HomeMy WebLinkAboutPUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT MARCH 1975 (ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS) *NEW FILE*
PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT
MARCH 1975 (ADDITIONAL
DOCUMENTS)
AY OF NEWPORT BACH
COUNCIL MEMBERS MINUTES
INDEX
December 14, 1987
.5
'0'\
-A
ROLL C\bAll\
\(e) One Deputy utilities Director,
Utilities Department.
One Executive Secretary, Public
Works Department.
(9) ne Maintenance Worker I, Field
M ntenance Division.
(h) One uipment operator II, Field
n
M
n
e
nten
a
in
u
an
t a
c
ipm
n
e
a
a
\14ance
Wor
Divisio
nt opera
Mainte nce Division.
(i) One Libra an (Children's), Library
Department.
(j) one marine Sa ty Captain, Marine
Department.
, MM
9. STAFF AND COMMISSION RE
For Council inf rmation an a roval:
(a) Report from Parks, Beache and PB&R
Recreation Director regardt g NEW (62)
RECREATION PROGRAM - 1988 WI TER
PROGRAM.
(b) Report from Public Works/Traffic Council
Engineering regarding deferring Policy
approval of proposed COUNCIL (69)
POLICIES N-4 AND N-5.
(c) Report trom_.B_uildin@-and Fire Bldg/Fire
(27/41)
recommendation to not consider
- I � -
n�a�qry -Tti-allation of
�n
EARTHQUAKE ACTIVATED GAS SHUT-OFF
VALVES.
(d) NEWPORT BEACH CONFERENCE & VISITORS NB/Cnf &
BUREAU - Proposed 1988 Operating Vstrs Bur
Budget, and Board of Directors (24)
Listing.
r Council information and filing:
(e) Removed from the Consent Calendar.
10. PUBLIC EARING SCHEDULING - For January
11, 1988.
(a) GENE PLAN AMENDMENT 87-2(B) - A GPA 87-2(B)
request nitiated by the City of (45)
Newport B ch to amend the LAND USE
ELEME14T Of he Newport Beach
General Plan o as to increase the
total allowab development on site
by 2000 sq. ft. , and the acceptance
of an Environmen 1 Document;
AND
Volume 41 - Page 483
OTY OF NEWPORT E&CH
COUNCIL MEMBERS MINUTES
ROLL CAL December 14, 1987 INDEX
(j) John Picco alleging personal Picco
injuries sustained as a result of
excessive force by City Police
officers on November 6, 1987 at
West Ocean Front.
(k) G. Kent Smith alleging personal Smith
belongings damaged when he tripped
on steel plates in street at corner
of Channel and Ocean Boulevard on
December 3, 1987.
(1) Nancy J. Undervood-Lopez alleging Underwood-
tire damage to vehicle as a result Lopez
f hitting sign on Irvine
ulevard, north of Mesa Drive on
A gust 20, 1987, which was lying in
th middle of street.
7. SUMMONS COMPLAINTS - For denial and (36)
confirmat on of the City Clerk's
referral t the claims adjuster:
(a) James harlow and Clifton Charlow James/
(First ended Complaint) for Clifton
Violati of Civil Rights, Charlow
Intentio al Infliction of Emotional
Distress, etc., Orange County
Superior rt Case No 53-09-69.
Claim was �:ni;d June 2i, 1987;
Summons an Complaint was presented
to City Coun il August 24, 1987.
(b) Pacific Bell orporation for Pee Bell
property damag , Orange County
Municipal Cour Case No. 88244.
Claim was denie by City Council on
May 11, 1987.
(c) Kim Renee Schwart and Raven Ray Schwartz
Schwartz Complaint for Damages for
Wrongful Death and egligent
Infliction of Emoti al Distress,
Orange County Superi r Court, Case
No. 538659. Claim wa denied by
City Council on April 7, 1987.
8. REQUEST TO APPROVE/FILL PERS NNEL (66)
VACANCIES: (Report from the ity
Manager)
(a) One Police Officer, Polic
Department.
(b) One Emergency Equipment Dis tcher,
Police Department.
(c) One Police Records Assistant,
Police Department.
(d) One Water Plant Operator, Utili as
Department.
Volume 41 - Page 482
City Council Meeting Dec. 14, 1987
Agenda Item No. F9(c)
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
TO: City Council
FROM: Building and Fire Departments
SUBJECT: Earthquake Activated Gas Shut-Off Valves
Purpose:
To evaluate the desirability to adopt an ordinance requiring installation
of earthquake safety valves for gas lines.
Background:
During the recent League of California Cities Conference in Son Fran-
cisco, members of the Newport Beach Planning Commission saw an exhibit
of earthquake activated automatic gas shut-off valves and were left with
the impression that such valves may be of benefit to the residents of
Newport Beach.
Discussion:
The Building and Fire Departments have been following with great inter-
est the evolution of these earthquake safety valves. Unfortunately, the
valves are not perfected enough to warrant an ordinance mandating their
Installation. A check with the Southern California Gas Company reveals
that during the October 1st earthquake, 81 of these valves were triggered
and 10 more shut the gas supply down during the aftershocks in the
City of Whittier. None of the 91 house lines or home appliances were
damaged during the quake, but it took trained gas company employees
over 60 man hours to reset the valves in these residences. The Los
Angeles Bonaventure Hotel is also equipped with these safety valves and
the system shut down on October 1, 7967. It required 5 people and 2
full days to reactivate their gas system. If all 4 million customers of the
Southern California Gas Company would be equipped with these shut-off
valves, it would take mutual aid from other utilities and up to 90 days
to reset all these valves. During the Coalinga earthquake, fires were
started by electric wires, not gas piping.
Based on AB 2933, the State Architect must approve all earthquake ac-
tivated valves before sale. To date, only 4 manufacturers may sell these
valves in California. They are Dove Industries, Koso, Quake Defense
and Quake Master.
City Council Meeting
Dec. 14, 1987
Page Two
Agenda Item No. F9(c)
Two legislative attempts to require earthquake valves on new construc-
tion in California have failed and according to the State Architect's office,
no local jurisdiction requires their installation presently.
It is our opinion that a building built according to provisions in the Uni-
form Building Code and the piping is adequately anchored per the Plumb-
ing Code requirements, gas pipes would not break and earthquake activated
shut-off valves would not be needed.
Recommendation:
It is strongly recommended that the City Council, while not prohibiting
voluntary Installation, not consider an ordinance making this valve in-
stallation mandatory at this time.
Support for this is based on the following:
1. Cost ($250-$300 for the device and $150 for installation),
2. Liability (claims against the City for loss of business, etc. ),
3. Inadequate technical development (accidental shut-down by
passing trucks or other malfunctions),
4. This is a statewide issue since earthquakes occur throughout
California and Newport Beach should not override Uniform State
Code unless it is a local necessity.
'Araimor W. Schuller, Building Director
r
Q
Reed, Fir&' Ghiet
DISCUSSION I& from Planning Commission Age* - October 22, 1987
item #2 Request to Initiate an Amendment to Title 20 of the
Newport Beach Municipal Code regarding Temporary Real
Estate Signs.
INITIATED BY: The City of Newport Beach
ACTION: The Planning Commission initiated said amendment and
set this matter for public hearing on November 5, 1987.
5 Ayes, 2 Absent.
Item #3 Earthquake Gas Safety Valves
Report regarding desirability and procedure for
adopting an ordinance requiring the installation of
safety valves on new construction projects.
INITIATED BY: The City of Newport Beach
ACTION: The Planninc
j, Commission directed Planning Director
Hewicker to inform the Council 7-lEeIr"desire for the
city o—uncf=to !7MV-e—asl7u-dy—regarMng�eartMFa-ke
gas safety valves.
R E P 0 R T S F R 0 M A D H 0 C C 0 M M I T T E E S : NONE
A D D I T 1 0 N A L B U S I N E S S:
Chairman Person was excused from the November 5, 1987, Planning
commission meeting. 5 Ayes, 2 Absent
A D J 0 U It N M E N T: 10:20 p.m.
RESOLUTION NO . 8449
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH ADOPTING THE PUBLIC
SAFETY ELEMENT OF THE NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL
PLAN .
WHEREAS , a phase of the City' s General Plan Program
has involved the preparation of a Public Safety Element; and
WHEREAS , said Public Safety Element sets forth
objectives and supporting policies which will serve as a guide
for the future planning and development of the ,City ; 'and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of
Newport Beach , pursuant to Section 707 of the Newport Beach City
Charter, has held a public hearing to consider the adoption
of the Public Safety Element as a part of the City ' s General Plan
and has adopted and has recommended that the City Council
adopt said element; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has conducted a public
hearing to consider the adoption of the Public Safety Element as
a part of the City ' s General Plan .
NOW, T-HEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council
of the City of Newport Beach does hereby adopt as a part of the
General Plan the Public Safety Element described above, a
copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk .
ADOPTED this 10th d.ay of , March 1975 .
Mayor
ATTEST: 'VPO
0
City Clerk
ZIP:
DO NOT REMOVE
y. 0
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of"the City of
Newport Beach will hold a public hearing regarding the. Public Safety
Element of the Newport Beach General Plan; and the certification
of the Envirom-nental Impact Report.
NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the said public hearing will
be held on the 10th day of March 19 75
at the hour of 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of the City Hall of the City
of Newport Beach, Califomia, at which time and place any and all persons
interested may appear and be heard thereon.
Laura Lagios
City clerk
City of. Newport Beach
FILE 60
Py
DO WOT REMQVE
FILE COPY
DO tNOT REMOVE
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
NEWPORT HAVEOR ENSIGN
STATE OF CALIFORNIA1
County of Orange j
11 ARVO E. H"PA..................... being first
duly sworn, and on oath depose and say that I am the
printer and publisher of the Newport Harbor Ensign, a
weekly newspaper printed and published In the City of
Newport Beach, County of Orange, State of California,
and that the.....K2Z�g�....0?....PUAL.I-C...H.EAR.I.NG.
............................................I..............................................................
......................................................................of which
copy attached hereto is a true and complete copy, was
printed and published In the regular issue(s) of said
newspaper, and not In a supplement. .......i......... consecu-
tive times: to-wit the Issue(s) of LEGAL NOTIC.4
NOTICE
OF PUBLIC! HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that the City Council
..................................................................................... of the City of NewportBeach
Will Sold a public hearing
...................................................................................... regarding. the Public Safety
Element of the Newport-
Beach General Plan;and the
certification of the EnvirQn-
mental Impact Report.
(Signed).... ...... NOTICE IS HEREBY
FURTHER GIVEN that the
Subscribed and sworn to before me this..�Mh.day of raid public. hearing will be
held oil Me 10thdayof March,
...................n�n�nu...119.. 1975, at the hour of 7:30
P.M. in the Council Cham—:1
bars-of the city Hall of the
0,.... L .......... City of Newport Beach,can- .I
otar u icina
C co?
. of
oun of Orange, State of California. fornla, at Which time and,
MEice any and all persons
erested may appear and-
be heard thereon.
OFFICIAL SEAL Laura Laglos
MARY A. HAAPA
city
cuy..Cel
I t - ., k0llc-CaWo of Ne port Beach
Vk1:-".*AL OrFICE IN
MANGE COUNTY Publish: Feb. 27, 1975, In I
I'MY COh%UJ$:QNI �\�,RES LECE'NiSEP 2�(, 11
the Newport Harbor Ensign
0
RESOLUTION NO. 908
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH ADOPTING THE PUBLIC
SAFETY ELEMENT OF THE NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN .
WHEREAS , a phase of the City ' s General Plan Program has
involved the preparation of a Public Safety Element ; and
WHEREAS , said Public Safety Element sets forth objectives
and supporting policies which will serve as a guide for the future
planning and development of the City ; and
WHEREAS , pursuant to Section 707 of the City Charter
of the City of Newport Beach , the Planning Commission has held
public hearings to consider the adoption of the Public Safety Element
of the Newport Beach General Plan .
NOW, THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning
Commission does hereby adopt and recommend to the City Council
the Public Safety Element of the Newport Beach General Plan
described above, a copy of which is on file in the Newport Beach
Community Development Department.
Regularly passed and adopted by the Planning Commission
of the City of Newport Beach held on the . 6th day of February ,
1975.
AYES: Agee , Beckley , Hazewinkel ,
Heather, Parker, Seely , Williams
NOES : None
ABSENT: None
�&C. C—
Chairman William C� Hazewinkel
rY ames M. Parker
r Ll�,
DO"NOT REMOVE
j/-0/
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the Planning Commission of the
City of Newport Beach will hold a public hearing to consider
the adoption of the Public Safety Element of the Newport Beach
General Plan and acceptance of an Environmental Document .
Notice is hereby further given that said public hearing will
be held on the 6th day of February , 1975 , at the hour of 7: 00 p .m.
in the Council Chambers of the Newport Beach City Hall , at which
time and place any and all persons interested may appear and be
heard thereon .
James M. Parker, Secretary
Newport Beach City
Planning Commission
Publication Date January 23 , 1975
Recei % ed f P b .
By
TEC/jmb ( 1 -20- 75)
F 0 L Ex U Ir"Y
DO NOT REMOVE
10
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
NEWFORT HARBOR ENSIGN
STATE OF CALIFORNIA1
County of Orange f
ARVO E. HAAPA
I. ........................................................................ being first
difly sworn, and on oath depose and say that I am the
printer and publisher of the Newport Harbor Ensign, a
weekly newspaper printed and published in the City Of
Newport Beach, County of Orange, State of California,
and that the..... ...Q.F.-YU.B.LI.0....HE.A.R.I.N.G..
...... ............... .................
...........................................................................................................
..........................................................................................of which
copy attached hereto Is a true and complete copy, was
printed and published In the regular Issue(s) of said
newspaper, and not in a supplement. ......i.......... consecu-
tive times: to-wit the issue(s) of
Jan. 23, 1975
.....................................................................................
.......................................................................................
.............
..................................................................................... LAGAL NOTICE
...................................................................................... NOTICE
OF PUBLIC HEARING
...................................................................................... OtIce Is herebygiven tbj�j
the Plan Commission of
the City 0 New rt Beaebi
(Signed).... ..... Will hold a Public hearing,
to consider the adoption
Subscribed and sworn to before me thls.�D�!!Lday of the Publi"S ety Eleafe
January Of t 6 a rt Adh Gen.1
................................................119... er. and ace# ncj
of Env Ohmental cu-
Me t.
L 4 Notice Is hereby further '
inai;A t6eL
of given that said Public hear,
County of Orange, State of C11iornia. lng wfll be held on the 6th
day of February 1975, at,
the hour of 7:00 I.m. In the
Council chambers of the
Newport Beach City Hall
At which time and place an;
and all Persons interested
-MAY- appear and be heard,
thereon.
James M, parka
Sbcketary
Newport Beach City
Planning cc Miss
Publish: Jan. 23, 1975
the Newport Harbor Efi;'I
F I L Fo C#4 ff P 1110
DO NOT REMOVI
//0/
RESOLUTION NO. 906
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH DECLARING ITS
INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE PUBLIC
SAFETY ELEMENT OF THE NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL
PLAN
WHEREAS, a phase of the City' s General Plan program
has involved the preparation of a Public Safety Element; and
WHEREAS, said Public Safety Element of the Newport
Beach General Plan sets forth objectives and supporting policies
to be followed in the planning of the future development of the
City of Newport Beach; and
WHEREAS, Section 707 of the City Charter of the City
of Newport Beach requires the Planning Commission to hold a
public hearing prior to the adoption of any element of the
General Plan,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning
Commission intends to consider adoption of the Public Safety
Element of the Newport Beach General Plan at a public hearing
to be held on the 6th day of February, 1975, at the hour of
7: 00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Newport Beach City
Hall, 3300 Newport Boulevard, Newport Beach, California.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Newport
Beach Planning Commission is hereby directed to publish notice
of said hearing in accordance with the requirements of law.
Regularly passed and adopted by the Planning Commission
of the City of Newport Beach, State of California, on the 16th
day of January, 1975.
AYES: —Agee , Beckley, Hazewinkel ,
Heather, Parker, Seely , Williams
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
0 a.:- g..A
C hairman WiNoliam Hazewinkel
retary /Jft6s M. Parker
HRC:kb
F I L[Z C(0 F)V 1-22-75
DO'NOT REMOVE
COUNCILMEN CIPY OF NEWPORT BEACH MINUTES
Ok)
0
Ok k
ROLL CALL\A\tP%t ir March 10, 1975 INDEX
Highway from Dover westerly to the Arches bridge and
from the Rusty Pelican and Ancient Mariner restaurants
opposing the elimination of all street parking on the
Pacific Coast Highway between Dover Drive and the
Arches.
e following people addressed the Council opposing the
prop d amendment: Mildred Wells; Theo Robbins, Jr. ;
Gregory umas, representing United California Bank;
Susan Cuse aftnd-_Dan Daniels.
r No
City Engin r Ben�Xo gave a brief staff report.
n. r a rr
Motion K The hearing was closed after was determined no one
Ayes K x x x x I else desired to be heard.
