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Council hears Cal Fire map changes, staff warns of increased parcels in 'very high' fire hazard zone and forms ad hoc
Summary
City staff briefed the council on new Cal Fire fire hazard severity zone maps (phase 2) affecting Ukiah; staff said many more parcels—especially on the city’s west side—now fall in the Very High zone and recommended a public engagement and an ad hoc to work through community concerns.
Craig Schlatter, the city’s Community Development Director, told the council that Cal Fire and the Office of the State Fire Marshal released updated fire hazard severity zone maps in four phased rollouts; Ukiah’s area was included in Phase 2, released Feb. 24.
Schlatter said Government Code 51178 (as cited in staff remarks) requires each jurisdiction to adopt the designations by ordinance within 120 days, and noted the city cannot reduce mapped severity; it may only request increases. He said the new maps substantially expand the area mapped Very High, including much of West Side Ukiah where structures are present.
“That change could be significant for property owners,” Schlatter said, noting rule-making under consideration includes measures such as a five-foot ember-resistant zone around structures and a three-year phase-in for existing construction while new construction would face immediate requirements. Staff said the state has provided technical templates and that the city will host virtual workshops to inform residents and that staff will seek public engagement in early April.
The City Manager and Schlatter urged the council to form an ad hoc committee to review the maps, coordinate public engagement and raise issues with Cal Fire; the council voted to form a fire severity ad hoc that will work with staff and stakeholders on next steps.
