Marin Residents Debate New Building Restrictions
Posted Nov 24, 2007 @ 12:44 pm, Viewed by 260 Visitors, Read 265 Times.
It seems that California’s fire season just won’t end. This morning I woke up to the news that the Santa Ana winds are blowing again and there is another fire in Malibu. This happens every year, and there is always a great deal of discussion over the fact that people choose to live in fire prone areas, that we need Defensible Space around homes and buildings, and that the various state and federal agencies need to “do something”. The discussion goes on, then the rains come, and people go about their business until next fire season.
There are, however, ongoing efforts to address the problem. Currently cities and towns throughout California are required to review state fire code every three years and adopt revisions necessary to comply with state regulations. Novato and San Rafael are two Marin County cities that have recently implemented strict rules to help protect their residents from devastating wildfire. It looks like the towns of Fairfax California and San Anselmo are ready to join them by adopting ordinances that will require property owners and builders to make concessions in the interest of public safety.
The updated ordinances proposed for Fairfax and San Anselmo include restricted building on forested hillsides and using fire-resistant materials -- including specialized attic insulation, fire-resistant siding, dual-pane tempered glass windows, and non-combustible decking in new construction and remodels. This is, predictably, drawing concern from architects and homeowners who worry that the ambiance of real estate in San Anselmo and nearby Fairfax will be changed. Gone will be the wood shingled homes, to be replaced with stucco or concrete finished homes.
The new ordinances also propose keeping brush and vegetation cleared away from buildings to protect homes from wildfire as well as provide access for firefighting equipment. This, as could be anticipated, is drawing fire from environmentalists. Marin County is well known for its protected, heavily wooded spaces and many homes in Fairfax, CA and San Anselmo are nestled in forested areas. In direct opposition to the architects and builders, environmentalist actually like the idea of stucco or cement siding if it means fewer trees will be cut down.
One thing homeowners, builders, and environmentalists agree on is that they want their town councils to balance the need for public safety with regard for both towns’ trees and established architectural style. They, however, must understand that it isn’t a matter of if there will be another major wildland fire; it is a question of when. One sure thing is that changes need to be made to protect Marin County communities from experiencing devastation similar to what southern California has had this year.
There are, however, ongoing efforts to address the problem. Currently cities and towns throughout California are required to review state fire code every three years and adopt revisions necessary to comply with state regulations. Novato and San Rafael are two Marin County cities that have recently implemented strict rules to help protect their residents from devastating wildfire. It looks like the towns of Fairfax California and San Anselmo are ready to join them by adopting ordinances that will require property owners and builders to make concessions in the interest of public safety.
The updated ordinances proposed for Fairfax and San Anselmo include restricted building on forested hillsides and using fire-resistant materials -- including specialized attic insulation, fire-resistant siding, dual-pane tempered glass windows, and non-combustible decking in new construction and remodels. This is, predictably, drawing concern from architects and homeowners who worry that the ambiance of real estate in San Anselmo and nearby Fairfax will be changed. Gone will be the wood shingled homes, to be replaced with stucco or concrete finished homes.
The new ordinances also propose keeping brush and vegetation cleared away from buildings to protect homes from wildfire as well as provide access for firefighting equipment. This, as could be anticipated, is drawing fire from environmentalists. Marin County is well known for its protected, heavily wooded spaces and many homes in Fairfax, CA and San Anselmo are nestled in forested areas. In direct opposition to the architects and builders, environmentalist actually like the idea of stucco or cement siding if it means fewer trees will be cut down.
One thing homeowners, builders, and environmentalists agree on is that they want their town councils to balance the need for public safety with regard for both towns’ trees and established architectural style. They, however, must understand that it isn’t a matter of if there will be another major wildland fire; it is a question of when. One sure thing is that changes need to be made to protect Marin County communities from experiencing devastation similar to what southern California has had this year.
Rate this Post!
Share this Post
Print
Social BookmarkingThis Post Has No Comments.
REW Blogs User Stats
Currently Online Users:
2
Total Users:
1,874
Entries:
5,708
Unique Views:
3,234,660
Total Views:
3,373,382
Total Comments:
6,197
Leading resource for modern and architecturally distinct residential real estate in Marin and San Francisco, California. We specialize in Marin real estate as well as modern & mid-century modern homes throughout Northern California.
We provide our clients with an unsurpassed level of knowledge and experience when buying, selling or searching for unique modernist homes. Read More
Contact Me
RSS Feed- This User's Stats
-
Blog Entries: 60Average Blog Rating: 0Unique Views: 25,167Total Views: 26,392Comments Posted: 10Comments Received: 10
Top Rated
REW Blogs RSS Feed