Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map

Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map

Notice of Public Hearing - May 21, 2025, at 6 PM

For more information, select the link Public Hearing Notice

New CAL FIRE - Fire Hazard Severity Zones Maps Released: What Windsor Residents Need to Know

On Feb. 24, 2025, CAL FIRE released the 2025 Local Responsibility Area (LRA) Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) Maps. CAL FIRE, in coordination with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, is required to periodically update these maps and severity zones.

About the FHSZ Map

Properties are categorized as Moderate, High, or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones based on terrain, vegetation, fire history, climate conditions, and ember cast computer modeling. Certain areas within Windsor are designated Moderate and High FHSZ. No properties within Windsor are designated Very High FHSZ.

The Town cannot downgrade the hazard classification set by CAL FIRE but may recommend upgrading severity if justified by wildfire history or environmental conditions. Currently, all properties within the Town of Windsor have been designated by the Town Moderate FHSZ. This action was taken by the Town in response to the Tubbs Fire that occurred in October 2017 and the Kincade Fire that occurred in October - November 2019. The Moderate FHSZ designation requires the use of exterior material and certain construction methods that resist flames or burning embers projected by a vegetation fire.

FHSZ maps do not predict fire occurrence. The maps help guide:

  • Home hardening and defensible space requirements
  • Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) building codes for new construction and major renovations
  • Fire hazard disclosures in real estate transactions

Next Steps and Community Involvement

  • Public Comment and Outreach: The Town is requesting public input on the FHSZ map. Please send comments to Kim Jordan, Planner, at kjordan@townofwindsor.ca.gov. 
    • Comments are requested by April 21, 2025.  We’ll share information through meetings, newsletters, and social media.
  • Evaluate and Address Impacts: The Town’s Community Development Department and the Sonoma County Fire District (SCFD), which provides fire services within the Town, are reviewing how this update affects building codes and development standards.

Important Timelines

  • Public Review and Comment: Within 30 days of the release date of the new FHSZ map, the Town is required to make the map available for public review and comment.
  • Ordinance Adoption: Within 120 days of the release date of the new FHSZ map, the Town is required to adopt the finalized map by ordinance. We anticipate the new map will be adopted in late May or early June.
  • Submission to CAL FIRE: Within 30 days of map adoption, the Town is required to submit the ordinance to CAL FIRE.
  • Effective Date of Ordinance: The ordinance adopting the new FHSZ map becomes effective 30 days after the adoption of the ordinance.

More Information