Auburn council gives first reading to revised defensible-space inspection ordinance for high-fire zones

The Auburn City Council conducted the first reading July 8 of a revised ordinance (section 100.71) requiring documentation of defensible-space inspections for properties in areas designated by CAL FIRE as very high fire hazard severity zones.

Fire Chief John Rogers reviewed the history: staff introduced the original ordinance in February, but stakeholders raised concerns that requiring sellers to fix noncompliance within 30 days would be impractical and burdensome. The revised draft shortens the lookback for required documentation to six months before sale and allows sellers to obtain inspections from the fire department or a qualified third party. The ordinance as revised does not require property owners to bring their property into compliance as a condition of sale; staff will prepare educational materials for buyers instead.

Dean Anderson, chief executive of the Placer County Association of Realtors, told the council his organization appreciated being consulted and said the original 30-day window and point-of-sale approach would not be workable for many property owners. “There’s no way I could get everything done on my property in 30 days,” he said, describing significant time and cost constraints for large-scale vegetation management.

Councilmember Doudencovia moved that the council conduct the first reading by title; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call. Staff said they will continue outreach with realtors and work on educational materials for prospective buyers while implementing the ordinance as it moves through subsequent readings.