Dana Point council introduces ordinance updating fire hazard severity zones after CAL FIRE map changes

Dana Point city staff presented updated fire hazard severity maps from CAL FIRE and the City Council introduced an ordinance to amend Dana Point Municipal Code chapter 8.42.0.01 to adopt the updated map and related building-code provisions.

Jess McCloskey, the city’s building official, told the council that CAL FIRE’s updated maps reclassify some areas of the city, expanding the zones that will trigger Chapter 7A of the California Building Code. "Fire hazard severity zone maps evaluate hazard, not risk," McCloskey said, explaining that the maps are based on long-term physical conditions and expected fire behavior. He noted that local agencies must adopt the maps by July 24 and submit adoption documents to the Board of Forestry within 30 days after adoption.

McCloskey said the new map shifts some areas into higher designations: areas previously shown as ember zones are reclassified so the red (very high) and orange (high) zones will now trigger more stringent home-hardening and construction requirements. "New construction and renovations in high and very high fire severity zones must comply with Chapter 7A of the California Building Code," McCloskey said.

Councilmembers asked how the changes might affect building costs and renovations. Mayor Pro Tem Gabbard asked whether the council had reviewed potential cost impacts; McCloskey replied the city had not done a detailed cost study but offered to prepare one estimating incremental costs for typical home-hardening measures. Councilmember Frost asked how the rules apply to renovations; McCloskey said that only the elements of new construction or replacement work would need to meet Chapter 7A requirements (for example, roofing, windows, siding or other exterior elements in the area of improvement).

After discussion, the council voted to move the staff-recommended action to introduce the ordinance and begin the adoption process. Councilmembers gave unanimous voice votes in favor on the motion to introduce the ordinance and proceed with required filings.

Councilmembers also asked staff to return with an analysis of likely cost impacts for homeowners and how code enforcement and defensible-space inspections would be handled; McCloskey said code enforcement would partner with Orange County Fire Authority for defensible-space enforcement.

The action begins a required local process: once the council adopts the ordinance and files it with the Board of Forestry, the Board will notify the city and the local adoption process will be complete. The change will affect future permitting and some renovation work in affected areas when the 2025 California Building Code adoption takes effect.