Amended IN Senate March 26, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 629Introduced by Senator Durazo(Principal coauthors: Senators Cortese, Menjivar, Prez, Reyes, Smallwood-Cuevas, and Stern)February 20, 2025 An act to amend Section 51178 of, and to add Sections 51179.5 and 51182.5 to, the Government Code, relating to wildfires. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 629, as amended, Durazo. Wildfires: fire hazard severity zones. zones: defensible space, vegetation management, and fuel modification enforcement.Existing law requires the State Fire Marshal to identify areas of the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on specified criteria. Existing law requires the State Fire Marshal to periodically review the areas in the state identified as very high fire hazard severity zones, as specified. Existing law requires a local agency, within 30 days after receiving a receiving a transmittal from the State Fire Marshal that identifies those fire hazard severity zones, to make the information available for public review and comment, and to present the information in a format that is understandable and accessible to the general public, including, but not limited to, maps. Existing law requires a person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains an occupied dwelling or structure in a very high fire hazard severity zone to maintain take certain fire risk management measures, including maintaining defensible space of 100 feet from each side of the structure, except as provided. Existing law requires the Office of the State Fire Marshal to develop a model defensible space program, as provided, that includes, but is not limited to, specified components, including enforcement mechanisms for compliance with and maintenance of defensible space requirements. Existing law includes among these enforcement mechanisms, among other things, site inspections.This bill would declare the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation regarding the frequency of inspections for compliance with defensible space requirements and the inclusion of land within a fire hazard severity zone following a wildfire. require the factors on which the fire severity zones are based to include areas within the perimeter of a wildfire that burned 1,000 or more acres, destroyed more than 10 structures, or resulted in a fatality, and to include areas at risk for an urban conflagration that accounts for the potential for structures to serve as a fuel source that extends the ember cast outside of wildland areas. The bill would require the State Fire Marshal to update the designations in the next review and all subsequent reviews, and to publish the model and methodology used to develop the fire hazard severity zones on its internet website at least 60 days before finalizing those designations.This bill would require a city or county to designate, by ordinance, an area in its jurisdiction that is within the perimeter of a wildfire described above occurring on or after January 1, 2025, as a very high fire hazard severity zone within a specified timeframe, but would authorize a city or county to exclude such an area if it makes findings, as specified, that the none of the state fire protection standards, as defined, are necessary for effective fire protection within the area. The bill would authorize a city or county to include areas within its jurisdiction that were not burned in such a wildfire as a very high, high, or moderate fire hazard severity zone, as specified. At least 60 days before adopting an ordinance designating an area burned in such a wildfire as a very high fire hazard severity zone, the bill would require the city or county to transmit a draft of the ordinance to the Office of the State Fire Marshal and to every local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county to review and recommend changes, as specified. The bill would require the city or county to consider those recommendations and, if it does not accept those recommendations, to communicate in writing its reasons for not accepting those recommendations, as specified. The bill would authorize the Office of the State Fire Marshal to request a consultation with the city or county to discuss the rejected recommendations and the citys or countys response, and would prohibit the city or county from adopting the draft ordinance until after that consultation. The bill would also authorize the Office of the State Fire Marshal to allege to the Attorney General that the city or county is in violation of state law if, following the consultation and a specified notice by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the city or county adopts the draft ordinance without the changes proposed by the office. The bill would require the city or county to amend the map of fire hazard severity zones provided by the State Fire Marshal, and to post a notice, as specified, identifying the location of the amended map, and post the amended map on its internet website. By requiring local agencies to take specific actions regarding fire hazard severity zones, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.This bill would, beginning January 1, 2027, require each local or state fire authority or designee authorized to enforce vegetation management requirements to establish, fund, and implement an enforcement program to verify ongoing compliance with the defensible space, vegetation management, and fuel modification requirements established by specified regulations. The bill would authorize those enforcing agencies to charge a fee sufficient to cover the costs of administering the program and providing any inspections conducted by the enforcing agency. The bill would also require each enforcing agency to inspect and document compliance for each affected property or structure at least once annually, except as provided, and to submit data on defensible space inspections and compliance to a reporting platform established by the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection for defensible space and home hardening assessment data. By requiring local fire authorities to take certain actions with regard to enforcement programs for defensible space, vegetation management, and fuel modification requirements, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that with regard to certain mandates no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.With regard to any other mandates, this bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs so mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NOYES Local Program: NOYES Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) Numerous studies indicate that two of the most important factors for increasing the survivability of homes in the face of wildfire are building to the states wildland-urban interface (WUI) building standards and maintaining defensible space as required by Section 4290 of the Public Resources Code. Homes built to these standards are up to 40 percent less likely to be destroyed by a wildfire. These measures are critical in reducing property loss, protecting lives, and aiding firefighting efforts.(2) Building to the WUI building standards is cost effective. Several studies demonstrate that building to the WUI standards costs the same as, or less than, building to the standards that apply in the rest of the state.(3) Building to the WUI building standards and maintaining defensible space also qualifies homeowners for discounts on their insurance under the Safer from Wildfire Framework developed by the Department of Insurance.(4) Only homes in certain fire hazard severity zones designated by the State Fire Marshal must be built to the WUI building standards and maintain defensible space. Similarly, the states standards for fire safe roads for new development and legislative requirements to plan for and mitigate the threat of wildfire also only apply in those zones.(5) Current maps of fire hazard severity zones do not account for the potential for homes and other buildings to act as fuel and spread wildfire. Accordingly, significant areas that have burned in wildfires in recent years are not included in a fire hazard severity zone, including Coffey Park in the County of Sonoma.(b) This act shall be known and may be cited as the Keeping Communities Safe from Wildfire Act of 2025.SEC. 2. Section 51178 of the Government Code is amended to read:51178. (a) The State Fire Marshal shall identify areas in the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on consistent statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors including areas all of the following:(1) Areas where winds have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread.(2) Areas burned in a wildfire, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 51179.5.(3) Areas at risk for an urban conflagration that accounts for the potential for structures to serve as a fuel source that extends the ember cast outside of wildland areas.(b) The State Fire Marshal shall, at least 60 days before finalizing the designations pursuant to subdivision (a), publish the model and methodology used to develop the fire hazard severity zones on its internet website.(c) The State Fire Marshal shall update the designations as required under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subdivision (a), and publish the model and methodology in accordance with subdivision (b), in the next review and all subsequent reviews made pursuant to Section 51181.SEC. 3. Section 51179.5 is added to the Government Code, to read:51179.5. (a) For purposes of this section:(1) Area burned in a wildfire means any land area included within the perimeter of a wildfire, as shown on an incident map posted on the internet website of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, that meets any of the following conditions:(A) The wildfire burned 1,000 or more acres.(B) The wildfire destroyed more than 10 structures.(C) The wildfire resulted in a fatality.(2) State fire protection standards means all of the following, or their successor provisions:(A) Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).(B) Chapter 49 of the California Fire Code.(C) Section R337 of the California Residential Code.(D) Chapter 12-7A of the California Referenced Standards Code.(E) Subchapter 2 (commencing with Section 1270) of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.(F) Article 3 (commencing with Section 1299) of Subchapter 3 of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.(G) Regulations implementing an ember-resistant zone pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 51182.(b) For wildfires occurring on or after January 1, 2025, a city or county shall designate, by ordinance, any area burned in a wildfire in its jurisdiction as a very high fire hazard severity zone within 120 days of the wildfire reaching 100 percent containment, or by May 1, 2026, whichever is later.(c) As part of the ordinance adopted pursuant to subdivision (b), a city or county may, at its discretion, do any of the following:(1) Include areas within the jurisdiction of the city and county that were not burned in a wildfire as a very high fire hazard severity zone if the city or county makes a finding supported by substantial evidence in the record that any of the state fire protection standards are necessary for effective fire protection within the area.(2) Include areas within the jurisdiction of the city and county that were not burned in a wildfire as moderate and high fire hazard severity zones, respectively.(3) Exclude areas within the jurisdiction of the city and county that were burned in a wildfire and that would otherwise be designated within the very high fire hazard severity zone pursuant to subdivision (b), following a finding supported by clear and convincing evidence in the record that none of the state fire protection standards are necessary for effective fire protection within the area.(d) At least 60 days before adopting an ordinance pursuant to subdivision (b), the city or county shall transmit a draft of the ordinance to the Office of the State Fire Marshal and to every local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county.(e) (1) The Office of the State Fire Marshal shall review the draft ordinance and may recommend changes to the city or county within 60 days of its receipt regarding whether the ordinance complies with subdivision (b).(2) A local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county may review the draft ordinance and may recommend changes to the city or county within 60 days of its receipt regarding whether the ordinance complies with subdivision (b).