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 April 17, 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 City Clerk's office at (562) 694-6302. 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 90631 during normal business hours. PUBLIC COMMENT PROCESS Each member of the public may speak for a total of 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 podium by name when it is your turn to speak. Members of the public may also view the live proadcast of the Committee meeting at www.Lhhclty.org. The public may provide public comments via phone at (562) 694-6302 Ext. 0. Ifyou would like to provide public comment via phone, please begin your 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 of La Habra Heights Rules of Procedure. Should you need to provide written documentation, please give the Clerk a minimum of NINE (9) copies prior to the start of the meeting SO the information can be distributed to the Committee. OPENING CEREMONIES 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL: Chair Kwan Lee, Vice Chair Bradley Romstedt, Committee Members Justina Garcia, Patricia Kelley, and Albert Villagomez 3. FLAG SALUTE 4. 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 16, 2025 REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE MEETING RECOMMENDATION: Approve. 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES = FEBRUARY 20, 2025 REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE MEETING RECOMMENDATION: Approve. END OF CONSENT CALENDAR COMMITTEE BUSINESS 8. 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 Villagomez - CERT/Training REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS 2 APRIL 17, 2025 COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA 9. HARMONIZING FUEL MODIFICATION REQUIREMENTS WITH LANDSCAPE SCREENING ORDINANCE (CONTINUED FROM FEBRUARY 20, 2025 MEETING) RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee review and discuss. 10. VERBAL UPDATES Community Outreach Program Brush Clearance RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee review and discuss. 11. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (ONE MINUTE) STAFF COMMENTS PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE COMMENTS ADJOURN MEETING 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 RECORDING. REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY REPAREDNESS 3 APRIL 17, 2025 COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA ITEM #5 978 MINUTES City of La Habra Heights Regular Meeting of the La Habra Heights Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee November 21, 2024 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. Flag Salute. 4. Public Comment 5. 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 Villagomez - CERT/Training REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY NOVEMBER 21, 2024 PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE MEETING CONSENT CALENDAR 6. Approval of Minutes = September 19, 2024, Regular Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee Meeting Action: Moved (Kelley), seconded (Villagomez), and voted 3-0 (abstain Garcia) to approve the September 19, 2024, Regular Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness 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 At 7:18 p.m., the meeting was adjourned. Submitted for Committee. Approval Christina Aguilar, Administrative Assistant REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY 2 NOVEMBER 21, 2024 PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE MEETING ITEM #6 MINUTES City of La Habra Heights Regular Meeting of the La Habra Heights Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee January 16, 2025 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 to order. 2. Roll Call 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. Flag Salute 4. Public Comment 5. Committee Reports A. Justina Garcia - Grants and Articles B. Patricia Kelley - Zone Neighborhood Emergency List C. Kwan Lee = Eduçation and Outreach D. Bradley Romstedt - Property Management E. Albert Villagomez - CERT/Training REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY 1 JANAURY 16, 2025 REPAREDNESS COMMITTEE MEETING CONSENT CALENDAR 6. Approval of Minutes - November 21, Regular Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee Meeting Action: Return the item to the next Emergency Preparedness Committee meeting on February 20, 2025. End of Consent Calendar COMMITTEE BUSINESS 7. Verbal Updates Firewise USA ProgramWorkshops 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 Preparednéss 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 2 JANAURY 16, 2025 PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE MEETING ITEM#7 978 MINUTES City of La Habra Heights Regular Meeting of the La Habra Heights Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee February 20, 2025 Call to Order = Regular Emergency Preparedness Committee Meeting Opening Ceremonies 1. Call Meeting to Order - At 6:03 pm., Chair Kwan Lee called the regular meeting to order. 2. Roll Call Present: Chair Kwan Lee, Committee Member Albert Villagomez Absent: Vice Chair Bradley Romstedt, Committee Member Patricia Kelley and Justina Garcia Also Present: City Manager Rafferty Wooldridge & Battalion Chief Ed Martin 3. Flag Salute. 4. Public Comment 5. Committee Reports A. Justina Garcia = Grants and Articles B. Patricia Kelley - Zoné Neighborhood Emergency List C. Kwan Lee - Education and Outreach D. Bradley Romstedt - Property Management E. Albert Villagomez = CERT/Training REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEBRUARY 20, 2025 PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE MEETING CONSENT CALENDAR 6. Approval of Minutes - November 21, Regular Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee Meeting Action: Return the item to the next Emergency Preparedness Committee meeting on April 17, 2025. 