To: Board of Supervisors
From: Lewis Broschard, Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Report Title: Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance Designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones within the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and the Crockett- Carquinez Fire Protection District Pursuant to Government Code Section 51179
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Acting as the governing board of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and the Crockett-Carquinez Fire Protection District,
1. ADOPT Ordinance No. 2025-09 to designate fire hazard severity zones within the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and Crockett-Carquinez Fire Protection District.
2. Direct staff to transmit a copy of the adopted ordinance to the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, in accordance with Section 51179(c) of the Government Code.
3. Direct staff to post a notice at the office of the county recorder, county assessor, and county planning agency identifying where the adopted ordinance and map may be accessed, in accordance with Section 51179(g) of the Government Code.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Report only. No fiscal impact.
BACKGROUND:
At the May 20, 2025, meeting, the Board of Directors of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and the Crockett-Carquinez Fire Protection District conducted the first reading of the proposed ordinance designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) within the jurisdictions of the Districts, as required by Government Code Section 51179.
The ordinance adopts the updated FHSZ maps provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), which delineate areas of Moderate, High, and Very High fire hazard severity.
Following the first reading, the Board received and reviewed public comments regarding the proposed ordinance. A summary of these comments were provided at that time
The adoption of this ordinance will ensure compliance with state law, align local wildfire planning efforts with CAL FIRE’s updated fire hazard severity zones, and support fire prevention and mitigation strategies. Failure to adopt the updated FHSZ designations could result in non-compliance with state regulations, reduce the effectiveness of wildfire mitigation efforts, and impact public safety.
This ordinance, once adopted, will be officially effective on July 10, 2025. Following adoption, the Fire Districts will proceed with necessary outreach and education to affected communities regarding the new fire hazard zones and their implications.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If the Board does not adopt the ordinance at this time, the consequences outlined during the first reading remain in effect, including non-compliance with state law, potential gaps in wildfire mitigation efforts, and increased risks to public safety and property. Additionally, the Fire Districts will not be able to enforce building standards and defensible space requirements that are critical for wildfire prevention. Adopting this ordinance is an essential step in fulfilling the District’s legal obligations, ensuring wildfire safety, and maintaining alignment with state mitigation strategies.