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CC - ACTION ITEM: Introduction of an Ordinance Adopting Very High, High, and Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zones by Amending and Restating in its Entirety Section 9.02.400 of the Culver City Municipal Code Regarding the Designation of Very High, High, and Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
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Meeting Date: June 23, 2025
Contact Person/Dept: Chris Miller/Fire Department
Phone Number: (310) 253-5926
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [X] No []
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (06/19/2025)
Department Approval: Kenneth Powell, Fire Chief (06/02/2025)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council introduce an Ordinance adopting Very High, High, and Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zones by amending and restating in its entirety Section 9.02.400 of the Culver City Municipal Code regarding the designation of Very High, High, and Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
In 1992, following a significant wildfire season, Assembly Bill 337 was passed, mandating the identification of Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs) throughout California. In 2021, Senate Bill 63 expanded this oversight to include Moderate and High FHSZs in addition to the Very High classification. In 2022, Assembly Bill 211 required municipalities and local agencies to adopt Moderate, High, and Very High FHSZ designations by ordinance within 120 days of receiving recommendations from the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM). Local governments may not downgrade State-designated hazard levels but may increase them at their discretion, following a finding supported by substantial evidence in the record that the requirements of Government Code Section 51182 are necessary for effective fire protection within the area.
On March 24, 2025, the OSFM issued the 2025 recommended FHSZ maps for Local...
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