Solvang council introduces ordinance to adopt state fire severity zone map; first reading approved 5-0

The Solvang City Council on May 27 introduced Ordinance No. 25-0382 to adopt a state-produced fire severity zone map and add a new municipal code section on fire severity zones, voting 5-0 to approve the first reading by title only.

Planning staff told the council the state map classifies parts of the city — including portions of the Alisal/Alisal Ranch corridor — into moderate, high and very high fire severity zones and that the new designation is a change from the city’s 2016 mapping. Planning staff said the map is based on probability of burning, extreme fuel and weather conditions, fire history, terrain and potential ember patterns and has been available on the city website since March 10.

The proposal, Ordinance No. 25-0382, would amend Title 10 (Building Code) to add a new section adopting the fire severity map and to require that properties in high and very high zones be disclosed at the time of sale, comply with the 2025 California Building Code standards for new construction, and follow defensible-space requirements to be developed with Santa Barbara County Fire Department. Planning staff said the very high designation triggers the same requirements as the high designation and that parcels with multiple mapped values must follow the highest applicable designation.

Council members asked how the new map differs from prior mapping, whether the map affects homeowners insurance, how often maps are updated, and how property owners will be informed and assisted. Planning staff and other council members said the state’s methodology differs from the city’s earlier local hazard mapping and that the State Fire Marshal indicated the map itself does not directly determine homeowners’ insurance rates; insurance decisions are made by insurers and regulated by the state insurance commissioner. Council members emphasized outreach and next steps, including codifying defensible-space landscaping standards and clarifying standards for existing properties versus new construction.

The council opened a public hearing; one resident asked how to confirm her neighborhood’s designation and staff demonstrated the map tool on the city website that allows residents to enter an address and see the mapped zone. Staff noted there have been no written comments opposing adoption.

Action: The council introduced Ordinance No. 25-0382 (first reading by title only) and the motion passed 5-0 on roll call. The ordinance will return for second reading at a future meeting before it can become effective.

Why it matters: The mapped designations will require seller disclosure and will guide future building-code and landscaping standards for properties in higher-severity zones. City staff described the adoption as the first step in a sequence that will include codifying defensible-space and landscape changes and coordinating with Santa Barbara County Fire Department on implementation.