Assembly OKs Sen. Dodd’s Defensible Space Bill

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, today announced the California Assembly has approved his measure to enhance wildfire safety by improving standards for creation of defensible space.

“With more destructive and frequent wildfires, we must take every opportunity to protect ourselves and our communities,” Sen. Dodd said. “One of the best things we can do it to clear the space around our homes of combustible brush and other flammable material.  This bill will save lives by improving on my previous legislation on defensible space.”

Sen. Dodd has long been a leader in wildfire legislation, authoring more than a dozen bills signed into law. This year he continued with more bills, including Senate Bill 504. The proposal establishes more robust standards, especially for new construction and home upgrades, with creation of an ember resistant zone between 5 and 30 feet of a dwelling.

SB 504 was approved by overwhelming Assembly vote Wednesday and heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom for a signature following a Senate concurrence vote. The bill is supported by local government including the city of Santa Rosa.

“Local firefighters know that in an emergency, every inch of defensible space counts,” Santa Rosa City Councilmember Chris Rogers said. “This bill prioritizes resources to cities like Santa Rosa that have set safety standards and helped homeowners protect their properties. I look forward to my community benefiting when this bill is signed into law.”

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Senator Bill Dodd represents Senate District 3, which includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Solano, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties. More information on Senator Bill Dodd can be found at www.senate.ca.gov/dodd.