Item No. 5 - DEV2022-00074 General Plan Safety Element Update ITEM NO. 5
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
City of Anaheim
PLANNING AND BUILDING DEPARTMENT
DATE: DECEMBER 5, 2022
SUBJECT: CITY OF ANAHEIM GENERAL PLAN SAFETY ELEMENT
UPDATE (DEV2022-00074)
LOCATION: Citywide
REQUEST: This is a City-initiated request to adopt the updated General Plan Safety
Element.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve
the attached resolution recommending City Council approval and adoption of the
updated General Plan Safety Element (DEV2022-00074), thereby adopting the Local
Hazard Mitigation Plan therein pursuant to Government Code Section 65302.6, and
find that the adoption of the updated General Plan Safety Element is not subject to
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3)
of the State CEQA Guidelines.
BACKGROUND: The Safety Element is one of seven state-mandated chapters of
the City’s General Plan. Its primary purpose is to identify potential risks within the
City that could endanger the community's public health, safety, and welfare.
The City’s Safety Element was last updated in 2004. Staff has been working to
update the Safety Element since August of 2021 along with updates to several other
General Plan elements including the Housing Element, Circulation Element, and
Land Use Element. Staff presented the Draft Safety Element to the Planning
Commission at a workshop held on August 1, 2022. Staff is bringing forward the
Safety Element update in advance of other elements to ensure that the City is eligible
for potential disaster funding as provided by State law. Work on the other element
updates continues, and staff expects to bring these updates to Planning Commission
and City Council in summer, 2023.
DISCUSSION:
Safety Elements are governed by California Government Code Section 65302(g).
This set of regulations governs the how, when, and what is included in a Safety
Element, and identifies the triggers for future updates. The mandated requirements of
the Safety Element under this State law include the following:
• Protecting against significant risks related to earthquakes, tsunamis, seiches
(standing waves with longer periods of water-level oscillations), dam failure,
landslides, subsidence, flooding, and fires as applicable.
• Including maps of known seismic and other geologic hazards.
200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Suite 162
Anaheim, CA 92805
Tel: (714) 765-5139
Fax: (714) 765-5280
www.anaheim.net
City of Anaheim General Plan Safety Element Update (DEV2020-00074)
December 5, 2022
Page 2 of 3
• Addressing evacuation routes, military installations, peak-load water supply
requirements, and minimum road widths and clearances around structures as related to
fire and geologic hazards, where applicable.
• Identifying areas subject to flooding and wildfires.
• Avoiding locating critical facilities within areas of high risk.
• Assessing the community's vulnerability to climate change.
• Including adaptation and resilience goals, policies, objectives, and implementation
measures.
In addition, each Safety Element must geographically identify the location and potential extent of
the risks exposed to the community using maps, which primarily includes hazards surrounding
seismicity, flooding, and fires.
Periodic updates of the Safety Element ensure that goals and policies are relevant and responsive
to community needs. Since the last adoption of the City’s Safety Element, State law has been
updated several times adding new requirements to Safety Elements. The City’s draft updated
Safety Element (Attachment 1) includes additional policies in order to comply with the following
State law requirements:
• SB 1241 (2014): Requires the City to address wildfire hazard issues due to the presence
of Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ).
• SB 379 (2017): Requires the City to address climate adaptation and resiliency through
the preparation of a vulnerability assessment or reliance on a Local Hazard Mitigation
Plan that addresses climate adaptation risks and vulnerabilities.
• SB 1035 (2018): Aligns the update of the Safety Element with the Housing Element
update, to address new requirements and incorporate updated information during this
time.
• SB 99 (2020): Requires the Safety Element to identify residential developments in any
hazard areas that do not have at least two emergency evacuation routes.
AB2140 allows California local governments to adopt their current, FEMA-approved Local
Hazard Mitigation Plans (LHMPs) into the Safety Element of their General Plans. The Safety
Element works in tandem with the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) to evaluate the
risk of hazards and demonstrate how the City will lower its risk and exposure to potential disasters.
In conjunction with the Safety Element Update, staff began an update to the Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan. The Anaheim City Council adopted the current LHMP on May 19, 2022 through
Resolution No. 2022-046. Subsequently, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
approved the LHMP on September 6, 2022.
Pursuant to State law, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), which
is an emergency response and resource protection department, reviews Draft Safety Elements, and
the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (Board) approves them. Staff submitted the Draft Safety
Element, inclusive of the LHMP, to Cal Fire on August 16, 2022, and, on September 13, 2022, Cal
Fire verified that the City’s Draft Safety Element included all State-required information. Cal Fire
then provided their assessment to the Board. The Board reviewed the assessment, responded to
the City with its findings (Attachment 4), and, on September 22, 2022, approved the Draft Safety
Element.
City of Anaheim General Plan Safety Element Update (DEV2020-00074)
December 5, 2022
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Adopting a Safety Element with an LHMP makes the county or city eligible to be considered for
part or all of its local-share costs on eligible Public Assistance funding to be provided by the state
through the California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA). Although not required, the CDAA allows
the City the ability to apply for additional disaster funding should a disaster occur. The CDAA
allows the state to pay up to 18.75% of the non-federal share that would otherwise fall upon the
county or city to pay for Public Assistance projects after a disaster occurs. The usual local share is
25% of the total project cost. If the legislature allows it, counties and cities that are AB 2140-
compliant will be eligible for consideration for the remaining 6.25% local share of state funding.
City Staff conducted public outreach for the Safety Element and Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
concurrently. Outreach included information on the City’s “Be Ready” and Safety Element Update
webpages, speaking engagements at three District Community Meetings, and a public survey with
185 respondents. The City released the Draft Safety Element for a 30-day public review period,
which began on July 28, 2022 and ended on August 27, 2022. Attachment 2 (Draft Safety Element
website) provides a link to the website where the staff posted the Draft Safety Element for review.
Additionally, Staff is preparing a mapping portal to easily share new mapping data from the Safety
Element with the community.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS: Staff recommends that the Planning Commission
find that the proposed General Plan Safety Element update is not subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This determination is pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the
CEQA Guidelines. Pursuant to this section, the proposed update fits within the general rule that
CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the
environment. In that, the proposed update would amend the Safety Element to reflect State law,
the proposed update will not have a significant effect on the environment; and, therefore, the
activity is not subject to CEQA.
CONCLUSION: Staff believes that it has prepared the Draft Safety Element update in
compliance with State law. In order to comply with all State law requirements and because local
governments are required to adopt their current Local Hazard Mitigation plans into their Safety
Elements in order to be eligible for full disaster funding, staff recommends that the Planning
Commission recommend approval and adoption of the Safety Element update (DEV2022-00074),
thereby adopting the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan therein pursuant to Government Code Section
65302.6.
Prepared by, Submitted by,
Christine Nguyen Heather Allen, AICP
Senior Planner Principal Planner
Attachments:
1. Draft Planning Commission Resolution
a. Exhibit A – Draft Safety Element Update
2. Draft Safety Element Website
3. Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Webpage
4. Cal Fire Board of Forestry Assessment
[DRAFT] Attachment No. 1
- 1 - PC2022-***
RESOLUTION NO. PC2022-***
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF ANAHEIM RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM APPROVE AND
ADOPT PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT
(DEV2022-00074), AN UPDATE OF THE SAFETY ELEMENT
INCLUDING ADOPTION OF A LOCAL HAZARD
MITIGATION PLAN THEREIN PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65302.6
WHEREAS, the protection of the community's public health, safety, and welfare is an
inherent responsibility of local, state and federal government; and
WHEREAS, the City of Anaheim is charged and entrusted with the protection of persons
and property prior to and during emergencies, and/or disaster conditions; and
WHEREAS, the City’s General Plan is required to include a Safety Element for the
protection of the community; and
WHEREAS, this Safety Element update represents a comprehensive description of the City
of Anaheim's commitment to reducing, preventing or eliminating potential impacts of disasters
caused by natural and human-caused hazards; and
WHERAS, with the adoption of Resolution No. 2022-046 on May 19, 2022, the City
Council adopted the FEMA-approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code Section 65302.6 the City of Anaheim may
adopt a LHMP as part of the Safety Element of its General Plan and in so doing, pursuant to
Government Code Section 8685.9, the City is eligible to recover additional disaster reimbursement
from the State pursuant to Assembly Bill No. 2140 (2005-06 Reg. Sess.); and
WHEREAS, public meetings on the Safety Element and Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
were held in March 2022; and
WHEREAS, a draft of the Safety Element was made available for public comment during
July and August 2022; and
WHEREAS, proposed General Plan Amendment (DEV2022-00074) was advertised and
noticed for a public hearing before the Planning Commission at the Anaheim Civic Center, Council
Chamber, 200 South Anaheim Boulevard, on December 5, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission did hold a public hearing at the Anaheim Civic
Center, Council Chamber, 200 South Anaheim Boulevard, on December 5, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.,
notice of said public hearing having been duly given as required by law and in accordance with
the provisions of the Anaheim Municipal Code, to hear and consider evidence for and against the
- 2 - PC2022-***
General Plan Safety Element update and related actions, and to investigate and make findings and
recommendations in connection therewith; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, after due consideration, inspection, investigation
and study made by itself, and after due consideration of, and based upon, all evidence and reports
offered at said hearing, does hereby find:
1. That the proposed General Plan Safety Element update maintains the internal consistency
with the General Plan in the following ways:
a. Housing Element - Identifies policies used to guide the development of new
housing and the future population increases expected within the City. The Safety
Element can help ensure new residents are located in low-risk areas and make sure
the latest codes and standards are followed.
b. Land Use Element - Ensures the City understands and addresses the natural and
human-caused hazards affecting the community by designating the appropriate land
uses in hazardous locations.
c. Circulation Element - Can influence public health and safety by addressing traffic
congestion on roads designated as evacuation routes during emergencies and by
redefining truck routes to avoid residential and other heavily populated areas.
d. Community Design Element - Focuses on policies and programs to address city and
district level design elements and features and create a strong community identity.
e. Green Element - Focuses on advancing sustainable goals and policies focused on
stormwater management, energy conservation, building performance, and
landscaping to ensure a more resilient future for Anaheim.
f. Growth Management Element - Focuses on the effective management of population
growth and development within the City.
g. Public Services and Facilities Element - Focuses on the provision of key services
like utility (water/sewer/electric), police, and fire, and ensuring these services
expand to meet future demands.
2. That the proposed Safety Element update would not be detrimental to the public interest,
health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the City because the proposed Safety Element
update evaluates the risk of hazards and demonstrates how the City will lower its risk and
exposure to potential disasters.