Absent x
a
Resolution No. 8448, amending the Circulation - ment R-8448
of the General Plan (Amendment No. 23 - Pacific Co
Motion 21 Highway from the Arches Bridge to the intersection
Ayes K x x x x N with Dover Drive) ; commonly known as Mariners Mile,
Absent x was adopted.
4. Mayor McInnis opened the public hearing regarding the General Plan
Public Safety Element of the c eneral
&at�qrt lte�iph_Q _
Plan; and the certification of the Environmental
Impact Re ort.
A report from the Community Development Department
was presented.
Motion x The hearing was closed after it was determined that no
Ayes K x x x x I one desired to be heard.
Absent x
Motion K Resolution No. 8449, adopting the Public Safety Element R-8449
Ayes K x x x x Y of the Nfnort Beach General Pla% wasL_aApated.
Absent x
ORDINANCES FOR ADOPTION:
1. Ordinance No. 1602, being, -Marine
Dept
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH NDING
PORTIONS OF TITLES 1, 2, AND 17 OF TH _ WPORT
BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE TO REFER TO PE� INE
I
Ip
�ECTO
DEPARTMENT AND MARINE DIRECTO PLACE OF
MARINE SAFETY DEPARTMENT H ARB OR AND TIDELANDS
ADMINISTRATOR, DIR ECTO
NT HARB
a
was presented, for s ond reading.
n rOr s
Motion K Ordinance N 1602 was adopted.
Ayes K x x x x N
Absent x
PeO'TINUED BUSINESS:
1. Resolution No. 8450, authorizing the Mayor and City American
Clerk to execute a lease agreement between the City Legion
of Newport Beach and Newport Harbor Post No. 291 of Post 291
the American Legion, was presented.
Volume 29 - Page 48 FILE COP
DO NOT REMOVE
RESOLUTION NO. 8449
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH ADOPTING THE PUBLIC
SAFETY ELEMENT OF THE NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL
PLAN .
WHEREAS , a phase of the City ' s General Plan Program
has involved the preparation of a Public Safety Element; and
WHEREAS , said Public Safety Element sets forth
objectives and supporting policies which will serve as a guide
for the future planning and development of the City ; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of
Newport Beach , pursuant to Section 707 of the Newport Beach City
Charter, has held a public hearing to consider the adoption
of the Public Safety Element as a part ,of the City' s General Plan
and has adopted and has recommended th.at the City Council
adopt said element; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has conducted a public
hearing to consider the adoption of the Public Safety Element as
a part of the City ' s General Plan .
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council
of the City of Newport Beach does hereby adopt as a part of the
General Plan the Public Safety Element described above, a
copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk .
ADOPTED this lOth day, of March 1975.
Mayor
ATTEST: 'VPO
City Clerk
lot,
COUNCILMEN CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH MINUTES
0_ 0 0 01
A 0
ROLL CALL top S January 14, 1974 INDEX
--CON �UED BUSINESS:
TIN 'SS
- tm��m
pol
1. The appointment of a mber to the Technical Oil Technical
_r 0 ';'10
Motion x Advisory Committee was nt�inue Oil Adv
Ayes xxxxxxxi 1974. Gmte
CURRENT BUSINESS:
1. A report was presented from the Public Works Big Canyon
Director regarding the Inundation Study fo� the Big Reservoir
Canyon Reservoir.
Motion X The Study was referred to the Civil Defense and
Ayes xxxxxxx Disaster Council for formation of emergency pro-
cedures.
2. A report was presented from the Community Develop-
ment Department regarding the Negative Declaration
in conjunction with Tentative Map of Tract No. 8406,
located northerly of Pacific View Drive and easterly
of New MacArthur Boulevard, adjacent to Harbor
- 0
'ia
View Hills, zoned R-3-B.
Motion x The Negative Declaration was adopted; and the enta-
Ayes xxxxxxx tive Map of Tract 8406 was approved, subje to the
conditions recommended by th Planning P mmission,
the two conditions recommend:d b y the nvironmental
Affairs Committee and the additionalvondition that
the developer must obtain paleonto gical and
archeological clearance bef
tading.
Before the preceding action as taken, Roy Ward,-
developer, addressed the ouncil opposing the
additional clearance co ition.
3. The City's continue participation in the Public Cable CATV
Motion x Television Autho I y for an additional six months was
Ayes xxxxxx approved, for t e period frorp, February 28, 1974 to
Noes x August 28, 1 4.
4. A repor was presented from the Parks, Beaches and St Park
Recu� tion Director regarding the priority list of Beach
Sta 6 Beach Park Historical and Recreational Facili- Priorities
?s Bond Act of 1974.
/A letter dated December 1, 1973 from the Orange
County Administrative Office regarding the priority
plan of expenditure to individual cities, was presented.
Resolution No. 8175, approving the proposed priority R-8175
list of projects to be funded by proceeds from state-
Motion wide election on $250 million bond for parks and
Aye s xxxxxxx historical facilities, was adopted.
Volume 28 - Page 6 FILE COPY
DO NOT REMOVE
NEEMENEEMENMEd
0
January 14, 1974
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
ITEM NO.—G-1
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Public Works Department
SUBJECT: INUNDATION STUDY FOR BIG CANYON RESERVOIR
RECOMMENDATION:
1 . Receive the study.
2. Refer the study to the Civil Defense and Disaster Council
for formation of emergency procedures.
DISCUSSION:
The completion of this study constitutes the City's partial con-
formance with the mandate of Senate Bill 896 adopted as Chapter 780, Statutes
of 1972, which added Section 8589.5 (relatin; to possible inundation below
dams) to the Government Code. The legislation became effective on March 7,
1973 with an initial study submittal deadline of September 7, 1973 to the
State Office of Emergency Services (DES). The DES has reviewed and approved
the calculations and the preliminary study map.
Following submittal of the final study to DES, the legislation re-
quires the City to refer the study to its appropriate public safety entity for
adoption of emergency procedures for the evacuation and control of the populated
area below the dam. Following adoption of the procedures, DES shall review them
to determine their adequacy.
In the case of Newport Beach the emergency procedures needed should
be relatively simple inasmuch as the study discloses that developed areas will
not be involved except for a possible minor effect on a portion of the Harbor
View Apartment area.
Copies of the study are attached for the Council 's use. Because of
the limited supply, it is requested that unheeded copies be returned to the
Public Works Department.
The study was prepared by James M. Moptgomery, Consulting Engineers
of Irvine, California.
oseph tT. Devlin
ublic rks Director
,)u, h
SB:hh
tt.
0
City Council Meeting March 10 , 1975
Agenda It�T !No . D-4
March 3 , 1975 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH FILE COPY
TO: City Council DO NOT REMOVE
FROM: Department of Community Development
SUBJECT: Public Safety Element of the 'Newport Beach General Plan
and EIR/NB 75-052 (Public Hearing) .
At the February 24, 1975 City Council meeting, the Council
received the draft Public Safety Element and EIR/NB 75-052 , as
recommended by the Planning Commission , and set a public hearing
on this Element and the EIR for the March 10 , 1975 City Council
meeting. (Please bring your copy of the Public Safety Element
and the EIR to the meeting . )
The Public Safety Element is a composite of two of the State-
mandated General Plan Elements : Safety and Seismic Safety. The
time extension for City Council adoption of this Element, granted
by the State Council on Intergovernmental Relations , expires
March 20 , 1975.
The Public Safety Element deals with hazards res.ulting from the
natural environmental sett'ing of the City of Newport Beach ,
including: geologic hazards , flood hazards , and fire hazards
from undeveloped areas . Studies from other agencies and the
Geologic-Seismic Study conducted by Woodward-McNeill and Associates
formed the basis for the identification of geologic and flood
hazards . The Newport Beach Fire Department provided the information
on fire hazards from undeveloped areas .
TO: City Council - 2
i
The last section of the Public Safety Element contains a " Risk
Reduction Program" ; this program includes those actions which ,
if adopted , will be taken by the City of Newport Beach to
assure reasonable mitigation of risks ih all new devel-opment.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No .
adopting the Public Safety Element and certifying EIR/NB 75-052 ,
as recommended by the Planning Commission . (If the City Council
desires to modify the Public Safety Element, the modified Element
must be referred back to the Planning Commission for comment prior
to adoption . )
Respectfully submitted ,
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
--?-
F
,�K." . �f an rector
a
R V;:-T C :�jim b
R-0 3
City Council Meeting February 24 , 1975
Agenda Item No . H-8 ( a )
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
February 19, 1975
TO : City Council
FROM: Department of Community Development
SUBJECT: Request to Set Public Hearing for the Public Safety
Element of the Newport Beach General Plan and
EIR/NB 75-052 .
Attached is the draft Public Safety Element of the Newport Beach
General Plan and 5IR/NB 75-052, as recommended for adoption and
acceptance by the Planning Commission at their meeting of
February 6 , 1975. Also attached are pertinent excerpts from the
Minutes of the February 6 , 1975 Planning Commission meeting
and Planning Commission Resolution No . 908.
The Public Safety Element is a composite of two of the State-
mandated General Plan Elements : Safety and Seismic Safety.
The Public Safety Element deals with hazards resulting from the
natural environmental setting of the City of Newport Beach ,
including: geologic hazards , flood hazards , and fire hazards
from undeveloped areas . Studies from other agencies and the
Geologic-Seismic Study conducted by Woodward-McNeill and Associates
formed the basis for the identification of geologic and flood
hazards . The Newport Beach Fire Department provided the information
on fire hazards from undeveloped areas .
FILE: COPY
DO,NOT REMOVE
TO : City Council - 2
The last section of the Public Safety Element contains a " Risk
Reduction Program" ; this program includes those actions which $
if adopted , will be taken by the City of Newport Beach to
assure reasonable mitigation of risks in all new development .
Recommended Action
Staff suggests that the City Council set the Public Safety Element
and EIR/NB 75-052 for public hearing at the March 24 , 1975
City Council meeting .
Respectfully submitted ,
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Ll H ,�ctor
RVH : TC : jmb
Att .
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY
ELEMENT OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN
I . INTRODUCTION
This Environmental Impact Report has been prepared pursuant to
the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act .
It is the intent of this report to explore and evaluate the
significant city-wide environmental impacts of the Public Safety
Element of the City of Newport Beach General Plan . This element
does not propose any specific development , but rather establishes
long-range guidelines and a short-term action program to insure
that public safety con-siderations are included within any future
plans for the physical development in the City of Newport Beach .
Ii . BACKGROUND
This Element is one of ten Elements which will be included in
the complete General Plan for the City of Newport Beach , and
represents one of the final steps in the completion of the General
Plan Program which was initiated in August , 1971 . Since that date
eight Elements have been adopted , based on information presented
at numerous hearings , meetings and study sessions held with elected
public officials , their representatives , and citizens of the
community .
III . SCOPE OF REPORT
This report considers the significant city-wide environmental
impacts of this Element of the General Plan on existing and future
development. It does not consider environmental impacts of any
specific project which may subsequently be built in compliance
with this Element, nor does it exempt any such project from
complying with the requirements of the California Environmental
Quality Act. A detailed Environmental Impact Report on the entire
General Plan will be prepared after all individual Elements are
adopted.
IV . OBJECTIVES OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT
The overall objective of the General Plan Program is to implement
the basic policy of the General Plan Policy Report which reads as
follows :
" IN PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE OF THE COMMUNITY , it shall be
the basic underlying goal of the City of Newport Beach to
protect and enhance the City ' s special charm and
character; its unique natural and man-made physical
environment; its attractive visual environment , and the
wide range of social , economic , cultural , educational
and recreational opportunities which have contributed
to the high quality of life enjoyed by its ci,tizens . 11
Consistent with this overall goal , the objective of the Public
Safety Element is to introduce safety considerations into the
planning process in order to reduce loss of life , injuries , damage
to property , and economic and social dislocation resulting from
such natural physical phenomenon as fire , fl,00d , and dangerous
geologic occurrences .
It is further intended that this Element satisfy the State require-
ment that local General Plans contain a "Safety Element" , a
"Seismic Safety Element" and identify areas subject to flood hazard .
Section 65302 of the Government Code states , in part , that the
General Plan shall include :
1 . "A safety element for the protection of the
community from fires and geologic hazards
including features necessary for such protection
as evacuation routes , peak load water supply
<
requirements , minimum road widths , clearances
around structures , and geologic hazard mapping
in areas of known geologic hazard . "
2 . "A seismic safety element consisting of an
identification and appraisal of seismic hazards
such as susceptibility to surface ruptures from
faulting , to ground shaking , to ground failures ,
or to the effects of seismically induced
waves such as tsunamis and seiches .
The seismic safety element shall also include an
appraisal of mudslides , landslides , and slope
stability as necessary geologic hazards that
must be considered simultaneously with other
hazards such as possible surface ruptures from
faulting , ground shaking , grouhd failure and
seismically induced waves . "
This Element includes consideration of natural physical hazards
in three major sections ;
Section 1 - Geologic Hazards
Section 2 - Flood Haz,ards
Section 3 - Fire Hazards from Undeveloped Areas
V . DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The City of Newport Beach is located along the southwesterly edge
of the Los Angeles Basin , adjacent to the Pacific Ocean . Due
to this location , the City is subject to those natural physical
hazards which threaten the region , namely: earthquakes , fires in
natural -undeveloped areas , and flooding . In addition , there are
aspects of the local environmenta] setting which contribute to
the risks . The Public Safety Element identifies the regional and
local aspects of these potential hazards and proposes measures to
reduce the risk to persons and property .
VI . ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
A. The Environmental Impact of the Proposed Action .
The Public Safety Element will create no adverse environmental
impacts . The Element provides for the introduction of safety
considerations into the planning process . As such , if any
impacts were to be found , they must be deemed beneficial to the
health , safety and welfare of the residents of Newport Beach .
B . Anv Advprse Environmental Effects Which Cannot be Avoided
IT the Proposal is ImpleFe—nted . —
The Public Safety Elemen-t will serve to protect and enhance the
environment of the City and will have no significant adverse
environmental effects .
C. Mitigation Measures Proposed to Minimize the Impact.
There will be no significant adverse environmental impacts and
therefore no mitigation measures are required or proposed . It should
be noted that the proposed Element is itself a mitigation measure
to protect against the adverse environmental impact which occur if
this Element were not adopted .
D. Alternatives__.to the Propo,sed Action .
One alternative woul-d be a "no project" alternative , simply not
adopting this Element. This would not be satisfactory as development
could occur without public safety considerations . Furthermore , the
Element ' s component parts are required by State Law to be adopted .
0 0
E . Relationship Between Local Short-Term Uses of Man ' s Environ-
ment and the Maintenance and Enhancement of Lonq-Term
Productivity .
The Public Safety Element is a long-range guide whic,h provides for
the safety of the City ' s citizens , as such it does not represent
a short-term use of man ' s environment .
F. 8n, I�r�v2rsible Environmental Chang h u Id Be
InvoTgd i n the Proposed Action , ShoNAINe"5plemented .
The Public Safety Element will not create any irrev,ersible
environmental changes ; but rather will help to limit and control
irreversible adverse 6hanges in the City of Newport Beach .
G. The Growth- Inducing Imp.act of the Proposed Action .
The public Safety Element will not have a growth inducing impact .
VII . SUMMARY
The Public Safety Element , like other elements of the General Plan ,
i. s intended to preserve and protect the environment of the community .
Therefore , the adoption of this Element will have beneficial
long-term environmental impacts . It should be stressed that
any future developments which may be proposed in compliance with
this Element will be subject to detailed environmental revVew.
RESOLUTION NO . 908
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH ADOPTING THE PUBLIC
SAFETY ELEMENT OF THE NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN .
WHEREAS , a phase of the City 's General Plan Program has
involved the preparation of a Public Safety Element ; and
WHEREAS , said Public Safety Element sets forth objectives
and supporting policies which will serve as a guide for the future
planning and development of the City ; and
WHEREAS , pursuant to Section 707 of the City Charter
of the City of Newport Beach , the Planning Commission has held
public hearings to consider the adoption of the Public Safety Element
of the Newport Beach General Plan .
NOW , THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning
Commission does hereby adopt and recommend to the City Council
the Public Safety Element of the Newport Beach General Plan
described above , a copy of which is on file in the Newp6rt Beach
Community Development Department .
Regularly passed and adopted by the Planning Commission
of the City of Newport Beach held on the —6th day of February ,
1975.
AYES : Agee , Beckley , Hazewinkel ,
Heather, Parker, Seely , Williams
NOES : None
ABSENT: None
Chairman William C. Hazewinkel
Secretary James M. Parker
COMM15SIONERS *CITY OF NEWPORT *Acu
MINUTES
�K
ROLL CALL February 6 , 1975 INDEX
Item #3
Request to consider the adoption of the Pu6lic PUBLIC
Safety Element of the Newport Beach General Plan *�A_FETY
R_
and the acceptance of an environmental document. ELE ENT
Initiated by: The City of Newport Beach APPROVED
AND EIR
Staff distributed two minor revisions to the dra*ff A-C-C—EFT—ED
Public Safety Element for consideration by the
Commission wh,ich include'd- a change in the map
showing the potential flood hazard areas and an
additional policy to be added regarding flood
hazards .
