CC - Updated Fire Safety Plan PURA VIDA RIDGE RANCH SUBDIVISION
WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE FIRE SAFETY PLAN
DECEMBER 2020
PREPARED BY:
SOUTH BECK & BAIRD
BOISE, IDAHO
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
INTRODUCTION 3
PROJECT DESCRIPTION 3
EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS 3
PROPOSED SITE CONDITIONS 4
WILDFIRE POTENTIAL 4
FUEL 4
TOPOGRAPHY 4
WEATHER 4
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT 5
ACCESS 5
WATER SUPPLY 5
FIRE PROTECTION&EQUIPMENT 5
CONSTRUCTION 5
LANDSCAPING 6
HOME IGNITIONZONE CONCEPT 6
LANDSCAPING DESIGNAND MAINTENANCE 6
ZONE 7
FUEL-FREE ZONE 8
ZONE2 9
ZONE 3 10
VEGETATION 10
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCA T/ON 10
ENFORCEMENT 11
APPENDIX
A. VICINITYMAP 12
B. PURA VIDA RIDGE RANCH PRELIMINARY PLAT 13
C. FIREWISE LANDSCAPING INFORMATION 14
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INTRODUCTION
Pura Vida Ridge Ranch will be located within the city limits of Meridian, Idaho. In compliance
with the City of Meridian's future requirements for construction and landscaping in the Wildland-
Urban Interface (WUI) areas, the following Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Protection Plan (FPP)
has been prepared. This plan intends to illustrate that the proposed plan will comply with the
current City of Meridian Fire Prevention Code. Prior to implementation, this FPP will be submitted
and reviewed by personnel who have the authority and jurisdiction concerning the International
Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC), as required by the City of Meridian.
Wildland-Urban Interface fire conditions and requirements for the Pura Vida Ridge Ranch
Development are as follows:
1. Wildfire Potential
a. Fuel
b. Topography
c. Weather
2. Residential Development
a. Access
b. Water Supply
c. Fire Protection & Equipment
3. Construction
a. Roof& Elements
b. Eaves & Soffits
c. Exterior Walls
d. Structural Appendages & Projections
e. Exterior Doors
f. Vents
g. Detached Accessory Structures
4. Landscaping
a. Home Ignition Zones
b. Defensible Space
5. Vegetation Management
a. Homeowner Association
Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific
requirement shall govern. If this FPP where different sections specify different materials,
methods of construction or other requirements, than the IWUIC, the most restrictive shall govern.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The proposed development is 26.34 acres is located southeastern portion of the City of
Meridian, Ada County, Idaho and occupies a portion of the NE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section
4, Township 2 North, Range 1 East, B.M., Ada County, Idaho. Please see the attached
vicinity map, Appendix A. The site is on the south side of Lake Hazel Road, 0.25 miles east
of Eagle Road.
EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS
The existing site consists of a vacant residence with associated outbuildings on top of the bluff
near the southwest corner of the property and pasture land in the northeast portion. The
development lies outside the Wildland-Urban Interface zone as designated by Ada County, but
due to the steep rise in topography, approximately 58 vertical feet, separating the medium density
single-family residences on top and the medium-high density residences below, the City of
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Meridian will require a fire prevention plan for the undeveloped hillside. Ten Mile Creek/Drain
runs within the entire east property boundary. The waterway has a year-round flow, but is
relatively shallow with cattails and native vegetation along its course. The site potentially
contains fire prone wildland fuels and there are 0-25% and greater slopes running
northwest/southeast through the central portion of the subject property.
PROPOSED SITE CONDITIONS
The project is a medium & medium-high density residential development located within the city
limits in the southeast Meridian. The project will include 157 buildable lots ranging in size from
approximately 2000 SF to 5991 SF average per lot. Approximately 9.96 acres of the 26.34 acres
will be developed buildable lots with this project and 10.83 acres is common open space including
the creek/drain and slope. The project is surrounded by large parcel residences to the west,
single-family residential subdivision to the north, vacant pasture land to the east and undeveloped
land to the south. Both properties abutting the Pura Vida Ridge Ranch development on the east
and south are currently in the City's development process. These properties will be largely
residential in nature.
WILDFIRE POTENTIAL
FUEL
The undeveloped slope areas of Pura Vida Ridge Ranch subdivision contain the area's wildland
fire fuel. This fuel consists primarily of grassland and upland shrub vegetation consisting of
sagebrush, bitterbrush, native forbs and flowering plants, native annual and perennial grasses,
invasive grasses and noxious weeds. The small diameter vegetative fuels (i.e. brush and
grasses) could potentially ignite and carry fire rapidly across and beyond the site. Larger diameter
vegetative fuels (i.e. trees) are very minimal and exist only along the Ten Mile Creek/Drain in
various locations.
