Are you a property owner who's considered fire resistant materials for your home? If you already have made certain changes, you're probably closer to protecting your property in case of wildfire. Wildfires are not just in a certain part of the state, for instance, they could happen anywhere you live near brush and vegetation. A new law came into effect January 1, 2021 that requires a disclosure for properties that are:
• Within high or very high fire hazard zones
• Built before 2010
• Residential one to four properties; condominiums or other common interest development units; or manufactured homes
The fire zones are disclosed in the natural hazard disclosure statements required in property transactions, where the box is checked on the form for which zone(s) the property is in. Natural Hazard Disclosure reports and statements, required in California, are most often completed by professional sources which assume the liability for and have access to statewide reports concerning the hazard zones and required disclosures in California law. California Association of Realtors now includes a disclosure form for sellers as part of their transactional documentation in a sale to cover requirements under the new law.
Fire hardening measures include Class A fire rate roofing materials (composition, tiles, steel), using 1/8" mesh at chimneys and vents, using screens over rain gutters, keeping vegetation at least 5 feet from the property, and multi-paned tempered glass.
Parts of Los Angeles and Orange Counties may be significant for taking measures, but even in non-high-fire zones, they are a good idea for overall home maintenance and protection.
CalFire's website https://www.readyforwildfire.org/ contains this agency's advice on preparing for wildfire.
Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker www.juliahuntsman.com | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996
