Folsom, CA Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Zone Type
- VHFHSZ (east/south hills)
- Building Code
- CBC Chapter 7A
- Disclosure
- AB 38 at sale
- Zone 0
- AB 3074 ember zone
- Insurance
- CA FAIR Plan common
Summary
Folsom's east and south hills contain CAL FIRE-designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones due to foothill terrain, grassland fuels, and proximity to Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. Homes in these zones face enhanced building codes (Chapter 7A), defensible space requirements, and insurance challenges under CA FAIR Plan.
mandated mapping across California under the California Public Resources Code 4201-4204, encompassing all State Responsibility Areas (SRA). What are Fire Hazard Severity Zones? The State Fire Marshal is mandated to classify lands within State Responsibility Areas into Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ). Fire Hazard Severity Zones fall into one of the following classifications: Moderate High Very High The California laws that require Fire Hazard Severity Zones include California Public Resources Code 4201-4204, California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 1280 and California Government Code 51175-89. Frequently Asked Questions FAQ Document (PDF) FAQ Document (PDF) (Spanish) Examples of FHSZ State Minimum Mitigation Requirements Explore Fire Hazard Severity Zones The Fire Hazard Severity
Full Breakdown
CAL FIRE's Fire Hazard Severity Zone mapping identifies significant VHFHSZ acreage on Folsom's east and south edges, including areas in the Empire Ranch, Prairie Oaks, and Russell Ranch neighborhoods, plus the open space bordering Folsom Lake SRA. Homes built or significantly remodeled in these zones after 2008 must comply with California Building Code Chapter 7A: Class A roofing, ember-resistant vents (WUI-listed, 1/8 inch mesh), ignition-resistant siding, tempered or dual-pane windows, enclosed eaves, and non-combustible decking within 10 feet of the structure. AB 38 (2019) requires sellers of homes in high/very high fire zones to disclose zone status and provide documentation of defensible space compliance at point of sale.
AB 3074 adds the Zone 0 ember-resistant zone (0–5 feet). Wildfire insurance has become difficult to obtain in these zones; many Folsom VHFHSZ homeowners have been placed on the California FAIR Plan after non-renewals. CAL FIRE and Folsom Fire periodically recommend residents sign up for CodeRED emergency alerts and prepare go-bags given evacuation routes through narrow canyon roads.
Violations & Fines
Code Chapter 7A violations block certificate of occupancy. AB 38 disclosure failure: buyer remedies and rescission possible. Defensible space non-compliance: see brush-clearance subcategory. Insurance non-renewal not a code violation but a practical consequence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Folsom's Very High Fire Hazard Zones?
Do I need to retrofit my older Folsom home to Chapter 7A?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Folsom
California rules heatmap·Compare Folsom to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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Wildfire Zones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle wildfire zones.