If you’re planning to build a home in Nevada County, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest building regulations. With recent changes to the Cal Fire regulations, it is highly likely that your construction plans may be disrupted if your property lies within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) within a Local Responsibility Area (LRA).
There is a new rule implemented by Cal Fire regulation 14 CCR 1273.08 that subject properties with “dead-end roads” over 800 feet long to be denied a building permit. It’s essential to note that the new rule applies only to properties that are less than one acre in size.
If you’re a buyer looking for land, here’s something interesting: previously, specific Cal Fire regulations only applied to State Responsibility Areas. But with the introduction of the new regulation, it is now applicable to Local Responsibility Areas. This includes changes in turnarounds, signage, water supply, road surfaces, and more. However, the “dead-end road” rule may be the most restrictive of all since it’s challenging to overcome.
Effective July 1, Cal Fire expanded these regulations to include properties within LRA that are in the VHFHSZ. A great way to determine if your property is within the VHFHSZ is by speaking with your NHD representative or using Cal Fire’s FHSZ Viewer. You can find it here >> https://egis.fire.ca.gov/FHSZ/
While the new regulation may not apply to existing properties damaged by wildfire, constructing or repairing them could still have limitations. For instance, when building a new structure that increases square footage, involves transforming its use, or constructing where there’s previously been no structure, you may face regulatory hurdles.
We understand how critical it is to be transparent with our clients. That’s why we strongly advise our clients to consult with a contractor or expert in the field, including checking with the fire authorities, to assess whether the property is buildable or remodelable.
It’s essential to note that Section B5 of the Statewide Advisory cautions buyers against relying on agents to tell them if a property is buildable or not. It’s essential to seek expert advice on the prospect of substantially remodeling the existing structure or building an entirely new one.
We at Your Partner in Real Estate understand the importance of transparent communication, especially when it comes to our vendors, clients, and partners. We’re committed to providing accurate information and building a community of informed and confident home buyers and sellers in Nevada County.
In short, it’s essential to be mindful of the recent updates to Cal Fire’s regulations before embarking on any construction plans. If you have any questions or concerns about these new rules, feel free to reach out to us via email or phone. We’re always here to help.
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