California law requires the State Fire Marshal designate fire hazard severity zones (FHSZ), based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather and other relevant factors, such as wind. The law also requires the State Fire Marshal periodically review these zones to determine if zones or ratings should be revised or repealed. This is to ensure an accurate reflection of areas susceptible to wildfire based on new science, climate data and fire assessment modeling.
On May 5, 2025, Community Planning and Building staff presented changes for the current FHSZ map (2011) and the updated map the State Fire Marshal released on March 10, 2025. Staff also presented relevant wildfire code requirements and the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) area designated in the 2024 adopted a Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
Pursuant to state law, local jurisdictions shall adopt updated FHSZ maps by ordinance within a specified amount of time. Local jurisdictions do not have the ability to decrease the level of hazard severity identified by the State Fire Marshal. However, local jurisdictions do have the discretion to increase the level of hazard severity.
On May 5, 2025, the City Council directed staff to return with a draft ordinance adopting the 2025 State Fire Marshall prepared FHSZ map.
During a public hearing on June 3, 2025, Ordinance No. 2025-002 was introduced and passed to a second reading and adoption for June 30, 2025.
Ordinance 2025-002 is included as Attachment 1, with updated fire map (Exhibit A of the Ordinance) included as Attachment 2.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council Adopt Ordinance No. 2025-002 amending Carmel Municipal Code Section 15.08.010 and Section 15.10.020 to adopt the 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map for the City as identified by the California State Fire Marshall in Accordance with Government Code Section 51178.