Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14 § 1276.02

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 24, June 14, 2024

Section 1276.02 - Ridgelines

(a) The Local Jurisdiction shall identify Strategic Ridgelines, if any, to reduce fire risk and improve fire protection through an assessment of the following factors:

(1) Topography;

(2) Vegetation;

(3) Proximity to any existing or proposed residential, commercial, or industrial land uses;

(4) Construction where mass grading may significantly alter the topography resulting in the elimination of Ridgeline fire risks;

(5) Ability to support effective fire suppression; and

(6) Other factors, if any, deemed relevant by the Local Jurisdiction.

(b) Preservation of Undeveloped Ridgelines identified as strategically important shall be required pursuant to this section.

(c) New Buildings on Undeveloped Ridgelines identified as strategically important are prohibited, as described in subsections (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3).

(1) New Residential Units are prohibited within or at the top of drainages or other topographic features common to Ridgelines that act as chimneys to funnel convective heat from Wildfires.

(2) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to alter the extent to which utility infrastructure, including but not limited to wireless telecommunications facilities, as defined in Government Code section 65850.6, subdivision (d)(2), or Storage Group S or Utility and Miscellaneous Group U Structures, may be constructed on Undeveloped Ridgelines.

(3) Local Jurisdictions may approve Buildings on Strategic Ridgelines where Development activities such as mass grading will significantly alter the topography that results in the elimination of Ridgeline fire risks.

(d) The Local Jurisdiction may implement further specific requirements to preserve Undeveloped Ridgelines.

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 14, § 1276.02

1. New section filed 5-30-91; operative 5-30-91 pursuant to Government Code section 11346.2(d) (Register 91, No. 27).
2. Amendment of section heading and section filed 9-6-2019; operative 1-1-2020 (Register 2019, No. 36).
3. Amendment of section heading and section filed 1-31-2023; operative 4-1-2023 (Register 2023, No. 5). Transmission deadline specified in Government Code section 11346.4(b) extended 60 calendar days pursuant to Executive Order N-40-20 and an additional 60 calendar days pursuant to Executive Order N-71-20. Filing deadline specified in Government Code section 11349.3(a) extended 60 calendar days pursuant to Executive Order N-40-20 and an additional 60 calendar days pursuant to Executive Order N-71-20.

Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.

1. New section filed 5-30-91; operative 5-30-91 pursuant to Government Code section 11346.2(d)(Register 91, No. 27).
2. Amendment of section heading and section filed 9-6-2019; operative 1/1/2020 (Register 2019, No. 36).
3. Amendment of section heading and section filed 1-31-2023; operative 4/1/2023 (Register 2023, No. 5). Transmission deadline specified in Government Code section 11346.4(b) extended 60 calendar days pursuant to Executive Order N-40-20 and an additional 60 calendar days pursuant to Executive Order N-71-20. Filing deadline specified in Government Code section 11349.3(a) extended 60 calendar days pursuant to Executive Order N-40-20 and an additional 60 calendar days pursuant to Executive Order N-71-20.