978 REGULAR MEETING AGENDA CITY OF LA HABRA HEIGHTS PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE 1245 N. Hacienda Road La Habra Heights, California 90631 6:00 p.m. Regular Business February 20, 2025 The City of La Habra Heights complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you require special assistance to attend or participate in this meeting, please call the Materials related to any items on this agenda submitted to the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee after distribution oft the agenda packet are available for public inspection with the City Clerk at 1245 N. Hacienda Road, La Habra Heights, CA City Clerk's office at (562) )694-6302. 90631 during normal business hours. PUBLIC COMMENT PROCESS Each member ofi the public may speak for ai total ofi five minutes on any action item listed on the agenda or other matters within the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee's purview. In addition, each member of the public may also speak during the second Public Comment segment for no more than one minute concerning matters not on the agenda. To speak in the Public Comment segment, complete and deliver a speaker's card to the Clerk prior to the call for public comments. You will be called to the Members of the public may also view the live broadcast of the Committee meeting at Www.Lhhcity.org. The public may provide public comments via phone at (562)694-6302 Ext. 0. If you would like to provide public comment via phone, please begin youro call once the Chair calls the meeting to order. All Public Comments shall be made in accordance with Section 6 and Section 8 of the City ofL La Habra Heights Rules of Procedure. Should you need to provide written documentation, please give the Clerk a minimum podium by name when it is your turn to speak. of NINE (9) copies prior to the start of the meeting sO the information can be distributed to the Committee. OPENING CEREMONIES 1. 2. 3. 4. CALL MEETING TO ORDER ROLL CALL: Chair Kwan Lee, Vice Chair Bradley Romstedt, Committee Members Justina Garcia, Patricia Kelley, and Albert Villagomez FLAG SALUTE PUBLIC COMMENT CONSENT CALENDAR 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES = NOVEMBER 21, 2024 REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE MEETING RECOMMENDATION: Approve. 6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JANUARY: 20, 2025 REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY. AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE MEETING RECOMMENDATION: Approve. END OF CONSENT CALENDAR COMMITTEE BUSINESS 7. COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Justina Garcia - Grants and Articles B. Patricia Kelley - Zone Neighbornood Emergency List C. Kwan Lee - Education and Outreach D. Bradley Romstedt - Property Management E. Albert Vlagomez-CERI/Training REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY, AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS 2 FEBRUARY: 20, 2025 COMMITTEE MEETINGAGENDA 8. HARMONIZING FUEL MODIFICATION REQUIREMENTS WITH LANDSCAPE SCREENING ORDINANCE RECOMMENDATION: Itisr recommended that the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee review and discuss. 9. VERBAL UPDATES Community Outreach Programworkshops Wildfire Defensible Space Brush Clearance RECOMMENDATION: Itis recommended that the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee review and discuss. 10. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (ONE MINUTE) STAFF COMMENTS PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE COMMENTS UPON ADJOURNMENT OF THE MEETING, PLEASE LEAVE THE IN-PERSON AND TELEPHONIC MEETING PROMPTLY. IF YOU ARE RECORDING, PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CONVERSATIONS THAT TAKE PLACE FROM THIS POINT FORWARD MAY BE PRIVATE, ARE NOT PART OF THE PUBLIC MEETING, AND CONSENT OF ALL PARTIES TO THE CONVERSATION MAY BE REQUIRED PRIOR TO ADJOURN MEETING RECORDING. REGULARI PUBLIC SAFETY ANDI EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS 3 FEBRUARY 20, 2025 COMMITTEE MEETING, AGENDA ITEM #5 MINUTES City of La Habra Heights Preparedness Committee November 21, 2024 Regular Meeting of the La Habra Heights Public Safety and Emergency Call to Order- = Regular Emergency Preparedness Committee Meeting Opening Ceremonies 1. Call Meeting to Order - At 6:07 p.m., Vice Chair Bradley Romstedt called the regular meeting to order. 2. Roll Call Present: Vice Chair Bradley Romstedt, Committee Member Justina Garcia, Patricia Kelley and Albert Villagomez Absent: Chair Kwan Lee Also Present: City Manager Rafferty Wooldridge & Fire Marshall Al Alcalde 3. 4. 5. Flag Salute Public Comment Committee Reports A. Justina Garcia - Grants and Articles B. Patricia Kelley - Zone Neighborhood Emergency List C.H Kwan Lee - Education and Outreach D. Bradley Romstedt - Property Management E. Albert Vigomez-cExi/ranng REGULAR! PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE MEETING NOVEMBER 21, 2024 CONSENT CALENDAR 6. Approval of Minutes - September 19, 2024, Regular Public Safety and Emergency Action: Moved (Kelley), seconded (Villagomez), and voted 3-0 (abstain Garcia) to approve the September 19, 2024, Regular Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Preparedness Committee Meeting Committee meeting minutes. End of Consent Calendar COMMITTEE BUSINESS 7. Verbal Updates Firewise USA ProgramWorkshops Community Outreach Action: Reviewed and discussed. 8. Public Comments on Items Not on the Agenda (One Minute) Staff Comments Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee Comments Adjourn Meeting - At7:18 p.m., the meeting was adjourned. Submitted for Committee Approval: Christina Aguilar, Administrative Assistant REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE MEETING 2 NOVEMBER 21, 2024 ITEM#6 MINUTES City of La Habra Heights Preparedness Committee January 16, 2025 Regular Meeting of the La Habra Heights Public Safety and Emergency Call to Order = Regular Emergency Preparedness Committee Meeting Opening Ceremonies 1. Call Meeting to Order = At 6:05 p.m., Chair Kwan Lee called the regular meeting too order. Roll Call 2. Present: Chair Kwan Lee, Committee Member Justina Garcia and Albert Villagomez Absent: Vice Chair Bradley Romstedt & Committee Member Patricia Kelley Also Present: City Manager Rafferty Wooldridge & Battalion Chief 3. 