Residential development agreements: very high fire risk areas.
The bill aims to enhance safety by ensuring that new residential projects will not be established in areas deemed dangerous due to high fire hazards. This preemptive measure aligns with current laws requiring cities and counties to adopt long-term general plans, including housing and land use elements. By defining very high fire risk areas based on state-determined hazard severity zones, the bill seeks to unify regulations across jurisdictions, thus promoting consistent fire safety standards statewide.
Assembly Bill 1295, introduced by Assembly Member Muratsuchi, addresses the issue of residential development in areas identified as high risk for fire hazards. The bill introduces Section 65865.7 to the Government Code, stating that, starting January 1, 2022, no city or county may enter into residential development agreements for properties situated within very high fire risk areas. This legislation is a response to increasing concerns over wildfire risks and aims to mitigate potential catastrophes by restricting development in vulnerable zones.
Debate surrounding AB 1295 has centered on the balance between housing development needs and public safety concerns. Proponents argue that the legislation is essential for protecting residents and preventing disasters associated with wildfires, particularly in the wake of severe fire seasons in California. Conversely, critics may raise concerns about the restrictions it imposes on local governments, fearing that it could exacerbate housing shortages in already tight markets without addressing the underlying causes of wildfire vulnerability.