TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Bernard Molloy, Fire Chief
PREPARED BY: Doug Strosnider, Fire Marshal
SUBJECT:
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Introduction of Ordinance 619-25 Updating the City’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map
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RECOMMENDATION
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Conduct the first reading and introduce Ordinance No. 619-25 entitled: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Adopting A New Map with Updated Fire Hazard Severity Zones As Recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
None.
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Provide a high level of innovative public safety.
BACKGROUND
California Government Code Sections 51175 through 51189 mandate that the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) identify and map areas of significant fire hazard Statewide. These areas are designated as Fire Hazard Severity Zones and are categorized as Moderate, High, or Very High based on fuels, terrain, weather, and other factors influencing wildfire behavior.
CAL FIRE is updating all fire hazard severity zone maps in California. The updated map for Murrieta (Exhibit A to the Ordinance No. 619-25) was released to the City of Murrieta (City) on March 24, 2025. The map has been reviewed and approved by City staff, including the Fire Department. The new map adds portions of the City to the High Fire Severity Zone.
State law gives the City three options to respond to the map. First, adopt the map as recommended. Second, add additional areas to the designation of Very High Fire Severity Zone if findings can be made, supported by substantial evidence, that such action is necessary for effective fire protection within the area. Third, add areas to the designation of Moderate and High Fire Severity Zones if findings can be made, supported by substantial evidence, that such action is necessary for effective fire protection within the area. Staff does not recommend that additional areas be added to the map.
Pursuant to Government Code §51178.5, the map was made available on the City and Fire Department’s websites for public review and comment within 30 days of publication by the State Fire Marshal. There is a feature on the websites that allows residents to zoom in to determine if their property is within a fire hazard severity zone. The Fire Department also provided information about it to the public at the City Council meeting on April 15, 2025. The City is required to adopt the updated map by ordinance within 120 days of the map’s release.
New development will be allowed to occur in High Fire Severity Zones as long as each project complies with all applicable fire hazard regulations, including:
• Building Standards - The project must meet the latest fire-resistant building codes, such as those outlined in the California Building Code and Chapter 7A for construction in high fire hazard severity zones.
• Defensible Space Requirements - The project must ensure adequate defensible space around structures, as required by Public Resources Code 4291.
• Access and Egress Standards - The development must provide proper emergency access for firefighting equipment and evacuation routes in compliance with local and state fire codes.
• Fire Protection Measures - The project may need enhanced fire mitigation measures, such as fire-resistant landscaping, automatic sprinkler systems, and water supply requirements for firefighting.
• The City may also require a fire hazard assessment or an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to determine project feasibility.
Ultimately, each new project will be reviewed based on compliance with State and local fire regulations, and denial would be based on failure to meet those standards rather than the mere presence of the project in a fire zone.
Lastly, if a project is proposed within a designated fire zone, the applicant may also face challenges obtaining property insurance. Many insurance companies have become increasingly cautious about insuring properties in high fire hazard areas due to the rising risk of wildfires. This could result in higher premiums, limited coverage options, or outright denial of coverage through the California FAIR Plan, which provides basic fire insurance but often at higher costs and with limited coverage compared to standard policies.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance No. 619-25 (w/Exhibit A: Updated Map)