LAGUNA BEACH : City Building Code Workshop Is Today

A task force formed after the October fire to consider changes to city building codes that could help make homes less vulnerable to fire will hold a workshop today.

Recommendations from the task force will be presented to the Laguna Beach City Council on March 1.

“This is just one facet of a multifaceted approach to the risk reduction in the city of Laguna Beach,” Fire Chief Rich Dewberry said Friday.

Any changes to the city building codes would apply citywide.

Since more than 400 homes were damaged or destroyed by the fires in October, fire survivors would especially feel the restrictions.

Some items the group has been considering could stir controversy because new requirements would make it more expensive to build homes in Laguna Beach. Dewberry said insurance would likely cover the cost of upgrades in many cases.

One consideration involves requiring that fire-retardant materials be used on decks or other structures that protrude from a home.

The codes are “somewhat restrictive now, but we need to address those appendages that will add to the fuel loading and will actually carry a fire right into the structure as a result,” Dewberry said.

The meeting will be held in council chambers at City Hall from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.