce fire-
related risks.”
Are fire protection plans required for new development in VHFHSZs?

YES SE pg. PS-7 Policy 3-19. All new
development and redevelopment in the
VHFHSZ shall prepare fire protection plans
that confirm compliance with the most current
version of the California Building Codes and
California Fire Codes as adopted by the City.

The fire protection plans shall also address
long term maintenance of fire hazard reduction
projects and activities such as community fire
breaks and private and public road vegetation
clearances; delineate safe ingress and egress
access area and routes; describe evacuation
and emergency vehicle access routes; ensure
that home and street addressing shall be
RPC 2 (b)(iii)
10 Questions Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
visible to emergency vehicles; and provide
appropriate signage that shows access areas
and routes for evacuation and emergency
vehicles. The City shall maintain vegetation
clearances along public roads. Private roads
shall be maintained by the appropriate private
homeowner’s association or easement holder
with abatement inspections conducted at least
annually by Fire Department staff.

Does the plan address long term maintenance of fire
hazard reduction projects, including community fire
breaks and private road and public road clearance?
YES SE pg. PS-7 Policy 3-19. All new
development and redevelopment in the
VHFHSZ shall prepare fire protection plans
that confirm compliance with the most current
version of the California Building Codes and
California Fire Codes as adopted by the City.

Is there adequate access (ingress, egress) to new
development in VHFHSZs?
YES SE pg. PS-7 Policy 3-19. All new
development and redevelopment in the
VHFHSZ shall prepare fire protection plans
that confirm compliance with the most current
version of the California Building Codes and
California Fire Codes as adopted by the City.

RPC 2 (b)(iii)
11 Questions Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
The fire protection plans shall also address
long term maintenance of fire hazard reduction
projects and activities such as community fire
breaks and private and public road vegetation
clearances; delineate safe ingress and egress
access area and routes; describe evacuation
and emergency vehicle access routes; ensure
that home and street addressing shall be
visible to emergency vehicles; and provide
appropriate signage that shows access areas
and routes for evacuation and emergency
vehicles. The City shall maintain vegetation
clearances along public roads. Private roads
shall be maintained by the appropriate private
homeowner’s association or easement holder
with abatement inspections conducted at least
annually by Fire Department staff.

Are minimum standards for evacuation of residential
areas in VHFHSZs defined?
YES SE pg. PS-7 Policy 3-19. All new
development and redevelopment in the
VHFHSZ shall prepare fire protection plans
that confirm compliance with the most current
version of the California Building Codes and
California Fire Codes as adopted by the City.

The fire protection plans shall also address
long term maintenance of fire hazard reduction
projects and activities such as community fire
breaks and private and public road vegetation
clearances; delineate safe ingress and egress
access area and routes; describe evacuation
and emergency vehicle access routes; ensure
that home and street addressing shall be
visible to emergency vehicles; and provide
appropriate signage that shows access areas
and routes for evacuation and emergency
vehicles. The City shall maintain vegetation
RPC 2 (b)(iii)
12 Questions Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
clearances along public roads. Private roads
shall be maintained by the appropriate private
homeowner’s association or easement holder
with abatement inspections conducted at least
annually by Fire Department staff.

If areas exist with inadequate access/evacuation routes, are they identified? Are mitigation measures or
improvement plans identified?

SE pg. PS-24 Figure PS-6a Residential
Development in a Fire Hazard Zone with a
single emergency evacuation route and
development planned in VHFSZ.

SE pg. PS-25 Map Figure PS-6b Detail of
Residential Development in a Fire Hazard
RPC 2 (b)(iii)
13 Questions Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
Zone with a single emergency evacuation
route and development planned in the VHFSZ
map.

Are there policies or programs promoting public outreach about defensible space or evacuation routes? Are there
specific plans to reach at-risk populations?

YES SE pg. PS-5 Policy 3.4. Educate the public
regarding fire safety through public outreach,
and support for localized efforts to become a
Firewise Community. Public outreach efforts
shall also include discussions relating to
benefits and purpose of defensible space and
maintenance, and evacuation and emergency
vehicle access routes and programs.

Does the plan identify future water supply for fire
suppression needs?

YES SE pg. PS-8 Policy 3-22 Continue to monitor
and forecast future water supply and fire flow
availability and assess and ensure future fire
suppression needs are satisfied.

