Council hears update on state fire-hazard severity maps; public hearing and comments planned

City staff told the Atascadero City Council they are reviewing newly released California State Fire Marshal hazard severity maps and will solicit public comment prior to a state deadline.

City Manager Lewis said staff are comparing the new maps with the city's existing wildland‑urban interface map adopted in 2021. He warned the maps are not a straight one‑to‑one comparison and that changes could affect building codes and defensible‑space requirements in areas the state identifies as “high” or “very high” hazard.

Fire Chief Bryson said the maps “came out on Monday morning” and that the new delineations are “drastically different” from the city’s current lines. Bryson said the city must enforce its wildland‑urban interface building code for areas the state classifies as high and very high, and staff will use the upcoming comment period to identify changes and provide public education about impacts.

The council discussed the limits of the Brown Act for in‑meeting deliberations on matters not on the agenda and noted questions residents commonly raise about insurance and other effects. Council members asked that staff provide clear online materials and a public hearing where residents can ask questions before the state deadline. Chief Bryson said the city will publish maps on the city website, accept comments to both the local fire marshal and the state, and schedule a public hearing prior to the comment deadline.

No formal council action was taken; staff described next steps and a timeline to solicit and document public input so the city can submit comments within the state’s comment period.