4. 5. Flag Salute Public Comment Committee Reports A. Justina Garcia = Grants and Articles B. Patricia Kelley - Zone Neighborhood Emergency List C. Kwan Lee - Education and Outreach D. Bradley Romstedt- - Property Management E. Albert Viagomez-Ctki/fanng REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY ANDI EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE MEETING 1 JANAURY 16, 2025 CONSENT CALENDAR 6. Approval of Minutes - November 21, Regular Public Safety and Emergency Action: Return the item to the next Emergency Preparedness Committee meeting on Preparedness Committee Meeting February 20, 2025. End of Consent Calendar COMMITTEE BUSINESS 7. Verbal Updates Firewise USA rogramworksnops Community Outreach Program Wildfire Safety and Evacuation Action: Reviewed and discussed. 8. Public Comments on Items Not on the Agenda (One Minute) Staff Comments Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee Comments Adjourn Meeting - At 6:38 p.m., the meeting was adjourned. Submitted for Committee Approval: Christina Aguilar, Administrative Assistant REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY AND! EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE MEETING 2 JANAURY 16, 2025 HA City of La Habra Heights AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date: February 20, 2025 1978 Agenda Item # 8 TO: FROM: Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee Rafferty Wooldridge, City Manager SUBJECT: HARMONIZING FUEL MODIFICATION REQUIREMENTS WITH LANDSCAPING SCREENING ORDINANCE BACKGROUND At the February 10, 2025 City Council meeting, there was a discussion of landscaping screening requirements and Fire Department fuel modification requirements for development projects. The La Habra Heights Municipal Code includes landscaping requirements for development projects to provide landscaping to screen 50% of sides of structures for projects of a certain size. The Municipal Code and the California Building Code also includes provisions that require fuel modification for project within the very Fuel modification is a method to help reduce fire risks by removing overgrown brush, establishing çertain distances trees and shrubs can be located from structures and other plant material. A conflict may arise between these two requirements due to the spacing needs for fuel modification between trees and structures, making it difficult to effectively screen structures. Council Member Steffire wants to work with the Planning Commission and Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee to try and find high fire zone. a balance between these two different requirements. RECOMMENDATION review and discuss. ATTACHMENT Itis recommended that the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee 1. City Council Agenda Report Dated February 10, 2025 3. City of La Habra Heights Fuel Modification Guideline 2. La Habra Heights Municipal Code Section 7.12 Landscaping Standards ATTACHMENT 1 HABRA City of La Habra Heights AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date: February 10, 2025 197B TO: FROM: Agenda Item # 25 Honorable Mayor and City Council Rafferty Wooldridge, Clty Manager SUBJECT: HARMONIZING FUEL MODIFICATION REQUIREMENTS WITH LANDSCAPE SCREENING ORDINANCE This Item was agendized by Council Member Steffire. BACKGROUND Council Member Steffire had been serving on the Planning Commission prior to being elected to the City Council, and participated in the Commissions discussions related to landscaping requirements and fuel modification requirements. The recent wildfires in Southern California have brought a need to examain the City's landscape screening requirements and fuel modification requirements. Council Member Steffire has provided La Habra Heights Land Use Policy is defined in our General Plan as follows: the following information for the City Council to consider. Land Use Element Policy 9. Landscaping plans for residential development shall be required to ensure that the visual impact of new structures is softened by requiring screening, and preservation privacy the community, shall softened by providing privacy for adjoining structures, and preservation of the rural appearance of the community. Approved landscape plans shall be monitored to be sure that they are implemented. That mandate was incorporated into our land use ordinances at Chapter 7.12.30 as follows: A. "View Enhancement and Protection. All development applications for approval of new residential construction, modifications of existing structures involving fifty (50) percent or more of the existing structure's floor area, the addition of a second or higher story to an existing residential structure, or an increase of one thousand (1,000) square feet of floor area, must include a landscaping plan submitted as part of the development application. For all other development applications, landscaping plans are required as determined by the Community Development Director to ensure that the visual impact of new structures and modifications to existing structures is softened by providing screening, privacy for adjoining structures, and preservation of the rurai appearance of the community, Approved landscape plans shall be monitored to ensure they are implemented. Protected views enjoyed by residents shall be protected from umnecessalyumeasonabe obstruction by D. "Use of Landscaping for Screening. On-site landscape materials must provide at least fifty percent (50%) screening, as certified by' a licensed landscape architect, of all elevations of all structures and fences and retaining walls visible from the street and from other parcels, within five (5) years following completion of the project. The screening of the structures shall not adversely impact the distant views from the neighboring properties, public or private (refer any new developments structures orl landscape olements." to Exhibits 7-6 and 7-8)." In 2016, the City Building Department adopted Fuel Modification Guidelines that were based upon Orange County Fire Authority adopted guldelines that among other things required that the first thirly (30) feet of area adjacent to new construction not contain trees which are the normal landscape elements used to comply with our 50% screening requirement. The Guidelines state: "E. Tree species within Zone A are not allowed within 