3. That the proposed Safety Element update would maintain the balance of land uses within
the City because it would protect existing and future developments within the City and
surrounding areas, and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission finds and recommends that the City Council determine that
the adoption of the updated General Plan Safety Element is not subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA
Guidelines and no further documentation needs to be prepared for CEQA at this time because the
proposed update fits within the general rule that CEQA only applies to projects that have the
potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. In that, the proposed update would
amend the Safety Element to reflect State law, the proposed update will not have a significant
effect on the environment; and, therefore, the activity is not subject to CEQA; and
- 3 - PC2022-***
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission determines that the evidence in the record
constitutes substantial evidence to support the actions taken and the findings made in this
Resolution, that the facts stated in this Resolution are supported by substantial evidence in the
record, including testimony received at the public hearing, the staff presentations, the staff report
and all materials in the project files. There is no substantial evidence, nor are there other facts,
that negate the findings made in this Resolution. The Planning Commission expressly declares
that it considered all evidence presented and reached these findings after due consideration of all
evidence presented to it.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, based upon the aforesaid findings and
determinations, the Planning Commission does hereby recommend that the City Council of the
City of Anaheim approve and adopt the General Plan Safety Element update (DEV2022-00074),
thereby adopting the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan therein pursuant to Government Code Section
65302.6, and revise the General Plan to reflect these changes as set forth in Exhibit “A” to this
Resolution.
THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION was adopted at the Planning Commission meeting of
December 5, 2022.
CHAIRPERSON, PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF ANAHEIM
ATTEST:
SECRETARY, PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM
CITY OF ANAHEIM
GENERAL PLAN
SAFETY ELEMENT
DRAFT
SEPTEMBER 12, 2022
EXHIBIT A
CITY OF ANAHEIM
SAFETY ELEMENT
REVISED 2022
CITY COUNCIL
Trevor O’Neil (Mayor Pro Tem)
Jose Diaz
Gloria Ma’ae
Jose F. Moreno
Avelino Valencia
Stephen Faessel
James Vanderpool, City Manager
PLANNING COMMISSION
Dave (Dhiru) Vadodaria (Chairperson)
Lucille Kring (Chair Pro Tempore)
Michael B. Mouawad
Steve White
LuisAndres Perez
David Heywood
Natalie Meeks
PLANNING & BUILDING
DEPARTMENT STAFF
Heather Allen, AICP, Principal Planner
Christine Nguyen, Senior Planner
FIRE & RESCUE | EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT &
PREPAREDNESS STAFF
Dr. Jannine Wilmoth, Emergency Manager
CONSULTANTS
Atlas Planning Solutions
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................ 5
Achieving the vision ............................................................................................................ 5
relationship to other documents AND REGULATIONS ....................................................... 5
GOALS AND POLICIES ............................................................................. 9
Seismic and Geologic Hazards ........................................................................................... 9
Fire Hazards ......................................................................................................................15
Flood and Dam Inundation Hazards ...................................................................................18
Hazardous Materials and Wastes ......................................................................................23
Climate Adaptation ............................................................................................................24
Emergency Preparedness..................................................................................................26
SAFETY ELEMENT
5 Anaheim Safety Element | Draft | September 2022
INTRODUCTION
Anaheim is characterized by a mixture of flat areas in
the western portion of the City and steep hillside areas
with gullies, arroyos, and rugged canyon bottoms in the
eastern portion. These changes in topography help
create a variety of hazardous conditions that can
impact the community. The risks faced by Anaheim
include wild and urban fire events, earthquakes,
unstable geology, flooding, and the potential for dam
inundation. The city has experienced a variety of these
events on different occasions throughout the years. To
compound matters, the impact of a changing climate is
likely to intensify future events increasing risks to the
community. Drier and hotter conditions will likely increase fire risk and potentially impact future water supplies,
while wetter and more intense winter storms could inundate new areas within the community. These climatic
changes may also exacerbate slope instability causing landslides within the city's hillsides.
ACHIEVING THE VISION
The Safety Element is one of seven mandatory elements of the General Plan. Its primary purpose is to identify
potential risks within the City that could endanger the community's public health, safety, and welfare. Periodic
updates of the Safety Element ensure that goals and policies are relevant and responsive to community needs.
Each Safety Element must also geographically identify the location and potential extent of the risks exposed to
the community using maps, which primarily includes hazards surrounding seismicity, flooding, and fires.
The City of Anaheim reaffirms the importance of protecting the community from potential natural hazard risks.
The city's location and history with hazards make it likely that Anehim will experience risks from seismic, flooding,
and wildfire events in the future. Anaheim can also expect that some of these risks will worsen as climate change
accelerates. With this in mind, the safety element, in conjunction with the LHMP, is the best avenue to understand
and address natural hazard risks within the community.
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER DOCUMENTS AND
REGULATIONS
Related General Plan Elements
The Anaheim Safety Element is an essential component of the General Plan and works in tandem with the
following other elements to guide these efforts.
Historic Photo of Anaheim, CA
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6 Anaheim Safety Element | Draft | September 2022
Consistency with Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), approved and adopted on May 19, 2022, serves three primary
purposes: 1) it provides a comprehensive analysis of the natural and human-caused hazards that threaten the
city, with a focus on mitigation; 2) it keeps the City of Anaheim eligible to receive additional federal and state
funding to assist with emergency response and recovery, as permitted by the federal Disaster Mitigation Act of
2000 and California Government Code Sections 8685.9 and 65302.6; and 3) it complements the efforts
undertaken by the Safety Element. The LHMP complies with all requirements set forth under the federal Disaster
Mitigation Act of 2000 and received approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 2018.
Sections of the Safety Element are supplemented by the LHMP, incorporated by reference in this element, as
allowed by California Government Code Section 65302(g). The hyperlink above provides access to this
document, or you can visit the City’s website (https://www.anaheim.net).
Housing Element
•Identifies policies used to guide the development of new housing and the future population increases expected within the City. The Safety Element can help ensure new residents are located in low-risk areas and ensuring the latest codes and standards are followed.
Land Use Element
•Ensures the City understands and addresses the natural and human-caused hazards affecting the community by designating the appropriate land uses in hazardous locations.
Circulation Element
•Can influence public health and safety by addressing traffic congestion on roads designated as evacuation routes during emergencies and by redefining truck routes to avoid residential and other heavily populated areas.
Community Design Element
•Focuses on policies and programs to address city and district level design elements and features and create a strong community identity.
Green
•Focuses on advancing sustainable goals and policies focused on stormwater management, energy conservation, building performance, and landscaping to ensure a more resilient future for Anaheim.
Growth Management Element
•Focuses on the effective management of population growth and development within the City.
Public Services and Facilities Element
•Focuses on the provision of key services like utility (water/sewer), police, and fire services, and ensuring these services expand to meet future demands.
SAFETY ELEMENT
7 Anaheim Safety Element | Draft | September 2022
Regulatory Environment
California Government Code 65302(g)(1)
California Government Code Section 65302(g)(1) establishes the legislative framework for California's safety
elements. This framework consolidates the requirements from relevant federal and state agencies, ensuring that
all cities are compliant with the numerous statutory mandates. These mandates include:
Protecting against significant risks related to earthquakes, tsunamis, seiches, dam failure, landslides,
subsidence, flooding, and fires as applicable.
Including maps of known seismic and other geologic hazards.
Addressing evacuation routes, military installations, peak-load water supply requirements, and minimum
road widths and clearances around structures as related to fire and geologic hazards, where applicable.
Identifying areas subject to flooding and wildfires.
Avoiding locating critical facilities within areas of high risk.
Assessing the community's vulnerability to climate change.
Including adaptation and resilience goals, policies, objectives, and implementation measures.
California Government Code Sections 8685.9 and 65302.6
California Government Code Section 8685.9 (also known as Assembly Bill 2140 or AB 2140) limits California's
share of disaster relief funds paid out to local governments to 75 percent of the funds not paid for by federal
disaster relief efforts. However, if the jurisdiction has adopted a valid hazard mitigation plan consistent with DMA
2000 and has incorporated the hazard mitigation plan into the jurisdiction's General Plan, the State may cover
more than 75 percent of the remaining disaster relief costs. All cities and counties in California must prepare a
General Plan, including a Safety Element that addresses various hazard conditions and other public safety
issues. The Safety Element may be a standalone chapter or incorporated into another section as the community
wishes. California Government Code Section 65302.6 indicates that a community may adopt an LHMP into its
Safety Element if the LHMP meets applicable state requirements. This allows communities to use the LHMP to
satisfy state requirements for Safety Elements. As the General Plan is an overarching long-term plan for
community growth and development, incorporating the LHMP into it creates a stronger mechanism for
implementing the LHMP.
California Government Code 65302 (g) 3 adopted through SB 1241 (Effective 2014/ Adopted 2012)
California Government Code Section 65302 (g) 3 requires the Safety Element to identify and update mapping,
information, and goals and policies to address wildfire hazards. As part of this requirement, any jurisdiction that
includes State Responsibility Areas or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) in the Local
Responsibility Areas (LRA), as defined by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (Board), is required
to transmit the updated element to the Board for review and approval. The City has VHFHSZs located within the
LRA and therefore complies with this requirement.
California Government Code 65302 (g) 4 adopted through SB 379 (Effective 2017/ Adopted 2015)
California Government Code Section 65302 (g) 4 requires the Safety Element to address potential impacts of
climate change and develop potential strategies to adapt/mitigate these hazards. Analysis of these potential
effects should rely on a jurisdiction's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan or an analysis that includes data and analysis
from the State of California's Cal-Adapt website. The completed a Climate Adaptation Vulnerability Assessment
that is incorporated into the Safety Element and LHMP to ensure compliance with this requirement.
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California Government Code 65302 (g) 5 adopted through SB 99 (Effective 2020/ Adopted 2019)
California Government Code Section 65302 (g) 5 requires the Safety Element to identify evacuation constraints
associated with residential developments, specifically focused on areas served by a single roadway. This
analysis has been incorporated into this element to ensure compliance with this requirement.
National Flood Insurance Program
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was created in 1968 to help communities adopt more effective
floodplain management programs and regulations. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is responsible
for implementing the NFIP and approves the floodplain management plans for participating cities and counties.
Anaheim participates in the NFIP and uses Chapter 17.28 Flood Hazard Reduction of the Anaheim Municipal
Code to administer flood management regulations throughout the city.
Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act
The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act (California Public Resources Code [PRC], Chapter 7.5, Section
2621-2699.6) was intended to reduce the risks associated with surface faults and requires that the designated
State Geologist identify, and map "Earthquake Fault Zones" around known active faults. Per PRC Section 2623
a, cities and counties shall require a geologic report defining and delineating any hazard of surface fault rupture
before the approval of a project. If the jurisdiction finds no undue hazard of that kind exists, the geologic report
on the hazard may be waived, with the State Geologist's approval. For a list of project types, please refer to PRC
Section 2621.6. There are no Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones that run through Anaheim; therefore, it is
not a topic of concern addressed in this element.
Seismic Hazards Mapping Act
The Seismic Hazards Mapping Act (California Public Resources Code, Chapter 7.8, Section 2690-2699.6)
created a statewide seismic hazard mapping and technical advisory program in 1990 to help cities and counties
more effectively address the effects of geologic and seismic hazards caused by earthquakes. Under PRC 2697,
cities and counties shall require a geotechnical report defining and delineating any seismic hazard before
approving a project located in a seismic hazard zone. If the jurisdiction finds that no undue hazard of this kind
exists based on information resulting from studies conducted on sites near the project and of similar soil
composition to the project site, the geotechnical report may be waived. After a report has been approved or a
waiver granted, subsequent geotechnical reports shall not be required, provided that new geologic datum, or
data, warranting further investigation is not recorded. Each jurisdiction shall submit one copy of each approved
geotechnical report, including the mitigation measures to be taken, if any, to the State Geologist within 30 days
of its approval of the report. For a list of project types, please refer to PRC Section 2693. Landslide and
liquefaction hazards are prevalent within the City and are addressed within this element.
Cortese List
Government Code Section 65962.5 (typically referred to as the "Cortese List") identifies sites that require
additional oversight during the local permitting process as well as compliance with the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA). The list is generally a compilation of properties and businesses that generate, store, and/or
have been impacted by the presence of hazardous materials/wastes. Many properties identified on these lists
may be undergoing corrective action, cleanup, or abandoned and in need of these activities. The City maintains
updated lists for these types of properties and should be referenced during the development review process.
SAFETY ELEMENT
9 Anaheim Safety Element | Draft | September 2022
GOALS AND POLICIES
The following goals and policies have been updated and revised to address the current and future needs of
Anaheim. New goals are identified using the following text (NEW GOAL), while new policies are identified
using the following (New Policy). If existing policies were revised, they have been identified using the following
text (Revised Policy). In some cases, the original policy may have been identified in the annotated text. If no
annotation is provided, then the policy is the same as the previous safety element.
SEISMIC AND GEOLOGIC HAZARDS
Seismic and geologic hazards are traditionally addressed together because they both involve the movement of
the Earth's surface. Although some geologic events (landslide, subsidence, erosion, etc.) can and do happen
independently, the primary catalyst for their occurrence is often a seismic event, commonly referred to as an
earthquake. This section identifies four common seismic and geologic hazards that threaten Anaheim and
establishes policies meant to protect the community when an event occurs. A key consideration for seismic and
geologic hazards is the potential for cascading effects resulting from an event. When an earthquake occurs, the
seismic shaking can cause natural gas and water/sewer pipelines to rupture, which can cause other impacts like
flooding, erosion, or fires. The goals and policies throughout this element are designed to work together to reduce
both the individual and collective risk of these hazards.
Seismic Hazards
Southern California is no stranger to earthquakes, and their frequent occurrence is widely accepted as a fact of
life. Anaheim is prone to seismic hazards due to its location in a seismically active region. These hazards can be
divided into three categories, each with unique characteristics and implications for planning.
Surface Rupture
The Earth is covered in tectonic plates, which are large sections of the Earth's crust that are constantly shifting
and moving closer together, further apart, or past one another. The movement of two plates past one another
frequently causes friction resulting in plates that "stick." When this occurs, the same forces that push the plates
past each other are now concentrated in certain areas. In time, friction can no longer hold the plates together,
and the plates suddenly shift, releasing the massive build-up of energy (i.e., earthquake). This rapid movement
and release of energy can cause the Earth to fracture and displace the land around it, resulting in an earthquake
fault. Some faults are buried beneath the surface, and others are located at the surface of the Earth. Surface
rupture of a fault is especially dangerous if structures are built on top of the fault or infrastructure crosses the
fault, because these facilities could be damaged by fault movement. If a surface rupture occurs, the movement
could break pipelines, damage roads and bridges, rendering them useless after the event. Areas of known
surface rupture hazard in California are identified in Alquist-Priolo Special Study Zones. Anaheim does not
currently have any Alquist-Priolo Special Study Zones at this time. Fortunately, many seismic events do not
cause surface ruptures and instead disperse the energy exclusively in the form of seismic shaking.
Seismic Shaking
Seismic shaking is the recognizable movement caused by the energy released from an earthquake. The same
mechanism that creates a surface rupture is also responsible for seismic shaking and can produce an equally
devastating effect. Buildings and other structures may be destroyed because of violent shaking. Infrastructure
such as roads, pipelines, and power lines are also susceptible to damage and pose additional safety concerns.
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Unlike surface rupture, seismic shaking consequences are not restricted to the area immediately surrounding the
fault. Energy resonating through the ground can travel hundreds of miles and cause damage in many locations
simultaneously. The closer to the earthquake's source (epicenter), the stronger the shaking will be.
Seismic shaking is of particular concern for the City of Anaheim due to the proximity to active faults that can
generate significant earthquakes. The Anaheim LHMP identifies that there is up to a 20% probability of a
magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake to occur along numerous faults within southern California in the next 20
years. The highest probability (20%) is projected for the San Andreas fault, located approximately 39 miles east
of the city. While the closest fault (Peralta Hills) is approximately 1.5 miles from the city and is estimated to have
a less than 1% probability of generating a 6.7M earthquake or greater. Figure S-1 depicts the Seismic Shaking
Potential associated with a strong earthquake. Based on this modeling Anaheim could experience strong shaking
throughout most of the community.
Liquefaction
Liquefaction is a phenomenon that occurs when intense vibrations from an earthquake cause saturated soil to
lose stability and act more like a liquid than a solid. This poses significant problems for buildings and other
structures in areas where liquefaction can occur, as the ground may give way under the weight of the structure
and its foundation. In addition, underground structures are vulnerable to liquefaction.
Multiple areas in Anaheim are at risk of liquefaction, primarily along the Santa Ana River corridor in the eastern
portion of the City and the western portions of the City where shallow groundwater conditions exist. The areas
most prone to liquefaction are characterized by loose sandy/silty soils that are saturated with water. In Anaheim,
these areas are predominantly located along stream/river corridors or in areas of shallow groundwater. Figure
S-2 depicts the areas of potential liquefaction susceptibility based on data provided by the California Geological
Survey.
Geologic Hazards
Although seismic events, such as earthquakes,
often trigger geologic hazards, there are
instances where events involving landslides,
mudflows, and episodes of instability occur.
Therefore, understanding and preparing for
these hazards as standalone events is equally
important.
Landslides and Mudflows
A landslide is the movement of earth materials
down slopes and areas of steep topography.
Although earthquakes often cause them,
landslides can occur when any sloped surface
can no longer support the material contained
within or sitting above it. This instability can be
caused by the sheer weight of the loose material
or can be aided by other events such as heavy
rain.
Structural Damage from 2005 Anaheim Hills Landslide
Source: OC Register, 2006
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FIGURE S-1 – SEISMIC SHAKING POTENTIAL
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FIGURE S-2 – LIQUEFACTION PRONE AREAS
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When rain causes a slope to fail, the movement of earth materials is typically referred to as a mudslide. Both
landslides and mudslides move with great force and pose a significant danger to buildings and other structures.
In some circumstances, these events may cause bodily harm if bystanders cannot move out of its path in time.
The City was impacted by landslide events in 1993 and, most recently, in 2005.
Anticipating the risk of landslides in the susceptible areas identified by Figure S-3 will be essential for protecting
the community members who reside there. According to the California Geological Survey, the parts of Anaheim
at risk of deep-seated landslides are areas within Anaheim Hills, various parts along the SR-91 corridor, and the
easternmost portion of the city.
GOAL 1.1: A COMMUNITY PREPARED AND RESPONSIVE TO SEISMIC AND
GEOLOGIC HAZARDS. (NEW GOAL)
Policies
1 Lifelines are considered water, sewer, electrical, gas facilities, and communication and transportation facilities that are needed in the event of
a hazard event or natural disaster.
1)
Minimize the risk to public health and safety and disruptions to vital services,
economic vitality, and social order resulting from seismic and geologic activities.
(Revised Policy – previously Goal 1.1)
2) Minimize the risk to life and property through the identification of potentially
hazardous geologic areas. (Revised Policy)
3)
Require geologic and geotechnical investigations in areas of potential seismic or
geologic hazards as part of the environmental and/or development review process for
all structures. (Revised Policy)
4) Enforce structural setbacks from faults and other geologic hazards identified during
the development review process. (New Policy)
5)
Enforce the requirements of the California Seismic Hazards Mapping and Alquist-
Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Acts when siting, evaluating, and constructing
projects within the City. (Revised Policy)
6) Require that engineered slopes be designed to resist earthquake-induced failure.
7) Require removal or rehabilitation of hazardous or substandard structures that may
collapse in the event of an earthquake.
8) Require that lifelines 1 crossing a fault or located within a geologic hazard be designed
to resist damage resulting from a hazard event. (Revised Policy)
9)
Require new construction, redevelopment, and major remodels located within
potential landslide areas be evaluated for site stability, including the potential impact
to other properties, during project design and review. (Revised Policy)
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FIGURE S-3 – LANDSLIDE SUSCEPTIBILITY
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FIRE HAZARDS
Wildfires
The most common type of natural hazards in California
are wildfires, which can burn large areas of
undeveloped or natural land in a short amount of time.
They often begin as smaller fires caused by lightning
strikes, downed power lines, or unattended campfires
but may rapidly expand in size if conditions are dry
and/or windy. The recent trend toward more prolonged
periods of drought increases the likelihood of a wildfire
occurring. Typically, wildfires pose minimal threat to
people and buildings in urban areas but increasing
human encroachment into natural areas increases the
likelihood that bodily harm or structural damage will
occur. This encroachment occurs in areas called the
wildland-urban interface (WUI), which is considered
an area within the high and very high fire hazard severity zone, as defined by the California Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal FIRE).
Significant wildfires have occurred in Anaheim in the past and pose a significant threat to people and property.
