DATE:
April 26, 2022
30
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE - ROADSIDE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT FOR EVACUATION PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM: CONSIDER THE USE OF AN EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT AND AUTHORIZE SINGLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
The County of San Diego continues to prioritize fire prevention and preparedness as the frequency and severity of wildfire disasters worsen throughout the state. Within the unincorporated county, the Department of Public Works (DPW) conducts annual mowing along roads for roadside safety. In addition, San Diego County Fire (County Fire) manages vegetation for fire safety in public areas and enforces related fire-safety-requirements on private property.
On March 16, 2021 (1), the San Diego County Board of Supervisors (Board) directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to explore options to expand roadside vegetation management to better protect local communities from future fire incidents. Upon returning to the Board on July 13, 2021 (1), County Fire and DPW presented options for a Roadside Vegetation Management for Evacuation Preparedness Program. The Board directed the CAO to 1) develop a comprehensive, countywide approach to vegetation management, and return to the Board after identifying a funding source and preparing an implementation timeline, and 2) continue stakeholder outreach related to the Defensible Space for Fire Protection Ordinance and return to the Board with a proposal to amend it to align with the County Consolidated Fire Code.
On October 5, 2021 (2) County Fire and DPW returned to the Board with proposed amendments to the Defensible Space for Fire Protection Ordinance, which the Board adopted. Also, on October 5, 2021 (5), County Fire and DPW provided an update and requested initial resources to evaluate the proposed Roadside Vegetation Management for Evacuation Preparedness Program. Since that time, County Fire and DPW have i...
Click here for full text