10 feet of combustible structures (measured from the edge of a full growth crown)." The guidelines contain a process whereby a new construction applicant can seek to use 'alternate materials and methods' to achleve the purpose underlying this requirement. See, "F. Ify you cannot meet the requirements of the fuel modification guideline for total distance of the zones, alternate plant specles, or horizontal spacing/grouping distances, an Alternative Materials and Methods (AM & M) request letter shall be drafted and submitted with the plans. If an altemative means of protection is approved by the LHHFD, a copy of the AM & M request letter and an OFM drafted response letter shall be copied onto the plans then re-submitted for the stamp of approval." We contracted with Dennis Grubbs to provide the expertise to approve plans for fire Iti is recommended that the Council refer this set of conflicting requirements jointly to the Planning Commission and the Emergency Preparedness Committee with directions to hold joint public meetings as workshops to discuss with our relevant Fire officials including Mr. Grubbs the creation of a process for determining what AM & M methods code compliance including AM & M approvals. will allow for our screening ordinance to be implemented as intended. Itis is recommended that the City Council review and discuss. RECOMMENDATION ATTACHMENT 2 Chapter 7.12 Landscaping Standards 7.12.10 Purpose of this Chapter The purpose of this Chapter is to establish performance standards, development standards and thet findings required for the modification of any applicable development standards for landscaping. 7.12.20 Applicability of this Chapter This Chapter applies to all development in the City ofl La Habral Heights regardless of the Zone District. All new development and modifications of existing structures must adhere tot the City's landscaping performance standards designed to maintain community character, privacy, views and public health and safety. A. View Enhancement and Protection.. All development applications for approval of newr residential construction, modifications of existing structures involving fifty (50) percent or more oft the existing structure's floor area, the addition of a second or higher story to an existing residential structure, or an increase of one thousand (1,000) square feet off floor area, must include al landscaping plan submitted as part of the development application. For all other development applications, landscaping plans are required as determined byt the Community Development Director to ensure that the visual impact of new structures and modifications to existing structures is softened by providing screening, privacy for adjoining structures, and preservation of the rural appearance of the community. Approved landscape plans shall be monitored to ensure they are implemented. Protected views enjoyed by residents shall be protected from mnecesalyuneasonabe obstruction by any new development's structures or landscape B. Maintenance of Privacy. Landscaping must be designed, installed, and maintained in such a manner to C. Reduction of Light Trespass. Landscaping should consist of materials that reduce potential light and glare D. Landscaping on Graded Surfaces. Landscaping shall be adequate to prevent grading-nduced erosion and to E. Landscaping for Screening. Landscaping must be used to screen all retaining and other walls, parking areas, and other hardscape areas. Landscaping shall screen obtrusive structures, provide privacy and soften the impact of F. Preservation of Significant Trees. Existing significant trees shall be preserved whenever possible. G. Invasive Plants Prohibited. Invasive plant species listed on the plant palette shall not be allowed on any landscape plan nor planted on any property.Ali list of such plants is maintained by the Planning Division or the 7.12.30 Performance Standards for Landscaping elements. preserve the privacy of adjacent properties. impacts on adjacent properties. restore the look of the natural terrain. new development. California Native Plant Society. (Ord. 2015-01 SS1 18, .19:0rd,2008-0881) 7.12.40 Development Standards for Landscaping The following sections implement the City of La Habra Heights General Plan goals and policies related to landscaping as a means to protect views, privacy, and community and neighborhood character. A. Landscaping and Irrigation Plan Required.. AL Landscaping and Irrigation Plani is required for any project that will result in thet following: alteration ofa any yard associated with new construction; modifications of existing structures involving fifty (50) percent ori more of the existing structure's floor area; the addition of a second or higher story to an existing residential struçture; or an increase of one thousand (1,000) square feet of floor area. For projects of these types, the plans shall be provided as part of the application package submittedi to the City as required by Article 8. The requirement for al Landscaping and Irrigation Plan fora all other development projects shall be at the discretion of the Community Development Director, and al Landscape and Irrigation Plan shall not be required if no new or B. Minimum Landscaping Requirements. Landscaping thats screens the residence and all other structures from the street and neighboring residences must be provided ini the front and other yards. Landscaping shall be provided 1. All required setback areas pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 7.11, except where ar required setback 2. Those areas used for fire control and/or erosion control more than five (5) feet from the edge of pavement modified landscaping andi irrigation is proposed. in the following locations: is occupied by the access portion ofa a driveway, shall be landscaped. oft the adjacent streets shall be landscaped and maintained. . Landscape Materials. Thet following requirements are applicable to landscape materials: 1. Plant materials shall not consist of invasive species that will affect natural areas. 2. Plant materials used in any landscaping must conform to Fuel Modification Zone requirements specified in 3. Existing on-site natural and/or landscape materials may be integrated into landscaping plans. 