Title
a. Receive an update report on Defensible Space
b. Provide direction to staff
(Board Referral No: 2019.01) (REMOVED VIA SUPPLEMENTAL)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive an update report on Defensible Space
b. Provide direction to staff
SUMMARY:
Referral to: Update the Board of Supervisors on County, Regional, and State actions and regulations addressing defensible space and fire fuel reduction on private property.
Monterey County has a history of major wildfires which have burned hundreds of thousands of acres and hundreds of structures. It is a primary County objective to reduce the potential for future wildfires.
In May 2019, staff from the county Resource Management Agency (RMA), Resource Conservation District (RCD) and CalFIRE presented a report to the board about regulations that govern fire fuel reduction for defensible space on private property. The report highlighted how both County staff and the public are often challenged by the many federal, state, and local regulations governing fire fuel management on private property. These regulations are oftentimes not consistent and sometimes in conflict with each other. After the presentation, the Board directed staff to return in the future with an update report to how RMA has updated its website concerning fire fuel modifications and defensible space. The Board also asked RMA to consider changes to its Fire Prevention Policies in its long-range planning program, specifically the Big Sur Land Use Plan Update. The Board also directed the Board Legislative Committee to make Fire Prevention a priority in the County's legislative agenda. The purpose of this report is to report back on County, RCD and CalFIRE activities since the spring of 2019.
Recommendations:
* Continue to include fire mitigation and defensible space in County's legislative agenda.
* Prioritize consideration of defensible space issues in Big Sur LUP update discussions wit...
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