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An ordinance adding Chapter 15.25 to the City of South San Francisco Municipal Code designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones
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WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code 51178, the State Fire Marshal shall identify areas in the state as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on consistent statewide criteria and based on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas; and
WHEREAS, the City of South San Francisco is responsible for fire protection within a moderate severity zone and is required to designate, by ordinance, moderate, high and very high fire severity zones in its jurisdiction within 120 days of receiving recommendations from the State Marshall pursuant to Section 51178; and
WHEREAS, moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones are based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors including areas where winds have been identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a major cause of wildfire spread.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Findings
The City Council of South San Francisco finds that all Recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. Amending Title 15 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code to Add Chapter 25
The City Council hereby amends Title 15, of the South San Francisco Municipal Code to add Chapter 25 (Designation of Fire Hazard Severity Zones), to read as follows:
Chapter 25 Designation of Fire Hazard Severity Zones
15.25.010 Designation of Fire Hazard Severity Zones
The City hereby designates the Fire Hazard Severity Zones as recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Government Code Section 51178.
15.25.020 Approval of Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map
The City hereby adopts the Cal Fire Local Responsibility Area (LRA) maps for the City of South San Francisco as published on February 24, 2025. The map, approved by the City of South San Francisco, is hereby incorporated by reference, and entitled “City Fire Hazard Severity Zones.”
15.25.030 Availability of Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map
The official map is located electronically with the City of South San Francisco at www.ssf.net and is on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
SECTION 3. Severability
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed the Ordinance, and each and every section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase not declared invalid or unconstitutional without regard to whether any portion of this Ordinance would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 4. Publication and Effective Date
Pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 36933, the City Attorney shall prepare a summary of this Ordinance. At least five (5) days prior to the Council meeting at which this Ordinance is scheduled to be adopted, the City Clerk shall (1) publish the Summary, and (2) post in the City Clerk’s Office a certified copy of this Ordinance. Within fifteen (15) days after the adoption of this Ordinance, the City Clerk shall (1) publish the summary, and (2) post in the City Clerk’s Office a certified copy of the full text of this Ordinance.
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