4. Ap plant palette, which is maintained by the Planning Division, shall be used wherever possible. D. Use of Landscaping for Screening. On-site landscape materials must provide at least fifty percent (50%) screening, as certified by al licensed landscape architect, of all elevations of all structures and fences and retaining walls visible from the street and from other parcels, within five (5) years following completion of the project. The screening of the structures shall not adversely impact the distant views from the neighboring properties, public or Article 4. private (refer to Exhibits 7-6 and 7-8). Exhibit 7-6. Use of Landscaping for Screening E. Arrangement of Shrubs. Shrubs visible from adjacent private and public properties shall be arranged in broad, informal masses to produce a mounded, textured slope surface (refer to Exhibit7-7). F. Arrangement of Trees. Tree plantings visible from adjacent private and public properties shall be placed on the property in a random (non-formal) manner in locations where they will ber most effective in softening the impact of construction (refer to Exhibit 7-7). Exhibit 7-7. Arrangement of Trees and Shrubs G. Protection of Views. Landscape materials must be selected to minimize the obstruction of protected views both at the time of planting and when the landscaping reaches maturity (refer to Exhibit 7-8). The consideration oft the expected height and bulk of landscaping at maturity will take into account the selected plants and the City's climate and growing conditions. Exhibit 7-8 Landscaping and Obstruction of Significant Views from adjacent public and private properties including roads. H. Parking Area Landscaping Requirements. Parking areas in all Zone Districts must be screened from view Additional Parking Area Landscaping Requirements for Non-Residential. Zones. For all parking lots containing more than ten (10) stalls or with a paved area of more than twenty-five hundred (2,500) square feet, fifteen percent (15) of thet total parking area shall be designed, constructed and maintained as landscaped areas. A minimum of three (3) trees per six (6) parking stalls shall be employed in addition to trees required for periphery J. Landscaping for Erosion Control. All graded areas must be landscaped to control erosion and restore the look oft the natural terrain. Landscaping, which mayi include trees, shrubs, and ground covers, shall be utilized immediately or before the next rainy season after grading to stabilize and hide all graded areas. AIII landscaping used for erosion control must be maintained and irrigated. Measures other than landscaping may be used for temporary erosion K. Fuel Modification Zones. Landscape plans must incorporate Fuel Modification Zone requirements as detailed in Article 4. These requirements are designed to lessen the potential for wildfire and must be maintained at all times. L. Public Safety. Within the public right-of-way, landscape plans must incorporate al landscape buffer zone for public safety in compliance with Section 4.4.20(D)(3). The Public Works Department may determine a larger buffer screening. control prior to completion of construction. zone is required for public safety. (Ord. 2015-01 SS 20,21:0n.200/-0293 Significant trees, as defined in this section, shall be conserved wherever possible. A. Identification of Significant Trees. Significant trees include the following: 7.12.50 Tree Preservation 1. Trees that are at least twenty (20) inches in circumference measured four and one-half (4-1/2) feet above 2. Trees with more than one trunk whose combined circumference is at least thirty (30)i inches as measured 3. Any tree thati is visible from grounds or structures off site and either screens structures from view of other B. Preservation of Significant Trees During Site Development. Significant trees shall be preserved where reasonably possible during grading, site development or other site work or construction activities. C. Tree Removal Permit is Required. No significant tree shall be removed or damaged without an approved Tree Removal Permit. Permit application procedures are identified in/ Article 8. Tree removal in excess of that allowed by this Chapter without permit is subject to legal penalties as specified in Article 4. Up to four (4) non-significant trees or twenty-five (25) percent of the non-significant trees, whichever is less, may be removed in any single year without D. Tree Replacement. Thet following tree removal requirements are applicable to all Zone Districts: the mean natural grade. four and one-half (4-1/2) feet above the mean natural grade. properties ori is required as part of a landscaping plan. permit. 1. The site plan and landscape plan for any new development must identify the trees that will be removed as part of thep proposed development and indicate the location, size, species, and extent of the replacement trees. 2. The tree replacement shall consist oft trees of sufficient number and size so that the neighborhood character, views and privacy are restored ore enhanced. E. Exceptions. The provisions of this section shall not apply under the following conditions: 1. Emergencies caused by trees being in al hazardous or dangerous condition as determined by City 2. Emergency maintenance by a public utility necessary to protect or maintain an electric power or 3. Repair and maintenance of existing parkways, highways, and streets and/or other public facilities. 