(f) (1) Before adopting a draft ordinance pursuant to subdivision (b), a city or county shall consider the recommendations, if any, made by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and any local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county. If the city or county does not accept all or some of those recommendations, if any, the city council or board of supervisors shall communicate in writing to the Office of the State Fire Marshal or the local agency, as applicable, its reasons for not accepting the recommendations.(2) If the city or county does not adopt recommended changes from the Office of the State Fire Marshal concerning its draft ordinance, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, within 15 days of receipt of the citys or countys written response, may request, in writing, a consultation with the city or county to discuss the recommendations and the citys or countys response. The consultation may be conducted in person, electronically, or telephonically. If the Office of the State Fire Marshal requests a consultation pursuant to this paragraph, the city or county shall not adopt the draft ordinance until after consulting with the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The consultation shall occur no later than 30 days after the Office of the State Fire Marshals written request.(3) If the recommendations from the Office of the State Fire Marshal or a local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county are not available within the time limits required by this section, the city or county may act without those recommendations.(g) (1) The city or county shall send a copy of an ordinance adopted pursuant to this section to the Office of the State Fire Marshal within 30 days of adoption.(2) If, following the consultation described in subdivision (f), the city or county adopts the draft ordinance without the changes proposed by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Office of the State Fire Marshal may allege to the Attorney General that the city or county is in violation of state law. The Office of the State Fire Marshal shall notify the city or county at least 15 days before making an allegation to the Attorney General.(h) The city or county shall amend a map described in subdivision (g) of Section 51179 pursuant to the ordinance adopted pursuant to this section and shall post a notice at the office of the county recorder, county assessor, and county planning agency identifying the location of the amended map. The amended map shall also be posted on the internet website of the city or county.(i) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize a city or county to exclude any area designated as a fire hazard severity zone pursuant to Section 51178.SEC. 4. Section 51182.5 is added to the Government Code, to read:51182.5. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:(1) Adequate progress means the enforcing agency is taking concrete steps reasonably calculated to achieve funding and implementation of the enforcement program by the date specified in subdivision (b).(2) Enforcing agency means the local or state fire authority or designee authorized to enforce vegetation management requirements.(b) Beginning January 1, 2027, an enforcing agency shall establish, fund, and implement an enforcement program to verify ongoing compliance, within the enforcing agencys jurisdiction, with the defensible space, vegetation management, and fuel modification requirements established pursuant to the following or their successor provisions:(1) Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).(2) Chapter 49 of the California Fire Code.(3) Section R337 of the California Residential Code.(4) Chapter 12-7A of the California Referenced Standards Code.(5) Subchapter 2 (commencing with Section 1270) of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.(6) Article 3 (commencing with Section 1299) of Subchapter 3 of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.(7) Regulations implementing an ember-resistant zone pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 51182.(c) The enforcing agency may charge a fee sufficient to cover the costs of administering the program and providing any inspections conducted by the enforcing agency.(d) (1) The enforcing agency shall inspect and document compliance for each affected property or structure at least once annually.(2) The enforcing agency shall submit data on defensible space inspections and compliance pursuant to this section to the defensible space and home hardening assessment reporting platform established by the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 4291.5 of the Public Resources Code.(e) An enforcing agency that adopts a finding, based on substantial evidence in the record and before January 1, 2027, that demonstrates adequate progress may delay compliance with the requirement to document compliance annually in subdivision (d) until no later than January 1, 2029.SEC. 5. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.However, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains other costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.SECTION 1.It is the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation regarding both of the following:(a)The frequency of inspections for compliance with defensible space requirements.(b)The inclusion of land within a fire hazard severity zone following a wildfire.
Amended IN Senate March 26, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 629Introduced by Senator Durazo(Principal coauthors: Senators Cortese, Menjivar, Prez, Reyes, Smallwood-Cuevas, and Stern)February 20, 2025 An act to amend Section 51178 of, and to add Sections 51179.5 and 51182.5 to, the Government Code, relating to wildfires. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 629, as amended, Durazo. Wildfires: fire hazard severity zones. zones: defensible space, vegetation management, and fuel modification enforcement.Existing law requires the State Fire Marshal to identify areas of the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on specified criteria. Existing law requires the State Fire Marshal to periodically review the areas in the state identified as very high fire hazard severity zones, as specified. Existing law requires a local agency, within 30 days after receiving a receiving a transmittal from the State Fire Marshal that identifies those fire hazard severity zones, to make the information available for public review and comment, and to present the information in a format that is understandable and accessible to the general public, including, but not limited to, maps. Existing law requires a person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains an occupied dwelling or structure in a very high fire hazard severity zone to maintain take certain fire risk management measures, including maintaining defensible space of 100 feet from each side of the structure, except as provided. Existing law requires the Office of the State Fire Marshal to develop a model defensible space program, as provided, that includes, but is not limited to, specified components, including enforcement mechanisms for compliance with and maintenance of defensible space requirements. Existing law includes among these enforcement mechanisms, among other things, site inspections.This bill would declare the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation regarding the frequency of inspections for compliance with defensible space requirements and the inclusion of land within a fire hazard severity zone following a wildfire. require the factors on which the fire severity zones are based to include areas within the perimeter of a wildfire that burned 1,000 or more acres, destroyed more than 10 structures, or resulted in a fatality, and to include areas at risk for an urban conflagration that accounts for the potential for structures to serve as a fuel source that extends the ember cast outside of wildland areas. The bill would require the State Fire Marshal to update the designations in the next review and all subsequent reviews, and to publish the model and methodology used to develop the fire hazard severity zones on its internet website at least 60 days before finalizing those designations.This bill would require a city or county to designate, by ordinance, an area in its jurisdiction that is within the perimeter of a wildfire described above occurring on or after January 1, 2025, as a very high fire hazard severity zone within a specified timeframe, but would authorize a city or county to exclude such an area if it makes findings, as specified, that the none of the state fire protection standards, as defined, are necessary for effective fire protection within the area. The bill would authorize a city or county to include areas within its jurisdiction that were not burned in such a wildfire as a very high, high, or moderate fire hazard severity zone, as specified. At least 60 days before adopting an ordinance designating an area burned in such a wildfire as a very high fire hazard severity zone, the bill would require the city or county to transmit a draft of the ordinance to the Office of the State Fire Marshal and to every local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county to review and recommend changes, as specified. The bill would require the city or county to consider those recommendations and, if it does not accept those recommendations, to communicate in writing its reasons for not accepting those recommendations, as specified. The bill would authorize the Office of the State Fire Marshal to request a consultation with the city or county to discuss the rejected recommendations and the citys or countys response, and would prohibit the city or county from adopting the draft ordinance until after that consultation. The bill would also authorize the Office of the State Fire Marshal to allege to the Attorney General that the city or county is in violation of state law if, following the consultation and a specified notice by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the city or county adopts the draft ordinance without the changes proposed by the office. The bill would require the city or county to amend the map of fire hazard severity zones provided by the State Fire Marshal, and to post a notice, as specified, identifying the location of the amended map, and post the amended map on its internet website. By requiring local agencies to take specific actions regarding fire hazard severity zones, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.This bill would, beginning January 1, 2027, require each local or state fire authority or designee authorized to enforce vegetation management requirements to establish, fund, and implement an enforcement program to verify ongoing compliance with the defensible space, vegetation management, and fuel modification requirements established by specified regulations. The bill would authorize those enforcing agencies to charge a fee sufficient to cover the costs of administering the program and providing any inspections conducted by the enforcing agency. The bill would also require each enforcing agency to inspect and document compliance for each affected property or structure at least once annually, except as provided, and to submit data on defensible space inspections and compliance to a reporting platform established by the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection for defensible space and home hardening assessment data. By requiring local fire authorities to take certain actions with regard to enforcement programs for defensible space, vegetation management, and fuel modification requirements, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that with regard to certain mandates no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.With regard to any other mandates, this bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs so mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NOYES Local Program: NOYES
Amended IN Senate March 26, 2025
Amended IN Senate March 26, 2025
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION
Senate Bill
No. 629
Introduced by Senator Durazo(Principal coauthors: Senators Cortese, Menjivar, Prez, Reyes, Smallwood-Cuevas, and Stern)February 20, 2025
Introduced by Senator Durazo(Principal coauthors: Senators Cortese, Menjivar, Prez, Reyes, Smallwood-Cuevas, and Stern)
February 20, 2025
An act to amend Section 51178 of, and to add Sections 51179.5 and 51182.5 to, the Government Code, relating to wildfires.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SB 629, as amended, Durazo. Wildfires: fire hazard severity zones. zones: defensible space, vegetation management, and fuel modification enforcement.