TOPOGRAPHY
The Pura Vida Ridge Ranch development is bisected by a 58 foot high bench with primarily a
northeastern exposure. Some of the natural slope exceeds 2:1, and is generally greater than
25% between the developed areas, which consist of slopes less than 8%.
WEATHER
During windy conditions fire fronts can quickly spread through the small diameter vegetative
fuels. These fire fronts produce moderate sized flames and embers that can blow in the wind
and ignite fuels in other areas. Because of the small diameter, these fuels are consumed
quickly. There are minimal adjacent fuels with longer burn times. As a result, a wildfire in this
area would be relatively short. Wildland fuel modification areas can reduce the intensity of
wildfires by providing improved suppression actions and HOA vegetative controls. Properly
designed and maintained structures are effective in resisting ignition from these short
duration flames and small embers.
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RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
ACCESS
Offsite Access - The primary access to the Pura Vida Ridge Ranch main collector will be the
access connecting to Lake Hazel Road. The main access will have a minimum 33-foot paved
road, with sidewalks. curb and gutter.
Onsite Access - The primary access for the Pura Vida Ridge Ranch residences to the main
collector will be public streets and shared drives along the main collector or 33-foot wide paved
roads that link the road system together.
WATER SUPPLY
The water supply for Pura Vida Ridge Ranch will be provided by a City of Meridian Water feed.
The water supply demands will meet the International Fire Code as prescribed by the Meridian
Fire Department. There are 7 fire hydrants located on the property and no part of a structure will
be more than 600-Feet from a hydrant. (IFC 507.3, IFC B105.2)
FIRE PROTECTION & EQUIPMENT
Additional fire prevention measures have been delineated by the Meridian Fire Department. The
additional measures include:
• Roadway parking will be restricted to one side. Parking will be restricted on all
sides of turn-arounds and cul-de-sacs
• Additional signage will be installed.
• Fuel breaks will be designed through the common area wildland fuel beds. The toe
of the ridge will have a minimum 10 foot wide strip of irrigated red fescue acting as
defensible space around buildable corridors. (See Pura Vida Ridge Ranch
Landscape plan)
CONSTRUCTION
Buildings and structures shall be constructed in accordance with the International Building
Code(IBC), International Residential Code and the City of Meridian Wildland Urban Interface
Code. The most effective way to prevent wildfire disaster is to focus on specific
mitigation actions for the homes themselves and their surrounding vegetation.
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LANDSCAPING
In in the upper medium density home sites, the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) primarily includes the
home and the surrounding area extending out to 100 to 200 feet from the home. In the lower
medium-high density homes a majority of which have a 24' paved street between them and the
slope. Vegetative fuels within the immediate vicinity (within approximately 30 feet of the home)
can have a significant impact on the potential of a home to ignite. Because of this impact the
landscape design and materials are critical in reducing the potential for structural ignitions. The
landscaping in Pura Vida Ridge Ranch Development homesites will be irrigated ornamental
plantings. The development's fringe and slope will have natural vegetation designed to reduce
the likelihood of producing firebrands that can ignite the residential structure and the ability to
produce long flame lengths and intense radiant energy.
HOME IGNITION ZONE CONCEPT
This refers to the concept of first mitigating the structure from ignition and then working outward
to provide ignition resistant landscape features and vegetation. Pura Vida Ridge Ranch
Development HIZs include the home, associated structures and the surrounding area.
LANDSCAPING DESIGN AND MAINTENANCE
Landscape features and plantings will be resistant to ignition from blowing embers and designed
to stop advancing wildfires within 30 feet of structures.
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All single-family residential units of the Pura Vida Ridge Ranch Development will permanently
maintain vegetative clearance in accordance with the HIZ plan identified in Figure 1. However,
nothing herein will require any landowner to maintain property that they do not own and/or that
falls outside the Pura Vida Ridge Ranch Development. These requirements are intended to
establish and maintain standards that when implemented and maintained can reduce the
probability of wildfire loss.
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FIGURE 1:HOME IGNITIONZONE
The Home Ignition Zone includes residential structures, structural attachments, associated
structures and wildland/landscape vegetation in the surrounding zones, as depicted above and
described below.
