RCRC has lent its support to Assembly Bill 1516, authored by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale). AB 1516 makes various changes to improve California’s fire prevention policies including its defensible space requirements. AB 1516 will improve defensible space and compliance with defensible space mandates in a number of ways.
Specifically, AB 1516 establishes a 0-5 feet noncombustible zone from structures, codifies the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s (CAL FIRE) goal to inspect every structure in the State Responsibility Area at least once every three years, requires the use of “right tree right place” for future planting under electrical lines in high fire hazard areas, and requires CAL FIRE to provide vital assistance to local governments including water and power utilities to help prevent fire and institute appropriate vegetation management.
AB 1516 reduces risk of ignition to homes in high fire hazard severity zones, reinforce the State’s commitment to enforcing defensible space mandates, and helps prevent future ignitions near powerlines.
RCRC’s support letter can be accessed here. AB 1516 currently awaits consideration in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Please contact Staci Heaton, RCRC Regulatory Affairs Advocate, at (916) 447-4806 or sheaton@rcrcnet.org for more information.