Existing law requires the State Fire Marshal to identify areas of the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on specified criteria. Existing law requires the State Fire Marshal to periodically review the areas in the state identified as very high fire hazard severity zones, as specified. Existing law requires a local agency, within 30 days after receiving a receiving a transmittal from the State Fire Marshal that identifies those fire hazard severity zones, to make the information available for public review and comment, and to present the information in a format that is understandable and accessible to the general public, including, but not limited to, maps. Existing law requires a person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains an occupied dwelling or structure in a very high fire hazard severity zone to maintain take certain fire risk management measures, including maintaining defensible space of 100 feet from each side of the structure, except as provided. Existing law requires the Office of the State Fire Marshal to develop a model defensible space program, as provided, that includes, but is not limited to, specified components, including enforcement mechanisms for compliance with and maintenance of defensible space requirements. Existing law includes among these enforcement mechanisms, among other things, site inspections.This bill would declare the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation regarding the frequency of inspections for compliance with defensible space requirements and the inclusion of land within a fire hazard severity zone following a wildfire. require the factors on which the fire severity zones are based to include areas within the perimeter of a wildfire that burned 1,000 or more acres, destroyed more than 10 structures, or resulted in a fatality, and to include areas at risk for an urban conflagration that accounts for the potential for structures to serve as a fuel source that extends the ember cast outside of wildland areas. The bill would require the State Fire Marshal to update the designations in the next review and all subsequent reviews, and to publish the model and methodology used to develop the fire hazard severity zones on its internet website at least 60 days before finalizing those designations.This bill would require a city or county to designate, by ordinance, an area in its jurisdiction that is within the perimeter of a wildfire described above occurring on or after January 1, 2025, as a very high fire hazard severity zone within a specified timeframe, but would authorize a city or county to exclude such an area if it makes findings, as specified, that the none of the state fire protection standards, as defined, are necessary for effective fire protection within the area. The bill would authorize a city or county to include areas within its jurisdiction that were not burned in such a wildfire as a very high, high, or moderate fire hazard severity zone, as specified. At least 60 days before adopting an ordinance designating an area burned in such a wildfire as a very high fire hazard severity zone, the bill would require the city or county to transmit a draft of the ordinance to the Office of the State Fire Marshal and to every local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county to review and recommend changes, as specified. The bill would require the city or county to consider those recommendations and, if it does not accept those recommendations, to communicate in writing its reasons for not accepting those recommendations, as specified. The bill would authorize the Office of the State Fire Marshal to request a consultation with the city or county to discuss the rejected recommendations and the citys or countys response, and would prohibit the city or county from adopting the draft ordinance until after that consultation. The bill would also authorize the Office of the State Fire Marshal to allege to the Attorney General that the city or county is in violation of state law if, following the consultation and a specified notice by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the city or county adopts the draft ordinance without the changes proposed by the office. The bill would require the city or county to amend the map of fire hazard severity zones provided by the State Fire Marshal, and to post a notice, as specified, identifying the location of the amended map, and post the amended map on its internet website. By requiring local agencies to take specific actions regarding fire hazard severity zones, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.This bill would, beginning January 1, 2027, require each local or state fire authority or designee authorized to enforce vegetation management requirements to establish, fund, and implement an enforcement program to verify ongoing compliance with the defensible space, vegetation management, and fuel modification requirements established by specified regulations. The bill would authorize those enforcing agencies to charge a fee sufficient to cover the costs of administering the program and providing any inspections conducted by the enforcing agency. The bill would also require each enforcing agency to inspect and document compliance for each affected property or structure at least once annually, except as provided, and to submit data on defensible space inspections and compliance to a reporting platform established by the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection for defensible space and home hardening assessment data. By requiring local fire authorities to take certain actions with regard to enforcement programs for defensible space, vegetation management, and fuel modification requirements, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that with regard to certain mandates no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.With regard to any other mandates, this bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs so mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law requires the State Fire Marshal to identify areas of the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on specified criteria. Existing law requires the State Fire Marshal to periodically review the areas in the state identified as very high fire hazard severity zones, as specified. Existing law requires a local agency, within 30 days after receiving a receiving a transmittal from the State Fire Marshal that identifies those fire hazard severity zones, to make the information available for public review and comment, and to present the information in a format that is understandable and accessible to the general public, including, but not limited to, maps. Existing law requires a person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains an occupied dwelling or structure in a very high fire hazard severity zone to maintain take certain fire risk management measures, including maintaining defensible space of 100 feet from each side of the structure, except as provided. Existing law requires the Office of the State Fire Marshal to develop a model defensible space program, as provided, that includes, but is not limited to, specified components, including enforcement mechanisms for compliance with and maintenance of defensible space requirements. Existing law includes among these enforcement mechanisms, among other things, site inspections.
This bill would declare the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation regarding the frequency of inspections for compliance with defensible space requirements and the inclusion of land within a fire hazard severity zone following a wildfire. require the factors on which the fire severity zones are based to include areas within the perimeter of a wildfire that burned 1,000 or more acres, destroyed more than 10 structures, or resulted in a fatality, and to include areas at risk for an urban conflagration that accounts for the potential for structures to serve as a fuel source that extends the ember cast outside of wildland areas. The bill would require the State Fire Marshal to update the designations in the next review and all subsequent reviews, and to publish the model and methodology used to develop the fire hazard severity zones on its internet website at least 60 days before finalizing those designations.
This bill would require a city or county to designate, by ordinance, an area in its jurisdiction that is within the perimeter of a wildfire described above occurring on or after January 1, 2025, as a very high fire hazard severity zone within a specified timeframe, but would authorize a city or county to exclude such an area if it makes findings, as specified, that the none of the state fire protection standards, as defined, are necessary for effective fire protection within the area. The bill would authorize a city or county to include areas within its jurisdiction that were not burned in such a wildfire as a very high, high, or moderate fire hazard severity zone, as specified. At least 60 days before adopting an ordinance designating an area burned in such a wildfire as a very high fire hazard severity zone, the bill would require the city or county to transmit a draft of the ordinance to the Office of the State Fire Marshal and to every local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county to review and recommend changes, as specified. The bill would require the city or county to consider those recommendations and, if it does not accept those recommendations, to communicate in writing its reasons for not accepting those recommendations, as specified. The bill would authorize the Office of the State Fire Marshal to request a consultation with the city or county to discuss the rejected recommendations and the citys or countys response, and would prohibit the city or county from adopting the draft ordinance until after that consultation. The bill would also authorize the Office of the State Fire Marshal to allege to the Attorney General that the city or county is in violation of state law if, following the consultation and a specified notice by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the city or county adopts the draft ordinance without the changes proposed by the office. The bill would require the city or county to amend the map of fire hazard severity zones provided by the State Fire Marshal, and to post a notice, as specified, identifying the location of the amended map, and post the amended map on its internet website. By requiring local agencies to take specific actions regarding fire hazard severity zones, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
This bill would, beginning January 1, 2027, require each local or state fire authority or designee authorized to enforce vegetation management requirements to establish, fund, and implement an enforcement program to verify ongoing compliance with the defensible space, vegetation management, and fuel modification requirements established by specified regulations. The bill would authorize those enforcing agencies to charge a fee sufficient to cover the costs of administering the program and providing any inspections conducted by the enforcing agency. The bill would also require each enforcing agency to inspect and document compliance for each affected property or structure at least once annually, except as provided, and to submit data on defensible space inspections and compliance to a reporting platform established by the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection for defensible space and home hardening assessment data. By requiring local fire authorities to take certain actions with regard to enforcement programs for defensible space, vegetation management, and fuel modification requirements, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that with regard to certain mandates no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
