Atascadero council adopts 2025 fire hazard severity zone map; two members recused

Atascadero City Council approved the second reading and adoption of the city’s 2025 fire hazard severity zone map during the meeting.

The nut graf: The map was adopted after public comment and a brief staff and council discussion about conflict-of-interest guidance. The city attorney and staff advised caution after an opinion referenced Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) guidance; the council recorded the action with two members recused from the vote.

Mayor Borbeau explained the prior-hour conflict advice and said she personally disagreed with the finding but would step aside for this administrative action; she handed the gavel to Mayor Pro Tem Darris to preside over the item. Staff opened public comment and resident Jeff Vosland said he disagreed with which council members recused, arguing the map’s color changes could later impact residents.

The council then moved and seconded approval of the item. During roll call the members voting in favor were Councilmember Dennis Funk, Councilmember (first name not provided in roll call transcript) Newsom and Mayor Pro Tem Tim Darris; the motion carried with a recorded 3–0 vote and two recusals noted in the record. Council members discussed that the FPPC opinion letter had explicitly highlighted potential conflicts tied to fire severity mapping and that staff had followed the FPPC guidance "out of an abundance of caution."

Ending: The meeting record notes the adoption as a final administrative action with two members recused; staff said the action implements the city’s hazard-mapping updates per state and local practice and will be reflected in city records.