Natural, undeveloped hillsides border the developed areas within the community. Due to the Santa Ana
Mountains' foothill topography, eastern Anaheim is susceptible to wildfires and in the Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zone (VHFHSZ). The Anaheim Hills along the eastern portions of the City is located within fire prone
areas along the WUI interface. Past fire events have occurred in this area impacting thousands of acres of
brushland and destroying or damaging numerous homes. Figure S-4 depicts the VHFHSZs mapped throughout
Anaheim along with the Critical Facilities and Facilities of Concern identified in the LHMP. According to the LHMP,
critical facilities play important roles in government operations and services to the community. Examples include
local government offices and yards, community centers, public safety buildings (police/ fire stations), schools,
and other properties deemed essential by the City. Facilities of concern are structures that play an important role
in the City but are not critical to its function. Examples include city-owned or privately owned facilities such as
senior assisted living homes, parks, and storage facilities.
The LHMP identifies VHFHSZs in relation to developed areas of the City and the location of critical facilities and
infrastructure. In addition, the Fire Department conducts strategic planning on a regular basis to ensure fire
response capabilities and personnel can adequately address current service needs throughout the City and
identifies potential issues to be addressed by the Department. This Strategic Plan is completed every five years
with the latest update located here: Anaheim Fire and Rescue Strategic Plan.
Fire Responsibility
The City of Anaheim Fire and Rescue provides fire response and emergency medical services to residents and
businesses within the City. The entire City is located within the Local Responsibility Area (LRA), whereas areas
outside of the City are within the State Responsibility Area (SRA), which is served by the Orange County Fire
Authority (OCFA) and Cal Fire. These areas are located in close proximity to areas of the Cleveland National
Forest, which is a Federal Responsibility Area served by the US Forest Service. For wildfires occurring the
VHFHSZ within either the LRA or SRA, close coordination between Anaheim Fire and Rescue, OCFA, and Cal
Fire is necessary to ensure residents and businesses in this part of the City are adequately served during a fire
response situation.
Burning structure during the 2017 Canyon Fire 2 Event
Source: OC Register, 2017
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FIGURE S-4 – VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES
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Urban Fires
The possibility of an urban fire confronts every city. Many urban fires begin as isolated incidents caused by a
faulty electrical appliance, absentminded cooking mishap, or industrial malfunction but can spread to other
buildings if conditions permit. Many factors contribute to an urban fire's severity and extent, but modern building
codes and practices have helped reduce their effects. Despite these improvements, it is important to
acknowledge the risks associated with fires in urban areas. No matter its size, any fire can cause people severe
harm and can damage buildings and other structures.
Water Supply
Water service in Anaheim is provided by Anaheim Public Utilities. According to the City’s 2020 Urban Water
Management Plan, adequate water supplies are available to meet customer demands within the City. This is
especially important for ensuring adequate supplies are available for existing and future fire suppression needs.
While adequate water supplies are available, the City is continually investing in upgrades to the system to meet
future demands and address deficiencies in service. In addition, conservation efforts are promoted throughout
the community to reduce demands and ensure adequate water quality and quantity is available for residents and
businesses. As a standard practice, new developments and major remodels are required to conduct water
pressure/flow testing and design the project to ensure standards are met.
GOAL 2.1: A COMMUNITY PROTECTED AND PREPARED FOR URBAN AND
WILDLAND FIRES. (NEW GOAL)
Policies
1) Protect the lives and properties of residents, businesses owners, and visitors from
urban and wildland fire hazards. (Revised Policy)
2)
Effectively enforce City and State regulations within the VHFHSZ and incorporate new
techniques and best practices as they become available to reduce future risks to
existing and new developments. (New Policy)
3) Develop a post-wildfire recovery framework that assists City staff, residents, and
business owners in planning and recovery efforts. (New Policy)
4)
Minimize urban and wildland fire exposure for residents, business owners, and
visitors by incorporating Fire Safe Design into existing and new developments
(Revised Policy)
5)
Continually assess the need for additional greenbelts, fuel breaks, fuel reduction and
buffer zones around existing communities and roadways. This assessment should
include long term maintenance of existing efforts and funding sources to sustain
these projects. (Revised Policy)
6) Maintain a weed abatement program to ensure clearing of dry brush areas.
7) Expand vegetation management activities in areas adjacent to wildland fire prone
areas. (New Policy)
8)
Refine procedures and processes to minimize the risk of fire hazards in the Special
Protection Area including requiring new development to:
• Utilize fire-resistant building materials;
• Incorporate fire sprinklers as appropriate;
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• Incorporate defensible space requirements;
• Comply with Anaheim Fire Department Fuel Modification Guidelines;
• Provide Fire Protection Plans; and,
• Implement a Vegetation Management Plan, which results in proper vegetation
modification on an ongoing basis within the Special Protection Area.
• Develop fuel modification in naturalized canyons and hills to protect life and property
from wildland fires, yet leave as much of the surrounding natural vegetation as
appropriate.
• Require development to use plant materials that are compatible in color and
character with surrounding natural vegetation.
• Provide wet or irrigated zones when required.
(Revised Policy)
9) Use selective trimming and obtain permits when necessary in designated areas to
preserve environmentally sensitive native plants. (New Policy)
10) Site new essential public facilities outside of the VHFHSZ, where feasible. (New Policy)
11)
Evaluate feasibility of relocating essential public facilities located within the VHFHSZ
to areas outside of this hazard zone. If relocation isn’t possible, prioritize retrofitting
and hardening of structures. (New Policy)
12)
Continue to classify areas of varying fire hazard severity based upon the proximity to
open wildland slope, grades, accessibility, water supply and building construction
features.
13)
All development projects within the VHFHSZ must prepare a Fire Protection Plan (FPP)
to reduce or eliminate fire threats. FPPs shall be consistent with the following
guidance: (New Policy)
A Fire Protection Plan (FPP) may be required by the fire code official for new
development within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ). FPPs are
required to include mitigation strategies that consider location, topography, geology,
flammable vegetation, sensitive habitats/species, and climate of the proposed site. FPPs
must address water supply, access, building ignition, and fire resistance, fire protection
systems and equipment, proper street signage, visible home addressing, defensible
space, vegetation management, and long-term maintenance. All required FPPs must be
consistent with the requirements of the California Building and Residential Codes, the
California Fire Code as adopted by the City of Anaheim, and the City of Anaheim
Municipal Code.
FLOOD AND DAM INUNDATION HAZARDS
Flood
Flooding is caused by the accumulation of water on the ground surface. This typically occurs after heavy rainfall
but can also result from water delivery infrastructure failures such as pipes and storage containers. Worsening
drought conditions caused by climate change may exacerbate the effects of flooding, as surfaces that typically
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absorb water can quickly dry out and become less
permeable. Flooding presents multiple dangers to
people and structures alike. Standing water may be
deep enough to cause drowning, and even shallow
water can easily damage buildings and property.
Fast-moving water is more hazardous, as it may
sweep people downstream or cause extensive
damage to structures.
FEMA has designated the vast majority of Anaheim
as lying within the 500-year flood zone, which means
there is a 0.2% chance of flooding in any given year,
occurring in most parts of the City. This designation is identified as Zone X on FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps
(FIRM). The topography of a majority of the city is relatively flat, aside from the eastern portions south of SR-91,
which are comprised of hills and canyons. Given Anaheim’s unique geography in this area, flood risks in this part
of the City are higher. The Santa Ana River channel and levee systems (which run along the eastern portions of
the city as the river flows to the coast have effectively mitigated the risk of a 100-year flood. However, it is still
possible that the channel and levee system could overflow its embankments in an exceptionally powerful
rainstorm.
While a majority of the City is located within the 500-year flood zone, areas along both the Santa Ana River and
Carbon Creek include other FEMA designations. Portions of the Santa Ana River channel and Carbon Creek are
located within the Floodway (Zones AE, AO, and AH)
and the 100-Year Flood Zone (Zone A). While the
areas surrounding the Santa Ana River are
designated as Areas of Reduced Flood Risk Due to
Levee (Zone X). Figure S-5 illustrates these FEMA
flood designations within the community.
In addition to potential flooding associated with the
Santa Ana River, the city is at risk of surface drainage
flooding in and around streets and storm drains. The
drainage pattern in the city varies, with most runoff
conveyed on street surfaces and local storm drain
facilities to the regional facilities owned and
maintained by the Orange County Flood Control
District. While flooding by itself is a significant hazard,
often flooding can coincide with other hazards like landslides and mudslides, which can occur during intense
precipitation events. Areas with steep topography (hillsides) are most prone to these conditions, which are
especially hazardous after a wildfire event that has removed vegetation from these areas.
Dam Inundation
Dam, reservoir, and levee failure can result from several causes such as earthquakes, rapidly rising floodwaters,
and structural design flaws. These hazards can occur instantaneously or very gradually, depending on the source
of the failure. Inundation associated with these events can cause loss of life, damage property, and result in other
impacts, such as displacement of persons residing in the inundation path and loss of critical infrastructure.
Historic Anaheim Flooding (1938)
Flooding in Anaheim (2018)
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Dam inundation poses a flooding risk to Anaheim
due to the city’s proximity to several dams. The
biggest inundation threat comes from Prado
Dam. Prado Dam is located approximately 2.5
miles east of the city limits, along the Santa Ana
River in Riverside County. This dam facility poses
the greatest risk to the city (and a majority of
northern Orange County), due to its size and the
amount of water impounded at full capacity. In the
event of dam failure, the flood wave would take
6.5 hours to reach Anaheim and be around four
feet deep. Inundation from this facility would
affect the entire city. Figure S-6 identifies the
potential inundation areas that could impact the
City of Anaheim. These areas show downstream
locations that could be inundated if dams upstream were to fail. The areas that could flood in the case of a dam
failure may be located outside of the typical areas that flood within due to the amount of water released.
GOAL 3.1: A COMMUNITY RESILIENT TO THE EFFECTS OF FLOODING AND DAM
INUNDATION HAZARDS. (NEW GOAL)
Policies
1) Evaluate all development proposals located in areas that are subject to flooding to
minimize the exposure of life and property to potential flood risks. (New Policy)
2) Continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. (Revised Policy)
3) Continue compliance with the Cobey-Alquist Floodplain Management Act
requirements and State of California Model Ordinance. (Revised Policy)
4)
Encourage properties prone to flooding or creating new flooding conditions to
incorporate flood safe design elements and appropriate setbacks to reduce flood
damage potential. (New Policy)
5) Encourage new development to maintain and enhance existing natural streams, as
feasible.
