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Encinitas council adopts updated fire severity maps; staff to provide outreach and parcel-level guidance
Summary
Council adopted updated high-severity wildfire hazard maps that change some parcel designations; staff said they will provide mailers and public education and coordinate state fire code changes with parcel-level implementation guidance.
The Encinitas City Council adopted updated Very High and High Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps and directed staff to provide outreach and parcel-level information to affected residents.
A public speaker from the Scotts Valley area urged council to provide uniform, clear implementation guidance because some lots straddle multiple hazard zones and owners need to know which standards will apply to defensible-space requirements and building or vegetation choices.
Fire staff said the maps will apply to affected parcels upon ordinance adoption and that the state fire code is being updated this year. Staff said they have mailed or will mail informational notices to residents in the currently designated very high areas and will prepare more materials and flyers as the new mapping and code changes take effect. The fire marshal said adoption triggers application of the city’s current fire-code requirements to newly mapped parcels 30 days after adoption; staff emphasized their intent to educate owners rather than immediately pursue enforcement.
Council voted to adopt the mapping updates as presented and asked staff to coordinate public outreach, explain defensible-space standards by zone and make materials available to homeowners’ associations for prioritized properties. Staff noted the California Public Utilities Commission and state fire-code updates are part of the overall process; they also said they will provide the parcel-level information through the city’s GIS and targeted mailings.
