Public Comment Period Now Open for Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps

On Monday, February 24, 2025, the State Fire Marshal released updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps for Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) across California, including Union City. These maps identify areas with heightened wildfire risks and are part of the state's ongoing effort to enhance wildfire preparedness and mitigation.

Pursuant to California Government Code and Public Resources Code Sections 4201-4204, as well as Title 14, Section 1280 of the California Code of Regulations, the State Fire Marshal is required to provide recommendations for fire hazard severity zone designations. These designations must then be adopted by local municipalities through ordinance within 120 days.

While local governments cannot downgrade any areas identified by CAL FIRE, based on community input and local risk assessments, jurisdictions may upgrade hazard levels if justified. The City of Union City is launching a public comment period to allow community members to review and provide feedback on the proposed maps before they are formally adopted by the City Council.

Review the Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps

For more information and to view the Fire Hazard Severity Zones, visit the CAL FIRE website at: https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/community-wildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones.

Public Comment Period Now Open

The City of Union City invites residents to stay engaged as the process moves forward and to submit feedback on the proposed Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps via a public comment form. The public comment period will be open through Monday, April 25, 2025.

Alternatively, community members will also have the opportunity to provide public comments in writing and in person once the finalized map and a local ordinance is scheduled for a City Council Meeting (tentatively planned for May 2025). The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 34009 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City, CA 94587.

To stay informed and to learn more, follow the City's social media channels and visit the City's webpage at: www.unioncity.org/534/LRA-Fire-Severity-Zone-Maps.

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CONTACT:
City Manager's Office
(510) 675-3232 (Press 8)
communications@unioncity.org