The state of California is mandated under the Public Resource Code Article 9 section §4201-4204.1. The purpose of this article is to provide for the classification of lands within state responsibility areas in accordance with the severity of fire hazard present for the purpose of identifying measures to be taken to retard the rate of spreading and to reduce the potential intensity of uncontrolled fires that threaten to destroy resources, life, or property.

Public Resource Code

Fire Hazard Severity Zones

 “What are Fire Hazard Severity Zones”

-Fire hazard severity zones maps evaluate hazards not risk, and there’s an important difference between the two.

Hazard vs Risk

Hazard is based on the physical condition that creates a likelihood an expected fire behavior over a 30-to-50-year period without considering short term modifications such as fuel reduction efforts.

Risk is the potential damage a fire can due to the area under existing conditions, including any modifications such as fuel reduction projects, defensible space, and ignition resistant building construction.

-These zones are assessed by a fire hazard score that account of the following factors: fire history, existing and potential natural vegetation that fuels fire. Classification of zone as moderate high or very high fire hazard is based on a combination of how a fire will behave and the probability of flames and embers threating building. Each area of the map gets a score for flame length, embers, and the likelihood of the area burning. Scores are then averaged over the zones area, which vary in size from relatively small 20-acre urban area to a large wildland zone that have a minimum size of 200 acres. Final zone classification is based on the average score for the zone. Fire hazard severity zones are not however a structure loss model. As key information regarding structure ignitions such as roof types, window types, exterior construction materials, etc. is not included. Fire severity zone maps are utilized for implementing wildland urban interface building standards for new construction (7A).  Natural hazard real estate disclosure at the time of sale, 100ft defensible space clearance requirements around buildings, property development standards such as road with water supply and signage, and for consideration in city and county’s future development.

Defensible space map

Weed Abatement

8.32.010Weeds or rubbish – Notice to remove given when. 

Whenever the Fire Chief finds weeds, rubbish, or any other material upon any street, parkway, sidewalk, property, lands or lot located in the City, which may endanger or injure neighboring property, or the health or welfare of the residents of the vicinity, or which shall be deemed a fire hazard, he shall give, or cause to be given, notice to remove such weeds, rubbish or other material in the manner hereinafter provided. (Prior code § 14.38). 

For more information on city ordinances on weed abatement and removal, please see City of Chula Vista Municipal Code 

Ch. 8.32 Weed Abatement | Chula Vista Municipal Code