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RiversideCA.gov
City CouncilMay 20, 2025Amendment of Ordinance section 16.32.365 of the Riverside Municipal Code regarding the adoption of Moderate, High, and Very High Fire Hazard Severity ZonesFire Department RiversideCA.gov2
LEGISLATIVE BACKGROUNDAssembly Bill (AB) 337 – The "Bates Bill" (1992)•Required Office of State Fire Marshall (OSFM) to identify Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) in Local Responsibility Areas (LRAs)2008-2011 CAL FIRE Collaboration•Required local governments to adopt these designations by ordinanceSenate Bill (SB) 63 (2021)•Expanded FHSZ classifications to include – Moderate and HighAssembly Bill (AB) 211 (2022) and Government Code 51179•Mandated local governments to adopt all three classifications by ordinance within 120 days of OSFM recommendationsRiverside Municipal Code Section 16.32.365•Currently addresses designation, locations, and boundaries of VHFHSZ 1 2
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BACKGROUNDEvolution of Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in California•Developed in response to increasing wildfire threats•Managed by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) in collaboration with local jurisdictions•Uses systematic approach based on wildfire hazard potentialFactors Determining FHSZ Designations•Likelihood of fire occurrence and expected behavior over a 30- to 50-year period•Key considerations:•Fuel loading•Terrain•Fire weather conditions•Historical fire activity•Wind patterns RiversideCA.gov4
BACKGROUNDUpdated FHSZ Maps and Local Implication•OSFM released updated maps on March 24, 2025.•City published maps online on March 25, 2025.•Public Review and Workshop on April 8, 2025 during City Council meeting.•Online tool launched for parcel-level lookup and public comments.•Full Compliance with Government Code 51178.53 4 5/8/2025
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DISCUSSIONLocal Authority Requirements•Cities must adopt State-recommended FHSZ within 120 day.•Cannot downgrade hazard levels.•May increase severity or expand with significant evidence.•Supports consistency in wildfire planning and mitigation.Key Implications for Local Governments:•Building Codes: WUI standards apply to new construction in High & Very High FHSZs.•Defensible Space: 100 feet of clearance required around structures.•Land Use & Planning: FHSZ designations must be incorporated into general plans, zoning, and emergency response.•Real Estate Disclosures: Property owners must disclose wildfire hazards during transactions.
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This item contributes to Strategic Priority Number 2: Community Well-Being and Goal 2.6 – Strengthen community preparedness for emergencies to ensure effective response and recovery.Cross-Cutting Threads STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT5
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RECOMMENDATIONSThat the Council:•Adopt an amendment of section 16.32.365 of the Riverside Municipal Code toinclude the new Moderate, High, and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.7