Preliminary discussion by the Commission included
the following suggested changes and clarification :
Page 2 - The intent of the element should be
modified in order to preclude possible misinter-
pretation as to liability on the part of the City.
Page 44, Paragraph 2 , Geologic Hazards - Discussed
the intent of the paragraph and guidelines as to
what should be included In an Environmental Impact
Report.
Since the entire City was subject to some hazards ,
it was suggested that the -intent of the paragraph
be related to areas of "higher" potential hazards
in connection with geologic areas .
Page 44 - That the words "on bluff edges" be
included in Paragraph 3 of the "General " section .
Page 12 - Areas of low slope stability be expanded
to include all of the bluff areas within the City.
Senior Planner Talarico appeared before the
Commission to answer questiohs relative to flood-
ing and explained the various types of floods as
discussed in the element. Areas of high fire
hazards were also discussed as well as the types
of roofing material required adjacent to these
areas .
Publi � hearing was opened in connection with this
matter and there being no one desiring to appear
and be heard, the public hearing was closed.
Page 4.
COMMISSIONERS IOCITY OF NEWPORT *ACH
MINUTES
INDEX
ROLL CAL\L 4, February 6 , 1975
Motion X Motion was made adopting Resolution No. 908, .
All Ayes recommending to the City Council the approval of
the Public Safety Element of the Newport Beach
General Plan , incorporating the suggested changes
as previously discussed and accepting the Environ-
mental Impact Report.
Item #4
Request to permit the construction of an office USE
building that exceeds the basic height limit withr FENMIT
in the 26/35 Foot Height Limitation District and 1747
the acceptance of an environmental document. APPROVED-
Location : A portion of Lot 3 and Lots 4 and CR`DI _
5, Tract 815$ located at 617 Lido TIONAL Y
Park Drive on the northeasterly
side of Lido Park Drive between
Lafayette Avenue and 28th Street
on the Lido Peninsula.
Zone: C-2
Applicant: Lido Park Plaza2 a Joint V.enture,
Newport Beach
Owner: Same as Applicant
Additional wording to Condition No. 10 was recom-
mended by the Staff which would provide that the
required number of parking spaces according to
City Council policy shall be made available in the
subterranean garage to renters of the existing.
boat slips and mooring space bayward of the site
after regular office business hours and on week-
ends .
City policy regarding restroom facilities for
boat slips was reviewed and discussed by the
Commission. I
Public hearing was o,pened in connection with this
matter.
Barry Williams , 4299 MacArthur Boulevard , appli -
canto appeared before the Commission to answer
questions and advised that restrooms would be
provided as well as waste disposal facilities for
the boats . He concurred with the staff report and
recommended conditions .
Page 5.
Iw3 -dip A
,City Council Meeting September 9 , 1974
Agenda Item No. G-2
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
September 4$ 1974
In Ar
FILE COPY
TO : City Council
DO NOT REMOVE
FROM: Community Development Department
SUBJECT: General Plan -- Request for Time Extension
Section 65302. 2 of the California Government Code requires that
all mandatory elemen,ts of local General Plans be adopted by
September 20 , 1974, and, also , provides that the State Council
on Intergovernmental Relations may grant extensions .
There are two mandatory General Plan elements which the City of
Newport Beach has yet to adopt: 1 ) Noise Element, and 2) Seismic
Safety and Safety.
The Noise Element has been prepared and the Planning Commission has
recommended City Council adoption ; the Council will receive this
element at their September 30 , 1974 meeting to be set for public
hearing at a subsequent meeting .
A major portion of the Seismic Safety and. Safety Element has been
completed. The Woodward-McNeill Geologic Seismic Study is providing
the basis for the Seismic Safety portion of th-ts element. Other
sections , yet to be developed, include additional public safety
considerations , such as fires and floods .
Attached is a draft resolution requesting the CIR to grant an extension
of three months for the Noise Element and six months for the
TO : City Council - 2
Seismic Safety and Safety Element. It is anticipated that these
elements will be adopted sooner than the requested extensions would
indicate ; however , some room for contingencies is desirable.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends adoption of the attached resolution .
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
141.1 /4&et — I
UKV 2!�O t o r
RVH:TC:jmb
Att. : Resolution
0
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF NEWPORT BEACH REQUESTING THE COUNCIL ON
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS TO EXTEND THE
TIME LIMIT FOR-COMPLETION OF CERTAIN ELEMENTS
OF THE NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN
WHEREAS, Section 65302 .2 of the California Government
Code requires the preparation and adoption of certain General
Plan elements by September 20, 1974, and also provides that the
Council on Intergovernmental Relations may grant extensions for
a reasonable period oi time beyond the aboveidate; and
WHEREAS, the City of Newport Beach is diligently
pursuing completion of a comprehensive General Plan program which
includes all of the mandated General Plan elements; and
WHEREAS, certain problems and constraints will prevent
the completion and adoption of the City's Noise Element and -
Seismic Safety and Safety Element prior to September 20, 1974,
such as :
A. Resignations resulting in loss of staff in the
Community Development Department at the time these elements were
being developed;
B. City's providing for considerable public review of
and contribution to the development of the General Plan, with
the continuance of this high level of public involvement in the
development and adoption of the remaining mandatory elements
requiring additional time beyond the September 20, 1974 deadline;
and
C. City's preparation of these elements within a
comprehensive General Plan program, including consideration of the
interrelationships among the General Plan elements, which con-
sideration will not be completed prior to the September 20, 1974
deadline.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that pursuant to Section
65302 .2 of the Government Code, the City Council of the City
of Newport Beach does hereby respectfully request the California
-1-
Council on Intergovernmental Relations to grant an extension of
three (3) months for adoption of the Noise Element (until
December 20, 1974) and six (6) months for adoption of the Seismic
Safety and Safety Element (until March 20, 1975) .
ADOPTED this 9th day of September, 1974
Mayor
ATTEST:
C3'ty Clerk
i:;OMMISS-IONERS *CITY OF NEWPORT WCH
MINUTES
INDEX
ROLL CALL February 6 , 1975
Item #3
Request to consider the adoption of the Pu6lic PUBLIC
Safety Element of the Newport Beach General Plan SAFETY
and the acceptance of an environmental document. ELEffE—N-T
Initiated by: The City of Newport Beach APPROVED
TND_EIR
Staff distributed two minor revisions to the draftACCEPTED
Public 'Safety Element for consideration by the
Commission which included- a change in the map
showing the potential flood hazard areas and an
additional policy to be added regarding flood
hazards .
Preliminary discussion by the Commission included
the following suggested changes and clarification :
Page 2 - The intent of the element should be
modified in order to preclude possible misinter-
pretation as to- liability on the part of the City.
Page 44, Paragraph 2 , Geologic Hazards - Discussed
the intent of the paragraph and guidelines as to
what should be included in an Environmental Impact
Report.
Since the entire City was subject to some hazards ,
it was suggested that the intent of the paragraph
be related to areas of "higher" potential hazards
in connection with geologic areas .
Page 44 - That the words "on bluff edges" be
included in Paragraph 3 of the "General " section.
Page 12 - Areas of low slope stability be expanded
to include all of the bluff areas within the City.
Senior Planner Talarico .appeared before the
Commission to answer questions relative to flood-
ing and explained the various types of -floods as
discussed in the element. Areas of high fire
hazards were also discussed as well as the types
of roofing material required adjacent to these
areas .
Publiq hearing was opened in connection with this
matter and there b�eing no one desiring to appear
and be heard, the public hearing was closed.
Page 4. FILE %pry
DO'NOT REMOVE
J I .....MW
'COMMISSIONERS IISCITY OF NEWPORT 0ACU
MINUTES
ROIL CALL February 6 , 1975 INDEX
Motion X Motion was made adopting Resolution No. 908,
All Ayes recommending to the City Council the approval of
the Public Safety Element of the Newport Beach
General Plan , incorporating the suggested changes
as previously discuss-ed and accepting the EnV! ron-
mental Impact Report.
Item #4
Request to permit the construction of an office USE
building that exceeds the basic height limit with-r FURIMIT
in the 26/35 Foot Height Limitation ' District and T-77-7
the acceptance of an environmental document. APPROVED-
Location : A portion of Lot 3 and Lots 4 and CU_NDI _
S. Tract 815, located at 617 Lido TIONAL Y
Park Drive on the northeasterly
side of Lido Park Drive between
Lafayette Avenue and 28th Street
on the Lido Peninsula.
Zone: C-2
Applicant: Lido Park Plaza, a Joint Venture,
Newport Beach
Owner: Same as Applicant
Additional wording to Condition No. 10 was recom-
mended by the Staff which would provide that the
required number of parking spaces according to
City Council policy shall be made available in the
subterranean garage to renters of the existing.
boat slips and mooring space bayward of the site
after regular office business hours and on week-
ends .
City policy regarding restroom facilities for
boat slips was reviewed and discussed by the
Commission .
Public hearing was opened in connection with this
matter.
Barry Williams , 4299 MacArthur Boulevard, appli -
cant, appeared before the Commission to answer
questions and advised that restrooms would be
provided as well as waste disposal facilities for
the boats . He concurred with the staff report and
recommended conditions .
Page 5.
COMMISSIONERS
CITY OF NEWPORT %ACH
MINUTES
ROLL CALL7 June 20, 1974, INDEX
Motion X Planning eommission adopted Resolution No. 887,
Ayes X X X X X X setting a public hearing for July 18, 1974, to
Absent x consider adoption of the Noise Element of the
Newport Beach General Plan and the adoption of a
Noise Ordinance.
Mot i x Planning Commission directed the staff to prepare
Aye s X X X X X X a letter to the City Council in support of the
Abse\nt X Health Department ' s Bay Water Quality Monitoring
Proposal being considered by the Board of Super-
visors.
Motion X There being no further business , motion was made
Ayes X XY., X X X to adjourn . Time: 11 : 35 P.M.
Absent x
JOSEPH ROSENER, JR. , Secretary
Planning Commission
City of Newport Beach
FILE CuAftpy
DONOT REMOVE
Page 16.
COMMISSIONERS CITY OF NEWPORT OACH
MINUTES
ROLL CALL February 6 , 1975 INDEX
Item #3
Request to consider the adoption of the Public PUBLIC
Safety Element of the Newport Beach General Plan �_AFETY
and the acceptance of an environmental document. E—LEMENT
Initiated by: The City of Newport Beach APPROVED
AD_EIR
Staff distributed two minor revisions to the draft TC—CEPTED
Public Safety Element for consideration by the
Commission which included a change in the map
showing the potential flood hazard areas and an
additional policy to be added regarding flood
hazards .
Preliminary discussion by the Commission included
the following suggested changes and clarification :
Page 2 - The intent of the element should be
modified in order to preclude possible misinter-
pretation as to liability on the part of the City.
Page 44, Paragraph 2 , Geologic Hazards - Discussed
the intent of the paragraph and guidelines as to
what should be included in an Environmental Impact
Report.
Since the entire City was subject to some hazards ,
it was suggested that the intent of the paragraph
be related to areas of "higher" potential hazards
in connection with geologic areas .
Page 44 - That the words "on bluff edges" be
included in Paragraph 3 of the "General " section .
Page 12 - Areas of low slope stability be expanded
to include all of the bluff areas within the City .
Senior Planner Tal &rico appeared before the
Commission to answer questions relative to flood-
ing and explained the various types of floods as
discussed in the element. Areas of high fire
hazards were also discussed as well as the types
of roofing material required adjacent to these
areas .
Public hearing Was opened in connection with this
matter and there being no one desiring to appear
and be heard, the public hearing was closed.
Page 4. FELIZ COP IV
DONOT REMOVE
COMMISSIONERS CITY OF NEWPORT 9ACL-I
MINUTES
70 7
ro
ro
70
r �41
7t
ROLL CALL February 6 , 1975 INDEX
Motion X Motion was made adopting Resolution No . 908,
Ali Ayes recommending to the City Council the approval of
the Public Safety Element of the Newport Beach
General Plan , incorporating the suggested changes
as previously discussed and accepting the Environ-
mental Impact Report.
Item #4
Request to permit the construction of an office USE
bailding that exceeds the basic height limit with- PTER—MIT
in the 26/35 Foot Height Limitation District and T7_47
the acceptance of an environmental document. APPROVED
Location : A portion of Lot 3 and Lots 4 and CONDI _
5, Tract 815 , located at 617 Lido TIONALLY
Park Drive on the northeasterly
side of Lido Park Drive between
Lafayette Avenue and 28th Street
on the Lido Peninsula.
Zone. C-2
A lican Lido Park Plaza, a Joint Vent,ure,
Newport Beach
Owner: Same as Applicant
Additional word.i to Condition No . 10 was recom-
mended by the Sta which would provide that the
required number- of rking spaces according to
City Council policy s 11 be made available in the
subterranean garage to enters of the existing
boat slips and mooring s ce bayward of the site
after regular office busin s hours and on week-
ends .
City policy regarding restroom cilities for
boat slips was reviewed and discu sed by the
Commission .
Public hearing was opened in connectio with this
matter.
Barry Williams , 4299 MacArthur Boulevard, a li -
cant, appeared before the Commission to answ
questions and advised that restrooms would be
provided as well as waste disposal facilities fo
the boats . He concurred with the staff report an
recommended conditions .
Page 5 .
P0,
tu: Deportment of Community Development .
DATE: February 6 , 1975
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Department of Community Development
SUBJECT: Minor Corrections and Additions to Draft Public Safety Element
Staff suggests the following "last minute" changes to
the Public Safety Element:
1 . Revise "Potential Flood Hazard Areas " map to
delete the narrow areas in Jasmine Creek and
north of Buck Gully , as shown on the attached
map .. (These changes were suggested by the
City Engineer since grading and flood 'control
measures have obviated the flood hazard in
these areas . )
2 . On Page 46, add Proposal No . 6 to the " Flood
Hazards " section of the Risk Reduction
Program, as follows :
"6 . The City shall Iequire flood ha-zard studies
as an integral portion of all- envi-ronmentaT
impEct reports , with detailed flood hazard-
mitigation measures , for all projects in
potential flood hazard areas . "
Staff recommends that, in adopting the Public Safety Element,
the Pfinning Commission make these revisions , in addition
to any other, revi.sions desixed by the Commission .
Ti `owe?f,- AVv'�n—ce Planning Administrator
TC: jmb
Att.
F I L 2 C 0)L P2 I VW
DO'NOT REMOVE
PUBLIC SAFETY'R.EMff
NEWPORT BEACH
POTENIAL FLOOD. HAZARD AREAS
souRcrr
DSD =TRM a P��
'M
fl,
%
X,
K5
W
eo
'TT
D ..... ..
TZ
figure
0
Planning Commission Meeting February 6 , 1975
Agenda Item No . 3 —
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
January 29 , 1975
TO : Planning Commission
FROM: Department of Community Development
SUBJECT: Public Safety Element and EIR/NB 75-052 .
The preliminary draft of the Public ,Safety Element was recently
sent to the members of the Planning Commission . A public
hearing on this Element has been set for the February 6 , 1975
Planning Commission meeting.
This Element is a composite of two of the State-mandated
General Plan Elements : Safety and Seismic Safety . The
time extension for City Council adoption of this Element ,
granted by the State Council on Intergovernmental Relations ,
expires March 20, 1975 .
The Public Safety Element deals with hazards resulting from
the natural environmental setting of the City of Newport Beach ,
including: geologic hazards , flood hazards , and fire hazards
from undeveloped areas . Studies from other agencies and
the Geologic-Seismic Study conducted by Woodward-McNeill and
Associates formed the basis for the identification of
geologic and flood hazards . The Newport Beach Fire Department
provided the information on fire hazards from undeveloped areas .
The last section of the Public Safety Element contains the
" Risk Reduction Program" ; this program includes those actions
which , if adopted , will be taken by the City of Newport Beach
to assure reasonable mitigation of risks in all new development.
Environmental Impact Report
Attached is the draft Environmental Impact Report EIR/NB 75-052
prepared by staff. EIR/NB 75-052was reviewed by the Environmental
Affairs Committee on January 29 , 1975 and the Committee
recommends acceptance . W
FILE Ca"'
DO NOT REMOVE
TO: Planning Commission - 2
Recommendation
Staff suggests that the Planning Commission : 1 ) open the
public hearing , 2 ) hear all interested persons , 3) clos,e
the public hearing , 4) make desired revisions to this
preliminary draft, and 5) recommend to the City Council that
this element be adopted as the Public Safety Element of the
Newport Beach General Plan , and that Elk/N8 75-052 be
accepted .
cbmmUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
R. V . Hogan , Director
By rt0 tl
�;'601/
I 7iWoo'Cowe-11
Advance Planning Administrator
TC: jmb
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY
ELEMENT OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN
I . INTRODUCTION
This Environmental Impact Report has been prepared pursuant to
the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act.
It is , the intent of this report to explore and evaluate the
significant city-wide environmental impacts of the Public Safety
Element of the City of Newport Beach General Plan . This element
does not propose any specific development, but rather establishes
long-range guidelines and a short-term action program to insure
that public safety considerations are included within any future
plans for the physical development in the City of Newport Beach .
