Fire Hazard Severity Zone

As you know we have been busy finalizing the Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zone recommendations. Based on the recent LA Fires and recovery, we have pivoted our roll out plan slightly to a phased-out approach. Please see the map for the timing of when each phase will be transmitted to Local Agencies.

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Accessible Links

https://www.fire.ca.gov/dspace

 

https://fire-hazard-severity-zones-rollout-calfire-forestry.hub.arcgis.com/

Public Comments, Questions, or Concerns

Please call or email us at

(831) 275-1700 M-F 8am-5pm

Hazard@cityofmarina.org

Quick Links

Cal Fire Links

  1. 2024 FHSZ FAQs_SPANISH
  2. Fire Hazard Severity Zone FAQs
  3. Govner Executive Order-18-25-final
  4. Local Responsibility Area-Legislation-Factsheet
  5. Marina City Fire Hazard Severity Zone
  6. Zone 0 -presentation_ada

The recent updates to Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in California provide a more accurate assessment of wildfire risks based on modern climate data and fire modeling. These updates affect both State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and Local Responsibility Areas (LRA), influencing fire prevention measures, building codes, and real estate disclosures. 

Adoption of these newest maps for the LRA  is required by Legislative Assembly Bill 211 (AB211). The city of Marina has 120 days to adopt these map updates.  The city of Marina received these maps on March 10, 2025. The updated regulations will apply to those areas located within the District boundaries.  The District has no influence over downgrading hazard levels, we can only increase them if justified

Key Takeaways:

  • FHSZ Classification: Properties are categorized as Moderate, High, or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones based on terrain, vegetation, fire history, and climate conditions.
  • Fire Hazard vs. Risk: The maps indicate hazard potential, not immediate risk, and do not account for mitigation efforts like defensible space or fire-resistant construction.
  • Impact on Property Owners:
    • Homeowners in Very High FHSZ must comply with stringent defensible space and home hardening requirements.
    • 100-foot defensible space clearance is mandatory around structures in these zones.
    • New construction and renovations in designated zones must adhere to Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) building codes.
    • Property sellers must disclose FHSZ designations during real estate transactions.

Legislative Updates:

  • Senate Bill 63 (2021) now requires FHSZ classifications to include Moderate and High zones in addition to Very High, expanding fire hazard oversight.
  • Assembly Bill 337 (1992) originally mandated the identification of Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones following devastating wildfires.

Mapping & Compliance:

  • The State Fire Marshal is responsible for updating FHSZ maps, which are used to enforce fire safety standards across the state.
  • Local jurisdictions are required to review and adopt the updated maps, ensuring communities are better prepared for wildfire threats.