Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael Callagy, County Executive
Jed Wilson, Fire Chief, San Mateo County Fire/CalFire
Subject: Introduction of Ordinance of the San Mateo County Fire Department Designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones and Determining that the Ordinance is Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
RECOMMENDATION:
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Introduction of an ordinance of the San Mateo County Fire Department designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones in its jurisdiction as recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and determining that the ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, and waive the reading of the ordinance in its entirety.
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BACKGROUND:
The State of California has long recognized the need for fire hazard classification. Government Code Section 51179(a) outlines the State Fire Marshal’s responsibility to periodically update and provide Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps to local agencies. These maps serve as a key resource for local governments in planning and implementing fire prevention measures. Additionally, these maps are used for land use planning for future development and new construction.
DISCUSSION:
On February 24, 2025, the San Mateo County Fire Department (SMCFD) received the updated FHSZ maps from the State Fire Marshal’s Office. These maps were developed pursuant to Government Code Section 51178, which mandates the identification and classification of areas in California based on their relative fire hazard severity. The designation is a crucial step in implementing fire prevention strategies and ensuring the safety of residents in high-hazard areas.
The maps do not limit or restrict the SMCFD’s authority to impose more restrictive fire and public safety requirements, as otherwise authorized by law.
The maps measure hazard and not risk. Fire “hazard” is based on physical conditions that create a likelihood of expected fire behavior over a 30 to 50-year period without considering mitigation measures such as home hardening, recent wildfires, or fuel reduction. Fire “risk” is the potential damage a fire can do to the area under existing conditions, accounting for any modifications such as fuel reduction projects, defensible space, and ignition-resistant building construction.
Government Code Section 51178.5 mandates that local agencies must make the proposed Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps available for public review and comment before adoption. To comply with this requirement, the SMCFD has taken the following steps:
• The FHSZ maps have been published on the department’s official website for public access.
• Public comments are being solicited, and community members are encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed designations.
The proposed ordinance adopting the fire hazard severity zones as recommended by the State Fire Marshal is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as a ministerial action, required by law.
County Attorney has reviewed and approved the ordinance as to form.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The FHSZ maps are crucial in facilitating SMCFD’s ability to implement fire safety and prevention measures for all affected County residents.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact with the adoption of this ordinance.
Attachment:
Exhibit A - The Official Map of the San Mateo County Fire Department Fire Hazard Severity Zones