Requirements on New Housing Developments in Very High Fire Risk Areas Legislation Failed Passage

This week, Senate Bill 12, authored by Senator Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg), which established wildfire reduction standards and planning requirements for new housing developments in Very High Fire Risk Areas (VHFRA) of the state, failed passage in Assembly Housing Committee. 

The measure would have prohibited local governments from approving permits for housing developments unless the project was in compliance with the wildfire risk reduction standards as outlined in the bill.  SB 12 also required increased wildfire risk mitigation planning by local governments through updated local safety and land use elements of that jurisdiction’s general plan.  RCRC did not have a formal position on the bill, but had been in discussions with the author regarding local government concerns.

For more information, contact Tracy Rhine, RCRC Senior Legislative Advocate, by email or call (916) 447-4806.