Dunsmuir council adopts ordinance aligning local fire-hazard zone rules with state law

Dunsmuir's City Council adopted Ordinance 578 in its second reading and moved to align the city's municipal code with current state law on fire-hazard severity zones. City Manager Reece read the ordinance aloud and cited the state code that requires municipalities to adopt the state-recommended zones within a specified timeframe.

"An ordinance revising Dunsbury municipal code to align chapter 15.24.0.130 with current state law," Reece read during the meeting; Council member Brian moved to adopt the ordinance "by title only" and it was seconded. The ordinance text references California Government Code section 51179 and sets procedures for the fire chief and building official to review and enforce state-designated fire hazard severity classifications, requires public review within 30 days of a transmittal from the state fire marshal, and allows the fire chief to increase zone classifications prior to council designation.

The change is procedural: it updates timelines and the roles of the fire chief and building official so Dunsmuir follows the state-recommended approach for identifying fire-hazard severity zones. The council voted in favor and recorded the motion as approved.

The ordinance was read at the meeting and adopted after a motion to approve; council indicated no public comment on the item during the hearing. The city manager said staff will follow the publication, notice and enforcement steps set out in the revised chapter.

What comes next: the measure requires the city to make state transmittals available for public review and comment within 30 days and gives the fire chief authority to review or raise zone classifications before council action. The council did not discuss amendments to the ordinance during the meeting and directed staff to implement the notice and review steps described in the adopted text.