The City of San Luis Obispo invites community members to attend a vital public study session on property fire safety standards, hosted during the regular City Council meeting at City Hall on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
This session will explore the impact of updated statewide wildfire safety laws, including the 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code, and how these changes affect property owners, developers, landscapers, insurers and other stakeholders in San Luis Obispo.
With 64% of parcels in SLO now classified as moderate to very high fire hazard zones, an increase of nearly 8,800 properties, this discussion is critical for understanding how to protect property values, ensure neighborhood safety and prepare for a changing climate.
Why Attend
Participants will:
- Learn about new fire safety standards and upcoming requirements for construction and remodels.
- Hear how the City Council is considering local enforcement and adoption strategies.
- Share feedback to help shape policies that reflect community needs.
Topics to Be Covered
- Overview of the 2025 California WUI Code and its local implications.
- Potential adoption of a local defensible space ordinance.
- Requirements for landscape and vegetation management in high-risk zones.
- Timeline for new defensible space regulations taking effect in 2026 and 2029.
What’s at Stake
San Luis Obispo’s wildfire risk is growing. The decisions made in this session will influence how supportive or burdensome new regulations feel for residents and businesses. All buildings in the city will be affected by at least some components of the new standards.
How to Participate
Join in person at City Hall or tune in live via the City’s YouTube Channel. A recording will also be available on demand following the meeting.
For more information and updates, visit slocity.org/Wildfire.