DATE: June 4, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Fire Department
TITLE: ORDINANCE OFFICIALLY DESIGNATING THE FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES WITHIN THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends that the City Council introduce an ordinance officially designating the Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs) within the City of Oceanside, as recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), in accordance with Government Code Section 51179.
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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
The State of California, through CAL FIRE, is responsible for identifying areas of varying fire hazard severity based on factors such as fuel, slope, weather, and fire history. These zones are classified as Moderate, High, or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Under Government Code Section 51179, local agencies are required to adopt these zones by local ordinance to enhance wildfire preparedness, mitigation, and land-use policy.
As part of the map update process, and as required by California Government Code Section 51178, a public comment period was made available to residents for a period of 30 days, ending on April 25. All public comments received will be compiled and forwarded to CAL FIRE, however the Oceanside Fire Department is not able to decrease the severity of zones regardless of comments provided.
CAL FIRE has completed a scientific and data-driven analysis to update the Fire Hazard Severity Zones across the state. These updates are part of a statewide effort to address the increased frequency and intensity of wildfires and to inform local planning decisions, building standards, and public safety measures. The proposed ordinance aligns local zoning maps with CAL FIRE's latest recommendations, which will:
* Enhance the City's ability to prioritize fuel reduction projects and defensible space enforcement.
* Inform future development and building code compliance in at-risk areas.
* Improve the City's eligibility for state...
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