Oxnard City Council approves fire hazard severity zone ordinance from Cal Fire

Oxnard City Council took a significant step towards enhancing fire safety during their meeting on June 3, 2025, by approving the first reading of an ordinance that designates fire hazard severity zones throughout the city. This ordinance is a response to updated statewide fire hazard maps released by Cal Fire, which categorize areas based on their risk of wildfires.

Community Development Director Jeff Pingelly explained that the new maps, which must be adopted by July 10, 2025, identify 421 parcels in high fire hazard zones and 167 in moderate zones. The council emphasized the importance of public outreach, noting that town hall meetings had been held to inform residents about the implications of these designations, particularly regarding insurance impacts and construction requirements for new developments.

The ordinance does not impose retrofitting requirements on existing structures but introduces new construction standards aimed at improving fire resistance. These include ember-resistant features and guidelines for vegetation management around properties. Fire Chief Alex Hamilton highlighted the critical role of defensible space—maintaining a clear area around homes to prevent fire spread—and urged homeowners to manage vegetation effectively.

Council members expressed concerns about ensuring that residents are adequately informed about their properties' designations and the potential implications for insurance. Suggestions were made to notify property owners directly, as many residents may not have attended the public meetings.

The council unanimously approved the ordinance, marking a proactive approach to fire safety in Oxnard. As the city prepares for the implementation of these new regulations, officials are committed to ongoing communication with residents to enhance community awareness and preparedness against wildfire risks.