Oakdale council adopts state-mandated fire hazard zones ordinance 5-0

Oakdale’s City Council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance implementing state-designated fire hazard severity zones for areas inside the city limits, responding to requirements set by the state fire marshal.

“A new state requirement, requiring us to approve a fire hazard map,” said staff member Tom during his presentation, referencing Government Code sections 51,178 and 51,179 that direct the state fire marshal to identify hazard zones and require local agencies to adopt designations by ordinance.

Staff told the council the maps classify areas as moderate, high or very high hazard severity based on statewide criteria such as fuel loading, slope and fire weather. The maps cannot be adjusted locally until the state’s next update cycle, which staff said is approximately seven years away. For Oakdale, staff said the primary area affected is the airport and some parkland; staff also noted ongoing fuel‑reduction work at Kerr Park.

Council members asked whether the designation would directly change insurance rates and whether it affects current building construction. Staff replied the designation could affect insurance costs but does not change ISO ratings; the more immediate effect is on building-code requirements for new construction or significant additions in higher-severity zones. “It will change the building construction rate, for sure,” one council member said during the discussion.

The council approved the ordinance by a 5-0 roll-call vote. Staff described the adoption as required by state law; council members had the option to adopt, continue the item or reject it but chose to adopt.

The ordinance applies to new construction and to remodels that expand habitable area, which may trigger updated code requirements. Staff said maps and regulations will be revisited once the state completes its next mapping cycle.