With regard to any other mandates, this bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs so mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) Numerous studies indicate that two of the most important factors for increasing the survivability of homes in the face of wildfire are building to the states wildland-urban interface (WUI) building standards and maintaining defensible space as required by Section 4290 of the Public Resources Code. Homes built to these standards are up to 40 percent less likely to be destroyed by a wildfire. These measures are critical in reducing property loss, protecting lives, and aiding firefighting efforts.(2) Building to the WUI building standards is cost effective. Several studies demonstrate that building to the WUI standards costs the same as, or less than, building to the standards that apply in the rest of the state.(3) Building to the WUI building standards and maintaining defensible space also qualifies homeowners for discounts on their insurance under the Safer from Wildfire Framework developed by the Department of Insurance.(4) Only homes in certain fire hazard severity zones designated by the State Fire Marshal must be built to the WUI building standards and maintain defensible space. Similarly, the states standards for fire safe roads for new development and legislative requirements to plan for and mitigate the threat of wildfire also only apply in those zones.(5) Current maps of fire hazard severity zones do not account for the potential for homes and other buildings to act as fuel and spread wildfire. Accordingly, significant areas that have burned in wildfires in recent years are not included in a fire hazard severity zone, including Coffey Park in the County of Sonoma.(b) This act shall be known and may be cited as the Keeping Communities Safe from Wildfire Act of 2025.SEC. 2. Section 51178 of the Government Code is amended to read:51178. (a) The State Fire Marshal shall identify areas in the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on consistent statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors including areas all of the following:(1) Areas where winds have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread.(2) Areas burned in a wildfire, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 51179.5.(3) Areas at risk for an urban conflagration that accounts for the potential for structures to serve as a fuel source that extends the ember cast outside of wildland areas.(b) The State Fire Marshal shall, at least 60 days before finalizing the designations pursuant to subdivision (a), publish the model and methodology used to develop the fire hazard severity zones on its internet website.(c) The State Fire Marshal shall update the designations as required under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subdivision (a), and publish the model and methodology in accordance with subdivision (b), in the next review and all subsequent reviews made pursuant to Section 51181.SEC. 3. Section 51179.5 is added to the Government Code, to read:51179.5. (a) For purposes of this section:(1) Area burned in a wildfire means any land area included within the perimeter of a wildfire, as shown on an incident map posted on the internet website of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, that meets any of the following conditions:(A) The wildfire burned 1,000 or more acres.(B) The wildfire destroyed more than 10 structures.(C) The wildfire resulted in a fatality.(2) State fire protection standards means all of the following, or their successor provisions:(A) Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).(B) Chapter 49 of the California Fire Code.(C) Section R337 of the California Residential Code.(D) Chapter 12-7A of the California Referenced Standards Code.(E) Subchapter 2 (commencing with Section 1270) of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.(F) Article 3 (commencing with Section 1299) of Subchapter 3 of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.(G) Regulations implementing an ember-resistant zone pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 51182.(b) For wildfires occurring on or after January 1, 2025, a city or county shall designate, by ordinance, any area burned in a wildfire in its jurisdiction as a very high fire hazard severity zone within 120 days of the wildfire reaching 100 percent containment, or by May 1, 2026, whichever is later.(c) As part of the ordinance adopted pursuant to subdivision (b), a city or county may, at its discretion, do any of the following:(1) Include areas within the jurisdiction of the city and county that were not burned in a wildfire as a very high fire hazard severity zone if the city or county makes a finding supported by substantial evidence in the record that any of the state fire protection standards are necessary for effective fire protection within the area.(2) Include areas within the jurisdiction of the city and county that were not burned in a wildfire as moderate and high fire hazard severity zones, respectively.(3) Exclude areas within the jurisdiction of the city and county that were burned in a wildfire and that would otherwise be designated within the very high fire hazard severity zone pursuant to subdivision (b), following a finding supported by clear and convincing evidence in the record that none of the state fire protection standards are necessary for effective fire protection within the area.(d) At least 60 days before adopting an ordinance pursuant to subdivision (b), the city or county shall transmit a draft of the ordinance to the Office of the State Fire Marshal and to every local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county.(e) (1) The Office of the State Fire Marshal shall review the draft ordinance and may recommend changes to the city or county within 60 days of its receipt regarding whether the ordinance complies with subdivision (b).(2) A local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county may review the draft ordinance and may recommend changes to the city or county within 60 days of its receipt regarding whether the ordinance complies with subdivision (b).(f) (1) Before adopting a draft ordinance pursuant to subdivision (b), a city or county shall consider the recommendations, if any, made by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and any local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county. If the city or county does not accept all or some of those recommendations, if any, the city council or board of supervisors shall communicate in writing to the Office of the State Fire Marshal or the local agency, as applicable, its reasons for not accepting the recommendations.(2) If the city or county does not adopt recommended changes from the Office of the State Fire Marshal concerning its draft ordinance, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, within 15 days of receipt of the citys or countys written response, may request, in writing, a consultation with the city or county to discuss the recommendations and the citys or countys response. The consultation may be conducted in person, electronically, or telephonically. If the Office of the State Fire Marshal requests a consultation pursuant to this paragraph, the city or county shall not adopt the draft ordinance until after consulting with the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The consultation shall occur no later than 30 days after the Office of the State Fire Marshals written request.(3) If the recommendations from the Office of the State Fire Marshal or a local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county are not available within the time limits required by this section, the city or county may act without those recommendations.(g) (1) The city or county shall send a copy of an ordinance adopted pursuant to this section to the Office of the State Fire Marshal within 30 days of adoption.(2) If, following the consultation described in subdivision (f), the city or county adopts the draft ordinance without the changes proposed by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Office of the State Fire Marshal may allege to the Attorney General that the city or county is in violation of state law. The Office of the State Fire Marshal shall notify the city or county at least 15 days before making an allegation to the Attorney General.(h) The city or county shall amend a map described in subdivision (g) of Section 51179 pursuant to the ordinance adopted pursuant to this section and shall post a notice at the office of the county recorder, county assessor, and county planning agency identifying the location of the amended map. The amended map shall also be posted on the internet website of the city or county.(i) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize a city or county to exclude any area designated as a fire hazard severity zone pursuant to Section 51178.SEC. 4. Section 51182.5 is added to the Government Code, to read:51182.5. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:(1) Adequate progress means the enforcing agency is taking concrete steps reasonably calculated to achieve funding and implementation of the enforcement program by the date specified in subdivision (b).(2) Enforcing agency means the local or state fire authority or designee authorized to enforce vegetation management requirements.(b) Beginning January 1, 2027, an enforcing agency shall establish, fund, and implement an enforcement program to verify ongoing compliance, within the enforcing agencys jurisdiction, with the defensible space, vegetation management, and fuel modification requirements established pursuant to the following or their successor provisions:(1) Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).(2) Chapter 49 of the California Fire Code.(3) Section R337 of the California Residential Code.(4) Chapter 12-7A of the California Referenced Standards Code.(5) Subchapter 2 (commencing with Section 1270) of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.(6) Article 3 (commencing with Section 1299) of Subchapter 3 of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.(7) Regulations implementing an ember-resistant zone pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 51182.(c) The enforcing agency may charge a fee sufficient to cover the costs of administering the program and providing any inspections conducted by the enforcing agency.(d) (1) The enforcing agency shall inspect and document compliance for each affected property or structure at least once annually.(2) The enforcing agency shall submit data on defensible space inspections and compliance pursuant to this section to the defensible space and home hardening assessment reporting platform established by the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 4291.5 of the Public Resources Code.(e) An enforcing agency that adopts a finding, based on substantial evidence in the record and before January 1, 2027, that demonstrates adequate progress may delay compliance with the requirement to document compliance annually in subdivision (d) until no later than January 1, 2029.SEC. 5. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.However, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains other costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.SECTION 1.It is the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation regarding both of the following:(a)The frequency of inspections for compliance with defensible space requirements.(b)The inclusion of land within a fire hazard severity zone following a wildfire.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) Numerous studies indicate that two of the most important factors for increasing the survivability of homes in the face of wildfire are building to the states wildland-urban interface (WUI) building standards and maintaining defensible space as required by Section 4290 of the Public Resources Code. Homes built to these standards are up to 40 percent less likely to be destroyed by a wildfire. These measures are critical in reducing property loss, protecting lives, and aiding firefighting efforts.(2) Building to the WUI building standards is cost effective. Several studies demonstrate that building to the WUI standards costs the same as, or less than, building to the standards that apply in the rest of the state.(3) Building to the WUI building standards and maintaining defensible space also qualifies homeowners for discounts on their insurance under the Safer from Wildfire Framework developed by the Department of Insurance.(4) Only homes in certain fire hazard severity zones designated by the State Fire Marshal must be built to the WUI building standards and maintain defensible space. Similarly, the states standards for fire safe roads for new development and legislative requirements to plan for and mitigate the threat of wildfire also only apply in those zones.(5) Current maps of fire hazard severity zones do not account for the potential for homes and other buildings to act as fuel and spread wildfire. Accordingly, significant areas that have burned in wildfires in recent years are not included in a fire hazard severity zone, including Coffey Park in the County of Sonoma.(b) This act shall be known and may be cited as the Keeping Communities Safe from Wildfire Act of 2025.
SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) Numerous studies indicate that two of the most important factors for increasing the survivability of homes in the face of wildfire are building to the states wildland-urban interface (WUI) building standards and maintaining defensible space as required by Section 4290 of the Public Resources Code. Homes built to these standards are up to 40 percent less likely to be destroyed by a wildfire. These measures are critical in reducing property loss, protecting lives, and aiding firefighting efforts.(2) Building to the WUI building standards is cost effective. Several studies demonstrate that building to the WUI standards costs the same as, or less than, building to the standards that apply in the rest of the state.(3) Building to the WUI building standards and maintaining defensible space also qualifies homeowners for discounts on their insurance under the Safer from Wildfire Framework developed by the Department of Insurance.(4) Only homes in certain fire hazard severity zones designated by the State Fire Marshal must be built to the WUI building standards and maintain defensible space. Similarly, the states standards for fire safe roads for new development and legislative requirements to plan for and mitigate the threat of wildfire also only apply in those zones.(5) Current maps of fire hazard severity zones do not account for the potential for homes and other buildings to act as fuel and spread wildfire. Accordingly, significant areas that have burned in wildfires in recent years are not included in a fire hazard severity zone, including Coffey Park in the County of Sonoma.(b) This act shall be known and may be cited as the Keeping Communities Safe from Wildfire Act of 2025.
SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
### SECTION 1.
(1) Numerous studies indicate that two of the most important factors for increasing the survivability of homes in the face of wildfire are building to the states wildland-urban interface (WUI) building standards and maintaining defensible space as required by Section 4290 of the Public Resources Code. Homes built to these standards are up to 40 percent less likely to be destroyed by a wildfire. These measures are critical in reducing property loss, protecting lives, and aiding firefighting efforts.
(2) Building to the WUI building standards is cost effective. Several studies demonstrate that building to the WUI standards costs the same as, or less than, building to the standards that apply in the rest of the state.
(3) Building to the WUI building standards and maintaining defensible space also qualifies homeowners for discounts on their insurance under the Safer from Wildfire Framework developed by the Department of Insurance.
(4) Only homes in certain fire hazard severity zones designated by the State Fire Marshal must be built to the WUI building standards and maintain defensible space. Similarly, the states standards for fire safe roads for new development and legislative requirements to plan for and mitigate the threat of wildfire also only apply in those zones.
(5) Current maps of fire hazard severity zones do not account for the potential for homes and other buildings to act as fuel and spread wildfire. Accordingly, significant areas that have burned in wildfires in recent years are not included in a fire hazard severity zone, including Coffey Park in the County of Sonoma.
(b) This act shall be known and may be cited as the Keeping Communities Safe from Wildfire Act of 2025.
SEC. 2. Section 51178 of the Government Code is amended to read:51178. (a) The State Fire Marshal shall identify areas in the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on consistent statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors including areas all of the following:(1) Areas where winds have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread.(2) Areas burned in a wildfire, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 51179.5.(3) Areas at risk for an urban conflagration that accounts for the potential for structures to serve as a fuel source that extends the ember cast outside of wildland areas.(b) The State Fire Marshal shall, at least 60 days before finalizing the designations pursuant to subdivision (a), publish the model and methodology used to develop the fire hazard severity zones on its internet website.(c) The State Fire Marshal shall update the designations as required under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subdivision (a), and publish the model and methodology in accordance with subdivision (b), in the next review and all subsequent reviews made pursuant to Section 51181.
SEC. 2. Section 51178 of the Government Code is amended to read:
### SEC. 2.
51178. (a) The State Fire Marshal shall identify areas in the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on consistent statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors including areas all of the following:(1) Areas where winds have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread.(2) Areas burned in a wildfire, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 51179.5.(3) Areas at risk for an urban conflagration that accounts for the potential for structures to serve as a fuel source that extends the ember cast outside of wildland areas.(b) The State Fire Marshal shall, at least 60 days before finalizing the designations pursuant to subdivision (a), publish the model and methodology used to develop the fire hazard severity zones on its internet website.(c) The State Fire Marshal shall update the designations as required under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subdivision (a), and publish the model and methodology in accordance with subdivision (b), in the next review and all subsequent reviews made pursuant to Section 51181.
51178. (a) The State Fire Marshal shall identify areas in the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on consistent statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors including areas all of the following:(1) Areas where winds have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread.(2) Areas burned in a wildfire, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 51179.5.(3) Areas at risk for an urban conflagration that accounts for the potential for structures to serve as a fuel source that extends the ember cast outside of wildland areas.(b) The State Fire Marshal shall, at least 60 days before finalizing the designations pursuant to subdivision (a), publish the model and methodology used to develop the fire hazard severity zones on its internet website.(c) The State Fire Marshal shall update the designations as required under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subdivision (a), and publish the model and methodology in accordance with subdivision (b), in the next review and all subsequent reviews made pursuant to Section 51181.
51178. (a) The State Fire Marshal shall identify areas in the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on consistent statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors including areas all of the following:(1) Areas where winds have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread.(2) Areas burned in a wildfire, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 51179.5.(3) Areas at risk for an urban conflagration that accounts for the potential for structures to serve as a fuel source that extends the ember cast outside of wildland areas.(b) The State Fire Marshal shall, at least 60 days before finalizing the designations pursuant to subdivision (a), publish the model and methodology used to develop the fire hazard severity zones on its internet website.(c) The State Fire Marshal shall update the designations as required under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subdivision (a), and publish the model and methodology in accordance with subdivision (b), in the next review and all subsequent reviews made pursuant to Section 51181.
51178. (a) The State Fire Marshal shall identify areas in the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on consistent statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones shall be based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors including areas all of the following:
(1) Areas where winds have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread.
(2) Areas burned in a wildfire, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 51179.5.
(3) Areas at risk for an urban conflagration that accounts for the potential for structures to serve as a fuel source that extends the ember cast outside of wildland areas.
(b) The State Fire Marshal shall, at least 60 days before finalizing the designations pursuant to subdivision (a), publish the model and methodology used to develop the fire hazard severity zones on its internet website.
(c) The State Fire Marshal shall update the designations as required under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subdivision (a), and publish the model and methodology in accordance with subdivision (b), in the next review and all subsequent reviews made pursuant to Section 51181.
SEC. 3. Section 51179.5 is added to the Government Code, to read:51179.5. (a) For purposes of this section:(1) Area burned in a wildfire means any land area included within the perimeter of a wildfire, as shown on an incident map posted on the internet website of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, that meets any of the following conditions:(A) The wildfire burned 1,000 or more acres.(B) The wildfire destroyed more than 10 structures.(C) The wildfire resulted in a fatality.(2) State fire protection standards means all of the following, or their successor provisions:(A) Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).(B) Chapter 49 of the California Fire Code.(C) Section R337 of the California Residential Code.(D) Chapter 12-7A of the California Referenced Standards Code.(E) Subchapter 2 (commencing with Section 1270) of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.(F) Article 3 (commencing with Section 1299) of Subchapter 3 of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.(G) Regulations implementing an ember-resistant zone pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 51182.(b) For wildfires occurring on or after January 1, 2025, a city or county shall designate, by ordinance, any area burned in a wildfire in its jurisdiction as a very high fire hazard severity zone within 120 days of the wildfire reaching 100 percent containment, or by May 1, 2026, whichever is later.(c) As part of the ordinance adopted pursuant to subdivision (b), a city or county may, at its discretion, do any of the following:(1) Include areas within the jurisdiction of the city and county that were not burned in a wildfire as a very high fire hazard severity zone if the city or county makes a finding supported by substantial evidence in the record that any of the state fire protection standards are necessary for effective fire protection within the area.(2) Include areas within the jurisdiction of the city and county that were not burned in a wildfire as moderate and high fire hazard severity zones, respectively.(3) Exclude areas within the jurisdiction of the city and county that were burned in a wildfire and that would otherwise be designated within the very high fire hazard severity zone pursuant to subdivision (b), following a finding supported by clear and convincing evidence in the record that none of the state fire protection standards are necessary for effective fire protection within the area.(d) At least 60 days before adopting an ordinance pursuant to subdivision (b), the city or county shall transmit a draft of the ordinance to the Office of the State Fire Marshal and to every local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county.(e) (1) The Office of the State Fire Marshal shall review the draft ordinance and may recommend changes to the city or county within 60 days of its receipt regarding whether the ordinance complies with subdivision (b).(2) A local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county may review the draft ordinance and may recommend changes to the city or county within 60 days of its receipt regarding whether the ordinance complies with subdivision (b).(f) (1) Before adopting a draft ordinance pursuant to subdivision (b), a city or county shall consider the recommendations, if any, made by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and any local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county. If the city or county does not accept all or some of those recommendations, if any, the city council or board of supervisors shall communicate in writing to the Office of the State Fire Marshal or the local agency, as applicable, its reasons for not accepting the recommendations.(2) If the city or county does not adopt recommended changes from the Office of the State Fire Marshal concerning its draft ordinance, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, within 15 days of receipt of the citys or countys written response, may request, in writing, a consultation with the city or county to discuss the recommendations and the citys or countys response. The consultation may be conducted in person, electronically, or telephonically. If the Office of the State Fire Marshal requests a consultation pursuant to this paragraph, the city or county shall not adopt the draft ordinance until after consulting with the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The consultation shall occur no later than 30 days after the Office of the State Fire Marshals written request.(3) If the recommendations from the Office of the State Fire Marshal or a local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county are not available within the time limits required by this section, the city or county may act without those recommendations.(g) (1) The city or county shall send a copy of an ordinance adopted pursuant to this section to the Office of the State Fire Marshal within 30 days of adoption.(2) If, following the consultation described in subdivision (f), the city or county adopts the draft ordinance without the changes proposed by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Office of the State Fire Marshal may allege to the Attorney General that the city or county is in violation of state law. The Office of the State Fire Marshal shall notify the city or county at least 15 days before making an allegation to the Attorney General.(h) The city or county shall amend a map described in subdivision (g) of Section 51179 pursuant to the ordinance adopted pursuant to this section and shall post a notice at the office of the county recorder, county assessor, and county planning agency identifying the location of the amended map. The amended map shall also be posted on the internet website of the city or county.(i) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize a city or county to exclude any area designated as a fire hazard severity zone pursuant to Section 51178.
