New Fire Maps, Zone Zero & the Central Area Complex – What It Means for Oakmont
Introduction
The latest Local Responsibility Area (LRA) fire maps from Cal Fire confirm that Oakmont homes and OVA common facilities fall into different fire risk zones. Residents can enter their address into the San Francisco Chronicle’s fire risk search tool to determine their home’s fire risk designation. A search of the OVA office address (6637 Oakmont Drive), which is adjacent to the Central Area Complex, shows it is in a High Fire Risk zone.
For properties in Oakmont that fall into the Very High Fire Risk designation, Zone Zero regulations may apply, pending the publication of final administrative regulations. These rules could impact landscaping, construction, and defensible space requirements, making fire mitigation an increasingly important issue for homeowners.
Fire Risk Designations in the New LRA Maps
Cal Fire’s new Local Responsibility Area (LRA) fire hazard maps categorize areas based on wildfire risk. There are three levels of fire hazard severity zones:
- Moderate Fire Hazard – Areas with lower wildfire risk but still susceptible to embers and small fires.
- High Fire Hazard – Areas with increased fire risk due to vegetation, topography, and fire behavior patterns.
- Very High Fire Hazard – Areas with the highest wildfire risk, requiring the most stringent fire prevention and mitigation measures, including Zone Zero regulations.
Oakmont properties fall into different categories depending on location, with the Central Area Complex designated as High Fire Risk under the new LRA maps.
OVA’s Current FireWise Efforts and Zone Zero Implications
OVA has been proactive in implementing FireWise standards for new fences, gates, and decks within five feet of homes. However, existing structures have not been required to meet these updated fire safety standards.
With the release of new Cal Fire hazard maps, homes and OVA structures in Very High Fire Risk areas may now face stricter Zone Zero regulations, potentially requiring additional fire mitigation efforts by homeowners to comply with new state and local requirements.
Key considerations include:
- New construction and renovations may need to comply with updated fire codes and defensible space requirements.
- Fire-resistant landscaping and ember-resistant materials could be necessary to improve safety.
- The OVA should assess whether additional fire mitigation efforts would be beneficial.
Insurance and Financial Impacts
- Being in a Very High Fire Risk zone may or may not increase insurance premiums, depending on community responses to new regulations. Some properties could face stricter coverage requirements or non-renewals, depending on how fire insurance companies adjust to this new information.
- OVA-owned buildings in the Central Area Complex could see rising costs, depending on how insurers assess the area.
- Proactive fire mitigation, even beyond what’s required, may help manage insurance costs.
- Homes and facilities in Very High Fire Risk zones may be at the greatest risk for insurance challenges, including:
- Non-renewal or cancellation of policies as insurers exit high-risk areas.
- Significantly higher premiums or deductibles for continued coverage.
- Strict home-hardening requirements to qualify for policies.
- Limited options, forcing homeowners to rely on the California FAIR Plan, which offers basic fire coverage at higher costs.
What the OVA and Homeowners Should Expect Moving Forward
With fire risk now a clearer factor in planning, the OVA Board would be expected to evaluate:
- How fire risk classifications impact insurance costs for OVA-owned buildings.
- Whether future development plans for the Central Area Complex need adjustments to account for fire risk.
- What additional fire mitigation strategies could be implemented to protect community assets while managing costs.
- Will OVA update its policies to align with new regulations, particularly regarding existing fences, gates, and decks?
A phased-in approach to compliance is expected by the Santa Rosa Fire Marshal once final regulations are issued.
Find OVA’s current FireWise and architectural policies here:
https://oakmontvillage.com/docs/
Financial Assistance for Home Hardening
Members will need to contact these sources directly to verify information and apply. These programs operate independently, and eligibility criteria or funding availability may change.
Federal Assistance: Contact Congressman Mike Thompson’s Office
Santa Rosa District Office
2300 County Center Dr., Suite A100, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 542-7182
Available Grants & Loans for Home Hardening
- Sonoma County Wildfire Adapted Program – Home hardening assessments & rebates for wildfire safety improvements.
