Pacifica resident urges stronger defensible‑space enforcement; commissioners note upcoming state building code changes

Ken Miles, a Pacifica resident, used the meeting’s oral‑communications period to urge the city to improve enforcement of defensible‑space requirements and tree trimming in neighborhoods he described as wildfire‑prone.

“I’m concerned about the lack of fire, consciousness in Pacifica,” Miles said, citing large trees such as acacia and eucalyptus near homes and a perceived lack of enforcement that would reduce wildfire risk. He asked the city to adopt and enforce measures so residents maintain defensible space around structures.

Commissioners later discussed the concern during commission communications. Staff told commissioners that fire hazard severity zones are designated by the State Fire Marshal and that the state has consolidated fire‑safety regulations into a new Part 7 of the building code; staff said some new requirements will take effect in January 2026 and are typically enforced through building permits and the North County Fire Authority. Commissioner Davis suggested that community education about defensible space could be a practical first step. No formal action or ordinance change was taken at the meeting.

Staff and commissioners said referrals to the city’s emergency‑preparedness groups, coordination with fire officials and public education could help address the issue. Commissioners also noted that code enforcement resources and jurisdictional limits (state vs. local authority) affect what the city can require and enforce.

No formal motions or votes resulted from the oral comment and subsequent discussion; commissioners requested that staff and relevant committees continue to communicate with Council and fire officials about enforcement, public education and the coming code changes.