Ii . BACKGROUND
This Element is one of ten Elements which will be included in
the compl'ete General Plan for the City of Newport Beach , and
represents one of the final steps in the completion of the General
Plan Program which was initiated in August , 1971 . Since that date
eight Elements have been adopted , based on information presented
at numerous hearings , meetings and study sessions held with elected
public officials , their representatives , and citizens of the
community.
III . SCOPE OF REPORT
This report considers the significant city-wide environmental
impacts of this Element of the General Plan on existing and future
development. It does not consider environmental impacts of any
specific project which may subsequently be built in compliance
with this Element, nor does it exempt any such project from
complying with the requirements of the California Environmental
Quality Act. A detailed Environmental Impact Report on the entire
General Plan will be prepared after all individual Elements are
adopted.
IV . OBJECTIVES OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT
The overall objective of the General Plan Program is to implement
the basic policy of the General Plan Policy Report which reads as
follows :
" IN PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE OF THE COMMUNITY , it shall be
the basic underlying goal of the City of Newport Beach to
protect and enhance the City ' s special charm and
character; its unique natural and man-made physical
environment; its attractive visual environment , and the
wide range of social , economic, cultural , educational
and recreational opportunities which have contributed
to the high quality of life enjoyed by its citizens . "
Consistent with this overall goal , the objective of the Public
Safety Element is to introduce safety considerations into the
planning process in order to reduce loss of life , injuries , damage
to property , and economic and social dislocation resulting from
such natural physical phenomenon as fire , flood, and dangerous
geologic occurrences .
It is further intended that this Element satisfy the State require-
ment that local General Plans contain a "Safety Element" , a
"Seismic Safety Element" and identify areas subject to flood hazard .
Section 65302 of the Government Code states , in part, that the
General Plan shall include :
1 . "A safety element for the protection of the
community from fires and geologic hazards
including features necessary for such protection
as evacuation routes , peak load water supply
requirements , minimum road widths , clearances
around structures , and geologic hazard mapping
in areas of known geologic hazard . "
2 . "A seismic safety element consisting of an
identification and appraisal of seismic hazards
such as susceptibility to surface ruptures from
faulting , to ground shaking , to ground failures ,
or to the effects of seismically induced
waves such as tsunamis and seiches .
The seismic safety element shall also include an
appraisal of mudslides , landslides , and slope
stability as necessary geologic hazards that
must be considered simultaneously with other
hazards such as possible surface ruptures from
faulting , ground shaking , ground failure and
seismically induced waves . "
This Element includes consideration of natural physical hazards
in three major sections :
Section 1 - Oeologic Hazards
Section 2 - Flood Hazards
Section 3 - Fire Hazards from Undeveloped Areas
V. DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The City of Newport Beach is located along the southwesterly edge
of the Los Angeles Basin , adjacent to the Pacific Ocean . Due
to this location , the City is subject to those natural physical
hazards which threaten the region , namely: earthquakes , fires in
natural -undeveloped areas , and flooding . In addition , there are
aspects of the local environmental setting which contribute to
the risks . The Public Safety Element identifies the regional and
local aspects of these potential hazards and proposes measures to
reduce the risk to persons and property .
VI . ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
A. The Environmental Impact of the Pro.posed Action :
The Public Safety Element will create no adverse environmental
impacts . The Element provides for the introduction of safety
considerations into the planning process . As such , if any
impacts were to be found, they must be deemed beneficial to the
health , safety and welfare of the residents of Newport Beach .
B. Any Adverse Environmental Effects Which Cannot be Avoided
If the Pro�l i[sImplemented .
The Public Safety Element will serve to protect and enhance the
environment of the City and will have no significant adverse
environmental effects .
C. Mitigation Measures Pr000sed to Minimize the Impact.
There will be no significant adverse environme ntal impacts and
therefore no mitigation measures are required or proposed . It should
be noted that the proposed Element is itself a mitigation measure
to protect against the adverse environmental impact which occur if
this Element were not adopted .
D. Alternatives to the ProDo.sed Action .
One alternative would be a "no project" alternative , simply not
adopting this Element. This would not be satisfactory as development
could occur without public safety considerations . Furthermore , the
Element ' s component parts are required by State Law to be adopted.
0 0
E Relationship Between Local Short-Term Uses of Man ' s Environ-
ment and the Maintenance and Enhancement of Long-Term
Productivity.
The Public Safety Element is a long-range guide which provides for
the safety of the City ' s citizens , as such it does not represent
a short-term use of man ' s environment .
F. 8ny riversible Environmental Changes Which Would Be
Rvoln
vg in the Proposed Action , Should It Be Implemented .
The Public Safety Element will not create any irreversible
environmental changes ; but rather will help to limit and control
irreversible adverse changes in the City of Newport Beach .
G. The drowth- Inducing Impact of the Proposed Action .
The public Safety Element will not have a growth inducing impact .
VII . SUMMARY
The Public Safety Element, like other elements of the General Plan ,
is intended to preserve and protect the environment of the community .
Therefore , the adoptioh of this Element will have benefictal
long-term environmental impacts . It should be stressed that
any future developments which may be proposed in compliance with
this Element will be subject to detailed environmental revi*ew.
i-77
-%
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY
ELEMENT OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN
1 . INTRODUCTION
This Environmental Impact Report has been prepared pursuant to
the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act.
It is the intent of this report to explore and evaluate the
significant city-wide environmental impacts af, t4e Public Safety
Element of the City of Newport Beach General Plan . This element
does not propose any specific development, but rather establishes
long-range guideline7§ and a short- term action progra� to insure
that public safety con-siderations are included within any future
p-lans for the physical'- development in the City of Newport Beach .
Il . - BACKGROUND
This Element is" one of ten Eleme'nts which will be included in
the complete General Plan for the City of Newport Beach , and
represents one of the final steps in the completion of the General
Plan Program whicKwas initiated in- A-ugust , 1971 . , Since that 'date
eight Elements have been adopted , based on information presented
at numerous hearings , meetings and study sessions held with elected
public officials , their representatives , and citizens of -the
community .
III . ' SC-OPE OF REPORT
This report considers the significant city-wide environmental
impacts of this Element of the General Plan on existing and 'future
development. It does not consider environmental impacts of any
specific project which may subsequently be built in compliance
with this Element, nor does it exempt any such project from
complying with the requirements of the California Environmental
Quality Act. A detailed Environmental Impact Report on the entire
General Plan will b,e prepared after all individual Elements are
adopted.
IV . OBJECTIVES OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT
The overall objective of the General Plan Program is to implement
the basic policy of the General Plan Policy Report which reads as
follows :
" IN PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE OF THE COMMUNITY , it shall be
the basic underlying goal of the City of Newport Beach to
protect and enhance thd City ' s sp,ecial charm and
character; its unique natural and man-made physical
environment; its attra&tive visual environment , and the
wide ra-ng-e. of s�ocial ; economic , cultural , educational ,
and recreational opportunities which have contributed
to the high quality of life enjoyed by its citizens . "
Consistent with this ove.rall. goal , the objective of the Public.
. Safety ElEfment is to ititroduce safety considerations into the
planning proc6ss in order to reduce loss of life , injuries , damage
to property , and economic and social dislocation resulting from
such natural physical phenomenon as fire , flood , and dangerous
geologic occurrences .
It is further intended that this Element satisfy the State reqt.ire-
ment that local General Plans contain a "Safety Element" , a
"Seismic Safety Element" and identify areas subject to flood hazard .
Section 65302 of the Government Code states , in part, that t.he
General PTan shall include:
1 . "A safety element for the protection of the
community from fires and geologic hazards
including features necessary for such protection
as evacuation routes , peak load water supply
FILE 00P
DO)NOT REMOVE
or
requirements , minimum road widths , clearances
around structures , and geologic hazard mapping
in areas of known geologic hazard. "
2 . "A seismic safety element consisting of an
identification and appraisal of seismic hazards
such as susceptibility to surface ruptures from
faulting , to ground shaking , to ground failures ,
or to the effects of seismically induced
waves such as tsunamis and seiches .
The seismic safety element shall also' include an
appraisal of mudslides , landslides , and slope
stability as necessary geologic hazards that
must be considered simultaneously with other
hazards such as possible surface ruptures from
faulting , ground shaking , ground failure and
seismically induced waves . "
This Element includes consideration of natural physical hazards
in three major sections :
Section I - Geologic Hazards
Section 2 - Flood Hazards
Section 3 - Fire Hazards from Undeveloped Areas
V . DESCRIPTION OF ENVIROAMENTAL SETTING
The City of Newport Beach is located along the southwesterly edge
of the Los Angeles Basin , adjacent to the Pacific Ocean . Due
to this location , the City is subject to those natural 'physical
hazards which threaten the region , namely: earthquakes , fires in
natural -undeveloped areas , and flooding�. In addition , there are
aspects of the local environmental setting which contribute to
the risks . The Public Safety Element identifies the regional an8
local aspects of these potential hazards and proposes measures to
reduce the risk to persons and property .
VI . ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
A. — The Environmental Impact of the Proposed Action :
The Public Safety Element will create no adverse environmental
impacts . The Element provides for the introduction of safety
considerations into the planning process . As such , if any
impacts were to be found , they must be deemed beneficial to the
health , safety and welfare of the residents of Newport Beach .
B .. Any Adverse Environmental Effects Which Cannot be Avoided
If the Proposal is Implemented .
The Public Safety Element will serve to protect and -enhance the
environment of the City and will have no significant adverse
environmental effects .
C. Mitigation Measures Pr000sed to Minimize the Imoact .
There will be no significant adverse environmental impacts and
therefore no mitigation measures are required or proposed . It should
be noted that the proposed Element is itself a mitigation meas'ure
to protect against the adverse environmental impact which occur if
this Element were not adopted .
0. Alternatives to the ProDosed Action .
One alternative woul-d be a "no project" alternative , simply not
adopting this Element. This would not be satisfactory as development
could occur without public safety considerations . Furthermore , the
Element ' s component parts are required by State Law to be adopted .
E Relationship Between Local Short-Term Uses of Man ' s Environ-
ment and the Maintenance and Enhancement of Long-Term
Productiyity .
The Public Safety , Element is a long-range guide which provides for
the safety of the City ' s citizens , as such it does not represent
a short-term use of man ' s environment .
F. Ly roversible Environmental Chan,2� W� h Wou Id Be
NVOR in the Proposed Action , S fioul d W,e Implemented .
The Public Safety Element will not create any irreversible
environmental changes ; but rather will help to limit and control
irreversible adverse 6hanges in the City of Newport Beach .
G. The Growth- Inducing Impact of the Proposed Action .
The public Safety Element will not have a growth inducing impact .
VII . SUMMARY
The Public Safety Element, like other elements of the General Plan ,
is intended to preserve and protect the environment of the community .
Therefore, the adoption of this Element will have beneficial
long-term- enviro,nmental impacts . It should be stressed that
any future developments which may be proposed in compliance with
this Element will be subject to detailed environmental revi*ew.
z�,"77
Planning Commission Meeting January 16 , 1975
Agenda Item No . 4
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
January 9 , 1975
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Department of Community Development
SUBJECT: Public Hearing for Public Safety Element .
The draft Public Safety Element of the Newport Beach General
Plan will be printed and distributed to the Planning Commission
by the last week in January.
The City ' s time extension for City Council adoption of this
Element, granted by the State , expires March 20, 1975.
In view of this limited time periodo staff suggests that the
Planning Commission set a public hearing on the Public
Safety Element for the February 6 , 1975 Planning Commission
meeting. (The Element will also be discussed at the
February 6, 1975 Study Session . )
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
R. V . Hogan , Director
By
Cowell
Advance Planning Administrator
TC: j
0 rny
DO NOT REMOVE
Tl��/V�
'�$fab of (fafifauia
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
OFFICE OF PLANNING AND RESEARCH 1106
1400 TENTH STREET
SACRAMENTO 95814
EDMUND G. BROWN JR.
GOVARNOR
October 2, 1975
Mr. Tim Cowell
Advance Planning Administrator
City of Newport Beach
3300 Newport Blvd.
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Dear Mr. Cowell :
This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter of
September 25, 1975, certifying that you have completed
your safety and seismic safety elements of your general
plan, and your City Council has adopted them by
Resolution Number 8449, as set forth by Government
Code Section 65302.2.
If you have any additional questions regarding this
matter or any other relevant to the general plan,
please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Thomas E. Dederer
Intergovernmental Program Analyst
TED:ksh
,00
,Q��40
Olt-
FFOLE 1521"
DO'NOT REMOVE
ifall� af anfifinwin 0
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
OFFICE OF PLANNING AND RESEARCH
1400 TENTH STREET
S
SACRAMENTO 95814 001'.- lent
RONALD REAGAN
GOVERNOR September 30, 1974
&
C
Mr. Tim Cowell
Advance Planning Administrator
City of Newport Beach
City Hall
3300 Newport Boulevard 0,01
Newport Beach, California 92660
Re: Approval of General Plah Element
Time Extension Request
Dear Mr. Cowell :
I am pleased to inform you that at its meeting on September 26, 1974,
the California Council on Intergovernmental Relations unanimously
approved the City of Newport Beach's request for time extensions -for
the completion of the Seismic Safety, Safety and Noise Elements of
the General Plan. The required completion date for these elements has
... been extended from September 203, 1974, to March 20, 1975, for the
Seismic Safety and Safety Elements� and to December 20, 1974, for
the Noise Element.
If you have any questions or if we can be of any further assistance,
IVV�
please do not hesitate to contact me at (916) 4L45-1)14.
since el ,
Y'
y
Gre ry W H ding-
C'o I
o nity s stance Offi e
o P
Pla i g and Manag t.
GWH/PRD:kh
FILE COPY
DO NOT REMOVE
SID
OS\ N�l
so
CONTENTS
Page
SECTION I: INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY H-1
Introduction -- Public Safety Objectives H-1
Summary of Findings H-4
SECTION II: IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL SAFETY H-6
HAZARDS AND RECOMMENDED MITIGATING
MEASURES
A. Fire H-6
B. Flooding H-10
C. Geological H-14
D. Air Pollution H-14
SECTION III: AN EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN H-15
APPENDIX A: PROPOSED FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
APPENDIX B: PROPOSED FLOOD PLAIN ORDINANCE
APPENDIX C: AIR POLLUTION ABATEMENT ACTIONS
INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY
Introduction
Recently the State of California adopted legislation that requires all local
jurisdiction to prepare and adopt a Safety Element. The purpose is described
as follows:
"A Safety Element for the protection of the community from fires
and geologic hazards including features necessary for such
protection as evacuation routes, peak load water supply require-
ments, minimum road widths, clearances around structures, and
geologic hazard mapping in areas of know geologic hazard."
The effect of this legislation was to require local communities to be
particularly cognizant of fire and geological hazards and to incorporate into
their planning program means to reduce loss of life, injuries or damage result-
ing from these potential problems.
In addition to the State requirement to pay particular attention to fire and
geological hazards, San Juan Capistrano has at least two additional potential
hazardous conditions which should be considered as a part of the Safety Element.
These are potential flood problems related to San Juan and Trabuco Creeks and
potential air pollution problems that exceed acceptable standards.
The Safety Element for San Juan Capistrano then will include consideration of:
1. Fire Hazards
2. Geological Hazards
3. Flood
4. Air Pollution
A composite of State requirements as well as City policies that set forth the
objectives of the Safety Element are as follows:
H-1
1. The City should develop a plan and program to reduce fire and geolo-
gical hazards (State requirement) .
2. The following policies should be used as guidelines for mitigating po-
tential flood hazards: (City Policy)
a. General Policy: The City should take the necessary action to develop
and constantly update an adequate flood control plan.
b. Specific Policies:
1) Construction permits should not be granted in obvious areas of
future flooding unless adequate flood protection measures are
developed.
2) In every situation, down-slope problems should be considered.
3) Whenever possible, the minimum floor level for structures should
be above the known or projected flood plain level.
4) The City should adopt flood plain zoning based on present pro-
jections of the 100 year flood.
5) The City should adopt policies to prevent encroachment on existing
Water courses.
6) Dedication of creek beds and flood plains for recreation and/or
open space and flood control purposes should be encouraged.
Where such dedication is accepted, density "trade-offs" should
be permitted. In exchange for such dedication, the remaining
property may be allowed the same number of units as the original
total parcel.
7) The City should undertake the formation of a flood control com-
mittee, whose membership should include, but not be limited to
the following groups or agencies:
a) The City of San Juan Capistrano
b) The Orange County Flood Control District
c) The Saddleback Area Coordinating Council
d) The Mission Viejo Company
e) The Orange County Planning Department
f) The Orange County Water District Number 4
H-2
3. A high priority should be given to the implementation of a disaster
control plan which will comply with the existing regulations of
the State of California emergency planning program as delineated
in the California Emergency Services Act. (City Policy)
4. The following policies should serve as guidelines for protection
against potential fire hazards. (City Policy)
a. General Policy: Our present contract for services with the Orange
County Fire Department provides the City with a wide range of
protection and preventive facilities. Since these services are
satisfactory and adequate, it is recommended that the City retain
the services of this agency.
b. Specific Policies:
1) If the predicted growth should warrant a change in our present
contractual agreement, it is recommended that the City enter
into a more extensive contractual agreement with the Orange
County Fire Department for additional services.