4. Routine maintenance intended to ensure the continued health ofa ai tree, including the trimming of branches. personnel. communication line or other property of a public utility. (Ord. 2015-01 $22) 7.12.60 Findings Required for Approval of a Standards Modification for Landscaping Ina addition to the General Findings required by Section 7.19.80, the following additional findings must be made for the approval ofa Standards Modification. A. The requested landscaping modification will not result in a nuisance. B. The requested modification does not resulti in any change ini the Fuel Modification Zone requirements unless approved by the Fire Chief. Mobile Version HABA ATTACHMENT 3 City of La Habra Heights Building Division 1245 N. Hacienda Road La Habra Heights, CA90631 Office: (562) 694-6302 Fax: (562)690-5010 1978 City of La Habra Heights Fuel Modification Guideline INTRODUCTION Proper management of vegetation in areas at risk from wildfires has proven to be a major factor in reducing the chances of structures burning, especially when combined with construction techniques designed to further protect a home from approaching flames and burning embers. Over the past 30 years these approaches have contributed to saving California state-wide law requires that land owners in areas at risk from wildfires implement and maintain a defensible space landscape area between buildings and potential approaching hundreds of structures during major wildfires in Southern California. wildfire. PURPOSE The purpose of this guideline is to provide information on how fuel modification zones are to be designed, installed, and maintained in order to meet defensible space requirements. SCOPE A fuel modification zone is a strip of land where combustible vegetation has been removed and/or modified and partially or totally replaced with more adequately spaced, drought-tolerant, fire-resistant plants in order to provide a reasonable level of protection to structures from wildland and vegetation fires. Development occurring within canyons, foothills, mountains, non- irrigated former farming areas, and other lands containing combustible vegetation requires modification of natural vegetation at the urban interface. SUBMITTAL CRITERIA REQUIREMENTS Fuel modification programs vary in complexity and are dependent upon the type, quantity, and spacing of vegetation, as well as topography, degree/type of exposure, local weather patterns, and the construction, design, and placement of structures. At typical fuel modification installation consists of three Zones. a Zone A which extends 30 feet from the structure and is irrigated. Zone B extends out 100 feet from the structure. Iti is a thinned by a minimum of fifty sO that the maximum coverage does not exceeds 50 percent. Land within this zone must be free of debris, dead wood, branches touching the ground, and other dry or dead vegetation. Zone C extends out 200 feet from the structure. Zone C thinned by a minimum of thirty (30) percent. Land within this zone must be free of debris, dead wood, branches touching the ground, and other dry or dead vegetation 1. Conceptual Fuel Modification Plans Conceptual fuel modification plans must be approved by the La Habra Heights Fire Department (LHHFD). This approval occurs prior to, and/or concurrent, with review and Conceptual plans are optional. See Section 2 for the precise plan requirements. Precise plans shall include all submittal criteria information required for conceptual plans below. Approval of a fuel modification plan by the LHHFD does not eliminate the requirement to obtain appropriate environmental, grading, and zoning clearance/permits from the appropriate approving agency having jurisdiction. Conceptual plans show the area and location of fuel modification necessary to achieve the minimum acceptable level of risk to Submit three sets of plans prepared by a licensed landscape architect or other design professional with equivalent credentials to the OFM. Contact the OFM in advance if not using a licensed landscape architect. An electronic copy of the plans is required in pdf The following information shall be included on the conceptual fuel modification plan: A. Delineation of each zone (setback, irrigated, and thinning) with a general description of each zone's dimensions and character; i.e., 30-foot A Zone setback, 100-foot Zone B, with existing vegetation removed, irrigated, and planted with adequately spaced plant material from the Horizontal Spacing and Vertical Separation Requirements Document. (See Attachment 1.) Additionally, Copy Attachment 1 onto the plans indicating appropriate spacing requirements will be designed for the precise plans. B. Identify the removal of undesirable plant species in accordance with the Undesirable Plant Species (See Attachment 2). Copy Attachment 2 onto the plans. C. Existing plant species within the required fuel modification area planned to be retained and, if available, proposed plant materials to be planted in the fuel modification area. The plans shall address rare, protected, and endangered plant and animal species, tree ordinances, geological hazards, and other conflicting restrictions. The design professional must be prepared to address the disposition of these species with the D. Identify the size of the proposed development by showing all tract and property lines and slope contour lines. Provide the proposed location of all structures nearest to the approval of any entitlement or conditions being set. structures from combustible vegetation fires. format. submittal of the fuel modification plans. fuel modification area. 2 E. Ar note stating that within the fuel modification zones, the plant specles will be selected F.Ify you cannot meet the requirements of the fuel modification guideline for total distance of the zones, alternate plant species, or horizontal spacing/grouping distances, an Alternative Materials and Methods (AM & M) request letter shall be drafted and submitted with the plans. If an alternative means of protection is approved by the LHHFD, a copy of the AM & M request letter and an OFM drafted response letter shall from the La Habra Heights approved plant palette. be copied onto the plans then re-submitted for the stamp of approval. 2. Precise Fuel Modification Plans Precise fuel modification plans shall include all information required for conceptual fuel A. Plant palette to be designed and installed in accordance with this guideline. Include a plant legend for all trees, tree-form shrubs, shrubs, and ground cover in irrigated zones showing the maximum width of mature plants and proposed spacing in accordance with the Horizontal Spacing and Vertical Separation Requirements (Attachment 1). B. Irrigation plans indicating that an irrigation system is being designed and installed. C.Ifnot available on the conceptual plan, building footprints or a statement that clearly D. Specify on the plans that the property owner shall be responsible for maintaining the modification plans and the following additional information: indicates the limits of proposed structure(s). fuel modification in the condition as approved. 