COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Bradley J. Dandridge, Fire Chief
DATE: April 15, 2025
SUBJECT: Introduction of an Ordinance Designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the City of Santa Maria
Description:
The City Council will conduct the first reading and introduction of an ordinance designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the City of Santa Maria.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Conduct the first reading and introduce an Ordinance designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the City of Santa Maria; and
2. Set for adoption at the next regular City Council meeting.
BACKGROUND:
Pursuant to California Government Code §51175, 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.
Within 30 days after receiving a transmittal from the State Fire Marshal that identifies fire hazard severity zones pursuant to California Government Code §51175, a local agency shall make the information available for public review and comment. The information shall be presented in a format that is understandable and accessible to the general public, including, but not limited to, maps.
DISCUSSION:
On February 7, 2025, the Office of the State Fire Marshal began a phased rollout of new fire hazard severity designations for local governments. The map uses the best available science to identify certain factors, such as vegetation, slope, terrain, and wind, that drive the spread of wildfires. The map identifies fire hazard, the likelihood of a fire without mitigation measures, not the potential damage to an area (commonly referred to as fire risk).
On March 10, 2025, the Office of the State Fire Marshal published the “City of Santa Maria – Santa Barbara County Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones” (“Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map”) map. Pursuant to California Government Code §51175, the City, on March 21, 2 025, posted information about the new fire hazard severity designations and a copy of the Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map on its website. The map designated a small area in the northeast portion of the City near the Santa Maria River, and another small area in the southwest portion of the City near the Santa Maria Airport as Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
California Government Code §51175 requires the City to designate by ordinance moderate, high, and very high severity zones within its jurisdiction within 120 days of receiving recommendations from the State Fire Marshal.
Alternative(s)
Adoption of the Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map is required by California Government Code §51175. Should the City not adopt the map, it would be non-compliant.
Fiscal Considerations
No known fiscal impacts to the City or residents.
Impact to the Community
The areas identified on the Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones map as identified by the State Fire Marshal are developed or unbuildable and therefore no impacts are expected to the City or the residents.
Attachments:
A. Ordinance – Fire Hazard Severity Map
Exhibit A to the Ordinance – Fire Hazard Severity Map