2) The City should use its authority and/or influence to replace
all fire hydrants and water lines thereto deemed inadequate
or beyond -repair., and a program of continuing maintenance
should be encouraged.
3) A current water map should be maintained and made available
for use by responsible personnel.
4) The City should establish, and enforce, an obviously visible —
house numbering system that is easily identifiable.
5) A close liaison should be established, and maintained, with
the County Fire Department, and local volunteers, with a study
toward the appointment of a local fire official to maintain
this liaison.
6) Before any future development is approved, the acceptance of
the local fire authority should be obtained regarding accessi-
bility for fire equipment, building design and location, and
house numbering system.
It should be noted that geological hazards are discussed extensively in the
Seismic Element. Therefore, consideration of problems relating to geology
within the context of this element are confined primarily to a summary of
these findings and recommendations.
H-3
Summary of Findings
The Public Safety Element on the following pages generally ilicates the scope
or magnitude of potential hazardous conditions caused by fire, flood, geo-
logy, and air pollution and suggested methods for mitigating these hazards.
These findings are summarized below.
Fire
San Juan Capistrano Basin has a moderate fire hazard severity rating Cthis
is the lowest of three ratings) . This rating is based on a predominantly
low fuel rating (mostly grasslands) and a relatively moderate number of critical
fire weather days. Structural fires in San Juan Capistrano are very infre-
quent with adequate :Fire fighting equipment within easy reach of all parts
of the community.
To offset potential wildland fire hazards, a number of recommended standards
are included as a part of this report (see Appendix A) .
Floods
In the past 50-60 years, the San Juan Basin has experienced approximately
one flood of significant size every six years. Future potential floods can
cause significant damage because of inadequate flood control facilities, and
existing obstruction to flood flow in the designated flood plain. Flood
plain zoning could assist in providing adequate protection against future
floods as well as assuring the City of eligibility for Federal flood insurance.
Finally, deficiencies in the existing flood control facilities as evidenced
from past flooding should be corrected.
-Geological Hazards
The Seismic Safety Element identified a series of existing and potential
geological hazards in the San Juan Capistrano Basin. These included: a
large number of landslide areas in the hillside areas (indicating that most
of the hillside areas are only marginally stable; potential damage from
liquefaction and lurching due to the presence of fine-grained sediments and
H-4
groundwater in the alluvial areas of San Juan Capistrano; the widespread
presence of expansive soils and a potentially severe erosion problem, prin-
cipally in the hillside areas. A geotechnical land use capabilities map has
been prepared which summarizes graphically the expectant level of geological
hazard or risk throughout the undeveloped and developed sections of the City.
In general, risks are much greater in the hillsides than in the valley por-
tion of the City (see Seismic Safety Element -- pp. 31-32) .
Recommended implementation programs to offset these hazards are included as
a part of the Seismic Safety Element (pp. 36-43) .
Air Pollution
San Juan Capistrano may someday be faced with the need to curtail activities
that contribute to a�r pollution at such time as contaminants reach dangerous
levels. In response to potential pollution levels exceeding acceptable
standards, the City has prepared a series of actions to be taken in the event
air pollution reaches undesirable levels (see Appendix Q .
H-5
IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARDS
A. Fire Hazards
A general summary of fire hazards is included in the Open Space and
Conservation Element. This element identifies two types of fire hazards;
structural and brush (the latter is referred to by the State as wildland
fires) . The discussion that follows is broken down into these two
categories.
Structural Fires,
San Juan Capistrano currently is provided with fire protection services
through the County of Orange as well as the Cityls Volunteer Fire Department.
There are five county substations in nearby areas. These are Capistrano
Beach, Laguna Niguel, South Laguna, North San Juan Capistrano, and Mission
Viejo. The City Volunteer unit maimtains one rescue truck. The latter's
primary responsibility is to provide services to the central Mission District.
Records of structural fires during the last several years indicate relatively
little structural fire damage with most fires occurring in the older central
Mission District.
Current fire protection appears more than adequate and indeed citizen policies
(ratified by the City Council) recommend that the City continue its current
contract services with the County subject to periodic review and evaluation.
Wildland Fires
To assist local communities in preparing programs to prevent major wildland
fires, the State has prepared a report entitled A Fire Hazard Severity
Classification System for California's Wildlands (April 1973) . The purpose
of the report was to identify and classify those areas in the State which are
critical and hazardous due to threat of encroaching wildland fire to life and
property exposures.
H-6
Three criteria were used by the State to delineate potential areas of varying
severity of fire hazard in California's wildlands. These are:
Fuel Loading (in terms of wildland vegetation)
Fire Weather
Slope
Slope and fuel loading are identified on the U.S.G.S. maps. Fire Weather
criteria is related to past surveys that indicate the frequency of critical
fire weather days occurring over the last 10 years.
Fuel Loading
This includes three classes (these are identifiable on current
U.S.G.S. maps) .
Light fuels these are the uncolored areas on the U.S.G.S. maps and
represent flammable grass and annual herbs (most of the
hillside areas in San Juan Capistrano have this type of
vegetation.
Medium fuels These are shown as "scrub" on the U.S.G.S. maps and
include brush and perannual shrubs less than six feet
in height (this type of vegetation is concentrated on
the valley floors and in a few canyon slopes) .
Heavy fuels these are shown as "woods-brushwood" on the U.S.G.S. maps
and include heavier brush species, woodland types, and
timber types over six feet in height (this type of
vegetation rarely exists in S.J.C. except for a few areas
along the creek beds and a few canyon slopes (e.g.,
Aquacate Ravine) .
Fire Weather
Fire weather also includes three classes. The classes are related to
the frequency of critical fire weather days occurring in each of the
State's Fire Danger Rating Areas I over a 10 year period.
1. Fire Danger Rating Areas are wildland geograph'ical areas having similar
climate, as defined by California's Wildland Fire Danger Rating System.
H-7
The low class (Class 1) includes all those Fire Danger Rating Areas which
have experienced in the "very high" or "extreme" ranges an annual average of
less than one day. High class (Class 11) an annual average of I to 9.5 days
and the extreme class (Class III) an annual average of more than 9.5 days.
San Juan Capistrano has a critical fire weather frequency class rating of II,
or an average of I - 9.5 days of critical fire weather.
Slope
Slope also includes three classes: 0-40 percent; 41-60 percent; and over
60 percent. An increase in slope produces an increase in the rate of fire
spread. Each class of slope has been assigned a value derived from Calif--
orniats INter-Agency Wildland Fire Danger Rating System. Bach, class of fuel
loading, fire weather, and slope is assigned a severity factor value and
multiplied in a matrix form to produce a Fire Hazard Secerity Scale (see
below).
TABLE 1. Fire Hazard Severity Scale for Delineation of California's
Wildlonds.
CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER
FREQUENCY
SLOPE SLOPE SLOPE
FUE4 LOADING- -,-p- % % %
0-40741-60 61+ 0-40 41-60 61+ 0-40 41-60 Sl+
4ight(Gross)
ModItim(Sarub)
Heavy(Woods-Bru:hwood) F/A
MODERATE HIGH HAZARD EXTREME HAZARD
F-1 B E
San Juan Capistrano, with a critical fire weather frequency in Class 11 and
predominant vegetation consisting of grass and annual herbs on fairly steep
slopes, is considered to have a moderate fire hazard. Recommendations for
H-8
This type of fire hazard level is in strict compliance with existing State
statutes and local ordinances should provide adequate fire protection.
State statutes would include Public Resources Code, Sections 4291 - 4296
and Sections 4371 - 4375.2
Several other suggested development standards have been suggested by the
State and include:
1. Homes should not be built on slopes with a grade of 60%
or in topographic "chimneys" or in box canyons without
an in-depth study to determine exceptional fire protection
precautions to be taken.
2. Building construction codes should be uniform for all
wildland areas and should be special in nature to fit
specific wildland conditions.
2. Resources Agency, Department of Conservation, Division of Forestry,
A Fire Hazard Severity Classification System for Califonnials Ifildlands,
April 1973, pg. 21 (see also Appendix A for State Statutes.)
H-9
R. Flood Hazards
"San Juan Creek and its major tributaries, Arroyo Trabuco, and
OSO Creek have a long history of frequent flooding. Since 1916
damaging floods have occurred nine times, or on the average of
about once in every six years. During most of these floods,
damage was generally limited to roads and agricultural develop-
ments. However, a large flood at the present time would
seriously affect the communities and the surrounding areas.113
During the last 50 - 60 years the community of San Juan Capistrano has had
several major floods along San Juan Creek and its tributaries. The last flood
in 1969 came at a time when the City's population was approximately 2,800.
Today the Cityts population is approximately 10,500. Most of the new housing
has located along the flatlands of the creek beds, many in the area referred
to as the Intermediate Regional Flood (approximately once every 100 years)
and the Standard Project flood (the worst possible flood given the severest
storm conditions) w
The recent study prepared by the Army Corps of Engineers revealed that future
floods of large magnitude would result in significant potential damage.4
This was based on observations of existing obstructions to flood flow and
a review of damages caused by past floods. The following summarizes potentiaT
problems within the flood plain.
Obstructions to flood flow
The effect of obstructions to flood flow would be to raise the surface of the
water to either flow around or over the obstructions. Potential obstructions
observed in the San Juan Creek flood plain area as well as its tributaries
were:5
1. Dense growth of trees and brush in and adjacent to the main
channel. During major floods, this growth would be uprooted and
would raise the water surface by a small amount. During small
floods, where they are not uprooted, they may raise the flood
level considerably. However, with any size flood, this growth,
when uprooted, can be caught in bridge openings where it could create
a more serious obstruction.
3. Orange County Flood Control District Uloods on San Juan Creek"
(a pamphlet) pgs. 2 - 3.
4. Army Corps of Engineers, Flood Plain Information San Juan Creek
(Including Arroyo Trabuco and Oso Creek) Nov, 1970
S. Ibid, Pg IS H-10
2. Roads at right angles to the flood plain, such as Ortega Highway,
that cross the flood plain.
3. Bridges that tend to restrict the flow. During major floods
many of the bridges would either fail or overflow at their
approaches.
4. Walls within the flood plain, such as the one downstream from
Del Obispo Street that would divert the flow. Another such *t1l
is located on the downstream side of the Pacific Coast Highway
west of San Juan Creek. Intermediate Regional Flood flows crossing
the highway would be diverted by this wall; however. it is expected
that Standard Project Flood flows would destroy the wall.
S. The levees along Arroyo Trabuco and San Juan Creek would act as
obstructions to flood flows that break through the levees. These
flows would not be able to return to the channel until they reach
another break in the levee or until they Teach a constriction such
as the Pacific Coast Highway where the water can pond until the
depth is higher than the levee.
I
In addition to o bstructions to flood flow the Corps summarized other hazards
that could occur if a flood of the magnitude of the Intermediate Regional Flood
or a Standard Project Flood were to occur in the future.
1. A r�view of the history of flooding in the San Juan Basin indicates—
that severe erosion and bank cutting can be expected, especially
the lower reaches of San Juan and Arroyo Trabucd Creeks.
2. It is believed that floodwaters for the Intermediate Regional Flood
and the Standard Project Flood could exceed the top of the concrete
protection in the improved channel of the San Juan Creek downstream
from the confluence of Arroyo Trabuco. This overtopping could wash
away the remaining earth levee above the concrete protection!.and
result in a levee failure causing an inundation of lands that would
ordinarily be protected by the levee.
3. Analysis of the Del Obispo Street bridge indicates that the water
could back up behind the bridge to a height that could cause the
flow to leave the improved channel.
4. Flows are also expected to overflow the semi-improved channel of
San Juan Creek between the San Diego Freeway bridge and Camino
Capistrano bridge.
S. In theory, the existing San Juan Creek levees could hold the
Intermediate Regional Flood. However, this is not a certainty for
the following reasons:
a) The January and February 1969 floods flowed at or above the
design depths and the flows were estimated at about one-third
and one-half of the Intermediate Regional Flood, respectively.
H-11
b) During these floods, a 1,400-foot reach of the San Juan Creek
levee was severely damaged and the concrete lining was destroyed.
c) The amount of sediment that would be deposited during the peak
flow of major floods can only be estimated.
d) Once the water surface exceeds the top of the concrete lining,
but still within the earth levee, erosion will begin; and it is
just a matter of time as to when the levee will fail.
e) Large waves are produced from a variety of causes, and it is
possible for these waves to exceed the levee height and
initiate a levee failure.
From this data then it is apparent that if a major flood were to occur in
San Juan Capistrano in the near future, extensive damage would probably occur
with potential injury or loss of life to its inhabitants. The situation could
become worse as the City has no specific legislative zoning for areas subject
to flooding. New development subject to flooding could occur if certain
development sta�dards are not incorporated in to zoning law. Recent
efforts by the County of Orange and several other cities have already
established flood plain zoning for major creek bed areas (the most recent
being Aliso Creek and its tributaries) . San Juan Capistrano should seriously
consider the use of this type of zoning tool. A general outline of the —
purpose and objectives of flood plain zoning is included in the Open Space
and Conservation element. A more detailed proposed ordinance for the City
of San Juan is included as Appendix B. .
Establishment of a flood plain zone would have a second major advantage
to the community. In 1969 Federal legislature was passed to broaden
coverage available under the National Flood Insurance Act to include
small business properties, add insurance against damage from mudslides, and
to clarify application procedures (Homeowners were already eligible for
insurance coverage) . This Program is under the administration of H.U.D.
and basically provides for creation of the Nationaf Flood Insurers Assoc-
iation, a pool of private companies offering insurance to homeowners and
small businesses at Premium rates subsidized by the federal government.
In order to qualify for the insurance, the governing body of the local
agency must declare a positive interest in securing coverage under the
H-12
program and give satisfactory assurance that by December 31, 1974, there
will be adopted certain land use and building regulations consistent
with the criteria of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and
that application and enforcement of such regulations will begin as soon
as the necessary technical information becomes available.
After a local agency has applied for eligibility under the flood insurance
program the insurance group will undertake actuarial studies to determine
premium rates chargeable. Heretofore private companies have been unable
to provide this form of insurance because only those homeowners in obviously
high risk locations are willing to purchase the insurance and therefore
the premium rates are prohibitive. The purpose of the Federal subsidy is
to limit premium rates to 40� per $100 of insurance for the structural
coverage, and 50� per $100 coverage for contents of structures such as
furnishings and personal effects. Similarly, subsidized coverage will be
available for multi-family residences containing two to four units and
for small business properties.
Without flood plain zoning many of the homes and businesses that now are
within the flood plain area would not be eligible for reasonable flood
insurance.
H- 13
C. Geologic Hazards
Detailed data and analysis on the geology of the San Juan Basin area has
been presented in both the Seismic Safety element and the Open Space and
Conservation element. A summary of the principan conclusions of the geolog-
ical problems in San Juan Capistrano are in the Seismic Safety element
(pgs. 28 - 32). This element also describes a geotechnical land use
capabilities map, a map that summarizes graphically the expectant level
of geological hazard or risk throughout developed and undeveloped areas
of the City.
Implementation programs are also included in the Seismic Safety element
that suggest ways to reduce existing or potential hazards. The general
headings under this section include:
1. Directions relative to other general plan elements
2. Future development regulations
S. Building inspection programs
4. Emergency and Post-Earthquake programs
D. Air Pollution
In November 1973, the City of San Juan Capistrano in response to a request
from the regional office of the Environmental Protection Agency, developed
a plan detaining actions that would be taken during an air pollution
emergency episode. This plan which covers Stage I, II, and III alerts 'Was
set forth in a letter from W. D. Murphy, Director of Public Works for the
City and is attached as Appendix C of this report.
H-14
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN
In recent years, the County of Orange in conjunction with most of the cities
in the county have embarked on the development of an emergency operations
plan. In the event of potential disaster caused by such things as war, earth-
quakes, fire, flood, and other natural disasters, a unified Orange County --
Cities Disaster Agreement has been adopted between San Juan Capistrano, its
neighborhing cities, and the County of Orange. The purpose of this agree-
ment is for "preserving the safety of persons and property during conditions
of extreme peril caused by such factors as enemy attack, air pollution, fire,
flood, storm, epidemic, riot or earthquakes."
Within the context of that agreement the primary responsibility of the cities
is to:
1. Accept primary responsibility for the development within each city
of a disaster plan which shall be compatible with, and complimentary
to, the County-wide disaster plan; and
2. Assure training with their respective cities.
This agreement also covers organization and financial obligations.
To date, the City has not prepared such a plan. When prepared, the plan
would:
1. Provide a basis for the conduct and coordination of operations and
the management of critical resources during emergencies;
2. Establish a mutual understanding of the authority, -responsibilities,
functions, and operations of civil government during emergencies;
3. Provide a basis for incorporating into the City emergency organ-
ization non-governmental agencies and organizations having resources
necessary to meet foreseeable emergency requiiements.
An outline has been prepared below which suggests an acceptable format for
data to be included in an emergency operations plan. Further details can
be obtained from the County Department of Emergency Services or by reviewing
plans prepared by other jurisdictions (e.g. , San Clemente has prepared a plan) .
