Large areas of Ukiah have been reclassified as being at higher fire risk under newly released Cal Fire maps, raising concerns among city officials about the potential impact on homeowners and development.
Craig Schlatter, Ukiah’s director of community development, briefed the city council Wednesday on the revised fire hazard severity zones, which now place much of the city’s west side in the "very high" fire hazard category. The updated maps, released Feb. 24, show a significant increase in the number of parcels falling within the highest risk designation.
City Manager Sage Sangiacomo questioned the changes, emphasizing that Ukiah has long based its fire mitigation efforts on the original maps. He expressed concerns about implications for accessory dwelling unit (ADU) development, lot line splits, and insurance rates.
Councilmember Juan Orozco urged the city to push for reconsideration, arguing that the area has not seen a major fire in nearly a century. “It just doesn’t make a lot of sense,” he said. “It’s definitely going to affect property owners, insurance-wise and in terms of resale value.”
Officials noted the city has little ability to challenge CAL FIRE’s designations. Mayor Doug Crane acknowledged that while the city can impose stricter regulations, it cannot reduce the severity levels set by the state.
CAL FIRE has not yet detailed the full impact of the changes on property owners but has indicated that new construction will immediately be subject to stricter fire safety requirements, including a five-foot ember-resistant zone around structures. Existing buildings will have a three-year transition period to comply.
