2018 Ferguson Fire in Mariposa County 
Photo credit: USDA

August 24, 2020 - The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) has lent its support to Senate Bill 182, authored by Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara). SB 182 establishes wildfire reduction standards and planning requirements for new housing developments in Very High Fire Risk Areas (VHFRA) of the state.

Specifically, SB 182 prohibits local governments from approving permits for housing developments unless the project is in compliance with the wildfire risk reduction standards as outlined in the bill. SB 182 also requires increased wildfire risk mitigation planning by local governments through updated local safety and land use elements of that jurisdiction’s general plan. Additionally, in order to reduce development pressures in the VHFRA through the Regional Housing Needs Allocation process, SB 182 requires a lower proportion of state housing allocation to jurisdictions that meet specified conditions.

RCRC’s support letter can be accessed here. SB 182 awaits final consideration on the Assembly Floor.
Source: Rural County Representatives of California