As part of this process, the City of Norco is required to provide a public comment period, and within 120 days, the City Council is required to adopt the ordinance approving the map designations. 

The City of Norco is seeking public comment on the Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps as received by the California State Fire Marshal's Office and is accepting the map, without changes, as published.  Please provide your comments by:

Email

cityclerk@ci.norco.ca.us

Online Form

https://rvcfire.wufoo.com/forms/wcungmu0u39kv2/

Mail

City of Norco

ATTN: City Clerk

2870 Clark Avenue

Norco, CA 92860

The recent updates to FHSZ in California provide a more precise assessment of wildfire risks using modern climate data and advanced fire modeling. These updates impact the Local Responsibility Areas (LRA), influencing fire prevention measures, including defensible space, building codes, and real estate disclosure requirements.

Additional Resources

• California Fire Hazard Severity Zone Website
• CAL FIRE LRA & FHSZ Fact Sheet & FAQs
• California Department of Insurance: Fire Hazard Severity Zones & Insurance Impacts

According to Government Code Section 51179 (b)(3):

• Local agencies shall not decrease the FHSZ level recommended by OSFM.
• Local agencies may add to or increase the recommended FHSZ level, but Riverside County Fire Department and the City of Norco are not proposing any additions or increases during this adoption process.

Per state law, local agencies (Norco City Council) must adopt the OSFM-recommended LRA FHSZ maps by ordinance within 120 days of their release.

FHSZ Classification

Properties are designated as Moderate, High, or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones based on:

• Terrain and topography
• Vegetation and fuel conditions
• Fire history and frequency
• Climate and weather patterns

Fire Hazard vs. Fire Risk

FHSZ maps identify the hazard potential, not the immediate risk. They do not factor in mitigation efforts such as defensible space, fire-resistant construction, or local firefighting capabilities.

• Maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures.
• Comply with home hardening requirements to reduce ignition risks.
• Ensure new construction and renovations adhere to Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) building codes.
• Disclose FHSZ designation when selling property.

Homeowners in High FHSZ must:

• Comply with home hardening requirements to reduce ignition risks.
• Ensure new construction and renovations adhere to Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) building codes.
• Disclose FHSZ designation when selling property.

Senate Bill 63 (2021) – Expanded fire hazard oversight to include Moderate and High zones in addition to Very High FHSZ classifications.

Assembly Bill 337 (1992) – Originally mandated the identification of Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones following destructive wildfires.

Assembly Bill 211 (2022) – Requires local agencies to adopt Moderate, High, and Very High FHSZ designations within 120 days of OSFM recommendations. Local governments cannot downgrade state-designated hazard levels but may increase them if justified.

• The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) updates FHSZ maps, which are used to enforce fire safety regulations statewide.
• Residents can check their property's FHSZ status online: RVC FHSZ MAP HERE
• Local jurisdictions must review and adopt the updated maps to enhance community wildfire preparedness.