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Council holds first reading of ordinance adopting updated state fire hazard severity maps for local responsibility area
Summary
City staff presented the first reading of Ordinance 835 to adopt Local Responsibility Area (LRA) fire hazard severity zone maps as determined by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire); second reading and adoption scheduled for May 27.
Grass Valley held the first reading of Ordinance 835, which designates updated Local Responsibility Area (LRA) fire hazard severity zone maps as required by the California Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Staff presentation and public input: Fire officials explained the mapping update increases the area within the city that the state classifies as very high fire hazard severity zones. Staff said the State Fire Marshal requires city adoption of the new maps within 120 days of map release. Officials said they had received four public comments during the review period (three questioning ratings and one seeking mapping clarification) and had offered earlier public outreach to explain the state's mapping process.
Council action and timeline: Council held the first reading, waived full reading and read by title only. Staff reported the second reading and formal adoption are scheduled for the May 27 council meeting, after which the ordinance will be submitted to the state as required.
Why it matters: Adoption of the LRA maps affects land‑use planning, permitting and certain defensible‑space and mitigation requirements in and around designated very high fire hazard severity areas. The maps are set by the state; local adoption implements the state designation into local regulatory practice.
Next steps: The council scheduled second reading and adoption at the May 27 meeting, and staff said they would respond to outstanding questions from the community and submit the adopted ordinance to the state fire marshal as required by statute (government code language cited by staff).
