Brush Management and Building Fire Safety
Regulations
Background
On September 19, 2005, the City Council adopted new
brush management and building regulations to protect buildings exposed to the
fire hazards of wild-land fires (effective October 19, 2005). The new
regulations were developed in response to lessons learned from the Cedar
fire, and to complete the regulatory process in 2004 where more restrictive
roofing assembly regulations were approved.
Brush Management Ordinance (PDF:
48K)
Brush management is required to reduce fire hazards
around structures by providing an effective fire break between all structures
and contiguous areas of native or naturalized vegetation. The new brush
management regulations provide for a uniform Citywide 100 ft deep defensible
space and require the establishment of brush management zones where:
Zone 1 is 35 ft deep and includes irrigated and maintained vegetation,
and Zone 2 includes a 65 ft deep zone of non-irrigated and thinned native
vegetation. New regulations were also added to Chapter
4, Article 4, Division 3 to regulate the use of goats
for brush management in non agricultural zones. For projects located
in the coastal
overlay
zone, the new brush management regulations will not be applicable until
certified by the California Coastal Commission. Prior to Coastal Commission
certification, reference Chapter
13 Article 2, Division 4 (Sections 132.0404-132.0408)
for the brush management regulations applicable in the coastal overlay
zone.
Additional
Building Fire Safety Regulations for Buildings Adjacent to Fire Hazard
Areas
A
new set of regulations titled, "Additional
Building Standards for Buildings Located Adjacent to Hazardous Areas
of Native or Naturalized Vegetation" applies to new construction within
300 feet of the boundary between brush management Zones 1 and 2. The regulations
require building envelope safeguards to prevent the intrusion of burning
brands and embers into concealed underfloor and attic areas as well as
through glazed roof and wall openings for structures located in areas
adjacent to flammable vegetation. A list of exemptions and an approval
process for alternate materials, designs, and methods of construction
were also included in the new building regulations in Chaptrer 14, Artilce
5, Division 5.
Check the Permit Press for future updates.
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