Fire hazard severity zones: State Fire Marshal.

Assembly Member Lackey's fire hazard zone legislation mandates a five-year review cycle for California's fire risk classifications, replacing the current periodic assessment system with regular evaluations of both designated and undesignated areas throughout the state.

The bill requires the State Fire Marshal to conduct comprehensive reviews every five years of lands currently designated as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones, as well as unclassified areas that may warrant new designations. These assessments examine factors including fuel loads, slopes, fire weather patterns, and wind conditions that influence wildfire spread. For state responsibility areas, the legislation similarly institutes five-year reviews of both classified and unclassified lands, with authority to adjust zone designations based on current conditions.

The review schedule aligns with existing five-year assessments of state responsibility areas and county general plan updates to coordinate land use planning. The bill maintains the State Fire Marshal's authority to revise or repeal zone classifications through established regulatory processes, while preserving the public's ability to petition for changes through the state's administrative procedures. All modifications must adhere to existing statutory requirements for zone designations and classifications.