H-15
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. PLANNING BASIS
A. Authorities and References
B. Purpose
C. Activation of the Emergency Plan
D. Planning Factors
1. General
a. Description of the City
b. The Emergency Response System
c. Standardization of Plans
d. Emergency Requirements
e. City-County Coordination
f. Private Resources
2. Supporting Organizations and Mutual Aid
a. Support to and by the City
b. Special Districts
c. Business and Industry
d. Military Support,
e. Mutual Aid
f. Operational Area
g. Americal Red Cross
3. Continuity of Government
E. Assumptions War Emergency
F. Assumptions Major Peacetime Emergencies
II. OBJECTIVES
Operational Objectives
III. GENERAL PLAN
A. Operational Concepts -- War Emergency
1. General
2. Warning Conditions
3. Readiness Conditions
4. Operational Considerations
H- 16
B. Operations Schedules -- War Emergency
1. Pre-Attack Schedule
2. Warning Conditions Schedule
3. Undamaged Area Schedule
4. Fallout-only Area Schedule
5. Fire Area Schedule
6. Final Recovery Schedule
C. Operational Concepts -- Major Pea,etime Emergencies
1. General
2. Warning
3. Basic Emergency Situation
4. Mutual Aid
D. Operation Schedule -- Mijor Peacetime Emergencies
IV. ORGANIZATION
A. Manpower
1. General
2. Disaster Service Workers
B. organizational Structure
C. The Emergency Organization
D. Staff Sections
E. Emergency Services
1. Facilities and Shelter Service
2. Welfare, Medical and Health Service
3. Law Enforcement
4. Engineer Service
5. Fire
F. Emergency Resources Management
V. TASK ASSIGNMENTS
A. General Responsibilities
B. Specific Responsibilities
1. City Council
2. Disaster Council
3. Director of Emergency Services
4. Staff Sections
H- 17
S. Emergency Services
6. Emergency Resources Management
In addition to these areas, additional detail is to be provided in the form
of attachments and "service annexes." The latter provides details about the
organization and operations of the emergency services available in a time of
emergency in San Juan Capistrano.
Finally, proclamations and/or resolutions should be prepared in advance
that permits the City to act quickly in case of emergency. These pToclam-
ations and/or resolutions include:
1. Proclamation of existence of a local emergency.
2. Proclamation of termination of a local emergency.
3. Resolution' relative to guaranteeing workman's compensation for
disaster service workers.
H-18
REFERENCES
California Emergency Council, "Suggested Proclamations."
Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, Flood Plain Information -- San Juan Creek,
November, 1970.
Defense Civil Preparedness Agency, Disaster Operations July 1972.
Haworth/Anderson/Lafer, Interim Policy Plan City of San Juan Capistrano,
June 7, 1973.
Haworth/Anderson/Lafer, Open Space and Conservation Elements City of San
Juan Capistrano.
Leighton-Yen and Assoc. , Geotechnical Inputs Seismic Safety Element
City of San Juan Capistrano, September 14, 1973.
Orange County Emergency Services Department, "Unified Orange County-Cities
Disaster Agreement," December 5, 1972.
San Clemente, City of, Emergency Plan, November, 1972.
APPENDIX A
PROPOSED FIRE SAFETY REqUIREMENTS
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM
FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS*
In California today there is a widespread lac� of adequate fire
safety measures to govern new developments in the watersheds' and
to enable fire agencies to move safely and effectively to meet
current problems of life and property protection.
Requirement of safety measures to meet these problems will de-
crease the risk to the fire hazard area, decrease the exposure- haz-
ard to life and property, enable property owners to provide a
greater measure of self protection with a greater chance of es-
caping fire damage in the absence of fire equipment, and provide
safe and adequate routes of travel for firefighting equipment and
residents .
Within designated watershed hazard areas, for the protection
of present and future improvements and their users and occupants ,
the following fire safety requirements are recommended.
Structural Fire Protection Standards
It is recommended that structural fire protection practices
as recognized by fire protection agencies be planned and provided
for subdivisions as a contingency for the approval of" proposed
new developments in wildland areas.
Safe Ingress and Egress
Area development should provide for safe and ready access for
fire and other emergency equipment and for routes of escape which
will safely handle evacuations . Therefore, road and 'street system
-designs should provide maximum circulation consistent with topo-
-graphy to meet fire safety needs--
1. Require at least two different ingress-egress routes.
2 . Require a 60-foot right of way for the construction of two
12-foot traffic lanes, two 8-foot parking lanes, and two 10-foot
roadside strips upon which the fire hazard should be abated.
Maintenance to keep roadside strips free of fire hazard should
be required.
3 . Limit cul-de-sacs to 600 feet terminated by a turn-around
right of way not less than 90 feet in diameter.
4 . Street grades should be limited to 12"V except for short
distances when topographic conditions make lesser grades impractical .. '
5 . No street or road should have a centex1ine radius of
curvature of less than 50 feet ,
6 . The responsible fire agency may remove and clear within 200
feet on each side of every roadway all flammable vegetation or
other combustible growth and may enter upon private property to do
*(Excerpt from State fire safety guidelines for CalifW-nia
watersheds)
i
so. This should not apply to single specimens of trees, ornamental
shrubbery or cultivated ground cover such as green grass, ivy, suc-
culents or similar plants used as ground covers, provided such
plants do not form a means of readily transmitting fire. As used
in this section "roadway" means that portion of a 'higbway or private
street improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel.
Fire Protection Water Facilities
Water is the most important single factor in fighting struc-
tural fires and is vital in suppressing watershed fires. Thereforek
to assure adequate and reliable water supplies for community fire
protection in hazardous areas, the following minimum requirements
are recommended--
1. The minimum size of water distribution mains on which
fire hydrants are located shouldbe a minimum 6 inches in a system
designed to permit circulating water flow as may be practical.
Hydrant spacing should not exceed 660 feet with minimum fire flow
of 500 g.p.m, required for population densities of two or less
single family residences per acre; for population densities of more
than two dwellitgs per acre, hydrant spacing should not exceed
330 feet with a minimum fire flow .of 750 g.p.m. , and more where
structural conditions require. Water source facilities should
have the capacity to support the required fire flow for a minimum
duration of two hours in addition to the maximum daily flour re-
quiremehts for other consumptive uses.
Water storage may be required to assure the rdquired minimum
duration fire flow of two hours with the single most serious
interruption to power lines, water mains, and to pump units.
The local fire authority should adjust the water quantities and
duration set forth on the basis of local conditions, exposure,
. congestion, and construction of buildings.
2. The size, type, and location of fire hydrants should meet
the approval of the responsible fire authority and of applicable
state and county regulations, with a minimum size of waterway not
smaller than the size of the street main up to a nominal 6-inch
size. A gate valve should be placed on the connection between
main and hydrants.
3 . Those spearately developed dwellings with an individual
private water supply should provide an acceptable guaranteed min-
iMum supply of water, above the amount required for domestic needs ,
that will be adequate in the judgment of the fire authority for
-fire protection for the structures.
Clearance Between Brush or Vegetative Growth dnd Structures
Brush exposure is a primary hazard to structures. Brush ig-
nites readily, burns with intense heat , and fire in it moves rapidly.
To reduce structural exposure to flames and radiant heat , and to givo
firemen a reasonable chance of saving structures, and to prr,,Vent
structural fires from becoming forest fires, minimum clearance, re-
quirements are necessary . In 1963 the State of California enacted
the below quoted Public Resources Code clearance law. This is a
minimum statewide clearance law. The enactment of local ordinanoes
is recommended where more restrictive fire safety clearance meas-
ures may more closely fit local conditions. The reconucended clear-
ance requirements may be included in local ordinances as more
restrictive measures.
1. State Forest and Fire Law Clearance Requirements.
Public Resources Code 4291: Any person who owns, leases, con-
trols, operates, or maintains any building or structure in, upon,
or adjoining any mountainous area or forest-, brush-, or gFass-
covered lands or land covered with flammable material shall at all
times do all of the following:
(a) Maintain around and adjacent to such building or struct ure
a firebreak made by removing and clearing away, for a distance of
not less than 30 feet on each side thereof or to the property line,
whichever is nearer, all flammable vegetation or other combustible
growth. This subdivision does not apply to single specimens of
trees, ornamental shrubbery, or similar plants which are used as
ground cover, provided that they do not form a means of rapidly
transmitting fire from the native growth tc; any building or
structui-e.
(b) Maintain around and adjacent to any such building or
structure additional fire protection or firebreak made by removing
all brush, flammable vegetation, or combustible growth which is
located from 30 feet to 100 feet from such building or structure
or to the property line, whichever is nearer, as .may be reql�ired
by the State Forester when he finds that because of extra hazardous
conditions a firebreak of only 30 feet around such building or
structure is not sufficient to provide reasonable fire safety.
Grass and other vegetation located more than 30 feet from such
building or structure and less than 18 incles in height above the
ground may be maintained where necessary to stabilize the soil and
prevent erosion.
(c) Remove that portion of any tree which extends within
10 feet of the outlet of any chimney or stovepipe.
(d) Maintain any tree adjacent to or overhanging any building
free of dead or dying wood.
(e) Maintain the roof of any structure free of leaves, needles
or other dead vegetative growth.
(f) Every chimney or stovepipe that is attached to any fire-
place, stove, or other device that burns any solid or liquid fuel
shall be provided and maintained at all times with a screen over
the outlet . Such screen shall be constructed of nonflammable
material with openings of not more than one-half inch in size.
2. Recommended Clearance Requirements :
(a) Lot size and placement of buildings thereon should be
such that adequate clearance of hazardous flammable vegetative
cover may be performed within the limits of the owher,s lot.
(b) The above requirements to maintain an effective fire-
break around structures in the hazardous fire area shall apply- to
both persons owning or controlling such structures and to persons
owning or controlling any land adjacent to such structures.
(c) Should these owners fail to effect the required fire-
break clearance following proper notice, the governing' authority
may cause the clearing to be done and make the expense of such
cleariing a lien against the property upon which the work was
accomplished.
Building Spacing
Slope has an important bearing on fire behavior through its
effect on wind conditions and heat radiation. Consequently, and
irrespective of brush clearance requirements, more space between
structures is required in mountainous areas than is the case on
Valley floors and coastal plains.
1. Buildings should be spaced at least 30 feet apart (minimum
15-foot setback) to minimize the exposure rist from an adjacent
structural fire and the conflagration potential of the spread of
fire from structure to structure; This spacing may be altered
to a minimum of 5 feet from the building to the property line
where buildings have features compensating for exposure to
radiated heat and the induction of sparks such as fire-resistive
materials, smooth exterior wall surfaces and overhangs.
Local fire authority shall be guided by but may adjust spacing
.requirements as set forth above on the basis of local conditions
of slope, exposure, and the construction of buildings.
2. Building densities, as determined by minimum buildable lot area
and spacing between structures, would be approximately four
dwellings per acre for slopes up to 15 percent and two dwellings
per acre for slopes from 15 to 30 percent . For slopes steeper
than 30 percent, densities would be limited to one unit for every
three to five acres, or structural development prohibited-
Building Construction and Occupancy
Construction should be to the standards pyescribed by compre-
Ilensive Buildings Codes and Fire Prevention Codes which give spenial
consideration as needed to mountain hazard areas. Important: con-
siderations are :
1. Roofs and exteriors of buildings should be of firf—
resistant materials.
iv
2. Screening of roof, attic , and underfloor openings should
be required.
3 . Suitable fire-resistant construction should be required
for all building projections (canopies and eaves), and the balconies,
decks, and unenclosed underfloor areas of stilt-type or canti-
levered homes.
4. Consideration should be give to the problems of large
window surfaces facing exposure hazards.
Mutual understanding of the fire and construction problem's 'in
the hazardous mountain areas can lead to a strengthening of stand-
ards and to a degree of standardization which would be advantageous
to both the construction industry and to the regulatory agencies.
Community Firebreaks
Firebreaks separating communities or clusters of structures
from the native vegetation are recommended. Such firebreaks would
be more properly termed "fuel-breaks" or "greenbelts" because all
vegetation need not be removed, but thinned out or landscaped so
as to reduce the volume of fuel.
1. All easements for firebreaks for fire safety of built-up
areas should encompass access for firefighting personnel and equip-
ment , which may mean motorized travel in some cases; such easements
shouldbe dedicated to this specific purpose by being recorded.
2. Community firebreaks should be coordinated with over-all
firebreak/fuelbreak plans of the mountain area.
Division of Land
In order to secure the same standards of fire safety in areas
developed outside of regular subdivisions as obtained within regular
subdivisions, any division of land into two or more parcels for the
purpose of lease, sale, conveyance, or transfer, whether immediate
or future, and which is not defined as a subdivision, should be
subject to review and prior approval by the appropriate county
authority.
Street Names and Numbers
To facilitate fire location and to avoid delays in response,
all roads, streets and buildings should be designated by name or
number clearly visible from the main travelled roadway.
Refuse Disposal
All areas planned for intensive development should include a
suitable plan for the disposal of flammable refuse. Refuse disposal
shall be in accord with county or local plans or ordinances . and
8hail not be less than State requirements (se,e Public Resou.-ce-s
4
V
Code 4371-75, Health and Safety Code 4476) . Where practical.
disposal should be by methods other than open burning.
General
It is imperative that fire safety standards be included uithin
subdivision and zoning ordinances with the same emphasis that is
now given to the threat of flood hazard and that all requests to
build within the hazardous fire area be routed by local planning
commissions to the responsible fire allthority for applicable fire
regulations and for recommendations and approval.
Authority for local fire safety ordinances is found in Public
Resources Code 4117.
"Counties, cities and counties, cities, and districts
may adopt ordinances, rules, or regulations to provide fire
prevention restrictions or regulations that are necessary to
meet local conditions of weather, vegetation, or other fire
hazards, Such ordinances, rules, or regulations may be more
restrictive than State statutes in order to meet local fire
hazard conditions."
I
It must be recognized that, because of the complex fire pro-
tection problem and because of high watershed values, there are
some areas that cannot be safely developed at the present level
of knowledge and should not be approved for development.
Landowners of existing developments in fire hazardous areas
should strive to meet as many of the recommended fire safety re-
qnirements as they can and in the best manner possible notwith-
standing, of course, the need to first comply with all requiremenTs
of State, county, city, and district laws and ordinances.
vi
APPENDIX B
PROPOSED FLOOD PLAIN REGULATIONS
ORDINANCE NO.
AN OPDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 115 BY ADDING SECTION
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY 01' SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO DOES HEREBY
ORDAIN AS *FOLLOWS :
SECTION 1. That Section consisting of subsections
through _ inclusive are hereby added to the provisions of
ordinance No. 115.
FP "FLOOD PLAIN" DISTRICT REGULATIONS.
PURPOSE. The FP Flood Plain District Regulations
shall be and hereby are applied to those areas. of the City of San
Juar. Capistrano which due to conditions of periodic flooding and
accompanying hazards require special consideration and regulations
to assure that any development or use of such areas will serve
to prevent loss of life and property and to minimize economic loss
- caused by floods.
OBJECTIVES. The general objectives of the FP
Flood Plain District are as follows:
A. To prevent loss of life and property and to minimize
economic loss caused by flood flows,
b. To establish criteria for land management and use in
Clood-prone areas that is consistent with that established by the
Fedr-ral Insurance Administration for the purpose of providing
tl,00a insurance eligibility for property owners.
C. To prohibit occupancy or the encroachment of any
�,tructure, improvement or development that would obstruct the
ntLLural flow of flood waters within a designated floodway on the
f1lood plain.
D. To regulate and control uses within and below the
elevation Of the Standard Project Flood.
APPLICABILITY. In any district where the district
symbol is followed by a part of such symbol, parenthetically en-
closed letters "FP" thus (FP) - the additional requirements,
limitations, and standards contained herein shall apply. The
district symbol shall constitute the "base district" and the (FP)
suffix shall constitute the "combining" district. In the event of
conflicting provisions of such a combined district, the require-
ments of the FP District shall take precedence over the requirements
of the bas.e district . Particular requirements, .limitations and
standards may be applied by the designation of FP-1 or FP-2
combining district.
FP-1 shall constitute the channel of a -stream or other
watercourse and that �part of the adjoining flood plain designated
and required to reasonably provide for the passage of the Inter-
mediate Regional Flood (100 year flood) .
FP-2 shall constitute that area within the overflow limits
of the Standard Project Flood, as determined by the City Council,
based upon recommendations of the City Engineer and the Orange
County Flood Control District .
That certain flood plain report , titled "Flood Plain Information
San Juan Creek (Including Arroyo Trabuco and Oso Creek)., " dated
November 1970 and amendments thereto, prepared by the Los Angeles
f); strict Corps of Engineers, is hereby included in this Ordinance
ty reference. Its interpretation by the Corps of Engineers,
the Chief Engineer of the Orange County Flood Control District,
and the City Engineer shall be the controlling data and criteria.
FP-1 USES PERMITTED. The following uses shall be
pvrmitted in the FP-1 overlay zone.
