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Council introduces ordinance to adopt updated state wildfire hazard maps for La Verne
Summary
La Verne's fire chief presented updated fire hazard severity maps prepared by the state fire marshal; the council introduced an ordinance accepting those maps for local use and voted 4–0 to introduce and waive further reading.
La Verne's fire chief briefed the council on state‑prepared updates to Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps and the implications for building and defensible‑space standards under state law.
The chief explained the updated maps were developed using a modern fire‑behavior model that accounts for vegetation, slope, wind exposure and other factors; the maps designate local responsibility areas at moderate, high or very high hazard levels. He told the council that adopting the maps enables enforcement of California Fire Code Chapter 49 measures and California Building Code Chapter 7A construction standards in designated zones.
The council voted to introduce an ordinance to accept and implement the updated CalFire local responsibility area maps; the motion (moved by Council member Crosby, seconded by Council member Laauo) passed 4–0 with the mayor and council voting to introduce and waive further readings. The chief said the local adoption will be submitted to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, consistent with the statutory timeline.
Chief staff and councilors discussed whether existing homes would be required to retrofit immediately; the chief said new state regulations under recent legislation (often called "zone zero" guidance) are expected to apply immediately to new construction and will allow about three years for existing buildings to comply once the state finalizes implementation rules, and noted community outreach will be needed to implement retroactive compliance requirements.
