Council approves first reading to adopt updated state fire severity maps into Mount Shasta code

The Mount Shasta City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance on May 20 to amend municipal code chapter 7.60 and adopt the state’s updated very high fire hazard severity maps, staff said.

Fire and planning staff told the council the updated maps from CAL FIRE and the State Fire Marshal substantially expand areas designated as “very high severity,” including commercial areas along Main Street and other sections of the city. Staff said state law requires local adoption within 120 days of the updated maps and that adoption allows the city to permit new development in affected zones subject to updated defensible-space, home-hardening and evacuation standards.

Staff said the ordinance amendment also aligns local code with Title 24 building-code changes and the city’s existing defensible-space inspection and home-hardening work. The staff presentation noted some parts of the city remain in lower categories; staff said the designation cannot be reduced locally once the state has designated an area as very high.

A public commenter raised concerns that expanded severity designations could affect residents’ ability to obtain insurance and said the city should consider additional warning systems such as sirens for evacuation. Staff responded that insurance decisions are made by insurers and not mandated by the state mapping and that the city has implemented Ready Siskiyou/Genesis evacuation planning and notifications.

Council made a motion to approve the first reading by title only of ordinance CCO-25-__ amending municipal code chapter 7.60. The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.