SEC. 3. Section 51179.5 is added to the Government Code, to read:
### SEC. 3.
51179.5. (a) For purposes of this section:(1) Area burned in a wildfire means any land area included within the perimeter of a wildfire, as shown on an incident map posted on the internet website of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, that meets any of the following conditions:(A) The wildfire burned 1,000 or more acres.(B) The wildfire destroyed more than 10 structures.(C) The wildfire resulted in a fatality.(2) State fire protection standards means all of the following, or their successor provisions:(A) Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).(B) Chapter 49 of the California Fire Code.(C) Section R337 of the California Residential Code.(D) Chapter 12-7A of the California Referenced Standards Code.(E) Subchapter 2 (commencing with Section 1270) of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.(F) Article 3 (commencing with Section 1299) of Subchapter 3 of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.(G) Regulations implementing an ember-resistant zone pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 51182.(b) For wildfires occurring on or after January 1, 2025, a city or county shall designate, by ordinance, any area burned in a wildfire in its jurisdiction as a very high fire hazard severity zone within 120 days of the wildfire reaching 100 percent containment, or by May 1, 2026, whichever is later.(c) As part of the ordinance adopted pursuant to subdivision (b), a city or county may, at its discretion, do any of the following:(1) Include areas within the jurisdiction of the city and county that were not burned in a wildfire as a very high fire hazard severity zone if the city or county makes a finding supported by substantial evidence in the record that any of the state fire protection standards are necessary for effective fire protection within the area.(2) Include areas within the jurisdiction of the city and county that were not burned in a wildfire as moderate and high fire hazard severity zones, respectively.(3) Exclude areas within the jurisdiction of the city and county that were burned in a wildfire and that would otherwise be designated within the very high fire hazard severity zone pursuant to subdivision (b), following a finding supported by clear and convincing evidence in the record that none of the state fire protection standards are necessary for effective fire protection within the area.(d) At least 60 days before adopting an ordinance pursuant to subdivision (b), the city or county shall transmit a draft of the ordinance to the Office of the State Fire Marshal and to every local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county.(e) (1) The Office of the State Fire Marshal shall review the draft ordinance and may recommend changes to the city or county within 60 days of its receipt regarding whether the ordinance complies with subdivision (b).(2) A local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county may review the draft ordinance and may recommend changes to the city or county within 60 days of its receipt regarding whether the ordinance complies with subdivision (b).(f) (1) Before adopting a draft ordinance pursuant to subdivision (b), a city or county shall consider the recommendations, if any, made by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and any local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county. If the city or county does not accept all or some of those recommendations, if any, the city council or board of supervisors shall communicate in writing to the Office of the State Fire Marshal or the local agency, as applicable, its reasons for not accepting the recommendations.(2) If the city or county does not adopt recommended changes from the Office of the State Fire Marshal concerning its draft ordinance, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, within 15 days of receipt of the citys or countys written response, may request, in writing, a consultation with the city or county to discuss the recommendations and the citys or countys response. The consultation may be conducted in person, electronically, or telephonically. If the Office of the State Fire Marshal requests a consultation pursuant to this paragraph, the city or county shall not adopt the draft ordinance until after consulting with the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The consultation shall occur no later than 30 days after the Office of the State Fire Marshals written request.(3) If the recommendations from the Office of the State Fire Marshal or a local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county are not available within the time limits required by this section, the city or county may act without those recommendations.(g) (1) The city or county shall send a copy of an ordinance adopted pursuant to this section to the Office of the State Fire Marshal within 30 days of adoption.(2) If, following the consultation described in subdivision (f), the city or county adopts the draft ordinance without the changes proposed by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Office of the State Fire Marshal may allege to the Attorney General that the city or county is in violation of state law. The Office of the State Fire Marshal shall notify the city or county at least 15 days before making an allegation to the Attorney General.(h) The city or county shall amend a map described in subdivision (g) of Section 51179 pursuant to the ordinance adopted pursuant to this section and shall post a notice at the office of the county recorder, county assessor, and county planning agency identifying the location of the amended map. The amended map shall also be posted on the internet website of the city or county.(i) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize a city or county to exclude any area designated as a fire hazard severity zone pursuant to Section 51178.
51179.5. (a) For purposes of this section:(1) Area burned in a wildfire means any land area included within the perimeter of a wildfire, as shown on an incident map posted on the internet website of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, that meets any of the following conditions:(A) The wildfire burned 1,000 or more acres.(B) The wildfire destroyed more than 10 structures.(C) The wildfire resulted in a fatality.(2) State fire protection standards means all of the following, or their successor provisions:(A) Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).(B) Chapter 49 of the California Fire Code.(C) Section R337 of the California Residential Code.(D) Chapter 12-7A of the California Referenced Standards Code.(E) Subchapter 2 (commencing with Section 1270) of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.(F) Article 3 (commencing with Section 1299) of Subchapter 3 of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.(G) Regulations implementing an ember-resistant zone pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 51182.(b) For wildfires occurring on or after January 1, 2025, a city or county shall designate, by ordinance, any area burned in a wildfire in its jurisdiction as a very high fire hazard severity zone within 120 days of the wildfire reaching 100 percent containment, or by May 1, 2026, whichever is later.(c) As part of the ordinance adopted pursuant to subdivision (b), a city or county may, at its discretion, do any of the following:(1) Include areas within the jurisdiction of the city and county that were not burned in a wildfire as a very high fire hazard severity zone if the city or county makes a finding supported by substantial evidence in the record that any of the state fire protection standards are necessary for effective fire protection within the area.(2) Include areas within the jurisdiction of the city and county that were not burned in a wildfire as moderate and high fire hazard severity zones, respectively.(3) Exclude areas within the jurisdiction of the city and county that were burned in a wildfire and that would otherwise be designated within the very high fire hazard severity zone pursuant to subdivision (b), following a finding supported by clear and convincing evidence in the record that none of the state fire protection standards are necessary for effective fire protection within the area.(d) At least 60 days before adopting an ordinance pursuant to subdivision (b), the city or county shall transmit a draft of the ordinance to the Office of the State Fire Marshal and to every local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county.(e) (1) The Office of the State Fire Marshal shall review the draft ordinance and may recommend changes to the city or county within 60 days of its receipt regarding whether the ordinance complies with subdivision (b).(2) A local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county may review the draft ordinance and may recommend changes to the city or county within 60 days of its receipt regarding whether the ordinance complies with subdivision (b).(f) (1) Before adopting a draft ordinance pursuant to subdivision (b), a city or county shall consider the recommendations, if any, made by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and any local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county. If the city or county does not accept all or some of those recommendations, if any, the city council or board of supervisors shall communicate in writing to the Office of the State Fire Marshal or the local agency, as applicable, its reasons for not accepting the recommendations.(2) If the city or county does not adopt recommended changes from the Office of the State Fire Marshal concerning its draft ordinance, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, within 15 days of receipt of the citys or countys written response, may request, in writing, a consultation with the city or county to discuss the recommendations and the citys or countys response. The consultation may be conducted in person, electronically, or telephonically. If the Office of the State Fire Marshal requests a consultation pursuant to this paragraph, the city or county shall not adopt the draft ordinance until after consulting with the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The consultation shall occur no later than 30 days after the Office of the State Fire Marshals written request.(3) If the recommendations from the Office of the State Fire Marshal or a local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county are not available within the time limits required by this section, the city or county may act without those recommendations.(g) (1) The city or county shall send a copy of an ordinance adopted pursuant to this section to the Office of the State Fire Marshal within 30 days of adoption.(2) If, following the consultation described in subdivision (f), the city or county adopts the draft ordinance without the changes proposed by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Office of the State Fire Marshal may allege to the Attorney General that the city or county is in violation of state law. The Office of the State Fire Marshal shall notify the city or county at least 15 days before making an allegation to the Attorney General.(h) The city or county shall amend a map described in subdivision (g) of Section 51179 pursuant to the ordinance adopted pursuant to this section and shall post a notice at the office of the county recorder, county assessor, and county planning agency identifying the location of the amended map. The amended map shall also be posted on the internet website of the city or county.(i) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize a city or county to exclude any area designated as a fire hazard severity zone pursuant to Section 51178.