3. Plant Palette Information The plant species from the LHH Approved Plant List, Attachment 3, were approved by various resource agencies responsible for environmental protection. All plants installed shall be selected from Attachment 3 and be grouped and spaced in accordance with Attachment 1. Specific installation requirements are included for various plant species. (See plant code, legend, and qualification statements in Attachment 1). Retained plants shall be proposed for approval on the plans (See below for proposing alternate plant species). All plant species must be submitted in a legend on the plans containing both the botanical and common names. In irrigated zones plants must be fire resistant and drought- tolerant. New plant species introduced outside of the irrigated zones must be from Attachment 3 (or see below). (All plants including species from Attachment 3 will burn given sufficient heat and lowi moisture content. Vegetative fire resistance may be enhanced through adequate irrigation rates or precipitation). Proposing Alternate Species: Ifa alternate plant spècies are proposed, the landscape architect shall provide photographs as well as all data on the size and fire resistive characteristics for installation criteria. A maximum of 10 alternate species can be proposed per project. Plant selections need to 3 have similarlequal properties to the plants from Attachment 3. OFM will make a case-by- case determination as to acceptability of the proposed species. The proposed species must be spaced based on size and characteristics. If the plant materials are proposed to be planted within 300 feet of reserve lands (except plants on the interior of the tract), concurrence from the applicable agencies listed in Section 2B would be required. If the proposed plants have received previous resource agency approval, no concurrence letter will be required. Contact OFM prior to your submittal of alternate plant species, if needed. 4. Zone A - Irrigated Structure Setback Zone The purpose of the setback zone is to provide a defensible space for fire suppression forces and to protect structures from radiant and convective heat. In no case shall ZoneA be less than a 30-foot minimum width. The entire zone is to be located on a level, IfZ Zone A is located within the lot containing the protected structure and another entity is maintaining the B zone, it shall be located at the most distal level 30 feet prior to the beginning of the slope. If Zone A is located outside of the lot containing the protected structure, it shall begin at the lot property line. The latter condition is preferred as it allows for combustible construction within privately owned individual lots. Typically, Zone A will not be approved when proposed more than 100 feet from the protected structure. Zone A may incorporate trails, roadways, and other level noncombustble surfaces that create defensible space for fire crews heat reduction between the protected structure and the fire. graded area at the top or base of the slope. Zone A- Specific Maintenance Requirements A. Automatic irrigation systems to maintain healthy vegetation with high moisture content B. Pruning of foliage to reduce fuel load, maintain vertical continuity, and removal of plant litter and dead wood in accordance the Horizontal Spacing and Vertical Separation C. Complete removal of undesirable plant species (See Attachment 2). There is also D. Plants in this zone shall be highly fire resistant and selected from the LHH Approved E. Tree species within Zone A are not allowed within 10. feet of combustible structures F.M Maintenance includes thinning and removal of over-growth, replacement of dead/dying fire resistant plantings, and maintenance of the operation of the irrigation system. G. Devices that burn solid fuels are not permitted in any fuel modification zone. and be regularly irrigated. Requirements (Refer to Attachment 1). minimal allowance for retention of selected native vegetation. Plant List (Refer to Attachment 3). (measured from the edge of a full growth crown). 4 H. No combustible construction shall be allowed within Zone A. 5. Zone B -Reduced Fuel Zone This portion of fuel modification consists of irrigated landscaping. This irrigated zone is a minimum of 70 feet in width extending 100 feet from the structure and may be increased as conditions warrant. The plans must delineate that portion of the fuel modification area that will be permanently and regularly irrigated. The landscape architect shall select plant species, design an irrigation system, and design a maintenance program which sensitively addresses water conservation practices and includes methods of erosion control to protect against slope failure. All irrigation shall be kept a minimum of 20 feet from the drip line of Zone B shall be cleared of all undesirable plant species, irrigated, and planted with species from the LHH. Approved Plant List, Attachment 3. Exceptions to save desirable species may any existing native Quercus (oak) species. be submitted for approval by the LHHFD on a site-specific basis. Zone B - Specific Maintenance Requirements A. Groundcover shall be installed and maintained at a height not to exceed 2 feet. B. In order to maintain proper coverage, native grasses shall be allowed to go to seed. Native grasses shall be cut after annual seeding. Cut heights shall be approximately 4- C. Apply irrigation rates to maintain healthy vegetation with high moisture content based on D. All plant species designed for Zone B shall be selected from Attachment 3. Existing fuel modification maintenance programs are limited to the plants listed on the approved plans unless a revision is requested. Planting and maintenance shall be in accordance with planting restrictions from Attachments 1 and 2. Native vegetation not on the undesirable list is allowed to remain providing the coverage of vegetation does not E. Groups of trees, tree-form shrubs, and shrubs that naturally exceed 2 feet in height shall be vertically pruned, and horizontally spaced in accordance with Attachment 1. F.F Removal of dead and dying vegetation and undesirable plant species from Attachment G. Devices that burn solid fuels are not permitted in any fuel modification zone. inches. plant species specific needs. exceed 50 percent. 