ZONE 1
Zone 1 is the area of maximum fuel modification and treatment (see Figures 1 & 2) and is
designed to prevent surface flames from reaching the structure. It consists of a minimum area of
30-feet around the structure in which vegetation (wildland and landscape) prone to ignition and
fire is modified or removed from the landscape features. This area will normally consist of
irrigated lawns and other fire-resistive landscaping vegetation and feature. This zone is measured
outward from the base of the structure's foundation or any attachments, such as decks. This area
will be developed and maintained by the homeowner in accordance with the requirements
identified below. In the event that the homeowner's property is less than the required Zone 1
distance of 30 feet, but still within the boundaries of the development, and property is adjacent
to common/open space or other entity, the Pura Vida Ridge Ranch Development Homeowners
Association (HOA) will be responsible for the development and maintenance of the remaining
portion of Zone 1.
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The HOA will also make a good faith effort to work in collaboration with adjacent landowners to
address the amount and connectivity of wildland fuels directly adjacent to these lots.
FUEL-FREE ZONE
A 4 foot buffer around structures will be restricted to low growing shrubs or other fire- resistive
plants (see Appendix B) to provide a non-flammable fuel break directly adjacent to structures.
Fire-prone plants, combustible mulches, and other fuels will not be located in this 4 foot area. To
reduce ignition potential from airborne embers, plants will be annually pruned and maintained by
property owners.
During periods of wildfire conditions, storage of firewood or other combustible materials will be
prohibited in Zone 1, unless in an enclosed non-combustible storage structure. This includes
storage of materials under attached decks.
Adjoining surface and aerial fuels (flammable tree canopies) will be restricted so the placement
of fire-prone trees and shrubs does not create contiguous fuel connections in Zone
1. Fire-prone trees and tree clumps within Zone 1 will be isolated from each other and lower
branches pruned to approximately 6 feet above ground or approximately 1/3 tree height,
whichever is less. In addition, these trees and shrubs will be restricted from contacting exterior
siding, the roof, and must be separated at least 10 feet from the structure. Fire-prone trees
shall be placed away from the structure at least the distance of the tree's full height at
maturity. Trees may be placed closer with the approval from the HOA. The HOA will work
with homeowners to identify site-appropriate species and planting locations and educate
residents on wildfire hazards and effective Firewise mitigation concepts.
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FIGURE 2: LANDSCAPING IN ZONE 1
A. Space and maintain clumps of trees and shrubs to resist ignition from adjacent flames
and windborne firebrands/embers.
B. Plant naturally occurring tree species on or near the site and eliminate ladder fuels.
C. Locate combustible mulches at least 4 feet away from structures.
D. Keep lawn and dry grass in Zone 1 mown to a maximum of 4 inches.
E. Use only fire-resistive plants near structures but away from windows and vents.
F. Maintain a 4 foot non-combustible zone around structures by using fire-resistive plants
and hardscape features such as rock mulches, pavers, concrete, etc.
ZONE 2
Zone 2 is an area of modified fuels designed to reduce the intensity of a fire approaching the
structure. Depending upon slope, this zone will extend from 50 to 100 feet from the structure.
Within this zone, the continuity and arrangement of vegetation will be based on a modified
natural community emphasizing native species that are not highly flammable. Diseased, dead,
or dying trees and shrubs will be modified or removed to prevent their ability to provide
continuous fuels reaching Zone 1. This area forms a fuel buffer and provides a transition
between Zone 1 and 3. In the event that the homeowner property boundary extends beyond
Zone 1, the homeowner will be responsible for landscaping and maintaining the Zone 2 area.
This area can also be managed and maintained by the homeowner in coordination with the HOA.
In the event that the area associated with Zone 2 lay outside the development boundary, the HOA
will make a good faith effort to work in collaboration with adjacent land owners to address the
amount and connectivity and wildland fuels directly adjacent to these lots.
ZONE 3
Zone 3 extends beyond Zone 2 as needed in severe fire hazards areas. Fuels and
community composition will generally be managed by the HOA to the extent possible. In the
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event that the homeowner's property boundary includes Zone 3, the homeowner will work
collaboratively with the HOA to develop and maintain the area based on the requirements to
reduce large flames in this zone. In the event that the area associated with Zone 3 lay outside
the development boundary, the HOA will make a good faith effort to work in collaboration
with adjacent land owners to address the amount and connectivity of wildland fuels
directly adjacent to these lots.
VEGETATION
Managing vegetation in common areas and adjacent to residences and path/trails provides
several benefits;
• Fire behavior in wildland vegetation is mitigated by reducing the density and
continuity of volatile brush, grasses and forbs in common areas directly adjacent
to residential landscaping and structures. By limiting fuel connectivity between
common areas and residences the probability of wildfire igniting structures can be
significantly reduced.