6)
Support policies and programs to promote water conservation measures, low-impact
development, and green infrastructure that can help convey stormwater and reduce
impacts from both drought and flooding. (New Policy)
7) Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies on flood control and stormwater
management improvements in and around the city. (New Policy)
8) Coordinate with OC Flood Control and USACOE on operations, maintenance, and
improvements to Prado Dam and the Santa Ana River. (Revised Policy)
9) Utilize flood control methods that are consistent with Regional Water Quality Control
Board Policies and Best Management Practices (BMPs). (Revised Policy)
Prado Dam along Santa Ana River upstream from Anaheim
Source: LA Times, 2015
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FIGURE S-5 – FEMA DESIGNATED FLOOD ZONES
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FIGURE S-6 – DAM INUNDATON
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HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND WASTES
Natural hazards are not the only threat to a community's safety. Human-caused dangers, such as various
hazardous materials and wastes, are often found throughout a community and can pose significant risks.
Generally speaking, hazardous materials are identified as being toxic, flammable, explosive, corrosive, infectious,
radioactive, or a combination of these characteristics. Hazardous wastes are categorized similarly but are
identified separately from materials because they no longer serve a meaningful use. The City’s Hazardous
Materials Section administers and implements a Hazardous Materials Management Program that oversees
permitting, inspections, and response activities. This section administers various plans and procedures including
the Anaheim Hazardous Materials Area Plan, which is designed to assist in the prevention and mitigation of
impacts associated with hazardous materials release.
In the Community
Although common household chemicals pose little threat to the community at large, hazardous materials and
wastes used by business and industry present a greater risk. Automotive dealerships, repair shops, gasoline,
diesel fuel stations, and dry cleaners are examples of businesses that regularly use and store chemicals or other
hazardous materials. Pipelines and tanks within the City also transport and store chemicals that could pose a
risk if failure occurs. These releases are anticipated to be isolated to properties where storage occurs. Releases
also tend to involve the transportation of raw materials and their byproducts either by pipeline or truck. Regulation
of the use, storage, and transportation of hazardous materials and wastes rests on state and federal agencies;
however, cities play a large role in minimizing the risks and impacts of exposure through careful planning and
preparation. Major transportation routes through the City include Interstate 5 and State Routes 57 and 91. In
addition, major roadways designated as truck routes are the primary thoroughfares used to transport hazardous
materials and wastes through the City. For the location of these roadways, refer to the City of Anaheim General
Plan Circulation Element.
In the Home
Exposure to hazardous materials is not uncommon, as many household cleaning products contain chemicals
that can harm both humans and the environment. Through proper use, however, the health risks associated with
these hazardous materials can largely be avoided. The proper storage of household cleaning products and other
common hazardous materials, such as those used in automotive and home repair, is also an important
component of responsible management. Following the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging and keeping
products out of the reach of children are two simple steps that can help reduce the risk of exposure. In addition,
the City operates a facility (Anaheim Stop & Swap) that offers free drop off services for household, yard, and car
care products no longer needed by residents.
GOAL 4.1: A COMMUNITY BETTER PROTECTED FROM THE RELEASE AND
EXPOSURE TO HAZARD MATERIALS AND WASTES. (NEW GOAL)
Policies
1) Follow Anaheim Hazardous Materials Area Plan procedures in the event of a
hazardous materials emergency. (Revised Policy)
2) Promote the proper handling, treatment and disposal of hazardous materials and
hazardous waste.
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3) Encourage businesses to utilize practices and technologies that will reduce the
generation of hazardous wastes at the source.
4) Implement Federal, State, and local regulations for the disposal, handling, and
storage of hazardous materials.
5) Promote the recovery and recycling of hazardous materials.
6)
Employ effective emergency preparedness and emergency response strategies
to minimize impacts from hazardous materials exposures and releases. (Revised
Policy)
7)
Partner with Orange County to provide needed hazardous waste programs to
provide disposal of household hazardous waste at no cost to residents and
participating agencies. (Revised Policy)
CLIMATE ADAPTATION
Although climate change is not identified as a discrete hazard, variations in climatic conditions can impact some
of the natural hazards affecting Anaheim. Projections of future conditions in the City include increased
temperatures, increased extreme heat days, changes in precipitation, more prolonged droughts, and changes in
the size and frequency of wildfire incidents. Table S-1 identifies the current/historical conditions and projected
future conditions within Anaheim associated with climate change.
Table S-1 – Potential Climate Change Effects for Anaheim
Temperature Changes (annual mean)
Historic (1961-1990) Future (2070-2099)
75.2° F 78.3 to 86.7° F
Extreme Heat Days (average per year)
Current (@ 97.2° F) Future (2070-2099)
3 days 30 days
Warm Nights (average per year)
Current (@ 66.7° F) Future (2070-2099)
5 days 89 days
Precipitation Changes (annual mean)
Historic (1961-1990) Future (2070-2099)
13.3 inches 13.0 to 13.4 inches
Wildfire Potential (annual average area burned)
Current Future (2070-2099)
299.7-302.3 acres 368.0 to 384.1 acres
Source: https://cal-adapt.org/, 2022
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Increasing temperatures associated with climate change can act as a hazard multiplier. By the end of the century,
annual mean temperatures are projected to increase between 3 and 11 degrees, impacting city residents and
businesses. These increases are also anticipated to increase the number of extreme heat days, increasing from
a change from 3 days per year on average to 30 days per year on average. These potential temperature
increases may impact residents living in poorly insulated structures or those that do not meet current code
requirements. For extreme heat incidents the City relies on the Orange County Operational Area Excessive
Temperature Annex to the Emergency Operations Plan. This regional coordination ensures resources area
available to residents and employees during extreme heat events.
While temperatures are anticipated to increase in the coming decades, climate change projections also suggest
that annual mean precipitation may slightly increase by the end of the century. While annual average is not
expected to change much by the end of the century, it is anticipated that future rain events may be more intense
than what is currently experienced. The 30-year range for precipitation by the end of the century could vary from
8.4 -19.4 inches, which could result in reduced water supplies in the drier years and flooding in the wetter years.
With changes in future precipitation, it is expected that changes to local vegetation may occur as well, which
could impact drainages and increase the need for wildfire management activities.
Increased rainfall could also increase the amount of flooding within the community, introduce flooding into new
areas, or cause areas with steep topography to become less stable, resulting in more landslides/mudslides and/or
erosion. These types of events could impact streams, or cause damage to neighboring properties/structures in
these areas.
With future temperature increases, wildfire impact is projected to increase by the end of the century. This
projection is based on the overall increase in temperatures coupled with precipitation that on average remains
the same as current conditions. Increased temperatures are anticipated to increase fire risk if vegetation becomes
drier overall. The city currently experiences an annual average of approximately 300 acres burned, which is
anticipated to grow to as much as 384 acres by the end of the century.
While climate change is projected to exacerbate many of the hazards already affecting the city, many of these
hazards may interact with each other. Increased temperatures can affect both water supplies and vegetation
growth. With drier conditions, vegetation growth may be reduced, which can reduce wildfire vulnerability, however
if dry conditions persist for long periods, the reduced vegetation may be drier than normal. These two conditions
may result in the same or greater risk for wildfires.
GOAL 5.1: ENSURE THAT ANAHEIM IS READY TO ADDRESS THE IMPACTS
ASSOCIATED WITH CLIMATE CHANGE. (NEW GOAL)
Policies
1) Support policies and programs to help residents and businesses be prepared for extreme
heat conditions. (New Policy)
2) Maintain guidelines for the monitoring and dissemination of public information related to
extreme heat; maintain cooling centers and update their locations annually. (New Policy)
3) Require new development within a designated floodplain or fire hazard severity zone to
submit fire and/or flood safety plan for approval by the Fire Department and Floodplain
Administrator. (New Policy)
4) Continue to ensure emergency alert/ notification capabilities meet the City’s future needs
by providing alerts about potential, developing, and ongoing emergency situations. (New
Policy)
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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
The ability to anticipate, evaluate, and mitigate potential risks posed by natural and human-caused hazards is
paramount to a city's longevity. Although this element specifically addresses natural and human-caused hazards,
emergency preparedness involves many more considerations beyond identifying the hazards themselves. The
Emergency Preparedness section consolidates and briefly describes the City of Anaheim's hazard prevention
and response strategies.
Emergency Operations Plan
The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is primarily responsible for informing the City of Anaheim's emergency
management strategies. These strategies are typically organized under four categories: mitigation,
preparedness, response, and recovery.
Mitigation
The EOP, in conjunction with the LHMP, identifies and assesses the natural and human-caused hazards that
threaten the City and recommends proactive policy and procedural actions that reduce the risks associated with
these hazards. This preemptive planning is intended to decrease the probability of emergency situations and
minimize the effects should one occur.
Examples of hazard mitigation and prevention
can be found in many city policies, but they
are most prominently displayed in the many
codes regulating construction and
development. The City has taken numerous
actions to reduce its vulnerability to hazards
including the undergrounding of overhead
powerlines. This investment not only ensures
more reliant electrical service, but also helps
beautify the community.
Preparedness
Emergency preparedness focuses on activities that prepare a community for a disaster. These activities typically
involve the preparation of plans addressing life safety,
emergency response, and evacuation; purchase and storage
of emergency supplies; and training and exercises to practice
response activities. As part of the City's preparedness
initiatives, the City has begun a “Know Your Way” campaign
which provides residents with additional information regarding
how best to evacuate. Through this program, residents can
learn the roadways that will most likely be accessible and the
directions most likely available during an evacuation.
Response
Emergency response activities typically focus on actions necessary to save lives and prevent further property
damage during an emergency/disaster. Many of these activities are conducted in tandem with the Anaheim Police
Department and Anaheim Fire and Rescue standard emergency response procedures. To guide response
activities, the City will rely on implementing the Emergency Operations Plan, activating the Emergency
Example of Relocated Powerlines
Anaheim "Know Your Way" Map
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Operations Center (EOC), and work closely with volunteer organizations such as the Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT), which helps orchestrate internal and external communications, logistics, and
assistance during large-scale emergencies. If City resources become overwhelmed, the City will request support
through the Orange County Operational Area 2 using automatic aid and mutual aid agreements currently in place.
However, the City recognizes that mutual aid resources are dependent on availability and may be limited during
a large regional incident. Therefore, consideration for strengthening self-sufficiency should be a priority.
Recovery
Recovery activities typically occur after an emergency/disaster event. These activities focus on reestablishing
services to impacted areas, repair and/or reconstruct damaged buildings and infrastructure, and assistance to
residents and businesses with permitting and approvals of building plans. Depending on the scale and type of
incident, recovery could occur in specific community locations and/or require specialized expertise to address
the issues created. Cleanup of hazardous wastes shall be considered part of the recovery from a major disaster
event (fire or flood).