7. Approval of Minutes = January 16, 2025 Regular Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee Meeting Action: Return the item to the next Emergency Préparedhess Committee meeting on April 17, 2025. 8. Approval of Minutes - February 20, 2025 Regular Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee Meeting Action: Return the item to the next Emergency Preparedness Committee meeting on April 17, 2025. End of Consent Calendar COMMITTEE BUSINESS 9. Harmonizing fuel modification requirements with landscape screening ordinance 10. Verbal Updates At 6:06 Committee Member Bradley Romstedt entered dias. Community Outreach Programworksnop Wildfire Defensible Space Brush Clearânce Action: Reviewed and discussed. 10. Public Comments on Items Not on the Agenda (One Minute) Staff Comments Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee Comments Adjourn Meeting = At 6:46 p.m., the meeting was adjourned. REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY 2 FEBRUARY 20, 2025 PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE MEETING Submitted for Committee Approval: Christina Aguilar, Administrative Assistant REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY 3 FEBRUARY 20, 2025 PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE MEETING City of La Habra Heights AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date: April 17, 2025 1978 Agenda Item # 9 TO: Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee FROM: Rafferty Wooldridge, City Manager SUBJECT: HARMONIZING FUEL MODIFICATION REQUIREMENTS WITH LANDSCAPING SCREENING ORDINANCE (CONTINUED FROM THE FEBRUARY 20, 2025) 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 high fire zone. Fuel modification is a method to help reduce fire risks by removing overgrown brush, establishing certain 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 a balance between these two different requirements. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee review and discuss. ATTACHMENT 1. City Council Agenda Report Dated February 10, 2025 2. La Habra Heights Municipal Code Section 7.12 Landscaping Standards 3. City of La Habra Heights Fuel Modification Guideline ATTACHMENT 1 City of La Habra Helghts AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date: February 10, 2025 1478 Agenda Item # 25 TO; Honorable Mayor and City Counci! FROM: Rafferty Wooldridge, City Manager SUBJECT: HARMONIZING FUEL MODIFICATION REQUIREMENTS WITH LANDSCAPE SCREENING ORDINANCE This Item was agendized by Council Member Steffire. BAGKGROUND 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 Callfornla have brought a need to examaln the City's landscape screening requirements and fuel modiflcation requirements. Councl! Member Steffire has provided the followlng Information for the City Councll to consider. La Habra Heights Land Use Policy Is defined In our General Plan as follows: Land Use Element Pollcy 9. Landscaping plans for residentlal development shall be required to ensure that the visual impact of now structures Is softened by requiring screening, and preservation privacy the communlty, shall softened by providing privacy for adjolning 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 fifly (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 landscaplng plan submltted as part of the development application. For all other development applications, landscaping plans are required as determined by the Communlty Development Director to ensure that the visual impact of new structures and modifications to existing structures Is softened by providing screening, privacy for adjolning structures, and preservation of the rurai appearance of the community, Approved landscape plans shall be monitored to ensure they are Implemented. Protected Vews enjoyed by resldents shall be protected from umnecesayumpasonabe obstruction by any new development's structures or landscape olements." D. "Use of Landscaping for Screening. On-slte landscape materials must provide at least fifty percent (50%) screening, as cerlified by' a lidensed landscape archltect, 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 nelghboring properties, publlc or private (refer to Exhiblts 7-6 and 7-8)." In 2016, the City BulldIng Department adopted Fuel ModHlcation Guidelines that were based upon Orange County Fire Authorlty adopted guldelines that among other thingB required that the first thirly (30) feet of area adjacent to new construction not contain trees which are the normal landscaps 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 guldelines contaln a process whereby a new construction applicant can seek to use 'alternate materlals and methods' to achleve the purpose underlying this requirement. See, "F. If you cannot moet the requirements of the fuel modification guideline for total distance of the zones, alternate plant specles, or norlzontal 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 copled 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 code complance including AM & M approvals. It is recommended that the Council refer this set of confiicting requirements jointly to the Planning Commission and the Emergency Preparedness Committee with directions to hold Jolnt 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 will allowfor our screening ordinance to be implemented as intended. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council review and discuss. 