Perris holds workshop on new state wildfire severity maps; building, landscaping and insurance implications discussed

The City of Perris on May 7 conducted a public workshop on updated wildfire‑hazard severity maps published by CAL FIRE; Jorge Caballero, the city’s building official and fire marshal, presented the changes, how the maps were developed and what the new designations mean for residents and developers.

Caballero said CAL FIRE published the new high‑hazard severity maps March 24, based on finer‑grained “micro‑weather” and vegetation data. The maps use three categories — moderate, high and very high — and the state model increased mapped areas in portions of Perris, especially along the city’s northeast and southwest edges. The state’s Government Code requires local governments to adopt the state maps within 120 days of publication and to post the maps for at least 30 days for public review, Caballero said.

Caballero told the commission that, under the updated mapping, properties in state‑designated areas will face additional requirements for new construction and substantial remodels. Those requirements include compliance with Chapter 7A of the California Building Code…