TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Jason Downs, County Fire Marshal and David Shew, Fire Administrator
REPORT BY: Shana Bagley, Deputy County Counsel
SUBJECT: Introduction of LRA FHSZ Map Ordinance
RECOMMENDATION
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Introduction and intention to adopt an Ordinance adopting the map developed by the California State Fire Marshal designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Napa County. (No Fiscal Impact)
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BACKGROUND
In June 2023, the California State Fire Marshal developed and released maps for all State Responsibility Area (SRA) lands in California. In February 2025, Governor Newsom issued an executive order mandating that the State Fire Mashal update the Local Responsibility Area (LRA) Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) Maps per Government Code section 51178. On February 24, 2025, California State Fire Marshal released the updated recommendations for Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Local Responsibility Areas for Napa County. According to Government Code section 51179, local jurisdictions must adopt these maps or impose a more restrictive map within 120 days of receiving recommended map from the State Fire Marshal. Napa County cannot decrease the level of fire hazard severity zone for any area and may only increase the level. Section 51179 allows Napa County, at its discretion, to:
(a) include areas not identified as Very High FHSZs, as Very High following a finding supported by substantial evidence in the record that the requirements of Government Code section 51182 (i.e., defensible space) are necessary for effective fire protection within the area.
(b) include areas not identified as Moderate and High FHSZs, as Moderate and High.
Adoption of this ordinance would continue to require properties in specific fire hazard severity zones to implement ignition resistant construction building standards, maintain defensible space, and disclose natural hazard at the time of sale. The 2025 LRA FHSZ Map adds new areas of Napa County that would be subje...
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