2. H. Combustible construction is not allowed within Zone B. 5 NOTE REGARDING APPLICATION OF CBC Chapter 7A and CRC R327: All structures in lots containing or adjacent to designated fuel modification zones shall incorporate special construction features per California Building Code (CBC) Chapter 7A or California Residential Code (CRC) R327 as required by the OFM. The identification of structures required to have special construction features due to eveppmenuconsrucion in a FHSZ shall be done independently from the assessment of the proposed fuel modification plan. These construction features are required to be listed on the OFM reviewed Fire Master Plan. 6. Zone C-Reduced Fuel Zone This portion of fuel modification consists of irrigated landscaping. This irrigated zone is a minimum of 100 feet in width beginning 100 feet from the structure extending 200 feet from the structure and may be increased as conditions warrant. The plans must delineate that portion of the fuel modification area that will be permanently and regularly irrigated. The design an irrigation system, and design a maintenance program which sensitively addresses water conservation practices and includes methods of erosion control to protect against slope failure. Native vegetation not on the undesirable list is allowed to remain providing the coverage of vegetation does not exceed 70 percent. Zone C- Specific Maintenance Requirements A. In order to maintain proper coverage, native grasses shall be allowed to go to seed. Native grasses shall be cut after annual seeding. Cut heights shall be approximately 4 - B. If irrigation is used apply irrigation rates to maintain healthy vegetation with good C. Existing fuel modification maintenance programs are limited to the plants listed on the approved plans unless a revision is requested. Planting and maintenance shall be in accordance with planting restrictions from Attachments 1 and 2. Native vegetation not on the undesirable list is allowed to remain providing the coverage of vegetation does D. Removal of dead and dying vegetation and undesirable plant species from Attachment E. Devices that burn solid fuels are not permitted in any fuel modification zone. inches. moisture content based on plant species specific needs. not exceed 70 percent. 2. 7. Fuel Modification Plan Revisions Revisions to previously approved fuel modification zones or plans shall follow procedures as established La Habra Heights. Existing fuel modification maintenance programs are limited to the plants and zone distances listed on the approved plans unless a revision is requested to the LHHFD. Three sets of revised plans are to be submitted to the LHHFD for 6 review. The applicant shall provide a copy of the original, stamped LHHFD approved plan for reference during the review. Some minor field changes may not need a plan submittal revision, yet those instances shall require approval by LHHFD in writing prior to the field change. 8. Fuel Modification Implementation & Required Inspections This following information shall be placed on precise fuel modification plans, verbatim: A. Prior to Rough Grading Permit Issuance: The developer/builder shall have B. Prior to Precise Grading Permit Issuance: The developer/Duilder shall have C. Prior to Building Permit Issuance: Prior to dropping lumber, the developer/bulder shall implement those portions of the approved fuel modification plan determined to be necessary by the LHHFD prior to the introduction of any combustible materials into the area. Removal of undesirable species may meet this requirement or a separation of combustible vegetation for a minimum distance of 100 feet from the location of the structure and lumber stock-pile. This generally involves removal and thinning of plant materials indicated on the approved plan. An inspection and/or release letter to the D. Prior to Issuance of Certification of Occupancy: The fuel modification zones adjacent to structures must be installed, irrigated, and inspected. This includes physical installation of features identified in the approved precise fuel modification plan (including, but not limited to, plant establishment, thinning, irrigation, zone markers, access easements, etc). An LHHFD Inspector will provide written approval of completion at the time of this final inspection. A written disclosure may be requested by the LHHFD Inspector indicating that the property owner is aware of the fuel modification zone on their land and that they are aware of the associated restrictions of the zone. approved/stamped Conceptual or Precise Fuel Modification Plan. approved/stamped Precise Fuel Modification Plan. building department is required. 9. Glossary CONDUCTION -[ Direct transfer of heat/flames by objects touching each other. CONVECTIVE HEAT - Transfer of heat by atmospheric currents, which is most critical CROWN - Upper part of tree or other woody plant carrying the main branch system and CANOPY - More or less continuous cover of branches and foliage formed collectively by under windy conditions and in steep terrain. foliage. the crowns of adjacent trees or other woody growth. 7 DEFENSIBLE SPACE - An area around the perimeter of structures which are key points of defenselattack against encroaching wildfires or fires escaping the structure. Defensible space refers to the area between a structure and a potential on-coming wildfire. DESIRABLE PLANT LIST - List of plants exhibiting characteristics of low fuel volume, fire resistance, and drought tolerance which make them desirable for planting in areas of high fire danger. DRIPLINE - Ground area at the outside edge of the canopy. DROUGHT TOLERANT - The ability of a plant or tree to survive on little water. FIRE BREAK - Removal of growth, usually in strips, around housing developments to prevent a fire from spreading to the structures from open land or vice versa. FIRE RESISTANT - Any plant will burn with enough heat and proper conditions. Resistance is often used as a comparative term relating to the ability of a plant to resist FIRE RETARDANCE - Relative comparison of plant species related to differences in fuel FUEL BREAK- A wide strip or block of land on which the native or pre-existing vegetation has been permanently modified so that fires burning into it can be more readily- FUEL LOAD. - The weight oft fuels in a given areas, usually expressed in tons per acre. FUEL MODIFICATION ZONE - A strip of land where combustible native or ornamental vegetation has been modified and partially or totally replaced with drought tolerant, fire FUEL MOISTURE CONTENT - The amount of water in a fuel, expressed as a percentage FUEL VOLUME - The amount of fuel in a plant in a given area of measurement, Generally, HORIZONTAL CONTINUITY - The extent or horizontal distribution of fuels at various levels LADDER FUELS - Fuels which allow the vertical transmission of fire to over-story vegetation. Fire is able to carry from ground surface fuels into crowns with relative ease. LITTER - The uppermost layer of loose debris composed of freshly fallen or slightly decomposed organic material such as dead sticks, branches, twigs, leaves or needles. ignition. volume, inherent flammability characteristics, and ease of fire spread. extinguished. resistant, plants. oft the oven dry weight of that fuel. an open-spaced plant willl be low in volume. or planes. 