Evacuation/Emergency Routes
Evacuation refers to the movement of people that are at risk of being impacted by a disaster to a safer location,
using routes that do not pose a significant danger to the evacuees. Thus, both the destination and the route need
to be scrutinized, preferably before the evacuation orders are issued. This involves deciding which of the potential
temporary shelters in the City be opened, based on the shelters' locations relative to the impending disaster and
their ease of accessibility from the safest identified routes. Evacuations in the city are conducted in cooperation
between the Anaheim Police Department and Anaheim Fire and Rescue. In the event of a fire, Anaheim Police
department would take the lead on evacuation while Fire and Rescue would focus on fire suppression. To comply
with SB 99, the City identified areas of the City that have single ingress/egress conditions. To achieve this an
analysis of constrained roadways and constrained parcels was conducted. Definitions for these two conditions
include:
• Constrained Roadways are segments of the roadway network that have a single point of connection
with the rest of the roadway network. These could be cul-de-sacs or roadways with secondary
connections that are not publicly accessible due to a gate or other constraint. Figure S-7 identifies these
roadways within the City.
• Constrained Parcels are areas of the City where at least 30 parcels are located along a constrained
roadway. These parcel locations are accessible by one means of ingress/egress, which is consistent
with Cal FIRE guidance regarding Public Resources Code Section 4290.5. Under this guidance, Cal Fire
is concerned with subdivisions within the state that have 30 or more dwellings accessing a single
roadway. Figure S-7 identifies these areas within the City.
This analysis identified 82 locations where at least 30 parcels/dwellings meet the constrained parcel threshold.
74 locations are single family neighborhoods, while 8 locations are large mobile home parks and gated townhome
communities within the City. 48 of the 82 locations are located in eastern Anaheim with the vast majority of these
located in Anaheim Hills. The concern regarding areas with constrained parcels is the ability to safely and
effectively evacuate residents in the event of an emergency. Twenty eight (28) of these constrained parcel areas
are located within or adjacent to Cal Fire VHFHSZs. Although these locations have been identified based on the
30-parcel threshold many other areas within the City are just below this threshold and could exceed it if additional
2 Includes all political subdivisions (County, Cities, School Districts, Special Districts) within the County’s geographic
boundaries.
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development occurs. Future implementation actions should identify and better understand these areas and the
ramifications associated with evacuation.
Identified Evacuation Routes for eastern Anaheim (Anaheim Hills) are mapped and made available to residents
as a part of the Know Your Way campaign. The primary route of evacuation is the westbound SR-91 freeway,
which leads away from the foothills and canyons (the most probable location for a hazard event). The major
roads accessing SR-91 include Weir Canyon Rd, Serrano Ave, Nohl Ranch Road, and Santa Ana Canyon Rd,
which can also be accessed from secondary roads Fairmount Boulevard and Canyon Rim Road. These routes
may be changed during an evacuation, depending on the specific nature of the emergency. If changes are
proposed, residents and travelers would be advised and directed by either police or fire personnel during the
incident.
SAFETY ELEMENT
29 Anaheim Safety Element | Draft | September 2022
FIGURE S-7 – CONSTRAINED ROADWAYS AND PARCELS (SB 99)
SAFETY ELEMENT
30 Anaheim Safety Element | Draft | September 2022
GOAL 6.1: A CITY THAT PRIORITIZES EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND PUBLIC
AWARENESS OF COMMUNITY RISKS. (NEW GOAL)
Policies
1) Ensure the availability of both the Safety Element and Emergency Operations
Plan to employers and residents of Anaheim. (Revised Policy)
2)
Coordinate disaster preparedness and recovery with neighboring jurisdictions
and other governmental agencies, such as Orange County, Water Districts, and
Utility Providers. (Revised Policy)
3) Assess emergency and evacuation capabilities for potential disruptions from
existing and future hazards affecting the community. (New Policy)
4)
Ensure mapping of the City’s emergency facilities, evacuation routes and
hazardous areas are periodically updated to reflect additions or modifications.
(Revised Policy – current policy under Hazardous Materials)
5)
Ensure access routes to and from hazard areas relative to the degree of
development or use (e.g., road width, road type, length of dead-end roads, etc.)
are adequately designed and sized to accommodate anticipated needs. (New
Policy)
6)
Ensure disruption of evacuation routes from landslide movement, fault ruptures,
and failures caused by earthquakes are minimized to the greatest extent feasible.
(New Policy)
7)
Appropriately locate and coordinate emergency services including fire, police,
and ambulance services to provide responsive services across the entire
community.
8)
Conduct hazards-oriented public outreach to prepare the community for the
following hazards: (New Policy)
• Seismic and Geologic Hazards
• Wildfire Hazards
• Flooding and Dam Inundation
• Hazardous Materials Release
• Climate Change
• Evacuation
9) Conduct training and exercises with City staff to better prepare them for future
hazards and incidents. (New Policy)
10) Train multi-lingual personnel to assist in emergency preparedness and response
activities to meet the community’s need. (New Policy)
11)
Incorporate the latest information and best practices from the Department of
Homeland Security to prepare the City to respond to terrorist attacks. (Revised
Policy)
12) Periodically update the Emergency Operations Plan to ensure consistency with
the Safety Element and Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. (New Policy)
13) Periodically conduct and evaluate Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
exercises. (Revised Policy)
SAFETY ELEMENT
31 Anaheim Safety Element | Draft | September 2022
GOAL 7.1: A CITY THAT CAN EFFECTIVELY RESPOND AND EVACUATE DURING
HAZARD EVENTS. (NEW GOAL)
Policies
1) Coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions and Caltrans regarding transportation
network constraints and improvements. (New Policy)
2)
Coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions and County agencies to prioritize
roadway and storm drain infrastructure retrofitting and enhancement projects
along primary evacuation routes. (New Policy)
3) Ensure all new development and redevelopment projects provide adequate
ingress/egress for emergency access and evacuation. (New Policy)
4) Identify and construct additional evacuation routes in areas of high hazard
concern or limited circulation, where feasible. (New Policy)
5) Ensure the City’s transportation network allows for effective emergency
response and evacuation activities. (New Policy)
6) Develop evacuation standards and metrics for constrained neighborhoods and
alternative evacuation plans, where necessary. (New Policy)
7) Monitor changes to hazard conditions and vulnerabilities to ensure the
accessibility or viability of evacuation routes in the future. (New Policy)
8)
Expand the “Know Your Way” program to identify and enhance evacuation
resources that includes areas of the City with limited ingress/egress, limited
circulation capacity, and/or critical infrastructure that could impact evacuation
efforts.
9)
Enhance the City’s existing education and outreach program, “Know Your Way,”
with potential evacuation scenarios and the activities that residents and
businesses can do to protect their properties and prepare for potential events.
(New Policy)
PC2022-***
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss.
CITY OF ANAHEIM )
I, Susana Barrios, Secretary of the Planning Commission of the City of Anaheim, do hereby
certify that the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted at a meeting of the Planning
Commission of the City of Anaheim held on December 5, 2022, by the following vote of the
members thereof:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 5th day of December 2022.
SECRETARY, PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM
Attachment No. 2
If any above links are inaccessible, please contact the Planning and Building Department at (714)
765-5009 or planning@anaheim.net to obtain a copy of the document.
DRAFT SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE
The City released the Draft Safety Element update for a 30-day public review period that began
on July 28, 2022 and ended on August 27, 2022. The Draft Safety Element was available on the
project website https://www.anaheim.net/6124/Safety-Element-Update at
https://www.anaheim.net/DocumentCenter/View/45220/Anaheim_Safety-
Element_DRAFT_07282022. The website provides viewers with the ability to download/view the
entire document and submit comments, either through an on-line form, an email address
(SafetyLHMP@Anaheim.net) or phone numbers of project contacts in the Fire and Planning and
Building Departments.
Attachment No. 3
If any above links are inaccessible, please contact the Planning and Building Department at (714)
765-5009 or planning@anaheim.net to obtain a copy of the document.
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Website
City Council adopted the City’s updated Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) on May 17, 2022.
The HMP is available on the City’s “Be Ready” website https://www.anaheim.net/5991/Be-
Ready, with a direct link at https://anaheim.net/6102/Be-Ready-Anaheim-A-Hazard-Mitigation-
Pla.
General Plan Safety Element Assessment Board of Forestry and Fire Protection
Anaheim 2022
RPC 2(b)(ii)
Attachment No. 4
Contents
Purpose and Background ...............................................................................................................................................1
Methodology for Review and Recommendations .........................................................................................................2
General Plan Safety Element Assessment .....................................................................................................................3
Background Information Summary ........................................................................................................................3
Goals, Policies, Objectives, and Feasible Implementation Measures ....................................................................4
Section 1 Avoiding or minimizing the wildfire hazards associated with new uses of land ................................4
Section 2 Develop adequate infrastructure if a new development is located in SRAs or VHFHSZs. ..................5
Section 3 Working cooperatively with public agencies responsible for fire protection. ...................................7
Sample Safety Element Recommendations ...................................................................................................................8
A. Maps, Plans and Historical Information .............................................................................................................8
B. Land Use .............................................................................................................................................................8
C. Fuel Modification................................................................................................................................................8
D. Access .................................................................................................................................................................9
E. Fire Protection ....................................................................................................................................................9
Fire Hazard Planning in Other Elements of the General Plan ..................................................................................... 10
Land Use Element ................................................................................................................................................ 10
Housing Element ................................................................................................................................................. 10
Open Space and Conservation Elements............................................................................................................. 10
Circulation Element ............................................................................................................................................. 10
RPC 2(b)(ii)
1 * https://www.opr.ca.gov/docs/Final_6.26.15.pdf
Purpose and Background
Upon the next revision of the housing element on or after January 1, 2014, the safety element is required
to be reviewed and updated as necessary to address the risk of fire for land classified as state
responsibility areas and land classified as very high fire hazard severity zones. (Gov. Code, § 65302,
subd. (g)(3).)
The safety element is required to include:
• Fire hazard severity zone maps available from the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
• Any historical data on wildfires available from local agencies or a reference to where the data can
be found.
• Information about wildfire hazard areas that may be available from the United States Geological
Survey.
• The general location and distribution of existing and planned uses of land in very high fire hazard
severity zones (VHFHSZs) and in state responsibility areas (SRAs), including structures, roads,
utilities, and essential public facilities. The location and distribution of planned uses of land shall
not require defensible space compliance measures required by state law or local ordinance to
occur on publicly owned lands or open space designations of homeowner associations.
• The local, state, and federal agencies with responsibility for fire protection, including special
districts and local offices of emergency services. (Gov. Code, § 65302, subd. (g)(3)(A).)