SE pg. PS-8 Policy 3-23 Should new water
supplies be required, the new water facilities
and improvements shall be engineered and
located in areas that best serve the
community. These new water facilities and
improvements shall be monitored annually and
maintained by the appropriate agency or
jurisdiction.

Does new development have adequate fire protection?
YES SE pg. PS-9 Policy 6.8 Establish and
maintain optimal emergency response times
for fire safety. Require new development to
ensure that City response times and service
standards are maintained.

Section 2 Develop adequate infrastructure if a new development is located in SRAs or VHFHSZs.

Does the plan identify adequate infrastructure for new
development related to:

Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
Water supply and fire flow?
YES SE pg. PS-8 Policy 3-22 Continue to monitor
and forecast future water supply and fire flow
availability and assess and ensure future fire
suppression needs are satisfied.

RPC 2 (b)(iii)
14 Does the plan identify adequate infrastructure for new development related to:

Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
SE pg. PS-8 Policy 3-23 Should new water
supplies be required, the new water facilities
and improvements shall be engineered and
located in areas that best serve the
community. These new water facilities and
improvements shall be monitored annually and
maintained by the appropriate agency or
jurisdiction.

Location of anticipated water supply?
YES SE pg. PS-8 Policy 3-22 Continue to monitor
and forecast future water supply and fire flow
availability and assess and ensure future fire
suppression needs are satisfied.

Maintenance and long-term integrity of water supplies?
YES SE pg. PS-8 Policy 3-22 Continue to monitor
and forecast future water supply and fire flow
availability and assess and ensure future fire
suppression needs are satisfied.

Evacuation and emergency vehicle access?
YES SE pg. PS-7 Policy 3-19. All new
development and redevelopment in the
VHFHSZ shall prepare fire protection plans
that confirm compliance with the most current
version of the California Building Codes and
California Fire Codes as adopted by the City.

The fire protection plans shall also address
long term maintenance of fire hazard reduction
RPC 2 (b)(iii)
15 Does the plan identify adequate infrastructure for new development related to:

Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
projects and activities such as community fire
breaks and private and public road vegetation
clearances; delineate safe ingress and egress
access area and routes; describe evacuation
and emergency vehicle access routes; ensure
that home and street addressing shall be
visible to emergency vehicles; and provide
appropriate signage that shows access areas
and routes for evacuation and emergency
vehicles. The City shall maintain vegetation
clearances along public roads. Private roads
shall be maintained by the appropriate private
homeowner’s association or easement holder
with abatement inspections conducted at least
annually by Fire Department staff.

Fuel modification and defensible space?
YES SE pg. PS-5 Policy 3.3 Require defensible
space maintenance agreements for new
development projects and require extension of
defensible space maintenance agreements to
subsequent landowners. Landowners shall
maintain minimum defensible space from all
structures or improvements on their property
and work with neighbors and the City to
address defensible space within distances
deemed necessary by Fire Prevention staff
from structures existing on adjacent property.

Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
safety and environmental goals. Fuel
modification plans shall be prepared for new
development projects to describe and address
allowable plant materials and hardscape
measures and design; defensible space
distances and maintenance; and how fuel and
vegetation around homes and roadways will
be maintained and cleared.

Vegetation clearance maintenance on public and private
roads?

Visible home and street addressing and signage?
YES SE pg. PS-7 Policy 3-19. All new
development and redevelopment in the
VHFHSZ shall prepare fire protection plans
that confirm compliance with the most current
version of the California Building Codes and
California Fire Codes as adopted by the City.

The fire protection plans shall also address
RPC 2 (b)(iii)
17 Does the plan identify adequate infrastructure for new development related to:

Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
long term maintenance of fire hazard reduction
projects and activities such as community fire
breaks and private and public road vegetation
clearances; delineate safe ingress and egress
access area and routes; describe evacuation
and emergency vehicle access routes; ensure
that home and street addressing shall be
visible to emergency vehicles; and provide
appropriate signage that shows access areas
and routes for evacuation and emergency
vehicles. The City shall maintain vegetation
clearances along public roads. Private roads
shall be maintained by the appropriate private
homeowner’s association or easement holder
with abatement inspections conducted at least
annually by Fire Department staff.

