HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPN 017-170-054 CAL FIRE Setback variance letter September 28, 2019
Chris Boyd, Fire Captain
Cal Fire, Butte County Fire Department
176 Nelson Avenue
Oroville, CA 95965
RE: Setback Variance Request for New Cottage Residence Structure
Allred Property—APN 017-170-054, 2088 Honey Run Road, Chico, CA
Dear Captain Boyd,
Thank you for considering my request for a variance to the California Board of Forestry and Fire
Protection SRA Fire Safe Regulations, Section 1276.01. Proposed is a maintained 20-foot
setback in order to place the cottage in the footprint of a large shop/study/bedroom structure,
originally with a 15-foot setback, that was destroyed by the Camp fire. Attached is a proposed
site plan, and a sketch detail of the cottage location to clarify this requested variance.
The contours of the parcel, rain water drainage, and existing aspects of access and landscape
severely limit the area for building the cottage. A 30-foot setback would require major soil fill
and compaction, make unworkable alterations in access to the property, and disrupt established
uses of the area. To mitigate future fire concerns, I have cleared the cottage area of all trees,
shrubs, and other combustible materials. The adjacent property directly to the east is also being
cleared of all such fire hazards in order to create necessary and effective defensible space around
the cottage, which will reduce the intensity of future wildfire by removing flammable vegetation
and providing the only point of attack or defense. Also, this eastward area is primarily composed
of large sections of lava cap and huge boulder protrusions that prohibit future building of
structures.
Having lost nearly everything to the Camp fire, I certainly understand and value the Safe Fire
Regulations that you provided. For future fire protection, the cottage and main family residence
will be constructed of WUI compliant materials and systems to be fire resistant and installed in
compliance with code requirements. Exterior walls will be covered with fiber cement siding
over Hardi-board sheets; the roof will be composed of 24-gague ribbed metal panels over Hardi-
board sheets; both structures will have concrete foundation slabs and patios and a 36-inch high
perimeter natural stone skirt. There will be no combustible building materials or landscaping
anywhere near the exterior of either structure.
Section 1276.01 states that for parcels one acre and larger, a minimum 30-foot setback for
buildings and accessory buildings is required. Due to the restrictions noted above, this would
significantly limit the building area, obstacles which can be overcome with the proposed 20-foot
setback. Please be assured that the proposed variance does not and will not present additional fire
hazards or risks. Thanks again for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jared Allred