Town of Yountville
Staff Report
6550 Yount Street
Yountville, CA 94599
Agenda Item #: 10B
Yountville Town Council Staff Report
DATE: June 3, 2025
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Brad Raulston, Town Manager
PREPARED BY: Aaron Hecock, Planning & Building Director
RECOMMENDATION
Introduce and waive first reading of Ordinance Number 25-533 adopting the recommendations of the State Fire Marshal for Fire Hazard Severity Zone Designations in Town Limits and finding the Ordinance exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
Fire Hazard Severity Zone Designation
In September 2021, Senate Bill 63 was signed by Governor Newsom. Senate Bill 63 included an act to amend California Government Code Section 51178. The amendment was effective on January 1, 2022, and directed the State Fire Marshal to identify areas in the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones (FHSZ) based on consistent statewide criteria and the severity of the fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. In addition, moderate, high, and very high FHSZs are based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors that have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread.
In September 2022, Assembly Bill 211 was signed by Governor Newsom. Assembly Bill 211 amended California Government Code Section 51179 and requires local agencies to designate, by Ordinance, moderate, high, and very high FHSZs within 120 days of receiving recommendations from the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 51178.
In February 2025, the Office of the State Fire Marshal released the FHSZs in the Local Responsibility Area map for review. The map is attached to this Staff Report and identifies moderate, high, and very high FHSZs within the Town of Yountville. Staff reviewed the CALFIRE map and recommends adopting it without modification.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Exempt per California Environmental Act (CEQA) Guideline, Section 15061(b)(3).
The Town staff have evaluated the proposed Ordinance and determined that it is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3), 15303, and 15308 on the grounds that it can be seen with certainty that the Ordinance will not have a significant effect on the environment. To the extent this is a project under CEQA, it is categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land), 15305 (Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations), 15307 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources), and 15308 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment).
FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a Fiscal Impact? No
Is it Currently Budgeted? N/A
Where is it Budgeted? N/A
Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? Mandatory
Is there a Staff Resource Impact? No
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL
Is item Identified in Strategic Plan? Indirectly
If yes, Identify Strategic Goal and Objective. Visionary Leadership: The Town's leadership maintains an openminded, forward-thinking decision-making process. We value engagement and participation from all members of the community as we work together to create policies and plan for the future.
Briefly Explain Relationship to Strategic Plan Goal and Objective. Adopting the Fire Hazard Severity Zone Designations in Town Limits in accordance with state law is important for informing residents about potential wildfire risks and reflects responsible leadership in conforming with state requirements.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Ordinance No 25-533
2. Exhibit A (Fire Map)