• Designing the maintaining paths/trails as breaks in expanses of flammable
wildland vegetation reduces the connectivity of these fuels and can assist
suppression efforts in controlling fires before they reach homes and improvements.
This can limit the size and spread of wildfires reducing losses to landscaping and
property in the area.
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCATION
The Pura Vida Ridge Ranch Homeowners Association (HOA) will be responsible for the control,
management and maintenance of fire prone vegetation on the common property within the Pura
Vida Ridge Ranch subdivision boundary. These areas are primary sites for flammable vegetation
and invasive and noxious weed species that increase fire behavior and connect these wildland
fuels to residential landscapes and structures.
The intent of controlling fuels and/or re-establishing natural vegetation adjacent to private
property and paths/trails is important to reducing wildfire risk. These areas function as fire
breaks in areas of open space and reduce the overall connectivity of highly flammable fuels.
This can limit the size and spread of wildfires in the area. Vegetation in the area of these
path/trails is the primary connection between expanses of common area fuels and
residences. By limiting fuel connectivity in common areas, the probability of wildfire reaching
or affecting structures can be significantly reduced. Minimum widths of the paths/trails and
their associated fuel modification area shall total 5 feet.
In order or reduce wildfire danger and improve the health and diversity of plant communities,
the HOA will work in coordination with residents, private landowners, the City of Meridian Fire
Department, the City of Meridian, adjacent HOA and other agencies to facilities fuels
modification and maintenance, and native vegetation restoration project on common area
within the development.
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ENFORCEMENT
The items identified in this Fire Safety Plan, will be incorporated into the recorded CC&Rs of Pura
Vida Ridge Ranch Subdivision. Enforcement of construction, landscape and maintenance
requirements for individual lots and common lots within Pura Vida Ridge Ranch Subdivision will
be handled by the Pura Vida Ridge Ranch Homeowners Association.
The Pura Vida Ridge Ranch Homeowners Association (HOA) will be responsible for enforcing the
following:
1. Prohibition on dumping of lawncare refuse & debris onto common areas by homeowners or
contractors.
2. Prohibition of fireworks in the vicinity of the native hillside and Ten Mile Creek/drain or any
area not irrigated by the development's underground irrigation system.
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APPENDIX
A. VICINITY MAP
Vicinty Map_Pura Vida Ridge Ranch Sub
1: 16,136
0.5 0 0.25 0.5 Miles
This map is a user generated static output from an Internet mapping site and
is for reference only.Data layers that appear on this map may or may not be
NAD 1983 Transverse Mercator accurate,current,or otherwise reliable.
Date Generated 5132020 5 37 42 PM THIS MAP IS NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION
(NOT TO SCALE)
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B. Pura Vida Ridge Ranch Preliminary Plat
E.LAKE HAZEL RD
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Keyed Notes
RUT
RUT
41
AV
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C. FIREWISE LANDSCAPING INFORMATION
Every landscape has plants and every plant, if dry enough, will burn. Fire-resistive plants are
those that have characteristics that make them less-flammable than others. That said, the
selection of fire-resistive plant materials is usually far less important than how those plants
features are configured and how well the landscape is maintained.
With a few exceptions, plant condition is more important that plant species. Depending on
factors such as growth form, access to water and nutrients, the same plant may be fire-resistive in
one environment and combustible in another. Summer irrigation can make the difference
between an extremely flammable plant and one that will not burn readily.
FIRE-PRONE PLANTS
Fire-prone plants, should NOT be planted within 30 feet of structures;
• Accumulate fine, twiggy, dry, or dead material
• Are not drought tolerant
• Have leaves and/or wood containing volatile waxes, fats, terpenes, or oils
• Are typically aromatic (crushed leaves have strong odors)
• Have gummy, resinous sap with a strong odor
• Are usually blade-leaf or needle-leaf evergreens
• May have loose or papery bark
• Are plants that flame (not smolder) when preheated and ignited with a match
FIRE-RESISTIVE PLANTS
Fire-resistive plants that CAN be planted/maintained near structures;
• Have high moisture content in stems and leaves
• Are drought tolerant
• Have little or no seasonal accumulation of dead vegetation
• Have a low volume of total vegetation
• Have non-resinous woody material
• Have an open, loose branching habit
• Are slow growing
For additional reference and information, see `Fire Resistance of Plants Master Database'
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