For Economic Development Committee May 29, 2025
TO: Honorable Economic Development Committee Members
APPROVAL: Brian Park, Fire Chief
FROM: Chris Jensen, Fire Marshal
Title
Update and Preparation for Local Adoption of State-Mandated Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps
Body
DISCUSSION
The California State Fire Marshal's Office has initiated the rollout of updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps across the state. These updates are required under California Government Code ? 51179 and Public Resources Code ? 4202, and mandate that all local agencies adopt the updated maps within 120 days of release. The updated maps for San Bernardino County, including the City of Rialto, were released on March 24, 2025, which sets the local adoption deadline at July 22, 2025.
A public hearing is required as part of the local ordinance adoption process, pursuant to Government Code ? 65090. The updated FHSZ maps are designed to increase fire resiliency in areas prone to wildfire risk and to guide future development in compliance with California Building Code Chapter 7A, which outlines construction standards for buildings in the Very High and High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
KEY POINTS
* Adoption of updated maps required by July 22, 2025.
* Impacts are not retroactive to existing developments (e.g., Lennar homes).
* The updates are anticipated to expand High and Very High Fire Hazard zones, particularly in northern incorporated areas and in future development near the Lytle Creek Specific Plan.
* California Building Standards Code (Title 24, Part 2, Chapter 7A) applies to new construction in VHFHSZs and HFHSZs.
* Insurance impacts are unrelated to the map updates; maps support mitigation standards that may improve insurability long-term.
* Proactive outreach and a strategic communications plan will be necessary to manage anticipated public concern.
TIMELINE& NEXT STEPS
Milestone
Target Date
State Fire Marshal Map Release
March 24, 2025
Draft Map Review and Analysis Be...
Click here for full text