Figure PS-6a Residential Development in a
Fire Hazard Zone with a single emergency
evacuation route and development planned in
VHFSZ
Community fire breaks? Is there a discussion of how
those fire breaks will be maintained?
YES SE pg. PS-5 Policy 3.3 Require defensible
space maintenance agreements for new
development projects and require extension of
defensible space maintenance agreements to
subsequent landowners. Landowners shall
maintain minimum defensible space from all
structures or improvements on their property
and work with neighbors and the City to
address defensible space within distances
deemed necessary by Fire Prevention staff
from structures existing on adjacent property.

Planting and maintenance of fire-resistant
slope cover shall improve defensible space
and reduce the risk of brush fires within the
RPC 2 (b)(iii)
18 Does the plan identify adequate infrastructure for new development related to:

Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
wildland-urban interface areas located in the
northern and eastern portions of the City and
in areas adjacent to canyons, and the City
shall refine and development shall implement
structural hardening measures through
stringent site design and maintenance
standards for all areas with high wild land fire
potential. To the extent possible native, non-
invasive plant materials shall be used to
reduce the potential for conflicts between
safety and environmental goals. Fuel
modification plans shall be prepared for new
development projects to describe and address
allowable plant materials and hardscape
measures and design; defensible space
distances and maintenance; and how fuel and
vegetation around homes and roadways will
be maintained and cleared.

Section 3 Working cooperatively with public agencies responsible for fire protection.

Question Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
Is there a map or description of existing emergency
service facilities and areas lacking service, specifically noting any areas in SRAs or VHFHSZs?
YES SE pg.PS-20 Figure PS-4 Very High Fire
Severity Zones Map
SE pg. PS-24 Figure PS-6a Residential
Development in a Fire Hazard Zone with a
single emergency evacuation route and
development planned in VHFSZ.

SE pg. PS-25 Map Figure PS-6b Detail of
Residential Development in a Fire Hazard
Zone with a single emergency evacuation
route and development planned in the VHFSZ
map.

Does the plan include an assessment and projection of
future emergency service needs?
YES SE pg. PS-10 Policy 6.10 Continue to train,
license, and/or certify Fire Department staff.

SE pg. PS-10 Policy 6.11 Ensure that the
Police and Fire Departments have complete
and available emergency supplies, sufficient
RPC 2 (b)(iii)
19 Question Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
capacity, facilities, personnel, training,
technology, equipment, adequate emergency
vehicle access, crime fighting equipment, and
fire suppression resources to meet growth
needs for combating crime, providing fire
protection, and providing related emergency
services for all segments of the population,
including vulnerable and disadvantaged
communities, in all areas of the City.

Are goals or standards for emergency services training
described?
YES SE pg. PS-10 Policy 6.10 Continue to train,
license, and/or certify Fire Department staff.

Does the plan outline inter-agency preparedness
coordination and mutual aid multi-agency agreements?
YES SE pg. PS-10 Policy 6.9 Continue to adopt
and honor agreements with adjacent
communities for mutual aid assistance.

RPC 2 (b)(iii)
20 Sample Safety Element Recommendations
These are examples of specific policies, objectives, or implementation measures that may be used to meet the intent of Government Code sections 65302, subdivision (g)(3) and 65302.5, subdivision (b). Safety element reviewers may make recommendations that are not included here.

A. MAPS, PLANS AND HISTORICAL INFORMATION

1. Include or reference CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps or locally adopted wildfire hazard zones.

2. Include or reference the location of historical information on wildfires in the planning area.

3. Include a map or description of the location of existing and planned land uses in SRAs and VHFHSZs, particularly habitable structures, roads, utilities, and essential public facilities.

4. Identify or reference a fire plan that is relevant to the geographic scope of the general plan, including the Unit/Contract County Fire Plan, Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, and any applicable Community Wildfire Protection Plans.

5. Align the goals, policies, objectives, and implementation measures for fire hazard mitigation in the safety element with those in existing fire plans, or make plans to update fire plans to match the safety element.

6. Create a fire plan for the planning area.

B. LAND USE

1. Develop fire safe development codes to use as standards for fire protection for new development in SRAs or VHFHSZs that meet or exceed the statewide minimums in the SRA Fire Safe Regulations.

2. Adopt and have certified by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection local ordinances which meet or exceed the minimum statewide standards in the SRA Fire Safe Regulations.

