The San Luis Obispo City Council adopted an updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map on Tuesday. The map is used to determine risk of wildfires to structures. Properties falling within certain risk zones will now have to adhere to new fire prevention measures.
The SLO Fire Department initially proposed the new map in March and presented it at a community forum in May. The City Council voted to adopt the map. The new regulations associated with the map will take effect July 17, according to Fire Chief Todd Tuggle.
READ MORE: Madre Fire: California’s largest blaze in 2025 burns 80,000 acres in San Luis Obispo County
This change comes as the Madre Fire burns nearly 52,000 acres in San Luis Obispo County. The area affected by the fire is designated in the ‘Very High Fire Hazard’ zone. As of July 9, the Madre Fire has burned nearly 80,000 acres in total.
Fire Hazard Guidelines
Properties in the ‘Very High Fire Hazard’ zone need to maintain space between vegetation and the structure, according to the 2022 California Fire Code. All new properties will have the same standards as those in the ‘High’ zone. Some new properties may require an additional resistance certifications if requested by insurers.
New and significantly remodeled properties in the ‘High Fire Hazard’ zone will have to comply with ignition-resistant standards. Homeowners must provide natural disaster disclosure at the time of sale.
In anticipation of the State’s release of the 2026 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, guidelines passed by the State to minimize wildfire damage, the City Council plans to hold a public study session in October. Furthermore, the city plans to develop and enforce a program.
“Not only does this impact the city, our community members and property owners, but it does impact the city as an organization and how we look at managing our own properties,” City Manager Whitney McDonald said during a June 3 City Council meeting. “The goal is really providing and creating a more resilient community from wildfires.”