Local Fire Hazard Severity Zones

The California Office of the State Fire Marshal is mandated by California Government Code Section 51178 to identify levels of fire hazard based on consistent statewide criteria and the expected severity of fire hazards. Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps are then created. Fire Hazard Severity Zones are identified as being under State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and Local Responsibility Areas (LRA). Local Responsibility Areas include incorporated cities, urban regions, agricultural lands, and portions of the desert where the local government is responsible for wildfire protection.

Recently, the Office of the State Fire Marshal revised the Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps. These changes are part of enhancing wildfire preparedness and safety across California. These maps classify areas into “Moderate,” “High,” and “Very High” fire hazard zones based on factors like vegetation, slope, and fire weather conditions. California Government Code Section 51179 requires the Office of the State Fire Marshal to make recommendations of Fire Hazard Severity Zones to local agencies for adoption by ordinance. The City of Patterson is required to adopt the map within 120 days of the map’s release. 

Previous Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps had not included or affected any areas within Patterson city limits. The Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zone is identified in the map west of the Delta Mendota Canal to city limits at the north, south, and west ends. Properties affected are on S. Rogers Road, Rogers Road, Speno Drive, Renzo Lane, and portions of the future Interstate 5 Trade Center. These include General Commercial (GC), Light Industrial (LI), and Highway Service Commercial (HSC) land uses.

Some requirements within the Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zone include:

• Design and construction of new buildings compliant with California Fire Code, Chapter 49 – Requirements for Wildland-Urban Interface Areas.
• Design and construction of new buildings compliant with Title 24 California Code of Regulations, California Building Code, Part 2, Chapter 7A – Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure.
• Wildland fire safety practices for buildings are required per California Government Code Section 51182.
• Natural hazard disclosure as part of a real estate transfer.

The City of Patterson is seeking to adopt by ordinance the Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zone map as received by the Office of the State Fire Marshal without changes, additions, or increases in area and as published. Public comments can be made by email to Hugo Rayo at hrayo@pattersonca.gov or by calling (209) 895-8147.