City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: June 10, 2025
Agenda Item: 4.A
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: Matthew Hallock, Fire Chief, Fire Department
Subject: Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Adopting the Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines and adopt a finding of categorical exemptions pursuant to Section 15307 and Section 15308 of the CEQA Guidelines; and
2. Introduce for first reading an ordinance to add chapter 8.46 to the Santa Monica Municipal Code to designate Fire Hazard Severity Zones as pursuant to California Government Code Section 51178.
Summary
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has released updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps for Local Responsibility Areas (LRA), which now include newly designated fire hazard zones within the City of Santa Monica.
Adoption of these maps is required by state law and supports the City’s goals for public safety and climate resilience. Staff recommends adopting the maps by ordinance to ensure compliance and apply consistent wildfire safety standards to future development.
Discussion
On March 24, 2025, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) released updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps for Local Responsibility Areas (LRA), including new designations within the City of Santa Monica. 2 of 3
These maps, mandated by Government Code Sections 51178 and 51179, classify areas based on wildfire likelihood and intensity using a science-based model that factors in historical fire data, topography, weather, vegetation, and ember exposure potential.
This is the first time Santa Monica has been included in the FHSZ maps. Areas within the city are now designated as Moderate, High, and Very High fire hazard zones. These designations do not impose restrictions on existing structures but will require certain wildfire safety standards for new construction and substantial remodels, including compliance with the California Building Code Chapter 7A, Fire Safe Regulations, and defensible space requirements under Government Code Section 51182.
In accordance with 4904.3 of the 2022 CFC, the local agency is required to make the information available for public review within 30 days and adopt the map by ordinance within 120 days of receiving a transmittal from the State Fire Marshal. Local agencies may, at its discretion, include areas within the jurisdiction, not identified within the official map, however, they are not allowed to remove areas identified.
Staff has reviewed the data associated with the mapped areas and do not propose increasing any areas within the city. Based on the most recent community risk profiles, there are approximately 3,095 housing units and 237 businesses located within the newly designated fire hazard zones, these areas include both residential and commercial parcels along the northern border of Santa Monica.
Environmental Review
The adoption of the Fire Hazard Severity Maps is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines. Section 15061(b)(3) states that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. In this case, the proposed municipal code amendments to adopt a map do not constitute a project that would have a significant effect on the environment, and thus are exempt from CEQA. Furthermore, the adoption of the wildfire zone maps is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15307 of the CEQA Guidelines, which exempts actions 3 of 3
taken by regulatory agencies as authorized by state law or local ordinance, to assure the maintenance, restoration, or enhancement of a natural resource where the regulatory process involves procedures for protection of the environment. Additionally, the wildfire maps are exempt pursuant to Section 15308 of the CEQA Guidelines, which exempts actions taken by regulatory agencies as authorized by state or local ordinance, to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of the environment where the regulatory process involves procedures for protection of the environment.
The establishment of the wildfire zone maps would provide for wildfire protection standards to reduce the risk of wildfires and therefore, would protect natural resources and the environment.
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
There is no immediate financial impact or budget action necessary as a result of the recommended action. Staff will return to Council if specific budget actions are required in the future or if staff determines additional fees/fines and staff are required.
Prepared By: Jonathan Tang, Principal Administrative Analyst Approved Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. Ordinance with Fire Map