8 LONG TERM - In perpetuity of the fuel modification plan requirement. ember or heat will cause ai fire, providing it lands on receptive fuels. PROBABILITY OF IGNITION - A rating of the probability that a glowing or flaming flying RADIANT HEAT - Transfer of heat by electromagnetic waves and can, therefore, travel against the wind. For example, it can preheat the opposite side of a burning slope in a RESERVE LANDS - As defined by the State of California and Riverside County agencies. TARGET SPECIES - Plant species that are generally removed as part of the fuel UNDESIRABLE SPECIES - Those species of plants with inherent characteristics which make them highly combustible. These characteristics can be either physical or chemical. Physical properties include large amounts of dead material retained within the plant, rough or peeling bark, and the production of large amounts of litter. Chemical properties include the presence of volatile substances such as oils, resins, wax, and pitch. These plants are WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE - That line, area, or zone where structures and other FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES (FHSZ), WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE (WUI) - The geographic areas designated on adopted local and state CALFIRE maps. The areas contain the type of vegetation, topography, weather, and fire history that have the steep canyon or a neighboring home to the ignition point. modification plan (see undesirable species). sometimes referred to as target species. human development meet ori intermingles. possibility of conflagration fires. 9 Attachment 1 Horizontal Spacing and Vertical Separation Requirements for Installation and Maintenance in All Fuel Modification Zones 15f fcct min. or3t timcs thet tallest inany of the groups Shrub and" Tree Form Shrub Horizontal Grouping and Spacing (when> >2f feet ink height)a asr measured from the edge of the group Shrub Height Horizontal Spacing 3x or 15'min for Shrubs; (or30' for Trees) Vertical Separation 4'min Vegetation 2'max Underneath Horizontal Spacing Vegetation Less than 21 Feet in Height: Shrubs and Trees 21 Feet in Height or Greater: Shrub and Tree Group Size: Shrub/Tree-form Shrub Group Spacing: No horizontal spacing or vertical separation is required in all zones. Ground cover in Zone B should cover the entire ground between groups ofshrubs, trees, or grasses. Ground cover shall not exceed 21 feeti inl height. All Shrubs and" Trees can be in groups of3 specimens or less. No horizontal spacing is required inside the group. Groups of shrubs shall be spaced by the greater of the following two measurements: A distance of 15 feet minimum (or) 31 times the height oft the tallest specimen in any oft the groups. No vegetation over 2 feet inl height is allowed within 15 feet from the edge oftree canopy(s). Groups ofTrees shall be spaced by a distance of 30 feet minimum regardless of height. Trees shall be a minimum of 10 feet from all structures at maturity. Tree Group Spacing: Vertical Separation Shrubs and' Trees Less than 101 Feet in] Height: Shrubs and Trees 101 Feet inl Height or Greater: When the fuel modification zone is within 30 feet of the structure, a vertical separation of2 feet minimum is required from the vegetation below. (Not required ifshrubs are further than 30 feet from structure). A vertical separation of4 feet minimum is required tol be maintained from the vegetation below. Trees only: All vegetation located underneath trees, shall be a maximum of2 feeti in height. 10 Attachment 2 Undesirable Plant Species Certain plants are consideréd to be undesirable in the landscape due to characteristics that make them highly flammable. These characteristics can be either physical or chemical. Physical properties that would contribute to high flammability include large amounts of dead material retained within the plant, rough or peeling bark, and the production of copious amounts of litter. Chemical properties include the presence of volatile substances such as oils, resins, wax, and pitch. Certain native plants are notorious for containing these volatile Plants with these characteristics shall not be planted in any of the fuel modification zones. Should these species already exist within these areas, they shall be removed because of the potential threat they pose to any structures. They are referred to as target species since their complete removal is a critical part of hazard reduction. These fire-prone plant species include substances. (but not limited to): FIRE PRONE PLANT SPECIES MANDATORY REMOVAL) Botanical Name Cynara Cardunculus Ricinus Communis Cirsium Vulgare Brassica Nigra Silybum Marianum Sacsola Austails Nicotiana Bigelevil Nicotiana Glauca Lactuca Serriola Conyza Canadensis Heterothaca Grandifiora Anthemix Cotula Urtical Urens Cardaria Draba Brassica Rapa Cortaderia Selloana Artemisia Californica Eriogonum Fasciculatum Salvia Mellifera Ornamental: Cortaderia Cupressus sp Eucalyptus sp Juniperus sp Pinuss sp Common Name Artichoke Thistle Castor Bean Plant Wild Artichoke Black Mustard Milk" Thistle Russian Inste/rumDlewood Indian Tobacco Tree Tobacco Prickly Lettuce Horseweed Telegraph Plant Mayweed Burning Nettle Noary Cress, Perennial Peppergrass Wild Turnip, Yellow Mustard, Field Mustard Adenostoma Fasciculatum Chamise Adenostoma Sparsifolium Red Shanks Pampas Grass California Sagebrush Common Buckwheat Black Sage Pampas Grass Cypress Eucalyptus Juniper Pine 11