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March 14, 2025 – Sonoma, CA – The City of Sonoma, in partnership with the Sonoma Valley Fire District (SVFD) and the County of Sonoma, has released updated Fire Hazard Severity Maps (FHSZ) for Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) following CalFire’s February 24, 2025, statewide update. These maps use the latest climate data, fire history, topography, and wildfire modeling to classify areas as Very High, High, or Moderate Fire Hazard Zones.
Local governments must adopt these designations within 120 days but cannot downgrade any areas identified by CalFire. However, based on community input and local risk assessments, jurisdictions may upgrade hazard levels if justified.
- Public Review & Comment for the City of Sonoma Open Through April 13
- Review the draft map & submit feedback: sonomacity.org/local-responsibility-area-lra-fire-hazard-severity-map/
- Instructions: Zoom in to see a specific area or enter a specific address in the search bar to see the fire hazard classification for that location.
Upcoming Public Hearing
The City Council will hold a public hearing (date TBD) to review the draft map, consider public feedback, and discuss the City’s next steps. Details will be posted on the City’s website once confirmed.
What This Means for the City of Sonoma
The updated map expands Very High and High Fire Hazard Zones within the City of Sonoma. As part of this process:
- Public Review: Residents can provide feedback.
- Ordinance Adoption: The City must adopt an ordinance reflecting the changes.
- State Compliance: Once adopted, the ordinance is submitted to CalFire.
- Building Code & Development Review: The City’s Community Development Department is assessing how these updates affect building codes and development standards.
“Fire hazard severity maps help inform our approach to wildfire mitigation and preparedness,” said Sonoma City Manager David Guhin. “This update ensures our policies and safety measures align with current fire science, but it does not mean every designated area will experience wildfire. The key takeaway is that we all have a role in reducing fire risk.”
Fire Hazard Severity Zones & Property Impacts
These maps are not a measure of immediate fire risk but inform building codes, defensible space requirements, and fire safety policies:
- Very High FHSZ properties must follow stricter home hardening and defensible space standards.
- 100-foot defensible space clearance is required.
- New construction & major renovations in High/Very High zones must meet Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) building codes.
- Fire hazard zones must be disclosed in real estate transactions.
To Learn More and for Residents in Unincorporated Sonoma Valley
For those residing in unincorporated Sonoma Valley, or for additional information on statewide fire hazard severity mapping, please visit:
- CalFire FHSZ website: fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/community-wildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones
- Sonoma Valley Fire District FHSZ webpage: sonomavalleyfire.org/fire-hazard-severity-zones-fhsz-2025-lra-map-update
- Permit Sonoma (County of Sonoma) Press Release: org/publicinvitedtoreviewandcommentoncalfirewildfirehazardseveritymaps
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Media Contact:
Sarah Tracy, Public Information Officer
Email: stracy@sonomacity.org
Phone: 707-933-2215