TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THRU: Tom Kisela, City Manager
FROM: Sean deMetropolis, Fire Chief
1. Subject
title
Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance No. 07-25 adopting the California Office of the State Fire Marshal’s recommended Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map for the Local Responsibility Area of the City of Orange.
body
2. Summary
In accordance with Assembly Bill 211, local governments are required to adopt the California Office of the State Fire Marshal’s recommended Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps by ordinance and designate the severity zones within their jurisdiction.
3. Recommended Action
recommendation
Introduce and conduct First Reading of Ordinance No. 07-25. An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Orange adopting the recommended map for local responsibility area as provided by the office of the California state fire marshal and as required by Assembly Bill 211.
end
4. Fiscal Impact
None.
5. Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 1: Maintain Strong Emergency and Safety Services
6. Discussion and Background
On March 24, 2025, the California Office of the State Fire Marshal issued its 2025 Recommended Local Responsibility Area (LRA) Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps, including the City of Orange. In accordance with Assembly Bill 211, local governments are required to adopt these maps by ordinance and designate the severity zones within their jurisdiction. Senate Bill 63 further mandates that local agencies make these maps publicly accessible within 30 days of their transmittal.
On March 31, 2025, the City of Orange made the maps publicly accessible for comment, in accordance with Senate Bill 63. As of today, the Fire Department has received two comments expressing discontent with the new maps.
Under California Government Code Section 51179 (b)(3), cities and counties may not decrease the level of hazard designated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The Orange City Fire Department has reviewed the maps and does not recommend further expansion of the boundaries already established by the State-recommended map.
7. ATTACHMENTS
• Ordinance No. 07-25
• FHSZ Local Responsibility Area Map for Orange
• Assembly Bill 211; California Government Code Section 51179(b)(3)
• Senate Bill 63; Amending California Government Code Section 51178.5