Based on that information, the safety element shall include goals, policies, and objectives that protect
the community from the unreasonable risk of wildfire. (Gov. Code, § 65302, subd. (g)(3)(B).) To carry
out those goals, policies, and objectives, feasible implementation measures shall be included in the
safety element, which include but are not limited to:
• Avoiding or minimizing the wildfire hazards associated with new uses of land.
• Locating, when feasible, new essential public facilities outside of high fire risk areas, including,
but not limited to, hospitals and health care facilities, emergency shelters, emergency command
centers, and emergency communications facilities, or identifying construction methods or other
methods to minimize damage if these facilities are located in the SRA or VHFHSZ.
• Designing adequate infrastructure if a new development is located in the SRA or VHFHSZ,
including safe access for emergency response vehicles, visible street signs, and water supplies
for structural fire suppression.
• Working cooperatively with public agencies with responsibility for fire protection. (Gov. Code, §
65302, subd. (g)(3)(C).)
The safety element shall also attach or reference any fire safety plans or other documents adopted by
the city or county that fulfill the goals and objectives or contains the information required above. (Gov.
Code, § 65302, subd. (g)(3)(D).) This might include Local Hazard Mitigation Plans, Unit Fire Plans,
Community Wildfire Protection Plans, or other plans.
There are several reference documents developed by state agencies to assist local jurisdictions in
updating their safety elements to include wildfire safety. The Fire Hazard Planning, General Plan
Technical Advice Series from the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), referenced in
Government Code section 65302, subdivision (g)(3) and available at
1400 Tenth Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 322-2318
The Technical Advice Series is also available from the OPR website (Technical Advice Series link).*
The Technical Advice Series provides policy guidance, information resources, and fire hazard planning
examples from around California that shall be considered by local jurisdictions when reviewing the
safety element of its general plan.
The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (Board) utilizes this Safety Element Assessment in the Board’s
review of safety elements under Government Code section 65302.5. At least 90 days prior to the
adoption or amendment of their safety element, counties that contain SRAs and cities or counties that
contain VHFHSZs shall submit their safety element to the Board. (Gov. Code, § 65302.5, subd. (b).) The
Board shall review the safety element and respond to the city or county with its findings regarding the
uses of land and policies in SRAs or VHFHSZs that will protect life, property, and natural resources from
RPC 2(b)(ii)
2
unreasonable risks associated with wildfires, and the methods and strategies for wildfire risk reduction
and prevention within SRAs or VHFHSZs. (Gov. Code, § 65302.5, subd. (b)(3).)
The CAL FIRE Land Use Planning team provides expert fire protection assistance to local jurisdictions
statewide. Fire captains are available to work with cities and counties to revise their safety elements and
enhance their strategic fire protection planning.
Methodology for Review and Recommendations
Utilizing staff from the CAL FIRE Land Use Planning team, the Board has established a standardized
method to review the safety element of general plans. The methodology includes
1) reviewing the safety element for the requirements in Government Code section 65302,
subdivision (g)(3)(A),
2) examining the safety element for goals, policies, objectives, and implementation measures that
mitigate the wildfire risk in the planning area (Gov. Code, § 65302, subd. (g)(3)(B) & (C)), and
3) making recommendations for methods and strategies that would reduce the risk of wildfires (Gov.
Code, § 65302.5, subd. (b)(3)(B)).
The safety element will be evaluated against the attached Assessment, which contains questions to
determine if a safety element meets the fire safety planning requirements outlined in Government Code,
section 65302. The reviewer will answer whether or not a submitted safety element addresses the
required information, and will recommend changes to the safety element that will reduce the wildfire risk
in the planning area. These recommended changes may come from the list of sample goals, policies,
objectives, and implementation measures that is included in this document after the Assessment, or may
be based on the reviewer’s knowledge of the jurisdiction in question and their specific wildfire risk. By
answering the questions in the Assessment, the reviewer will determine if the jurisdiction’s safety element
has adequately addressed and mitigated their wildfire risk. If it hasn’t, any specific recommendations
from the reviewer will assist the jurisdiction in revising the safety element so that it does.
Once completed, the Assessment should provide clear guidance to a city or county regarding any areas
of deficiency in the safety element as well as specific goals, policies, objectives, and implementation
measures the Board recommends adopting in order to mitigate or reduce the wildfire threat in the
planning area.
RPC 2(b)(ii)
3
General Plan Safety Element Assessment
Jurisdiction: City of Anaheim Notes: Final Review CAL FIRE Unit: Date Received: 09/09/2022
County: Orange County LUPP Reviewer: Redden UNIT CONTACT: RRU Date Reviewed: 9/13/2022
BACKGROUND INFORMATION SUMMARY
The safety element must contain specific background information about fire hazards in each jurisdiction.
Instructions for this table: Indicate whether the safety element includes the specified information. If YES, indicate in the comments where that information can be
found; if NO, provide recommendations to the jurisdiction regarding how best to include that information in their revised safety element.
Required Information Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
Are Fire Hazard Severity Zones Identified?
CAL FIRE or Locally Adopted Maps
Yes See Figure S-4, p. 19. Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
LHMP Figure 3-1, p.29. Areas of Responsibility within Fire Hazard
Severity Zones.
Is historical data on wildfires or a reference to where the data can
be found, and information about wildfire hazard areas that may be
available from the United States Geological Survey, included?
Yes LHMP, Wildland/Urban Fire – Past Events, p. 30.
Has the general location and distribution of existing and planned
uses of land in very high fire hazard severity zones (VHFHSZs)
and in state responsibility areas (SRAs), including structures,
roads, utilities, and essential public facilities, been identified?
Yes See Figure S-4, p. 19. Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
See also: 2021-2029 Housing Element, Section 3: Housing
Constraints and Resources, p. 3-60.
Have local, state, and federal agencies with responsibility for fire
protection, including special districts and local offices of
emergency services, been identified?
Yes The City of Anaheim Fire and Rescue provides fire response and emergency
medical services to residents and businesses within the City. The entire City is
located within the Local Responsibility Area (LRA), whereas areas outside of the
City are within the State Responsibility Area (SRA), which is served by the Orange
County Fire Authority (OCFA) and Cal Fire. These areas are located in close
proximity to areas of the Cleveland National Forest, which is a Federal
Responsibility Area served by the US Forest Service. For wildfires occurring the
VHFHSZ within either the LRA or SRA, close coordination between Anaheim Fire
and Rescue, OCFA, and Cal Fire is necessary to ensure residents and businesses
in this part of the City are adequately served during a fire response situation.
See Figure S-4, p. 19. Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
Are other fire protection plans, such as Community Wildfire
Protection Plans, Local Hazard Mitigation Plans, CAL FIRE Unit
or Contract County Fire Plans, referenced or incorporated into the
Safety Element?
Yes LHMP is referenced throughout the Element.
Anaheim Fire and Rescue Strategic Plan, referenced on page 17.
Are residential developments in fire hazard areas that do not have
at least two emergency evacuation routes identified?
Yes See Figure S-7, p. 34. Constrained Roadways and Parcels (SB 99)
Have evacuation routes and their capacity, safety, and viability
under a range of emergency scenarios been identified?
Yes Emergency Preparedness, Goal 6.1, Policy #3, p.35.
RPC 2(b)(ii)
4
Required Information Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
Is there any other information in the Safety Element regarding fire hazards in SRAs or VHFHSZs?
GOALS, POLICIES, OBJECTIVES, AND FEASIBLE IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES
The safety element must contain a set of goals, policies, and objectives based on the above information to protect the community from unreasonable risk of wildfire
and implementation measures to accomplish those stated goals, policies, and objectives.
Instructions for this table: Critically examine the submitted safety element and determine if it is adequate to address the jurisdiction’s unique fire hazard. Answer YES
or NO appropriately for each question below. If the recommendation is irrelevant or unrelated to the jurisdiction’s fire hazard, answer N/A. For NO, provide
information in the Comments/Recommendations section to help the jurisdiction incorporate that change into their safety element revision. This information may utilize
example recommendations from Sample Safety Element Recommendations and Fire Hazard Planning in Other Elements of the General Plan below, may indicate
how high of a priority this recommendation is for a jurisdiction, or may include other jurisdiction-specific information or recommendations.
Section 1 Avoiding or minimizing the wildfire hazards associated with new uses of land
Questions Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
Does local ordinance require development
standards that meet or exceed title 14,
CCR, division 1.5, chapter 7, subchapter 2,
articles 1-5 (commencing with section
1270) (SRA Fire Safe Regulations) and
title 14, CCR, division 1.5, chapter 7,
subchapter 3, article 3 (commencing with
section 1299.01) (Fire Hazard Reduction
Around Buildings and Structures
Regulations) for SRAs and/or VHFHSZs?
Yes Anaheim Municipal Code 16.08 – California Fire Code (16.08.010 – Adoption of Fire Code) and
16.40 – Designation of Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Fire Hazards, Policy #13, p.21.
Are there goals and policies to avoid or
minimize new residential development in
VHFHSZs?
Yes Fire Hazards, Policy #2, p.20.
Has fire safe design been incorporated into
future development requirements? Yes Fire Hazards, Policy #4, p.20.
Are new essential public facilities located
outside high fire risk areas, such as
VHFHSZs, when feasible?
Yes Fire Hazards, Policy #10, p.20.
Are there plans or actions identified to
mitigate existing non-conforming
development to contemporary fire safe
standards, in terms of road standards and
vegetative hazard?
Yes Fire Hazards, Policy #2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, p. 20.
RPC 2(b)(ii)
5
Questions Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
Does the plan include policies to evaluate
re-development after a large fire? Yes Fire Hazards, Policy #3, p.20.
Is fuel modification around homes and
subdivisions required for new development
in SRAs or VHFHSZs?
Yes Fire Hazards, Policy #8, p.20.
See also: Anaheim Municipal Code 16.08.020 – Amendments to the 2019 California Fire Code.
Are fire protection plans required for new
development in VHFHSZs? Yes Fire Hazards, Policy #13, p.21.
Does the plan address long term
maintenance of fire hazard reduction
projects, including community fire breaks
and private road and public road
clearance?
Yes Fire Hazards, Policy #5, p.20.
Is there adequate access (ingress, egress)
to new development in VHFHSZs? Yes Emergency Preparedness, Goal 7.1, Policy #3, p.36.
Are minimum standards for evacuation of
residential areas in VHFHSZs defined? Yes Emergency Preparedness, Goal 7.1, p. 36
If areas exist with inadequate
access/evacuation routes, are they
identified? Are mitigation measures or
improvement plans identified?
