Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Local Responsibility Area

Introduction Video

https://fire-hazard-severity-zones-rollout-calfire-forestry.hub.arcgis.com/pages/about-fhsz-in-lra

• FHSZ Classification: Fire Hazard Severity Zone properties are categorized by terrain, vegetation, fire history, and climate conditions
  • Moderate (Yellow)
  • High (Orange)
  • Very High (Red)
• Fire Hazard vs. Risk: The maps indicate hazard potential, not immediate risk, and do not account for mitigation efforts like defensible space or fire-resistant construction.
• Impact on Property Owners:
  • Homeowners in Very High FHSZ must comply with defensible space and home hardening requirements. After local risk assessments are performed, additional zones may be obligated to meet defensible space requirements.
  • In Monrovia, a 200-foot defensible space clearance is mandatory around structures in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. This 200-foot clearance includes Zone 1 (0-30 feet from building or structure) and Zone 2 (30-200 feet from building or structure)
  • New buildings in the High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must adhere to Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) building codes established by Chapter 7a of the California Building Code.
  • California Assembly Bill 38 (AB38) – Defensible Space Inspections – AB38 states that the seller of a residential property located in the Very High and High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must submit documentation of compliance with locally adopted defensible space requirements before the close of escrow.

The City of Monrovia will review Cal Fire’s updated maps and create a local version for adoption within 120 days. We are not permitted to downgrade any areas identified by Cal Fire. However, we may upgrade severity classifications and zone requirements based on local conditions and risk assessments with sufficient justification. The adoption of these new maps is mandated by Legislative Assembly Bill 211 (AB211).

As part of this process:

• Public Review: The City has 30 days from the release date to share with the public the updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps.
• Ordinance Adoption: The City must adopt a finalized map and ordinance within 120 days of receiving the map. 
• Submission to Cal Fire: After adoption, the City has 30 days to submit the ordinance to Cal Fire.

• Assembly Bill 337 (1992) originally mandated the identification of Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones following devastating wildfires.
• Senate Bill 63 (2021) now requires FHSZ classifications to include Moderate and High zones in addition to Very High, expanding fire hazard oversight. Historically, only the Very High zone was identified in the Local Responsibility Area.

• Assembly Bill 211 (2022) requires local agencies to adopt Moderate, High, and Very High FHSZ designations within 120 days of state recommendations. Local governments cannot downgrade hazard levels identified by the state but may increase them if justified.

The City of Monrovia is working to:

• Evaluate Local Risk: Assess wildfire hazards based on regional conditions and determine whether additional areas should be upgraded to include a higher risk classification or increased requirements within the established zones.
• Evaluate and Address Impacts: Our Community Development Department is reviewing how this update affects building codes and development standards.
• Public Outreach: We’ll share information through meetings, newsletters, and social media. 
• Ordinance Development: Work will be done to finalize an ordinance that aligns with state regulations and local wildfire mitigation efforts.

We encourage residents and property owners to stay engaged as this process unfolds. Here's how you can get involved:

• Review the Updated Map: Check if a property is affected. You can follow the link above to access the map.
• Attend Meetings: We’ll announce public meetings where you can learn more and share input.
• Follow Updates: Stay informed through City Manager Updates, social media, and city website updates.

Resources

California Fire Hazard Severity Zone

Legislation and Frequently Asked Questions

Message from the California Department of Insurance

Safer from Wildfires

For any public comments and questions, please contact us at mfd@monroviaca.gov or 626-256-8181.