HomeMy WebLinkAboutREDdunsmoreph1,11110111 1111111111121I councri memo2anOu mIII
DATE :
TO :
VIA :
FROM :
RECEIVE D
NOV092010
Katie Lichtig'/
SLO CITY CLER K
John Mandeville, Corn unity Development Directo r
November 9 201 0
City Counci l
BY :
Philip Dunsmore, Senior Planne r
SUBJECT :
PH Item 1 : Safety Element update : Fire Hazards
RED FILE
MEETING AGEND A
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Staff is recommending minor revisions to the proposed policy language to better reflect the intent
of the government code and be consistent with the recently updated California Building Code .
The revisions clarify that only new buildings would require implementation of the Wildland -
Urban Interface Building Standards and that vegetation management required by the ne w
standards will be applied in a manner consistent with existing policies that protect nativ e
vegetation and sensitive habitats .
Vegetation management as defined by the Government Code does not mandate removal of nativ e
vegetation and trees, but only the removal of excessive fuels such as dead growth, excessiv e
undergrowth or dense brush that is within close proximity to a new structure . Currently, th e
adopted California Fire Code regulates the management of hazardous vegetation capable o f
being ignited and endangering property for existing developed property . Furthermore, th e
policies in the City's Conservation and Open Space Element and newly adopted Green Buildin g
Codes protect native trees and vegetation . These policies and codes are not mutually exclusive ,
and will be applied simultaneously as buffer zones and landscape plans are considered in th e
future .
3 .0 Policy : Wildland Fire Safet y
A.Wildland fire hazards severity zones shall be classified as prescribed by Cal Fire . Areas withi n
the City, outside of the "Very High" Fire Hazard Severity Zone as shown in Figure 2 an d
associated wildland-urban interface zones, shall be classified by the City's Fire Marshal .
B.New subdivisions shall be prohibited in areas of "Very High" wildland fire hazard as shown i n
Figure 2 unless part of conservation or open space acquisition program . Development o f
existing parcels shall require a development plan to manage fuels, maintain a buffer zone, an d
provide adequate fire protection to the approval of the City Building Official . The developmen t
plan must be consistent with policies required by the City's in the Conservation and Open Spac e
Element.
C.Newbuildings that are within 1000 feet from any State or Locally designated "High" or "Ver y
High" fire hazard zone shall utilize ignition resistant Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Are a
Building Standards and meet the standards and vegetation management as established b y
Government Code sections 51175 – 51189 and as described in chapter 7A of the Californi a
Redfile memo II-9-IOv2 (2).doc
Building Code . Vegetation management shall be consistent with policies required bythe City's
in the Conservation and Open Space Element .
by theCity's Conservation and OpenSpace Element .