- More info: https://permitsonoma.org/socoadapts
- Santa Rosa WUI Fuel Modification Grant – Grants for vent screening, gutter guards & defensible space improvements.
- California Wildfire Mitigation Program – Focuses on home hardening in high-risk communities, prioritizing lower-income areas.
- More info: https://wildfiretaskforce.org/home-hardening-assistance/
- USDA Section 504 Loan & Grant Program – Loans up to $40,000 and grants up to $10,000 for very low-income homeowners.
- Fire Safe Sonoma – Tracks wildfire risk reduction grants across Sonoma County.
- More info: https://www.firesafesonoma.org/grants/
When I contacted Christel Antone, OVA General Manager, a few months ago, I was told that OVA is not assisting homeowners with grant searches or applications. Homeowners must research and apply independently if they want funding for home hardening.
Many programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so check eligibility and apply early.
Conclusion: Next Steps for the Community
The new LRA fire maps reinforce the need for clear, fact-based decision-making before committing to any major projects. The OVA would be expected to fully assess fire risk, insurance implications, and financial sustainability as part of its planning. Even if not required, smart fire safety measures could help protect the community and reduce long-term costs. OVA is currently a FireWise Certified Community because of the extensive work done by committees and property owners. Residents are encouraged to contact the OVA to schedule a free FireWise assessment. Residents can also check their home’s fire risk designation using the San Francisco Chronicle’s search tool here:
https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2025/cal-fire-risk-map/
Additional Sources:
- Press Democrat: https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/wildfire-danger-hazard-maps-sonoma-napa/
- Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/california-fire-risk-maps-impact-homeowners-2035772
In searching 6637 Oakmont Dr on the map linked to this article it lists it as a Moderate Risk not a High Risk Zone.
Although we are waiting for the publishing of the final Zone Zero regulations that apply to the state law passed several years ago:
Like you I am in a moderate risk zone per the new fire maps. My interpretation based on my research:
1. Zone Zero state and local regulations may only apply to very high fire risk properties. These regulations would be enforced by the LRA Santa Rosa Fire Marshall and may be phased in over time. These rules relate to BOTH new and EXISTING vegetation, decks, fences, gates…etc within five feet of a structure.
2. Even though I’m only in a moderate fire risk zone, the OVA has adopted the architecture policy that applies to ALL homes in Oakmont. If you NEED to build a new fence, gate, deck or replace your old ones within 5 feet of your home their regulations apply to all. OVA fire policy is NOT based on fire risk modeling by the state. Vegetation management requirements also apply. OVA policies appear to meet zone zero regulations for home hardening. The difference is that they are not requiring me to replace decks, gates and fences with materials that are fire retardant UNTIL I NEED TO REPLACE THEM.
3. Now: with new maps and pending the final adoption of zone zero state and local regulations, all Oakmont residents in the VERY HIGH RISK ZONE may need to replace any fences, gates and decks (as well as vegetation management) within five feet of their homes. With fire resistant materials and building standards. That’s a big expense for many Oakmont residents. I did my best to search for potential grants. My guess is more grants may become available: however, with the federal government trying to slash or halt programmatic grant funding who knows?
Interesting and difficult to believe, at least for my home in a white zone—moderate. Is any insurance carrier going recognize differences in risks sufficient to offer lower rates to someone a block or two from a high risk zone? I’d like to read the science behind this.
I spent quite a bit of time researching the insurance industry’s direct response to the release of the new LRA fire maps. Only could find information about very recent filings for huge premium increases related to their own modeling and recent LA fires. They are going to be able to price differently and model based on FUTURE PREDICTIONS of major fire activity. Coffey Park changed everything illustrating the huge fire spread with high winds by ember cast. You and I would probably be at most risk from ember cast.
Newsom and Lara are framing the new maps in a positive tone related to insurance premiums. They are saying as homeowners comply with Zone Zero, the risk will decrease and maybe premiums. Wishful thinking or based on scientific modeling?
📌 Important new statement for OVA members from the GM https://oakmontvillage.com/article/general-manager-new-cal-fire-maps/