Yes SE Figure S-7, p.34. Constrained Roadways and Parcels (SB 99)
Emergency Preparedness, Goal 7.1, Policies # 3, 4, 6, p.36.
Are there policies or programs promoting
public outreach about defensible space or
evacuation routes? Are there specific plans
to reach at-risk populations?
Yes Emergency Preparedness, Goal 6.1, Policy #8
Emergency Preparedness, Goal 7.1, Policies # 8 & 9, p. 36.
Does the plan identify future water supply
for fire suppression needs?
Yes Public Services and Facilities Element, Fire Protection and Emergency Services, Goal 1.1,
Policies 2 and 3.
Public Services and Facilities Element, Water Systems, Goal 4.1.
Does new development have adequate fire
protection?
Yes Fire Hazards, Policies 2, 4, 8, 13, p. 20-21
Public Services and Facilities Element, Fire Protection and Emergency Services, Goal 1.1,
Policies 2 and 3.
Section 2 Develop adequate infrastructure if a new development is located in SRAs or VHFHSZs.
Does the plan identify adequate
infrastructure for new development related
to:
Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
Water supply and fire flow? Yes Fire Hazards, Policy #13, p.21.
RPC 2(b)(ii)
6
Does the plan identify adequate
infrastructure for new development related
to:
Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
Public Services and Facilities Element, Fire Protection and Emergency Services, Goal 1.1,
Policies 2 and 3.
Public Services and Facilities Element, Water Systems, Goal 4.1.
Location of anticipated water supply?
Yes Fire Hazards, Policy #13, p.21.
Public Services and Facilities Element, Fire Protection and Emergency Services, Goal 1.1,
Policies 2 and 3.
Public Services and Facilities Element, Water Systems, Goal 4.1.
Maintenance and long-term integrity of
water supplies?
Yes Fire Hazards, Policy #13, p.21.
“All development projects within the VHFHSZ must prepare a Fire Protection Plan (FPP) to reduce or eliminate
fire threats. FPPs shall be consistent with the following guidance: (New Policy)
A Fire Protection Plan (FPP) may be required by the fire code official for new development within the Very
High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ). FPPs are required to include mitigation strategies that consider
location, topography, geology, flammable vegetation, sensitive habitats/species, and climate of the proposed
site. FPPs must address water supply, access, building ignition, and fire resistance, fire protection systems
and equipment, proper street signage, visible home addressing, defensible space, vegetation management,
and long-term maintenance. All required FPPs must be consistent with the requirements of the California
Building and Residential Codes, the California Fire Code as adopted by the City of Anaheim, and the City of
Anaheim Municipal Code.”
Public Services and Facilities Element, Fire Protection and Emergency Services, Goal 1.1,
Policies 2 and 3.
Goal 1.1: Provide sufficient staffing, equipment, and facilities to ensure effective fire protection,
emergency medical and rescue services, permitting and fire inspection, and hazardous material response
services that keep pace with growth.
Policy 2: Maintain adequate fire training facilities, equipment, and programs for firefighting and inspection
personnel and educational programs for the general public, including fire safety and prevention and
emergency medical-related information.
Policy 3: Maintain and/or upgrade water facilities to ensure adequate future water supplies allowing for
effective response to fire hazards.
Public Services and Facilities Element, Water Systems, Goal 4.1.
Goal 4.1: Provide a water system that produces high quality water, sufficient water pressure, and
necessary quantities of water to meet current and future domestic demands.
RPC 2(b)(ii)
7
Does the plan identify adequate
infrastructure for new development related
to:
Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
Evacuation and emergency vehicle
access?
Yes Emergency Preparedness, Goal 6.1, Policy # 7, p. 35.
Emergency Preparedness, Goal 7.1, Policy # 5, p. 36.
Fuel modification and defensible space? Yes Fire Hazards, Policy #8, p. 20.
Fire Hazards, Policy #13, p.21.
Vegetation clearance maintenance on
public and private roads?
Yes Fire Hazards, Policy #7, p. 20.
Fire Hazards, Policy #8, p. 20.
Fire Hazards, Policy #13, p.21.
Visible home and street addressing and
signage? Yes Fire Hazards, Policy #13, p.21.
Community fire breaks? Is there a
discussion of how those fire breaks will be
maintained?
Yes Fire Hazards, Policy #5, p. 20
Section 3 Working cooperatively with public agencies responsible for fire protection.
Question Yes or No Comments and Recommendations
Is there a map or description of existing
emergency service facilities and areas
lacking service, specifically noting any
areas in SRAs or VHFHSZs?
Yes Fire Hazards, paragraph 3, page 17.
Also See: Anaheim Fire and Rescue Strategic Plan.
Does the plan include an assessment and
projection of future emergency service
needs?
Yes Emergency Preparedness, Goal 6.1, Policy #3, p. 35.
Are goals or standards for emergency
services training described? Yes Public Services and Facilities Element, Fire Protection and Emergency Services, Goal 1.1,
Policy 2.
Does the plan outline inter-agency
preparedness coordination and mutual aid
multi-agency agreements?
Yes Emergency Preparedness, Goal 6.1, Policy #2, p. 35.
Emergency Preparedness, Goal 7.1, Policy #1, p. 36.
Emergency Preparedness, Goal 7.1, Policy #2, p. 36.
RPC 2(b)(ii)
8
Sample Safety Element Recommendations
These are examples of specific policies, objectives, or implementation measures that may be used to meet the intent of Government Code sections 65302,
subdivision (g)(3) and 65302.5, subdivision (b). Safety element reviewers may make recommendations that are not included here.
A. MAPS, PLANS AND HISTORICAL INFORMATION
1. Include or reference CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps or locally adopted wildfire hazard zones.
2. Include or reference the location of historical information on wildfires in the planning area.
3. Include a map or description of the location of existing and planned land uses in SRAs and VHFHSZs, particularly habitable structures, roads, utilities, and essential public
facilities.
4. Identify or reference a fire plan that is relevant to the geographic scope of the general plan, including the Unit/Contract County Fire Plan, Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, and
any applicable Community Wildfire Protection Plans.
5. Align the goals, policies, objectives, and implementation measures for fire hazard mitigation in the safety element with those in existing fire plans, or make plans to update
fire plans to match the safety element.
6. Create a fire plan for the planning area.
B. LAND USE
1. Develop fire safe development codes to use as standards for fire protection for new development in SRAs or VHFHSZs that meet or exceed the statewide minimums in the
SRA Fire Safe Regulations.
2. Adopt and have certified by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection local ordinances which meet or exceed the minimum statewide standards in the SRA Fire Safe
Regulations.
3. Identify existing development that do not meet or exceed the SRA Fire Safe Regulations or certified local ordinances.
4. Develop mitigation measures for existing development that does not meet or exceed the SRA Fire Safe Regulations or certified local ordinances or identify a policy to do
so.
C. FUEL MODIFICATION
1. Develop a policy to communicate vegetation clearance requirements to seasonal, absent, or vacation rental owners.
2. Identify a policy for the ongoing maintenance of vegetation clearance on public and private roads.
3. Include fuel breaks in the layout/siting of subdivisions.
4. Identify a policy for the ongoing maintenance of existing or proposed fuel breaks.
5. Identify and/or map existing development that does not conform to current state and/or locally adopted fire safety standards for access, water supply and fire
flow, signing, and vegetation clearance in SRAs or VHFHSZs.
6. Identify plans and actions for existing non-conforming development to be improved or mitigated to meet current state and/or locally adopted fire safety
standards for access, water supply and fire flow, signing, and vegetation clearance.
RPC 2(b)(ii)
9
D. ACCESS
1. Develop a policy that approval of parcel maps and tentative maps in SRAs or VHFHSZs is conditional based on meeting the SRA Fire Safe Regulations and
the Fire Hazard Reduction Around Buildings and Structures Regulations, particularly those regarding road standards for ingress, egress, and fire equipment
access. (See Gov. Code, § 66474.02.)
2. Develop a policy that development will be prioritized in areas with an adequate road network and associated infrastructure.
3. Identify multi-family housing, group homes, or other community housing in SRAs or VHFHSZs and develop a policy to create evacuation or shelter in place
plans.
4. Include a policy to develop pre-plans for fire risk areas that address civilian evacuation and to effectively communicate those plans.
5. Identify road networks in SRAs or VHFHSZs that do not meet title 14, CCR, division 1.5, chapter 7, subchapter 2, articles 2 and 3 (commencing with section
1273.00) or certified local ordinance and develop a policy to examine possible mitigations.
E. FIRE PROTECTION
1. Develop a policy that development will be prioritized in areas with adequate water supply infrastructure.
2. Plan for the ongoing maintenance and long-term integrity of planned and existing water supply infrastructure.
3. Map existing emergency service facilities and note any areas lacking service, especially in SRAs or VHFHSZs.
4. Project future emergency service needs for the planned land uses.
5. Include information about emergency service trainings or standards and plans to meet or maintain them.
6. Include information about inter-agency preparedness coordination or mutual aid agreements.
RPC 2(b)(ii)
10
Fire Hazard Planning in Other Elements of the General Plan
When updating the General Plan, here are some ways to incorporate fire hazard planning into other elements. Wildfire safety is best accomplished by holistic,
strategic fire planning that takes advantage of opportunities to align priorities and implementation measures within and across plans.
LAND USE ELEMENT
Goals and policies include mitigation of fire hazard for future development or limit development in very high fire hazard severity zones.
Disclose wildland urban-interface hazards, including fire hazard severity zones, and/or other vulnerable areas as determined by CAL FIRE or local fire agency.
Design and locate new development to provide adequate infrastructure for the safe ingress of emergency response vehicles and simultaneously allow citizen egress
during emergencies.
Describe or map any Firewise Communities or other fire safe communities as determined by the National Fire Protection Association, Fire Safe Council, or other
organization.
HOUSING ELEMENT
Incorporation of current fire safe building codes.
Identify and mitigate substandard fire safe housing and neighborhoods relative to fire hazard severity zones.
Consider diverse occupancies and their effects on wildfire protection (group housing, seasonal populations, transit-dependent, etc).
OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION ELEMENTS
Identify critical natural resource values relative to fire hazard severity zones.
Include resource management activities to enhance protection of open space and natural resource values.
Integrate open space into fire safety planning and effectiveness.
Mitigation for unique pest, disease and other forest health issues leading to hazardous situations.
CIRCULATION ELEMENT
Provide adequate access to very high fire hazard severity zones.
Develop standards for evacuation of residential areas in very high fire hazard severity zones.
Incorporate a policy that provides for a fuel reduction maintenance program along roadways.
RPC 2(b)(ii)