51179.5. (a) For purposes of this section:(1) Area burned in a wildfire means any land area included within the perimeter of a wildfire, as shown on an incident map posted on the internet website of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, that meets any of the following conditions:(A) The wildfire burned 1,000 or more acres.(B) The wildfire destroyed more than 10 structures.(C) The wildfire resulted in a fatality.(2) State fire protection standards means all of the following, or their successor provisions:(A) Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).(B) Chapter 49 of the California Fire Code.(C) Section R337 of the California Residential Code.(D) Chapter 12-7A of the California Referenced Standards Code.(E) Subchapter 2 (commencing with Section 1270) of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.(F) Article 3 (commencing with Section 1299) of Subchapter 3 of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.(G) Regulations implementing an ember-resistant zone pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 51182.(b) For wildfires occurring on or after January 1, 2025, a city or county shall designate, by ordinance, any area burned in a wildfire in its jurisdiction as a very high fire hazard severity zone within 120 days of the wildfire reaching 100 percent containment, or by May 1, 2026, whichever is later.(c) As part of the ordinance adopted pursuant to subdivision (b), a city or county may, at its discretion, do any of the following:(1) Include areas within the jurisdiction of the city and county that were not burned in a wildfire as a very high fire hazard severity zone if the city or county makes a finding supported by substantial evidence in the record that any of the state fire protection standards are necessary for effective fire protection within the area.(2) Include areas within the jurisdiction of the city and county that were not burned in a wildfire as moderate and high fire hazard severity zones, respectively.(3) Exclude areas within the jurisdiction of the city and county that were burned in a wildfire and that would otherwise be designated within the very high fire hazard severity zone pursuant to subdivision (b), following a finding supported by clear and convincing evidence in the record that none of the state fire protection standards are necessary for effective fire protection within the area.(d) At least 60 days before adopting an ordinance pursuant to subdivision (b), the city or county shall transmit a draft of the ordinance to the Office of the State Fire Marshal and to every local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county.(e) (1) The Office of the State Fire Marshal shall review the draft ordinance and may recommend changes to the city or county within 60 days of its receipt regarding whether the ordinance complies with subdivision (b).(2) A local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county may review the draft ordinance and may recommend changes to the city or county within 60 days of its receipt regarding whether the ordinance complies with subdivision (b).(f) (1) Before adopting a draft ordinance pursuant to subdivision (b), a city or county shall consider the recommendations, if any, made by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and any local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county. If the city or county does not accept all or some of those recommendations, if any, the city council or board of supervisors shall communicate in writing to the Office of the State Fire Marshal or the local agency, as applicable, its reasons for not accepting the recommendations.(2) If the city or county does not adopt recommended changes from the Office of the State Fire Marshal concerning its draft ordinance, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, within 15 days of receipt of the citys or countys written response, may request, in writing, a consultation with the city or county to discuss the recommendations and the citys or countys response. The consultation may be conducted in person, electronically, or telephonically. If the Office of the State Fire Marshal requests a consultation pursuant to this paragraph, the city or county shall not adopt the draft ordinance until after consulting with the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The consultation shall occur no later than 30 days after the Office of the State Fire Marshals written request.(3) If the recommendations from the Office of the State Fire Marshal or a local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county are not available within the time limits required by this section, the city or county may act without those recommendations.(g) (1) The city or county shall send a copy of an ordinance adopted pursuant to this section to the Office of the State Fire Marshal within 30 days of adoption.(2) If, following the consultation described in subdivision (f), the city or county adopts the draft ordinance without the changes proposed by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Office of the State Fire Marshal may allege to the Attorney General that the city or county is in violation of state law. The Office of the State Fire Marshal shall notify the city or county at least 15 days before making an allegation to the Attorney General.(h) The city or county shall amend a map described in subdivision (g) of Section 51179 pursuant to the ordinance adopted pursuant to this section and shall post a notice at the office of the county recorder, county assessor, and county planning agency identifying the location of the amended map. The amended map shall also be posted on the internet website of the city or county.(i) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize a city or county to exclude any area designated as a fire hazard severity zone pursuant to Section 51178.
51179.5. (a) For purposes of this section:
(1) Area burned in a wildfire means any land area included within the perimeter of a wildfire, as shown on an incident map posted on the internet website of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, that meets any of the following conditions:
(A) The wildfire burned 1,000 or more acres.
(B) The wildfire destroyed more than 10 structures.
(C) The wildfire resulted in a fatality.
(2) State fire protection standards means all of the following, or their successor provisions:
(A) Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).
(B) Chapter 49 of the California Fire Code.
(C) Section R337 of the California Residential Code.
(D) Chapter 12-7A of the California Referenced Standards Code.
(E) Subchapter 2 (commencing with Section 1270) of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.
(F) Article 3 (commencing with Section 1299) of Subchapter 3 of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.
(G) Regulations implementing an ember-resistant zone pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 51182.
(b) For wildfires occurring on or after January 1, 2025, a city or county shall designate, by ordinance, any area burned in a wildfire in its jurisdiction as a very high fire hazard severity zone within 120 days of the wildfire reaching 100 percent containment, or by May 1, 2026, whichever is later.
(c) As part of the ordinance adopted pursuant to subdivision (b), a city or county may, at its discretion, do any of the following:
(1) Include areas within the jurisdiction of the city and county that were not burned in a wildfire as a very high fire hazard severity zone if the city or county makes a finding supported by substantial evidence in the record that any of the state fire protection standards are necessary for effective fire protection within the area.
(2) Include areas within the jurisdiction of the city and county that were not burned in a wildfire as moderate and high fire hazard severity zones, respectively.
(3) Exclude areas within the jurisdiction of the city and county that were burned in a wildfire and that would otherwise be designated within the very high fire hazard severity zone pursuant to subdivision (b), following a finding supported by clear and convincing evidence in the record that none of the state fire protection standards are necessary for effective fire protection within the area.
(d) At least 60 days before adopting an ordinance pursuant to subdivision (b), the city or county shall transmit a draft of the ordinance to the Office of the State Fire Marshal and to every local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county.
(e) (1) The Office of the State Fire Marshal shall review the draft ordinance and may recommend changes to the city or county within 60 days of its receipt regarding whether the ordinance complies with subdivision (b).
(2) A local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county may review the draft ordinance and may recommend changes to the city or county within 60 days of its receipt regarding whether the ordinance complies with subdivision (b).
(f) (1) Before adopting a draft ordinance pursuant to subdivision (b), a city or county shall consider the recommendations, if any, made by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and any local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county. If the city or county does not accept all or some of those recommendations, if any, the city council or board of supervisors shall communicate in writing to the Office of the State Fire Marshal or the local agency, as applicable, its reasons for not accepting the recommendations.
(2) If the city or county does not adopt recommended changes from the Office of the State Fire Marshal concerning its draft ordinance, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, within 15 days of receipt of the citys or countys written response, may request, in writing, a consultation with the city or county to discuss the recommendations and the citys or countys response. The consultation may be conducted in person, electronically, or telephonically. If the Office of the State Fire Marshal requests a consultation pursuant to this paragraph, the city or county shall not adopt the draft ordinance until after consulting with the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The consultation shall occur no later than 30 days after the Office of the State Fire Marshals written request.
(3) If the recommendations from the Office of the State Fire Marshal or a local agency that provides fire protection to any area within the jurisdiction of the city or county are not available within the time limits required by this section, the city or county may act without those recommendations.
(g) (1) The city or county shall send a copy of an ordinance adopted pursuant to this section to the Office of the State Fire Marshal within 30 days of adoption.