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 the 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 n the City of La Habra Heights regardless of the Zone District, 7,12.30 Performance Standards for Landscaping All new development and modifications of existing structures must adhere to the City's andscaping performance standards designed to maintaln community character, privacy, vlews and public health and safety. A. View Enhancement and Protection. All development applications for approval of new residential construction, modfications of existing structures involving fifty (50) percent or more of the existing structure's floor area, the addition of a second or hlgher story to an existing residentlal structure, or an Increase of one thousand (1,000) square feet ofi floor area, must include a landscaping plan submittod 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 provlding 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 enjayed by residents shall be protected from mnecesayunmeasonatbe obstruction by any new development's structures or landscape elements. B. Malntenance of Privacy. Landscaping must be designed, installed, and maintained in such a manher to proserve the privacy of adjacent propertles. C. Reduction of Light Trespass. Landscaping should consist of materlals that reduce potential light and glare Impacts on adjacent properties. D. Landscaping on Graded Surfaces. Landscaping shall be adequate to prevent grading-nduced erosion and to restore the look of the natural terrain. E. Landscaping for Screening. Landscaplng 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 thel Impact of new development. F. Preservation of Significant Trees. Existing signlficant 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. Al list of such plants is maintained by the Planning Division or the Callfornia Native Plant Society, (Ord. 2015-01 SS 18, 19; Ord. 2009-08 S 1) 7,12.40 Development Standards for Landscaping The following sections implement the City of La Habra Heights General Plan goals and policles related to landscaping as a means to protect views, privacy, and communtty and neighborhood character. A. Landscaping and Irrigation Plan Required. AI Landscaping and Irrigation Plan is required for any project that will result in the following: alteration of any yard assqciated with new construction; modifications of existing structures Involving fifly (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. For projects of these types, the plans shall be provided as part of the applloation package submitted to fhe City as required by Article 8. The requirement for a Landscaping and Irrigation Plan for all other development projects shall be at the discretion of the Community Development Director, and a Landscape and Irrigation Plan shall not be required if no new or modified landscaping and irrigation is proposed. B. Minimum Landscaping Requirements. Landscaping that screens the residence and all other structures from the street and neighboring residences must be provided in the front and other yards. Landscaping shall be provided in the following locations: 1. All required setback areas pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 7.11, except where a required setback is occupied by the access portion of a driveway, shall be landscaped. 2. Those areas used for fire control and/or erosion control more than five (5) feet from the edge of pavement of the adjacent streets shall be landscaped and maintained. C. Landscape Materials. The 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 Article 4. 3. Existing on-site natural and/or landscape materials may be integrated into landscaping plans. 4. Aj 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 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 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 Exhibit 7-7). 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 be 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 of 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 H. Parking Area Landscaping Requirements. Parking areas in all Zone Districts must be screened from view from adjacent public and private properties including roads. I. 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 the 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 screening. J. Landscaping for Erosion Control. All graded areas must be landscaped to control erosion and restore the look ofi the natural terrain. Landscaping, which may 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. All landscaping used for erosion control must be maintained and irrigated. Measures other than landscaping may be used for temporary erosion control prior to completion of construction. 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 a landscape buffer zone for public safety in compliance with Section 4.4.20(D)(3). The Public Works Department may determine a larger buffer zone is required for public safety. (Ord. 2015-01 SS 20, 21; Ord. 2007-02 S 3) 7.12.50 Tree Preservation Significant trees, as defined in this section, shall be conserved wherever possible. A. Identification of Significant Trees. Significant trees include the following: 1. Trees that are at least twenty (20) inches in circumference measured four and one-half (4-1/2) feet above the mean natural grade. 2. Trees with more than one trunk whose combined circumference is at least thirty (30) inches as measured four and one-half (4-1/2) feet above the mean natural grade. 3. Any tree that is visible from grounds or structures off site and either screens structures from view of other properties or is required as part of a landscaping plan. 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 permit. D. Tree Replacement. The following tree removal requirements are applicable to all Zone Districts: 1. The site plan and landscape plan for any new development must identify the trees that will be removed as part of the proposed development and indicate the location, size, species, and extent of the replacement trees. 2. The tree replacement shall consist of trees of sufficient number and size sO that the neighborhood character, views and privacy are restored or enhanced. E. Exceptions. The provisions of this section shall not apply under the following conditions: 1. Emergencies caused by trees being in a hazardous or dangerous condition as determined by City personnel. 2. Emergency maintenance by a public utility necessary to protect or maintain an electric power or communication line or other property of a public utility. 