Encinitas City Council approves first reading of updated fire hazard severity maps

The City of Encinitas held a significant meeting on May 21, 2025, focusing on the introduction and first reading of Ordinance Number 2025-7, which aims to adopt updated fire hazard severity zone maps in compliance with California government code. The meeting featured presentations from Fire Chief Josh Gordon and Acting Fire Marshal Jordan Villagomez, who outlined the necessity of these updates based on the latest scientific assessments of wildfire hazards.

The updated maps, released by CAL FIRE on March 24, represent the first major revision since 2007 and incorporate advanced modeling techniques that consider historical wildfire data, vegetation types, weather patterns, and climate trends. The new maps categorize areas into moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones, which will influence building standards and safety regulations for new constructions in the wildland-urban interface.

During the meeting, council members expressed concerns regarding the implications of these maps on local residents, particularly regarding insurance rates and property values. Several council members noted that the maps might appear overly broad, encompassing areas that historically have not been considered high risk. They discussed the potential for future challenges to specific designations within the maps, emphasizing the need for further education on the modeling processes used to create them.

Public comments reflected a mix of apprehension and a desire for clarity. Residents raised questions about the adequacy of defensible space requirements in densely populated areas and the perceived disconnect between state mandates and local realities. Some speakers urged the council to delay the adoption process to allow for more community input and review.

Despite these concerns, the council ultimately moved forward with a motion to approve the maps, recognizing the legal obligation to adopt them under state law. The council emphasized that while they must adopt the maps as presented, there remains an opportunity to implement more stringent local fire codes in the future.

The next steps include a scheduled final ordinance adoption on June 11, 2025, after which the ordinance will take effect 30 days later. The council remains committed to addressing community concerns and exploring ways to mitigate the impact of these designations on residents' insurance and property safety.