AGENDA ITEM NO. 8
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AGENDA STAFF REPORT
City of West Covina | Office of the City Manager
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| DATE: | July 1, 2025 |
TO: |
Mayor and City Council |
FROM: |
Milan Mrakich, City Manager |
SUBJECT: |
CONSIDERATION OF INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2532 UPDATING FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES (FHSZ) WITHIN WEST COVINA PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 51178 AND THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE |
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council introduce the following Ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. 2532 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES AND FINDING THE ORDINANCE IS EXEMPT FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15061(B)(3) (COMMON SENSE EXEMPTION)
BACKGROUND:
Pursuant to State law, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) – Office of the State Fire Marshal periodically updates fire hazard severity zone maps for Local Responsibility Areas (LRAs) throughout the State. These maps identify varying levels of fire hazard (Moderate, High, and Very High) based on factors including vegetation, topography, weather, crown fire potential, fire history and ember production and movement. State law requires local jurisdictions to designate fire hazard severity zones within their boundaries by ordinance to ensure proper implementation of associated building standards and fire safety requirements in identified hazard zones.
DISCUSSION:
CAL FIRE completed its latest assessment and released a map identifying fire hazard severity zones within the City of West Covina on March 24, 2025. The City made the map and information regarding fire hazard severity zones available on the City website www.westcovina.org/departments/fire/disaster-preparedness. Since the last publication of the fire hazard severity zone maps in 2011, the hazard classifications for the City of West Covina have been significantly revised. In 2011, 1,136 acres were designated as Very High Hazard. Based on the updated 2025 maps, the revised classifications are as follows: 47 acres fall under Very High Hazard, 862 acres are classified as High Hazard, and 233 acres are designated as Moderate Hazard. The map showing the fire hazard severity zones within the City’s boundaries is included as Exhibit A to the proposed ordinance.
Pursuant to State law, the City is required to designate the fire hazard severity zones by ordinance within 120 days of receiving recommendations from CAL FIRE.
Staff recommends that the City Council introduce the proposed ordinance.
Pursuant to State law, the City is required to designate the fire hazard severity zones by ordinance within 120 days of receiving recommendations from CAL FIRE.
Staff recommends that the City Council introduce the proposed ordinance.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney's Office has reviewed the ordinance and approved it as to form.
OPTIONS:
The City Council has the following options:
- Approve staff's recommendation; or
- Provide alternative direction.
Prepared by:
Mike Browne, Acting Fire Chief
Additional Approval:
Roxanne E. Lerma, Assistant City Manager
Fiscal Impact
FISCAL IMPACT:
The recommended action has no direct fiscal impact to the City of West Covina.
Attachments
CITY COUNCIL GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
Protect Public Safety
A Well-Planned Community
Enhance City Image and Effectiveness
A Well-Planned Community
Enhance City Image and Effectiveness