Council introduces CAL FIRE map ordinance and approves consent items, including posted speed limit resolution

At its July 8 meeting the Whittier City Council conducted the first reading of Ordinance No. 3165, which updates the city’s local-area fire-hazard severity map to adopt the California State Fire Marshal’s March 24, 2025 maps. Community Development Director Ben Pangaea summarized the state maps and noted the city’s option under state law to expand mapped zones by making specified findings.

Councilmembers discussed holding an additional public hearing before the ordinance’s second reading to educate the public and allow residents to request expansions in specific areas. The council voted to introduce the ordinance (first reading) with the intent to hold a public hearing at second reading; the vote was 5-0.

On the consent calendar the council adopted Resolution No. 2025-33 establishing a posted speed limit on portions of Philadelphia Street (motion passed on roll call). The council also approved a pavement maintenance (slurry) project covering specified streets in two programmatic areas (Area 2 and Area 3) and directed staff to proceed with bidding; staff said award would likely return in the fall with construction beginning later in the year.

Votes at a glance
- Resolution No. 2025-33 (posted speed limit on parts of Philadelphia Street): adopted by roll call (Yes: Warner, Pacheco, Dutra, Martinez, Vinatieri).
- Ordinance No. 3165 (first reading; adopt CAL FIRE local-area fire-hazard severity map): introduced and first reading conducted; roll-call approval to proceed to second reading (5-0).
- Pavement maintenance/slurry project (Item 12h): Council approved staff to proceed to bid and return with award; staff expects construction to begin in the fall.

Staff noted the 120-day deadline from the state map release for cities to designate a local map; the council chose to satisfy deadlines by performing a first reading and to continue public outreach before final adoption. Councilmembers asked staff to include insurance-implication analysis in any follow-up report so residents may understand potential impacts on property insurance as mapped designations take effect.