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San Gabriel introduces ordinance adopting CAL FIRE local hazard severity maps; council schedules second reading
Summary
City council introduced Ordinance 719 to adopt the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Local Responsibility Area fire hazard severity zone map for San Gabriel and waived full reading; council voted 5-0 to introduce and schedule second reading and adoption.
Fire Chief Steve Wallace briefed the council on the updated California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) fire hazard severity zone maps and recommended adopting an ordinance to formally accept the state's local responsibility area (LRA) designations.
"This year's map update is the first since 2011," Chief Wallace said, explaining that CAL FIRE's mapping identifies wildfire hazard areas based on fire history, fuels, topography, climate and ember exposure. He noted San Gabriel is not designated in any moderate, high or very high severity zone in the LRA maps and said "there's no data suggesting that we need to change our existing codes or regulations based on the current designations." He added the city still faces local vegetation and wash-area concerns such as portions of the Alhambra Wash, Rubio Wash adjacent to Mission Walk, and other vacant parcels, but noted mitigation and partnerships with agencies such as the San Gabriel County Water District and the Army Corps of Engineers.
The ordinance (No. 719) would adopt the CAL FIRE LRA hazard severity zone map for the city and, per state law (Government Code section 51179), cities with maps issued by the state must adopt them by ordinance within a statutory period. Chief Wallace recommended waiving full reading and introducing the ordinance by title, with a second reading and adoption to be scheduled for the next regular City Council meeting. Councilmember John Wu asked whether the designation would affect the city's JPIA insurance premiums; Wallace replied it would not increase rates and "it won't be reduced because we weren't in any fire hazard zones prior to this, but it will not make our rates go up, which is good news." Mayor Denise Menchaca thanked the fire department for the department's rapid response that evening to a lightning-caused fire and asked about park and wash maintenance; Wallace said park maintenance and periodic mitigation work occur in coordination with public works and partner agencies.
Council introduced Ordinance 719 and waived full reading; the motion to introduce and set the second reading carried 5-0.
Ending: The council scheduled the ordinance for second reading and adoption at the next regular meeting; if adopted, the ordinance becomes effective 30 days after adoption.
