New Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), through the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OFSM), released the 2025 Local Responsibility Area (LRA) Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps for San Diego County. These updated maps, which include Del Mar, reflect more accurate information about areas that are at risk for wildfires.
The updated FHSZ Maps significantly expanded areas in the City that are designated as High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Areas not previously identified as high hazard for wildfires, particularly neighborhoods adjacent to open space—are now newly classified and subject to stricter mitigation requirements. This means many residential and commercial properties now fall under more stringent fire safety regulations. The newly updated FHSZ maps now include not only the "Very High," but also the "High" and "Moderate" fire hazard severity zones. This broader classification allows for a more comprehensive understanding of wildfire risks.
These new designations directly affect Del Mar’s local building codes, require enhanced defensible space (e.g., clearing brush and maintaining safe zones around structures), and trigger additional disclosure obligations for property owners. Any new construction in Very High and High FHSZs must comply with Chapter 7A of the California Building Code (wildfire resistant construction standards) and Government Code Sections 51175–51189, which establish the framework for local wildfire mitigation requirements.
Background
- CALFIRE released updated maps on March 24, 2025.
- Public Comment Period was held between March 28, 2025 - April 27, 2025.
- Wildfire Prevention and Preparedness Workshop was held May 20, 2025.
- City Council introduction of ordinance to adopt the FHSZ maps on June 2, 2025.
- City Council adoption of ordinance to adopt the FHSZ maps on June 16, 2025.
View Your Property to Understand What Zone Applies to You
The updated 2025 FHSZ layer is now available on the City's Public Map Viewer. View your property Fire Hazard Severity Zone here.
Inspections
Annual Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Program Inspections (Weed Abatement)
The City of Del Mar Fire Department conducts annual inspections of applicable properties. Residents can voluntarily schedule inspections by contacting the Del Mar Fire Department at weedabatement@delmar.ca.us or call 858-755-1522.
The City’s Fuel Reduction Program will begin on July 21, 2025, and run through August 8, 2025. Residents who are interested in participating must contact EDCO Disposal, the City’s solid waste hauler, at 619-287-7555 no later than July 17, 2025, to schedule a delivery of up to two 3-yard bins for green waste disposal. Green waste bins will be delivered during the week of July 20 and residents may use the bins through the duration of the program.
See the Fuel Reduction Program flyer for more information.
AB 38 Defensible Space Inspections for Real Estate Transactions
The State requires a separate inspection for property owners located in the High and Very High FHSZ that is different than the annual weed abatement inspections described above. As of July 1, 2021, when you sell a property that is located in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, you will need documentation of a compliant Defensible Space Inspection in accordance with Section 4291 of the Public Resources Code. These inspections are coordinated through the City’s Fire Marshal.
To schedule an inspection, please contact the Fire Department at:
Phone: (760) 633-2820
Email: fireprevention@encinitasca.gov
Regulatory Actions
Adoption of State Building and Fire Codes
The State of California released amendments to the State Building Code and Fire Code on July 1, 2025. This is done every three years to protect public health and safety, ensure that new construction does not pose a threat to public health and safety, and improve fire protection. Local jurisdictions are required to adopt these updates, generally by reference, through the ordinance process.
The City relies on the regulations contained in the California Building Standards, which include the California Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical codes. The City adopts the California Building Standards by reference in DMMC Chapter 23.12. The City relies on the regulations contained in DMMC Chapter 10.04 to reflect adoption of the updated State and International fire codes. The City Council voted unanimously to approve the adoption of the updated State Building and Fire Codes including local amendments at the City Council meeting on September 8, 2025.
Safety Element Update
The Safety Element Update (Community Plan Update) is a City Council priority project to be completed during Fiscal Year 2025-2026. It is a required program action (Program 6H) to be completed as part of the City's 6th Cycle Housing Element. The draft Safety Element is available for public review here.
The draft Safety Element was approved by the Resource Protection Committee of the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection on November 4, 2025. The recording of the meeting is available here. City staff will present the draft Safety Element to the Planning Commission for recommendation on January 13, 2026.