3. Identify existing development that do not meet or exceed the SRA Fire Safe Regulations or certified local ordinances.

4. Develop mitigation measures for existing development that does not meet or exceed the SRA Fire Safe Regulations or certified local ordinances or identify a policy to do so.

C. FUEL MODIFICATION

1. Develop a policy to communicate vegetation clearance requirements to seasonal, absent, or vacation rental owners.

2. Identify a policy for the ongoing maintenance of vegetation clearance on public and private roads.

3. Include fuel breaks in the layout/siting of subdivisions.

4. Identify a policy for the ongoing maintenance of existing or proposed fuel breaks.

5. Identify and/or map existing development that does not conform to current state and/or locally adopted fire safety standards for access, water supply and fire flow, signing, and vegetation clearance in SRAs or VHFHSZs.

6. Identify plans and actions for existing non-conforming development to be improved or mitigated to meet current state and/or locally adopted fire safety standards for access, water supply and fire flow, signing, and vegetation clearance.

RPC 2 (b)(iii)
21 D. ACCESS

1. Develop a policy that approval of parcel maps and tentative maps in SRAs or VHFHSZs is conditional based on meeting the SRA Fire Safe Regulations and the Fire Hazard Reduction Around Buildings and Structures Regulations, particularly those regarding road standards for ingress, egress, and fire equipment access. (See Gov. Code, § 66474.02.)

2. Develop a policy that development will be prioritized in areas with an adequate road network and associated infrastructure.

3. Identify multi-family housing, group homes, or other community housing in SRAs or VHFHSZs and develop a policy to create evacuation or shelter in place plans.

4. Include a policy to develop pre-plans for fire risk areas that address civilian evacuation and to effectively communicate those plans.

5. Identify road networks in SRAs or VHFHSZs that do not meet title 14, CCR, division 1.5, chapter 7, subchapter 2, articles 2 and 3 (commencing with section 1273.00) or certified local ordinance and develop a policy to examine possible mitigations.

E. FIRE PROTECTION

1. Develop a policy that development will be prioritized in areas with adequate water supply infrastructure.

2. Plan for the ongoing maintenance and long-term integrity of planned and existing water supply infrastructure.

3. Map existing emergency service facilities and note any areas lacking service, especially in SRAs or VHFHSZs.

4. Project future emergency service needs for the planned land uses.

5. Include information about emergency service trainings or standards and plans to meet or maintain them.

6. Include information about inter-agency preparedness coordination or mutual aid agreements.

RPC 2 (b)(iii)
22 Fire Hazard Planning in Other Elements of the General Plan When updating the General Plan, here are some ways to incorporate fire hazard planning into other elements. Wildfire safety is best accomplished by holistic, strategic fire planning that takes advantage of opportunities to align priorities and implementation measures within and across plans.

LAND USE ELEMENT
Goals and policies include mitigation of fire hazard for future development or limit development in very high fire hazard severity zones.

Disclose wildland urban-interface hazards, including fire hazard severity zones, and/or other vulnerable areas as determined by CAL FIRE or local fire agency.

Design and locate new development to provide adequate infrastructure for the safe ingress of emergency response vehicles and simultaneously allow citizen egress during emergencies.

Describe or map any Firewise Communities or other fire safe communities as determined by the National Fire Protection Association, Fire Safe Council, or other organization.

HOUSING ELEMENT
Incorporation of current fire safe building codes.

Identify and mitigate substandard fire safe housing and neighborhoods relative to fire hazard severity zones.

Consider diverse occupancies and their effects on wildfire protection (group housing, seasonal populations, transit-dependent, etc).

OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION ELEMENTS
Identify critical natural resource values relative to fire hazard severity zones.

Include resource management activities to enhance protection of open space and natural resource values.

Integrate open space into fire safety planning and effectiveness.

Mitigation for unique pest, disease and other forest health issues leading to hazardous situations.

CIRCULATION ELEMENT
Provide adequate access to very high fire hazard severity zones.

Develop standards for evacuation of residential areas in very high fire hazard severity zones.

Incorporate a policy that provides for a fuel reduction maintenance program along roadways.

RPC 2 (b)(iii)

Orange City CouncilJanuary 14, 2025

Orange City Council
January 14, 2025