Calistoga adopts updated fire hazard severity maps; some council members recuse

The Calistoga City Council on May 20 introduced and waived first reading of an ordinance adopting updated fire hazard severity zones and adding a new chapter to the Calistoga Municipal Code to implement state-required standards.

Fire Chief Mitchang told the council the state released new fire-hazard-severity maps earlier this year and that the maps must be adopted by cities under state law. The new maps divide Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) into moderate, high and very high fire hazard severity zones and expand coverage inside city limits compared with the prior map adopted in 2011. Chief Mitchang said the updated maps reflect improved modeling of wind, ember transport and fuel behavior that can carry fires into populated areas.

Under the state framework, the updated zones trigger different requirements: in moderate zones, sellers must provide hazard disclosure when a property is sold; in high zones the California Building Code Chapter 7A (wildland-urban interface standards) applies to new construction and major remodels; and in very high zones additional development standards apply, including defensible-space enforcement that can affect existing homes.

Chief Mitchang said staff recommend adopting the state-recommended maps and follow-up administrative refinements that align parcel boundaries to a single hazard designation when a parcel straddles more than one map category; the city attorney advised that approach to reduce confusion when applying building and defensible-space rules. The chief said the city opened a 30-day public comment period and received one supportive comment.

Mayor Williams and Councilmember Eisenberg recused themselves from items 7.1 and 7.2 because of proximity to areas affected by the maps; Vice Mayor Lopez Ortega presided over the hearing for those items. After discussion and public comment, the council voted to introduce and waive the reading of the ordinance. No council action to alter the maps was taken beyond the introduction and motion to waive reading; staff said the state will update the maps on a regular cycle and the city may adopt subsequent amendments as needed.

Councilmembers asked about potential insurance impacts and microgrid operations; Chief Mitchang said the citys microgrid (operated by PG&E) is used only during public-safety power shutoff events and that Californias Insurance Commissioner has said hazard maps do not directly dictate insurer risk maps.

The ordinance introduction was approved by voice vote with required recusals recorded on the public record.