. A. Flood control channels, levees, spreading grounds
and basins, roads, bridges and diversion drains, constructed in
accordance with plans approved by the appropriate Staff of the
City and the Orange County Flood Control District.
B. Farming, including all types of agriculture and -horti-
culture except : Orchards, tree crops, nurseries for producing
trees, vines, and other permanent commercial type horticultural
stock that may obstruct the natural flow of flood waters.
C. Grazing, gardening, wildlife preserves and other
uses as determined by the Planning Commission.
FP-1 CONDITIONAL USES. The following additional
uses may be permitted subject to the approval of a Land Use Permit.
A. Public utility facilities.
B. Temporary and readily removable structures accessory
to agriculturaluses .
C. Crops and tree farming.
D. Recreation areas, parks, campgrounds, playgrounds,
Hshing lakes, bunting clubs , riding and hiking trails, golf
cour.ses , golf driving ranges, parking lots, all of which involve
orly th.e open use of land without permanent structures or improve-
M(-.-nts .
Said use permits shall be subject to review and r9commendations
of the City Engineer and the Orange County Flood Control District
prior to Planning Commission approval . This is for the purpose
of minimizing or eliminating extensive damage by flooding and. min-
imizing obstruction to flood flow.
FP-1 USES SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED. The following
uses are specifically prohibited in the FP-1 overlay zone.
A. Human habitations.
B. Storage of floatable substances or materials which
will add to the debris load of a stream or watercourse, unless
readily removable, should flood warnings be issued.
C. Improvements, developments, or encroachments which
w ill endanger life and property or that will obstruct the natural
flow of flood waters or impair the ability of the floodway to carry
and discharge the waters resulting from ihe Intermediate Regional
Flood such that the natural water profile will not be raised more
than one foot at any point, as determined by the Corps of Engineers,
Chief Engineer of the Orange County Flood Control District and the
City Engineer.
D. All uses not permitted by Sections through
FP-1 NON-CONFORMING STRUCTURES. Any buildings
or structures existing on any premises on the effective date of
any application of the FP-1 zone, which are inconsistent wimb the
provisions thereof , will be allowed to remain, except :
iv
A. Any existing structure damaged in excess of 507a
of its reasonable value by flood, fire, -explosion, or acts of
God shall be removed. Any existing structure damaged to a degree
les�� than 507a of its fair market value by such events may be re-
paired or restored subject to a determination by the Planning-
Commission through the issuance of a Land Use Permit that such
restoration and repair will not adversely affect public health
and safety.
B. The enlargement , expansion, extension, or change in
the use of any structure may not be permitted. This determination
shall be made by the City Council.
I
.FP-2 USES PERMITTED. The following uses shall be
permitted in the FP-2 overlay zone.
A. All uses permitted in the VP-1 zone.
B. Orchards, tree crops, nurseries for producing trees,
vines, and other horticultural stock and similar open space or
'.agricultural uses.
C. Other similar uses as determined by the Planning
Commission.
FP-2 CONDITIONAL USES. The following additional
uses may be permitted subject to the approval Of a. Land Use Permit.
A. Public utility facilities.
B. Temporary and readily rerhovable structures accessory
to agricultural uses .
C. Recreation areas, parks, campgrounds, playgrounds,
fishing laRes, hunting clubs, riding and hiking trails , golf
courses, golf driving ranges, parking lots, all of which involve
v
only the open use of land without permanent structures or improve-
ments .
D. All other uses permitted by the bas4 district, sub-
ject to each of the conditions set forth below: I
1. Flood protective measures shall be required t6
be installed in a manner meeting with the approval of the City
Engineer and the Chief Engineer of the Orange County Flood Con-
trol District .
2. The bottom elevation of any structure shall be
at least one foot above the level of the Standard Project Flood.
Exceptions may be recommended by the City Building and Safety
Department only for non-residential structures which are adequately
flood-proofed in accordance with the Building Code, up to the
level of the Standard Project Flood.
3 . Landfills, improvements, developments or other_
encroachment effect on the Standard Project Flood level such that
the water surface elevations of said Standard Project Flood are
increased by more than one foot shall be fully offset by require-
ments for stream improvements meeting with the approval of the City
Engineer and the Chief Engineer of the Orange County Flood Con-
trol District , and the Corp's of Engineers.
FP-2 USES SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED. The following
uses are specifically prohibited from the FP-2 overlay zone.
A. Landfills, improvements, developments, or other
encroachments that would increase water surface elevations of the
Standard Project Flood more than one foot or that cannot be fully
offset by stream improvements, as provided in Section
Vi
B. Excavations that will tend to broaden the' flood plain
or direct flood flows out of the natural flood plain .
C. Storage of floatable substances or materials which
will add to the debris load of a stream or watercourse, unless
readily removable, should floodmarnings be issued.
D. All uses not permitted by Sections - through
FP-2 NON-CONFORMING STRUCTURES. The conditions
and regulations as set forth by Section of the F-P-1 overlay
zone shall apply .
APPENDIX C
AIR POLLUTION ABATEMENT ACTIONS
(November 9, 1973)
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PRON 93 1 M1
1776
JACK Y. KUSOTA W. 1). MURPH�
CITY V.NGINKCR OIRXCTOR OF rUSLIC WORKS
BENNY DAVIS
PUBLIC WORKS SUPT.
November 9, 1973
Environmental Protection Agency
Region IX (Attn: ERC)
100 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
Dear Mr. DeFalco:
We hereby submit our plan detailing abatement actions which we feel
are reasonable and appropriate for our city government during an
air pollution emergency episode. The information supplied covers
only direct city services and does not include contract services.
A. General Information
1. Agency name: City of San Juan Capistrano
32400 Paseo Adelanto
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
2. Total number of employees- 27
3, Number of locations within Control Area: 2
4. Number of locations which have stationary sources (direct
emitters) of hydrocarbon emissions: 1 (6 mgd Treatment
Facility)
5. Number of agency-operated motor vehicles: iO
Number of autos, light-duty trucks, and other light
vehicles (1/2-3/4 ton pickups & panel trucks) : 5
Number of heavy-duty trucks, buses, etc. : 5
6. Principal services/products:
a. Principal products manufactured: None
b. Principal services rendered:
Those typical to a municipality plus regional sanitary
treatment plant.
c. Principal products transported : transport activities only
occur incidentally to the performance of other functions -
such transport activities are minimal in extent.
d. Principal products sold in retail trade: none
e. Recreat�ion facilities: Three small parks
B. Air Pollution Episode Abatement Plan
1. Stage I Abatement Actions :
a. Measures to decrease emissions of hydrocarbons (Station-
ary sources) .
our stationary source of hydrocarbon emissions is our
pump engines at our Sanitary Treatment Facilities. This
plant is regional in nature and does not have any on-
site storage capacity. This requires that the engines
must be maintained at all times.
b. Measures to decrease patronage: None'
Although the City owns three small municipal park sites
we would not attempt to regulate or close these facilities
as they serve primarily the local areas.
c. Measures to decrease motor vehicle travel by employees
going to and from work:
All city employees will be advised of the request to
reduce their motor vehicle travel to and from work on
air pollution episode days. Employees will be encouraged
to use public transportation and form car pools on days
when Stage I Episodes are predicted.
d. Measures to decrease use of fieet vehicles :
Once a Stage I alert is declared, no employees will be
allowed to begin trips in city vehicles other than
emergency services . Furthermore, any employees already
on trips in city vehicles will be contacted (where
possible) and instructed not to drive more miles than
it would take (1) to return to the office or city yard,
or (2) ,to go directly home, whichever is the shorter
distance. Those already on trips need not return im-
mediately as long as this condition is met.
2. Stage II Abatement Actions
a. All Stage I Actions will be continued and all employees
will be transfered to duties that will create no hydro-
carbon emissions.
b. Essential and Critical Functions
The City Manager's office has reviewed all of the functions
performed by the city and we believe that the following
functions are essential and should be exempted from any
form of mandatory controls imposed during air pollution
emergencies:
i. TREATMENT PLANT EMPLOYEES
All treatment plant employees will be maintained at their
station in order to provide the necessary sanitary treat-
ment services.
iii. , TRAFFIC MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL
The city's Traffic Maintenance D�partment performs as
one of its duties the repair of broken traffic signs.
Since a broken traffic sign could result in serious or
fatal injuries from traffic accidents, one member of the
Traffic Maintenance Department will be placed on standby
duty. This individual would remain at home and would
respond to repair traffic signs as requested by the
Sherilf's Department.
2. Stage III Abatement Actions
Stage III Abatement Actions are identical to those at
Stage II.
C. Employee, Briefing and Notification Procedures
1. Procedures for briefing employees on the plan adopted by our
City once the Federal Episode Program has been promulgated :
a. An information packet will be sent to all employees.
b. Briefing sessions will be conducted by the Personnel
Office: Current employees will attend in groups.
a. New employees will be briefed at the time they report
for work.
2. Employee Notification Procedures for use when a Federal Air
Pollution Alert is declared: I
a. once informed that a Federal Alert has been called during'
working hours, the City Manager wiil activate response
activities. Notification will proceed down the chain of
authority.
b. For episodes called during non-working hours, notifi-
cation will have to occur through the general notifi-
cation channels such as the mass media (including radio, . _
and television) and, possibly, through the Civil Defense
network.
D. Post-Episode Reporting
1. The City' s episode coordinator will prepare, a report detail-
ing the response of the City's employees for each day that a
Federal Alert has been called.
2. He will, in particular, specify problems encountered and
significant deviations from the pre-designated City Plan.
He will make recommendations for improving the Plan's
effectiveness, as appropriate.
3. This report will be presented to the City Manager, with copies
to the City Council and to EPA. The City Manager will, with
the Council's approval, take adequate steps in accordance with
the Plan Coordinator's report and recommendations.
E. Additional Comments and Recommendations
Within the General Plan of the City there is an attempt to stim-
ulate transportation on both bicycle and equestrian trails. The
citizen -policies have reflected the need to seriously review the
automobile as a major source of transportation.
F. official legally responsible for ensuring that applicable pro-
visions of the Federal Episode Program, once promulgated, will
actually be implemented by our City during a Federal Air Pollution
Alert :
name: Donald G. Weidner
title : City Manager
-business address : 32400 Paseo Adelanto
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
G. Episode Plan Coordinator: W. D. Murphy, Director of Public Works
office telephone: 714-493-1171
home telephone: 714-496-8399
business address : City Hall
32400 Paseo Adelanto
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
If any questions arise regarding this plan, please feel free to call
me at 714-493-1171.
Sincerely,
CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
W. D. Maxkp YA
Director of �ubl_ c Works
Attachment A
iv
Attachment A
City of San Jualk Capistrano
Item A. 4.
City of San Juan Capistrano Locations within the
Control Area:
City Hall
32400 Paseo Adelanto
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Number of employees: 21
Water Pollution Control Facility
34152 Del Obispo Street
Dana Point, CA 92629
Number of employees: 6
-VI
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS REGIONAL COOPERATION FOR REGIONAL PROBLEMS
1111 WEST SIXTH STREET SUITE 400 LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA 90017 213/481-0095
May 25, 1974
Dear Planning Director and Seminar Participants:
Enclosed is a copy of the "Proceedings for the Seismic and Public
Safety Element Seminar" held on April 10, 1974. We hope that the
Seminar was useful to those who were able to attend and -that these
Proceedinqs 'will be of additional benefit to you in your own efforts
on these important general plan elements.
Sincerely,
Edward Holden
Director of Planning
EH:pee
Enclosure
too
ISO
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eeko eo.
SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS FOR
THE SEISMIC AND PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT SEMINAR
APRIL 10, 1974
SPONSORED BY
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION I
Edward Holden, SCAG Director Of Planning
WHAT IS A SEISMIC/PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT?
Dr. James Slosson, State Geologist And Chief, Division Of
Mines And Geology
Fred Silva, State Office Of Planning And Research
Questions And Discussion
FUNDAMENTAL INFORMATION NEEDED IN PREPARING THE ELEMENT
Eric Orme, Emergency Services Coordinator, Office of
Emergency Services
Carl Johnson, President, Johnson & Nielsen, Structural Engineers
Captain Sam Crisa, Los Angeles Fire Department
Julie Sgarzi, Assistant To Director of SCAG Criminal Justice
Program
Questions And Discussion
APPLICATION OF GEOLOGIC HAZARDS INFORMATION TO LAND-USE PLANNING 7
George Mader, William Spangle & Assoc.
Questions And Discussion
DEFINING ACCEPTABLE RISK 10
John Wiggins, President, J. H. Wiggins Company
IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMS 12
Robert E. James, Admi,nistrator, City Of San Fernando
WRAP UP AND ADJOURNMENT 12
Dr. Victor Magistrale, Director Of SCAG Environmental Systems
Planning
Summary of, Prodeedings for
THE SEISMIC AND PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT SEMINAR
Southern California Association of Governments, Sponsor
Montebello Country Club
April 10, 1974
The Seismic and Public Safety Element Seminar was� designed to provide the parti-
cipants with information and technical assistance in the preparation of these two
mandated elements. A group of people with expertise and experience was brought
together to'give their views and share their experiences with the audience. Be-
cause the purpose of the Seminar was to provide information we felt it appropriate
and important to provide this program summary to the participants and all the
cities and counties in the region.
What follows is a summary of each speaker's statement and some of the questio.ns
and answers to those statements.
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
EDWARD HOLDEN, SCAG DIRECTOR OF PLANNING
The state requires every local governmental jurisdiction to prepare an acceptablp
seismic/public safety element as part of the general plan. The purpose of this
seminar is to bring together planners, building officials, and other local gov-
ernment decisi6n-makers with hte officials and technically oriented professionals
to enable those engaged in preparing the elements to find out first-hand exactly
what this element is and just how it can best be prepared.
WHAT IS A SEISMIC/PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT?
DR. JAMES tLOSSON, STATE GEOLOGIST AND CHIEF, DIVISION OF MINES AND GEOLOGY
In 'the 50 states, based on past data, 1 ,500 persons will lose their lives in a
2-year period as a direct result of earthquakes. Those in the SCAG region can
expect three moderate earthquakes during their lifetime. The aftershock of our
1971 earthquake prompted the state legislature to require submission of seismic/
public safety elements from local governmental jurisdictions in order to reduce as
far as possible the 'loss of life and property resulting from such acts of Mother .
Nature.
Such an element should be based on data prepared by a qualified, licensed
geologist and in consultation with soil and structural engineers . Faults within
at least 50 miles of your city, should be considered and analyzed in terms of po-
tential (active, inactive), magnitudes, and ground accelerations (through subsur-
face material). Slopes and landslide possibilities should be considered.
Potential water damage should be carefully assessed. If the water table is with-
in 50 feet of the surface, liquefaction and the composition of alluvial materials
must be investigated. Tbb location of local reservoirs, their age, and their
safety factor should be documented. (The -state will provide information on inun-
dation areas) . Earthquake-induced waves in the ocean (tsunami ) , where 10-15 feet
run-up is possible, and within reservoirs and i*nland Wiesof water. should be re-
viewed.
The Division of Mines and Geology cah provide basic geologic data for all areas ot
stale. A fault map of the state will soon be available, Bulletin III examines the
San Fernando earthquake, and 198 deals with urban geology. The "Geologic/Seismic
Report Guidelines for Hospitals and Public Utilities" will help In preparing codes.
"Meeting the Earthquake Challenge�' provides a synopsis of what legislation may be
expected in the future.
The Alquist-Priolo Act (SB 520) requires that geologic data reports be submitted,
that major faults be mapped in order of priority, that local governments inform
homeowners of their proximity to faults In terms of 1/4 mile wide areas, that no
building be constructed within 50 feet of a fault, that local governments review
and decide on permits, and that licensed geologists and engineers be involved in
the review. The only exception is I to 2 family residences. This act may require
augmentation of local staffs or contracting with private parties or other govern-
ments. Local governments are liable wherever they grant permits; neither ignorance
nor acts of God is any longer considered an excuse.
Slides of the San Fernando earthquake demonstrate that earthquakes are generating'
more energy than was thought befo�e (1 ,000 landslides occurred). Legislation is
now pending that will require fire departments to be sub'j*dct to the same review
as hospitals and public utilities since power failure could prevent their auto-
matic doors from opening and allowing the engines out. Many siting mistakes have
been made in the past: U., C. Berkeley Is located on the Hayward fault and NASA
structures are nearby; a freeway interchange in San Bernardino County is directly
over the San Jacinto fault, the most active branch of the San Andreas,
FRED SILVA, STATE OFFICE OF PLANNING AND RESEARCH
Although the State Planning Act dates from the '20s, the state followed a permis-
sIve policy Until the '60s, when first housing and then th� environmental Issues
began to change the state's view of its role. The policy now is more toward con-
straint planning$ e.g. , requirement of air resources, open space, seismic elements.
SB 90 does provide some state financial aid to local governments for such studies,
but it is not, of course, retroactive.