(2) If, following the consultation described in subdivision (f), the city or county adopts the draft ordinance without the changes proposed by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Office of the State Fire Marshal may allege to the Attorney General that the city or county is in violation of state law. The Office of the State Fire Marshal shall notify the city or county at least 15 days before making an allegation to the Attorney General.
(h) The city or county shall amend a map described in subdivision (g) of Section 51179 pursuant to the ordinance adopted pursuant to this section and shall post a notice at the office of the county recorder, county assessor, and county planning agency identifying the location of the amended map. The amended map shall also be posted on the internet website of the city or county.
(i) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize a city or county to exclude any area designated as a fire hazard severity zone pursuant to Section 51178.
SEC. 4. Section 51182.5 is added to the Government Code, to read:51182.5. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:(1) Adequate progress means the enforcing agency is taking concrete steps reasonably calculated to achieve funding and implementation of the enforcement program by the date specified in subdivision (b).(2) Enforcing agency means the local or state fire authority or designee authorized to enforce vegetation management requirements.(b) Beginning January 1, 2027, an enforcing agency shall establish, fund, and implement an enforcement program to verify ongoing compliance, within the enforcing agencys jurisdiction, with the defensible space, vegetation management, and fuel modification requirements established pursuant to the following or their successor provisions:(1) Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).(2) Chapter 49 of the California Fire Code.(3) Section R337 of the California Residential Code.(4) Chapter 12-7A of the California Referenced Standards Code.(5) Subchapter 2 (commencing with Section 1270) of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.(6) Article 3 (commencing with Section 1299) of Subchapter 3 of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.(7) Regulations implementing an ember-resistant zone pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 51182.(c) The enforcing agency may charge a fee sufficient to cover the costs of administering the program and providing any inspections conducted by the enforcing agency.(d) (1) The enforcing agency shall inspect and document compliance for each affected property or structure at least once annually.(2) The enforcing agency shall submit data on defensible space inspections and compliance pursuant to this section to the defensible space and home hardening assessment reporting platform established by the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 4291.5 of the Public Resources Code.(e) An enforcing agency that adopts a finding, based on substantial evidence in the record and before January 1, 2027, that demonstrates adequate progress may delay compliance with the requirement to document compliance annually in subdivision (d) until no later than January 1, 2029.
SEC. 4. Section 51182.5 is added to the Government Code, to read:
### SEC. 4.
51182.5. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:(1) Adequate progress means the enforcing agency is taking concrete steps reasonably calculated to achieve funding and implementation of the enforcement program by the date specified in subdivision (b).(2) Enforcing agency means the local or state fire authority or designee authorized to enforce vegetation management requirements.(b) Beginning January 1, 2027, an enforcing agency shall establish, fund, and implement an enforcement program to verify ongoing compliance, within the enforcing agencys jurisdiction, with the defensible space, vegetation management, and fuel modification requirements established pursuant to the following or their successor provisions:(1) Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).(2) Chapter 49 of the California Fire Code.(3) Section R337 of the California Residential Code.(4) Chapter 12-7A of the California Referenced Standards Code.(5) Subchapter 2 (commencing with Section 1270) of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.(6) Article 3 (commencing with Section 1299) of Subchapter 3 of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.(7) Regulations implementing an ember-resistant zone pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 51182.(c) The enforcing agency may charge a fee sufficient to cover the costs of administering the program and providing any inspections conducted by the enforcing agency.(d) (1) The enforcing agency shall inspect and document compliance for each affected property or structure at least once annually.(2) The enforcing agency shall submit data on defensible space inspections and compliance pursuant to this section to the defensible space and home hardening assessment reporting platform established by the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 4291.5 of the Public Resources Code.(e) An enforcing agency that adopts a finding, based on substantial evidence in the record and before January 1, 2027, that demonstrates adequate progress may delay compliance with the requirement to document compliance annually in subdivision (d) until no later than January 1, 2029.
51182.5. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:(1) Adequate progress means the enforcing agency is taking concrete steps reasonably calculated to achieve funding and implementation of the enforcement program by the date specified in subdivision (b).(2) Enforcing agency means the local or state fire authority or designee authorized to enforce vegetation management requirements.(b) Beginning January 1, 2027, an enforcing agency shall establish, fund, and implement an enforcement program to verify ongoing compliance, within the enforcing agencys jurisdiction, with the defensible space, vegetation management, and fuel modification requirements established pursuant to the following or their successor provisions:(1) Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).(2) Chapter 49 of the California Fire Code.(3) Section R337 of the California Residential Code.(4) Chapter 12-7A of the California Referenced Standards Code.(5) Subchapter 2 (commencing with Section 1270) of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.(6) Article 3 (commencing with Section 1299) of Subchapter 3 of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.(7) Regulations implementing an ember-resistant zone pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 51182.(c) The enforcing agency may charge a fee sufficient to cover the costs of administering the program and providing any inspections conducted by the enforcing agency.(d) (1) The enforcing agency shall inspect and document compliance for each affected property or structure at least once annually.(2) The enforcing agency shall submit data on defensible space inspections and compliance pursuant to this section to the defensible space and home hardening assessment reporting platform established by the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 4291.5 of the Public Resources Code.(e) An enforcing agency that adopts a finding, based on substantial evidence in the record and before January 1, 2027, that demonstrates adequate progress may delay compliance with the requirement to document compliance annually in subdivision (d) until no later than January 1, 2029.
51182.5. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:(1) Adequate progress means the enforcing agency is taking concrete steps reasonably calculated to achieve funding and implementation of the enforcement program by the date specified in subdivision (b).(2) Enforcing agency means the local or state fire authority or designee authorized to enforce vegetation management requirements.(b) Beginning January 1, 2027, an enforcing agency shall establish, fund, and implement an enforcement program to verify ongoing compliance, within the enforcing agencys jurisdiction, with the defensible space, vegetation management, and fuel modification requirements established pursuant to the following or their successor provisions:(1) Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).(2) Chapter 49 of the California Fire Code.(3) Section R337 of the California Residential Code.(4) Chapter 12-7A of the California Referenced Standards Code.(5) Subchapter 2 (commencing with Section 1270) of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.(6) Article 3 (commencing with Section 1299) of Subchapter 3 of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.(7) Regulations implementing an ember-resistant zone pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 51182.(c) The enforcing agency may charge a fee sufficient to cover the costs of administering the program and providing any inspections conducted by the enforcing agency.(d) (1) The enforcing agency shall inspect and document compliance for each affected property or structure at least once annually.(2) The enforcing agency shall submit data on defensible space inspections and compliance pursuant to this section to the defensible space and home hardening assessment reporting platform established by the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 4291.5 of the Public Resources Code.(e) An enforcing agency that adopts a finding, based on substantial evidence in the record and before January 1, 2027, that demonstrates adequate progress may delay compliance with the requirement to document compliance annually in subdivision (d) until no later than January 1, 2029.
51182.5. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1) Adequate progress means the enforcing agency is taking concrete steps reasonably calculated to achieve funding and implementation of the enforcement program by the date specified in subdivision (b).
(2) Enforcing agency means the local or state fire authority or designee authorized to enforce vegetation management requirements.
(b) Beginning January 1, 2027, an enforcing agency shall establish, fund, and implement an enforcement program to verify ongoing compliance, within the enforcing agencys jurisdiction, with the defensible space, vegetation management, and fuel modification requirements established pursuant to the following or their successor provisions:
(1) Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).
(2) Chapter 49 of the California Fire Code.
(3) Section R337 of the California Residential Code.
(4) Chapter 12-7A of the California Referenced Standards Code.
(5) Subchapter 2 (commencing with Section 1270) of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.
(6) Article 3 (commencing with Section 1299) of Subchapter 3 of Chapter 7 of Division 1.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.
(7) Regulations implementing an ember-resistant zone pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 51182.
(c) The enforcing agency may charge a fee sufficient to cover the costs of administering the program and providing any inspections conducted by the enforcing agency.
(d) (1) The enforcing agency shall inspect and document compliance for each affected property or structure at least once annually.
(2) The enforcing agency shall submit data on defensible space inspections and compliance pursuant to this section to the defensible space and home hardening assessment reporting platform established by the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 4291.5 of the Public Resources Code.
(e) An enforcing agency that adopts a finding, based on substantial evidence in the record and before January 1, 2027, that demonstrates adequate progress may delay compliance with the requirement to document compliance annually in subdivision (d) until no later than January 1, 2029.
SEC. 5. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.However, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains other costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
SEC. 5. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.However, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains other costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
SEC. 5. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.
### SEC. 5.
However, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains other costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
It is the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation regarding both of the following:
(a)The frequency of inspections for compliance with defensible space requirements.
(b)The inclusion of land within a fire hazard severity zone following a wildfire.