Santa Maria City Council approves fire hazard severity zones ordinance

The Santa Maria City Council took a significant step in fire safety during their April 15, 2025 meeting by introducing an ordinance to designate fire hazard severity zones within the city. Fire Marshal Jim Austin presented the ordinance, which responds to a recent initiative by the state fire marshal that has designated high fire hazard areas across over 200 cities in California, including Santa Maria.

Austin explained that prior to this designation, Santa Maria had no officially recognized high fire zones. The new map identifies two areas: a moderate fire hazard zone in the Northeast near the Santa Maria River and another in the Southeast near the Santa Maria Airport. These zones are classified as "moderate," the lowest of three severity levels—moderate, high, and very high.

The designation is based on a comprehensive evaluation by Cal Fire, which considered factors such as fire history, vegetation, and weather patterns. Austin assured the council that the areas identified are already developed and well-maintained, with no significant impact expected on construction or maintenance requirements.

Council members raised concerns about potential impacts on residents, particularly regarding insurance implications. Austin noted that while the state insurance commissioner has indicated that Cal Fire maps should not directly affect insurance decisions, private insurers may still reevaluate coverage based on these designations. He shared his personal experience of struggling to maintain insurance on a property in a high fire severity zone, highlighting the challenges homeowners may face.

The council unanimously approved the motion to adopt the ordinance, which must be finalized within 120 days of receiving the state’s transmittal letter. This proactive measure aims to enhance community safety and preparedness in the face of increasing wildfire risks.