3. Repair and maintenance of existing parkways, highways, and streets and/or other public facilities. 4. Routine maintenance intended to ensure the continued health of a tree, including the trimming of branches. (Ord. 2015-01 S 22) 7.12.60 Findings Required for Approval of a Standards Modification for Landscaping In addition to the General Findings required by Section 7.19.80, the following additional findings must be made for the approval of a Standards Modification. A. The requested andscaping modification will not result in a nuisance. B. The requested modification does not result in any change in the Fuel Modification Zone requirements unless approved by the Fire Chief. Mobile Version à ATTACHMENT 3 City of La Habra Heights Bullding Division 1245 N. Haclenda Road 1475 La Habra Heights, CA 90631 Office: (562) 694-6302 Fax: (562) 690-5010 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 hundreds of structures during major wildfires in Southern California. California state-wide law requires that land owners in areas at risk from wildfires implement and maintain a defenslble space landscape area between bulldings and potential approaching 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. A 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. It 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 approval of any entitlement or conditions being set. 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 structures from combustible vegetation fires. 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 electronlc copy of the plans is required in .pdf format. 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 specles, tree ordinances, geological hazards, and other conflicting restrictions. The design professional must be prepared to address the disposition of these species with the submittal of the fuel modification plans. 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 fuel modification area. 2 E. A note stating that within the fuel modification zones, the plant specles will be selected from the La Habra Heights approved plant palette. F. If 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 alternative 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. 2. Precise Fuel Modification Plans Precise fuel modification plans shall include all information required for conceptual fuel modification plans and the following additional information: 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 irrigatéd 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. If not available on the conceptual plan, building footprints or a statement that clearly indicates the limits of proposed structure(s). D. Specify on the plans that the property owner shall be responsible for maintaining the 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 specles from Attachment 3 will burn given sufficient heat and low moisture content. Vegetative fire resistance may be enhanced through adequate irrigation rates or precipitation). Proposing Alternate Species: If alternate plant spécies 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 propertles 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 prevlous 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 Zone A be less than a 30-foot minimum width, The entire zone Is to be located on a level, graded area at the top or base of the slope. If 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. Zone A - Specific Maintenance Requirements A. Automatic irrigation systems to maintain healthy vegetation with high moisture content and be regularly irrigated. 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 Requirements (Refer to Attachment 1). C. Complete removal of undesirable plant species (See Attachment 2). There is also minimal allowance for retention of selected native vegetation. D. Plants in this zone shall be highly fire resistant and selected from the LHH Approved Plant List (Refer to Attachment 3). E. Tree species within Zone A are not allowed within 10. feet of combustible structures (measured from the edge of a full growth crown). F. Maintenance includes thinning and removal of over-growth, replacement of dead/dying fire resistant plantings, and maintenance of the operation ofi the irrigation system. G, Devices that burn solid fuels are not permitted in any fuel modification zone. 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 any existing native Quercus (oak) species. 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 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 - inches. C. Apply irrigation rates to maintain healthy vegetation with high moisture content based on plant species specific needs. 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 exceed 50 percent. E. Groups of trees, tree-formi shrubs, and shrubs that naturally exceed 2 feet in height shall be vertically pruned, and horizontally spaced in accordance with Attachment 1. F. Removal of dead and dying vegetation and undesirable plant species from Attachment 2. G. Devices that burn solid fuels are not permitted in any fuel modification zone. 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 Callfornia 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 develbpmenlconstruceton 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 M 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 - inches. B. If irrigation is used apply irrigation rates to maintain healthy vegetation with good moisture content based on plant species specific needs. 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 not exceed 70 percent. D. Removal of dead and dying vegetation and undesirable plant species from Attachment 2. E. Devices that burn solid fuels are not permitted in any fuel modification zone. 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 maintenançe 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 origlnal, 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/Duider shall have approvedstamped Conceptual or Precise Fuel Modification Plan. B. Prior to Precise Grading Permit Issuance: The developer/builder shall have approved/stamped Precise Fuel Modification Plan. 