Assemblymember Calderon Introduces AB 2517 to Improve the Fire Hazard Severity Zone Designation Process

(Sacramento, CA) - Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (D-Whittier) introduced AB 2517 to improve the Fire Hazard Severity Zone Designation Process (FHSZ). Under current law, FHSZ designations in local responsibility areas are required to be "periodically" reviewed.

AB 2517 modifies the FHSZ designation process, focused on improving the frequency in the release of the FHSZ maps and creating a more publicly accessible and transparent process to achieve greater awareness and understanding of these designations.

"As wildfire risks increase due to climate change and evolving fuel conditions, up-to-date hazard mapping is essential for fire prevention, emergency response planning, and public safety. FHSZ maps inform building codes, insurance rates, and evacuation planning, but irregular updates have left communities relying on outdated risk assessments," stated Assemblymember Calderon.

"Cal Cities is proud to sponsor AB 2517, which will increase transparency, timeliness, and public engagement around the state's high fire area designation process," said League of California Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman. "AB 2517 will increase public awareness and help inform how local governments can keep our residents and businesses safe against the growing threat of wildfires in and around our communities."

Assemblymember Calderon continued, "AB 2517 ensures science-based, regularly scheduled updates that reflect current wildfire threats, providing fire agencies, local governments, and residents with the best available data for effective mitigation and preparedness efforts. By establishing a clear and consistent review timeline, this bill strengthens California's wildfire prevention strategy and enhances the state's ability to protect lives, property, and infrastructure."

Specifically, AB 2517 improves the FHSZ designation process by, among other things, requiring a five-year frequency for when maps shall be updated by the State Fire Marshal and requiring a preliminary release of the maps to allow for a transparent, public process for local governments and stakeholders to provide updated land use information to the state prior to the maps being finalized.

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Contact: Mike Dayton (916) 319-2056 [email protected]