After completing a Community Hazard and Risk Assessment in 2017, the Fire Department identified the Fire Threat to the Rocklin Wildland Urban Interface as a High Community Concern. At the City Council Meeting on April 10, 2018, the Fire Department outlined the increased concern with the fire potential in Rocklin and acknowledged the increase fire activity in the State of California. The presentation discussed the need for a comprehensive vegetation management and fire fuel reduction program, and identified several areas of risk that justified an increased level of concern and attention. In the past, the primary focus of Fire Fuel Reduction efforts had only included weeds and grasses in vacant parcels and public open space. The Department discussed its intention to increase the scope of Community Risk Reduction activities and implement a more systematic and effective Fire Fuel Reduction Program. The Fire Department proposed, and received direction from Council to proceed with, providing education to property owners in five areas of elevated risk. The educational effort included direct mailers with defensible space information, meetings with those high risk neighborhoods, a dedicated web page, social media, and traditional media. Because this program was new to residents, the City made a conscientious decision to focus only on education, and not enforcement.
On January 22, 2019 staff presented options for a Comprehensive Update of the City’s Vegetation Management Program. Council was provided a summary of each of the components of vegetation management (vacant parcels, open space, and developed parcels), examples and maps identifying each program area, and identified the specific challenges and potential solutions of each area. Staff requested, and Council provided, direction to update the City’s Municipal Code and develop an Enforcement Strategy.
This proposed Ordinance was developed by staff after reviewing ordinances in similar jurisdictions. Staff believes that this ordinance will best address the specific needs of Rocklin’s Wildland Urban Interface and Vegetation Fire concerns on developed properties. Due to the unique challenges regarding Rocklin's land use, the ordinance is bifurcated to address lots 0.50 acres or less and lots greater than 0.50 acres. Lots 0.50 acres or less would be obligated to mow grass/weeds to a height of less than 4” and remove all flammable vegetation on the property. Lots greater than 0.50 acres would be required to mow grass/weeds to a height of less than 4” and remove flammable vegetation within a 100’ of any structure, or to the property line, whichever is least. In addition, a 20’ perimeter surrounding the property shall also be mowed or cleared of flammable vegetation and material.
During the January meeting, Council supported the Fire Chief’s proposed enforcement strategy. Due to timing, if Council approves the proposed Ordinance, the Fire Chief is recommending a change in enforcement strategy. The Fire Chief recommends educating all property owners on the requirements of the Ordinance through a combination of social media, a dedicated web page, traditional media, and specific targeted outreach to high risk neighborhoods. During 2019, clearance requirements will only be enforced in extreme circumstances.