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 neçessary 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 building department is required. 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 çompletion 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. 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 under windy conditions and in steep terrain. CROWN - Upper part of tree or other woody plant carrying the main branch system and foliage. CANOPY - More or less continuous cover of branches and foliage formed collectively by the crowns of adjacent trees or other woody growth. 7 DEFENSIBLE SPACE - An area around the perimeter of structures which are key points of defense/attack 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 ignition, FIRE RETARDANCE M Relative comparison of plant species related to differences in fuel volume, inherent flammability characteristics, and ease ofi fire spread. 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 extinguished. FUEL LOAD - The weight of 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 resistant, plants. FUEL MOISTURE CONTENT - The amount of water in a fuel, expressed as a percentage of the oven dry weight of that fuel. FUEL VOLUME - The amount of fuel in a plant in a given area of measurement. Generally, an open-spaced plant will be low in volume. HORIZONTAL CONTINUITY : The extent or horizontal distribution of fuels at various levels or planes. 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. 8 LONG TERM - In perpetuity of the fuel modification plan requirement. PROBABILITY OF IGNITION m A rating of the probability that a glowing or flaming flying ember or heat will cause a fire, providing it lands on receptive fuels. RADIANT HEAT m Transfer of heat by electromagnetic waves and can, therefore, travel against the wind. For example, it can preheat the opposite side of a bumning slope in a steep canyon or a neighboring home to the ignition point. RESERVE LANDS - As defined by the State of California and Riverside County agencles. TARGET SPECIES : Plant species that are generally removed as part of the fuel modification plan (see undesirable species). UNDESIRABLE SPECIES - Those species of plants with inherent characteristics which make them highly combustible. These characteristics can be elther physlcal 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 sometimes referred to as target species. WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE - That line, area, or zone where structures and other human development meet or intermingles. 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 possibility of conflagration fires. 9 Attachment 1 Horizontal Spacing and Vertical Separation Requirements for Installation and Maintenance in All Fuel Modification Zones - 15 fcct min. or 3 timcs the tallest ina any of the groups Shrub and' Tree Form Shrub Horizontal Grouping and Spacing (when > 2 feet in height) as measured from the edge of the group Shrub Height A Horizontal Spacing Vertical Separation 4'min 3x or 15'min for Shrubs; (or. 30' for Trees) Vegetation 2' max Underneath Horizontal Spacing Vegetation Less than 2 Feet in Height: No horizontal spacing or vertical separation is required in all zones. Ground cover in Zone B should cover the entire ground between groups of shrubs, trees, or grasses. Ground cover shall not exceed 2 feet in height. Shrubs and' Trees 2 Feet in Height or Greater: Shrub and Tree Group Size: All Shrubs and Trees can be in groups of 3 specimens or less. No horizontal spacing is required inside the group. Shrub / Tree-form Shrub Group Spacing: Groups of shrubs shall be spaced by the greater of the following two measurements: A distance of 15 feet minimum (or) 3 times the height ofthe tallest specimen in any of the groups. No vegetation over. 2 feet in height is allowed within 15 feet from the edge oftree canopy(s). Tree Group Spacing: 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. Vertical Separation Shrubs and Trees Less than 10 Feet in Height: When the fuel modification zone is within 30 feet of the structure, a vertical separation of 2 feet minimum is required from the vegetation below. (Not required ifs shrubs are further than 30 feet from structure). Shrubs and Trees 10 Feet in Height or Greater: A vertical separation of4 feet minimum is required to be maintained from the vegetation below. Trees only: All vegetation located underneath trees, shall be a maximum of2 feet in height. 10 Attachment 2 Undesirable Plant Species Certain plants are considered to be undesirable in the landscape due to characteristics that make them highly flammable. These characteristics can be elther 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 olls, resins, wax, and pitch. Certain native plants are notorious for containing these volatile substances. 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 (but not limited to): FIRE PRONE PLANT SPECIES (MANDATORY REMOVAL) Botanical Name Common Name Cynara Cardunculus Artichoke Thistle Ricinus Communis Castor Bean Plant Cirslum Vulgare Wild Artichoke Brassica Nigra Black Mustard Sllybum Marianum Milk Thistle Sacsola Austails Russian Thistle/Tumblewood Nicotiana Bigelevil Indian Tobacco Nicotiana Glauca Tree Tobacco Lactuca Serriola Prickly Lettuce Conyza Canadensis Horseweed Heterothaca Grandiflora Telegraph Plant Anthemix Cotula Mayweed Urtica Urens Burnlng Nettle Cardaria Draba Noary Cress, Perennial Peppergrass Brassica Rapa Wild Turnip, Yellow Mustard, Field Mustard Adenostoma Fasciculatum Chamise Adenostoma Sparsifollum Red Shanks Cortaderla Selloana Pampas Grass Artemisia Californica California Sagebrush Erlogonum Fasciculatum Common Buckwheat Salvia Mellifera Black Sage Ornamental: Cortaderia Pampas Grass Cupressus sp Cypress Eucalyptus sp Eucalyptus Juniperus sp Juniper Pinus sp Pine 11