Implications for Future Housing Development within Fire Hazard Severity Zones in California
Abstract
California is in the midst of a housing crisis, prompting the State and local governments to identify sites for development and secure funding to build homes for residents at all income levels. State law requires local governments to adopt a Housing Element that plans for housing for all income levels within areas with suitable conditions; however, supply is not meeting demand in adequate time.
Concurrently, California faces some of the world’s most destructive wildfires, which are anticipated to increase 50 percent by 2100 due to climate change effects such as drought and extreme heat. In 2020 alone, 5 of the 6 largest fires recorded in California history occurred, spanning over 4 million acres – more than double the area burned in any previous year.
Jurisdictions throughout California juggle the issue of increasing housing supply to support constituents of all income levels with the constraint of limited suitable land for development. While California has adopted the most stringent wildfire code in the United States, existing law still allows development within fire hazard severity zones (FHSZ). As climate change continues to create ideal conditions for wildfire, local jurisdictions may consider stronger enforcement to deter development within these regions. This policy brief dives into the implications of housing development within FHSZs as current law stands and recommends smart-growth land use and zoning policies to ensure future housing development does not further exacerbate wildfire risks on human and ecosystem health.
Authorship
This brief was prepared by Marisa Rodriguez ([email protected]).
The views, opinions and recommendations expressed in this policy brief are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Graduate Program of Environmental Policy and Management at UC Davis.