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Vacaville council approves fire hazard severity zone ordinance after recusal; Stockton votes no
Summary
The council voted to approve the reading of a fire hazard severity zone ordinance on the consent calendar after a councilmember recused themselves; Councilmember Ken Stockton voted no, citing homeowner insurance and mapping errors.
Vacaville City Council voted on June 10 to approve item 5A, the reading of a proposed fire hazard severity zone ordinance, after Councilmember Silva recused herself because her residence is within a proposed zone.
Councilmember Ken Stockton objected and voted against the item, saying the state process did not adequately account for local feedback and that mapping errors could affect homeowner insurance rates. "This process, I believe has a potential to affect the homeowners insurance rates for our people," Stockton said during the meeting. The council proceeded with a roll-call vote; the motion to approve the ordinance passed with a majority of councilmembers on the dais voting yes.
Why it matters: the new map and related designation could affect property owners' insurance costs and the way wildfire risk is publicly mapped. Several councilmembers and staff said they would continue to press Sacramento and the state fire marshal for clarifications and possible corrections to the map.
What council said Councilmember Silva recused herself from item 5A because her personal residence falls within the proposed fire hazard severity zone. She told the council she would refrain from voting but could remain in the room for the consent vote after city attorney guidance.
Stockton said the state's process "declined to accept any sort of feedback from our community members and their concerns weren't heard" and cited mapping errors, for example a water canal labeled as a street. Mayor John Carley acknowledged the council's frustration with the state response and said the city would continue to work with Sacramento.
Public comment and next steps The council opened the item for public comment and received none on the item itself. Staff reported that the city had already sent a letter to the state fire marshal expressing concerns; the response received was described by council as unhelpful. Council members said they would continue to pursue the issue with state officials and monitor any implications for residents.
Ending The ordinance passed on the consent calendar. The council signaled it would continue following up with state agencies and track whether map corrections or state-level responses are forthcoming.
