Fillmore council to adopt new fire building codes based on severity maps

The Fillmore Planning Commission meeting on April 16, 2025, focused on the implications of new fire severity maps released by Cal Fire, which have significant effects on local zoning and building requirements.

During the meeting, a council member raised concerns about the updated fire severity maps, noting that Fillmore's residential units have increased from 330 to 830 due to these changes. The council discussed the upcoming adoption of new building codes in December, which will address how to mitigate fire risks for new structures and room additions in high-risk areas.

The meeting highlighted the importance of workshops being held to educate the community on these changes. One workshop took place at Rio Vista Park, where attendees learned about specific guidelines, such as avoiding landscaping near buildings and implementing design features like boxed eaves to enhance fire safety.

As Fillmore prepares to adopt these new regulations, the discussions underscore the city's commitment to improving safety measures in response to evolving fire risks. The next steps will involve finalizing the new building codes and continuing community engagement through workshops.