The state requires that every general plan consist of nine elements, and each ele-
ment , must be implemented within I year after the adoption of guidelines by the
state. Extensions are granted In certain cases. The state has two powerful sanc-
tions on its side: liability and the consistency requirement. For example, zoning
ordinances must be consistent with the general plan. Under Section 65860, the
local governments are liable for suit under consistency if there is no seismic
element by the time required. Local officials must take the possibility of being
held liable in cases where no element exists or where permits are granted under
the element with consequent excessive loss of property of life very seriously.
And more constraint planning is in the offing.
3.
QUESTIONS FROM PANEL AND AUDIENCE
PANEL: Robert Theob.ald, Los Angeles County; Robert Dawson, City of Long Beach;
John Gordon, DireCt—or of Planning, Baldwin Park.
What is the planner's role in developing the seismic/public safety
.,t?ball:
A. The planner's role is to develop policy and goal statements as well as a program
for achieving them based (partially) on the geologic and engineering data and expertise
available to him. He must be concerned with existing development (pre-1933 free-
standing unreinforced masonry structures are the greatest problem) , new growth and
development, and with marshalling the resources available to meet seismic/public
safety problems.
Q. Dawson: What is the correlation between risk and land use?
A. This question will be answered in greater detail in the afternoon session.
Plann6rs must work with geologists and engineers to develop a methodology for recon-
ciling risk and various land uses, but the planner must also consider other factors
--including social , economic, environmental--in any resolution of the problem.
Q. Gordon: What exactly are the functions of the state and of the local governments
in oeveloping the seismic/public safety element?
A. Slosson: The state identifies and maps the faults throughout the state. It
modifies an updates the maps. The 16cal government informs property owners of
their location in respect to faults and establishes codes and reviews. The state
does not interfere with the local governments in these regards, and there is no
requirement of zoning changes, although in some instances cities have decided to
modify building codes as a result of their findings.
Q. The innundation maps made and released by the state must be taken into account
T)Y_ local governments, but what can they really do about the problems, and can they
be held liable?
A. Slosson: Older dams are really the only problem since newer 'ones are built to
7i�thstand almost anything we can expect, and most older dams are in Northern Cal-
ifornia. Local governments must, however, consider replacement or renovation of
existing older dams. In regard to liability, the Federal Disaster Act does indicate
government will pick up the bill . As indicated earlier, local governments are
liable for suit under consistency if there is no s.eismi-c element by the time re-
quired. I
Q. Can you sketch out the preferred process for the development of the seismic/
public safety element?
A. Slosson : Please do not take a single-purpose, functional approach. Considera-
t-1-o-n-o-T—constraints in relation to public policy and commuiiity needs is the pre-
ferred approach.
Silva: Setting standards is what makes the plan work. The element is not simply
a report. It is an exercise of the police power, a tool to be used in the imple-
mentation of public policy. Use the intergovernmental process in developing the
element. Combine resources, take a comprehensive approach. It is unfortunately
4.
true that political jurisdictions and geblogic boundaries do not coincide.
Q. What is the policy on granting extension requests?
A. Silva: The criteria for reviewing extension requests are now being considered
by the Council on Intergovernmental Relations. Three considerations presently
seem pertinent:
1. availability of data to the local government--it may be forthcoming
from another unit of government and presently unavailable,
2. availability of staff--has the intergovernmental approach been tried?,
and
3. perhaps most importantly$ what kind of progress has been made? Re-
quests for extensions should include:
a. a resolution from the governing bodys
b. justification for the request,
c. a work program for completion, and
d. a timetable for completion.l .
Q. What is the public safety part of the element?
A. Silva: Matters to be considered include the 'continued functioning of fire,
police, and governmental offices in case of emergency (SB 1372) , traffic controls
and restrictions, and panic control--informing the public of hazards and of what
to do in case of emergency. It is almost the public administration part of the
element: Do you have a system that can handle disasters?
Subsequent to this Seminari Extension Criteria have been adopted by CIR.
5.
FUNDAMENTAL INFORMATION NEEDED- IN PREPARING THE ELEMENT
ERIC ORME, EMERGENCY SERVICES COORDINATOR, OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES.
The objective of emergency services planning is to provide assistance quickly and
effectively whenever needed. The California Emergency Services Act (1970) re-
cognizes the responsibility of the state in assisting local jurisdictions. The
state's role is to tie together plans of the various levels of government. The-
Disaster Council consists of representatives from each county (each of which has
a small but full-time staff) four regional state offices, and the Federal Disaster
Assistance Agency (formerly 6EP) and the Defense Civil Preparedness Agency. The
state's Emergency Plan is really a family of plans. The basic plan establishes
the organization and assigns responsibility. The various contingency plans are
based upon hazard analysis and depend on exchange of data; their purpose is to
develop the resources available and to coordinate the efforts at all levels to
mitigate a disaster in any jurisdiction. Intergovernmental cooperation is the
cornerstone of the entire program.
CARL JOHNSON, PRESIDENT, JOHNSON & NIELSEN, STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
The structural engineer's main role in developing the seismic/public safety element
is as an advisor. Structural engineers take the data (which identify and appraise
ihe .seismic hazards) of geotechnical soil scientists and try to develop better
standards for buildings. But no improvement of standards is effective unless the
standards are enforced diligently. All engineering disciplines must be involved,
for nonstructural failures (e.g. , elev*ators, generators, etc. ) are responsible
for the majority of property damage and loss.
CAPTAIN SAM CRISA, LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT
Modern technology has both increased fire fighting efficiency and added to the fire
department's problems in the form of traffic congestion, fuel tankers, brush fires
fueled by housing materials, airports, among others. Constingency plans must take
account of time of day in estimatingaccessibility of a disaster site and availabil-
ity of water. Coordination of effort by all city departments is essential to ef-
fective fire protection. The perspective gained by cooperation between the fire
department and city planning personnel has resulted in an improved Fire Facilities
Plan for Los Angeles.
JULIE SGARZI, ASSISTANT TO DIRECTOR OF SCAG CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAM
Crime prevention is part of the public safety aspect of the element. "Defensible
space" is a term employed by researchers like Oscar Newman (primarily physical
planning and environmental design) and Harold Malt (emphasis on streets and public,
open space) to denote an idea directed toward bringing the environment back to the
residents and thus to enhancing the quality of life. The objective of the defensi-
ble space concept is to create an environment that will reduce crime, vandalism,
accidents, and fear, thus encouraging use of public spaces 'and assumption
of responsibility for keeping them safe. To accomplish'this objective, the
planning department must maximize the use of existing resources, e.g. , data and
involvement from police, fire, and building departments in compiling community crime
maps, accident patterns, and correlations with physical design.
6.
Newman has verified that crime rates 'inc�ease In direct proportion to the height
of a building; he advocates that developments contain a mixture of density and
design and no more than 50 units per acre. Malt has proposed that planning depart-
ments consider these questions:
1 . Is the physical environment an accessory or deterrent to street crime?
2. How does fear of crime reduce the public's use of public facilities?
3. Is it possible for the environment to serve as a safety element?
The public should become increasingly aware of the concept and conscious of their
sphere of influence� their "territoriality." On a technical level , planners
should consider the concept in respect to hardware requirements (safety glass, anti-
intrusion devicess etc.) . lighting levels, access and visibility (territoriality) ,
landscaping, parking facilities, transportation systems, and the impact of housing
projects, in an effort to reduce the opportunity for crime
QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION
0. Shouldn't the innundation maps prepared by the state designate the level of
hazard to population areas? How does the state propose to inform the public of
any hazard?
A. Orme: Yes, it is desirable to have some designation of the level, of hazard in
�_ase of innundation. The licensed engineers in charge of preparing the maps
have been instructed to be relatively conservative In assessing the safety of dams.
When the maps are prepared, priority areas identified, and methods of evacuation
evaluated, an orientation conference will be held in each county as part of the
public awareness and preparedness process.
Q. The state requirements for the local jurisdiction disaster plans are too highly
structured and inflexible. Is anything being done about this?
A. RnggL A committee of state and local officials is working to provide for great-
er flexibility and responsiveness in these local plans and to loosen the state's
funding structure. One major problem is the requirements imposed by the federal
government upon local jurisdictions to qualify for federal funds. The state has
been able to modify these, but only slightly.
Q. Do local agencieg have any �opportunity to test their disaster preparedness
organization?
A. Orme: The University of California does administer an Emergency Operations
Timulation Training (EOST) program, during which local Jurisdictions can test their
operation.. Contact the university to get on its testing schedule.
_Q_- Should the seismic/safety element employ ground response spectra for micro-
zoning procedures? Is this level of technical sophistication necessary or even
desirable?
A. Johnson: This degree of sophistication is needed only in large cities in the
Tas f very large buildings.
Slosson: The ground response studies available now are inappropriate. More and
better data will be available in the future, so 'don't §et involved in an expensive
program now. Do ,catalog geologic conditions and key codes so certain studies are
necessary for certain types of developments when they occur.
_Qme_* State standards will probably be set eventually.
7.
APPLICATION OF GEOLOGIC HAZARDS' INFORMATION TO LAND-USE PLANNING
GEORGE MADER, WILLIAM SPANGLE & ASSOC.
The disciplines represented by those involved in preparing basic studies for the
seismic/safety element determine how far those studies might go in providing guidance
for land-use decisions. Those prepared by geologists alone (examples: La Mirada,
La Habra) might involve the mapping of surface and subsurface geologic features,
int,erpretation of the geologic data, and preparation of matrices to Provide the
basis for further interpretation. They might indicate the type of geotechnical
investigation needed in each hazard zono and in some instances indicate whether
development should or should not occur.
The multidisciplinary team study goes further in placing limitations on and provid-
ing guidance for land use. In a geology and structural engineering study of the
Santa Clara Baylands, geologic mapping produced typical subsurface profiles ex-
hibiting different reactions under building, under fill , and under seismic loadings.
After collation of profiles, surface effects, and subsurface cause and risk, the
profil,es were assigned to five different risk zones. After analysis of geotechnical
problems and the relation of structural types to these problems , the team assigned
land and building uses suitable to each risk zone, thus placing a level of constraint
on the distribution of uses. They recommended that a review board analyze proposals
for development in the light of knowledge then available, but that the correlations
of uses to risk zones be left unchanged.
Another interdisciplinary study was concerned with development policy for a land-
slide area in an unincorporated area s-outh of Portola Valley. . Detailed geologic
maps, then a movement-potential-of-undisturbed-ground map were prepared. To
determine policy on development in the various areas, the town council selected an
ad hoc geologic committee (3 engineering geologists, 2 geologists, I soil engineer,
I attorney, and 1 planner) . The committee developed a rating system for desirability
of various types of development, directly relating land use to the relative stability
map. By adopting the maps and land-use policy as part of the general plan, addition-
al constraints to development were incurred since land previously considered suit-
able for development was now designated for use as open space.
It is evident that seismic/public safety elements need more than basic geologic in-
put if they are to be useful to the planner. Structural and soil engineers can aid
in relating the geologic materials to land-use planning.
The implementation of policy relative to the seismeic/public safety element requires
the observance of certain guidelines:
1 . Use geologic hazard data at all ttages in the planning "devblopment proc�ss
_general. plan; zoning, subdivi�ion, and grading ordinances; building code-- -
including increasing detail at each stage.
2. Provide authority in planning legislation to require consideration of
geologic data at each and every stage. Requirement of such data is now
largely at local option, but there are more and more provisions at the
state level .
3. Provide for geologic advice on behlf of the governmental entity. A
geologist (full time or consultant) is just-as necessary as a structural
engineer.
8.
He could:
a. educate officials in the use of geologic data,
b. advise in revision of planning regulations,
c. collect and maintain geologic data,
d. help in preparing and maintaining the general plans
e. review applications for development,
f. review geologic reports and advise on actions
g. review building and grading permits, and
h. assist in preparation of EIRs.
4. Develop legislation that regulates only as specifically as the geologic
data warrants. Restrictive regulation is premature if based only on
general information.
5. Compile geologic data in a form understandable and readily available to
the layman (interpretive maps, hazard categories) to prevent costly
mistakes.
Geologic provisions in planning regulations have been important in shaping develop-
ment i-n essentially vacant lands in the Portola Valley. The zoning approach has
been effective in controlling development along the San Andreas faults which runs
through the floor of the valley, by requiring special building set-back lines along
the fault (greater setbacks in areas where not pinpointed exactly unless the devel-
oper can pinpoint) , PUDs and subdivision developments are subject to a geologic
map and a relative stability map, identifying developable land and that to be left
for open space.
Certain changes in the urban fabric could improve our response in populated areas
to an impending earthquake:
1 . removal of nonstructural building appurtenances,
2. structural improvements,
3. change in occupancy (land-use patterns) ,
4. clearance and reuse of land,
5. density transfer,
6. improvement In construction standards, and
7. consideration of emergency procedures.
The seismic/public safety element is peculiar in that it is really a background
study to preparation of the general plan, but the state, at present, can only leg-
islate elements, not background studies.
9.
Perhaps state legislation should be o.verhauled to recognize this distinction.
The planner has two basic responsibilites in the preparation of the element:
1 . to see that the products prepared are useful in the planning process, and,
2. to be innovative in his implementation devices (land use) .
QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION
Q. Should planners use geologic hazards to justify open space?
A. Some consideration certainly must be given to land values; value may be so high
-9—lat the expense of development is justified. Perhaps economic return should play
T role in determining zoning in cases where landowner A has only 50% of his land
stable whereas landowner B's land is all developable. Less valuable land on the
fringes may justify less density. Use the flexible regulation approach. Variables
must be considered in the context of each jurisdiction.
Q. How does the assessor view hazards vis-a-vis land use?
A. In communities which have regulations that limit development on unstable lands
Ein'd follow through on such a basis, the assessor does take this into account and
does- adjust assessed valuation in accordance.
10.
DEFINING ACCEPTABLE RISK
JOHN WIGGINS, PRESIDENT, J. H. WIGGINS COMPANY
The philosophical base of balanced risk analysis is that life as man can conceive
it is always uncertain; that for man to live in harmony and therefore equity, there
must be a mechanism to lessen this uncertainty; and that this mechanism must be
based on an intelligent, informed approach.
Balanced risk analysis must reconcile six basic aspects of any problem:
1 . social--motives, needs, citizen and group input,
2. technical--source, attenuation, site, structure, response, ,damage;
3. administrative--planner, policing officials;
4. political--federal , state) local policymakers;
5. legal--regulations, liability;
6. economic--cost (probably the governing factor) .
This approach requires a "total imagination" to first find a way through fantasy
and lies into fact and existence and then to create perspectives for the facts it
has found. It asks: What is the knowledge we have? What Is not known? What is
knowable? What: is that which cannot be known? Ih'making decisions it distinguishes
between acceptable and unacceptable risks� tolerable and untolerable risks.
This mechanism for treating such knowledge in an equitable manner--balancing the
goods for all people as best can be done at a particular time--will in the long run
minimize costs, reduce foreseeable loss, establish equitable insurance policies and
permit operations to proceed or not (as long as everyone is concerned. with the same
specifics) .
Various ways of establishing the dollar value of the average human being are exer-
cised every day. Every person Is at all times either in a motor vehicle� at work,
in a public place, or at �ome. The risk associated with each activity is roughly
the same (I to 2 times IOPper 10�000 persons exposed per year) . Computations of an
individual 's worth vary from $75�000 (earning power) to $115,000 (accident rate/ -
dollar loss--GNP and death by all causes) to $250,000 (care of mg1formed children) .
Today we tolerate the mean value of a human life to be about $10 . Money is simply
the middle-man for exchanging time relating to all the activities in a human being's
lifetime.
How a person or city wants to conduct life is what determines the risks taken. A
risk continuum can be computed for various activities. In establishing guidelines
for differentiating between risk, we recognize voluntary risk that cannot be
eliminated, but losses resulting can be reduced by planning and by improvement and
enforcement of codes. A voluntary risk may become involuntary (the automobile) and
require regulation by government because of the benefit derived or the percentage
of the population participating in the risk. A person's choice of occupation, re-
creation, mode of transportation, determine his risk factor; the "risky" man's risk
factor is 10 times higher than that of a llcauti6us'� mah. We all , individuals and
Institutions alike, make decisions based on our judgment of benefits derived, losses
anticipatad, and the costs of reducing risks.
A concrete example of the application of this philosophy is the development of the
Long Beach earthquake ordinance dealing with earthquake hazards of existing build-
ings. The resulting program involved the following:
1 . Vor%ing together with the consultant, the community and' the city'officials
chosd the generil risk level to be tolerated. 'L . . . I 1 . . 1 .
2. C�iners of potentially hazardous buildings were given options, guided by
.e phasing charts and risk tables, as to human exposure and time to de-
Molition which matched the generalized risk selected.
3. A caneral performance code was developed for structural engineers. to follow.�
in upgrading the resistance capacity of structures.
4. Uniform, hazard grading formulae were provided the city building official
for rating individual structural hazards.
5. IMorey was the general risk level determinant.
(Incidentally, we must be cognizant of the fact that uncertainties in the informa-
tion we are using to derive earthquake engineering formulae make these formulae and
resultinS, attenuation curves subject to rather wide variance) .
The court decisions relating to flood plain zoning can tell us much in the way of
what to expect. in other such areas. The major lesson is to match the level of re-
gulation to the severity of the risk. If you are causing more loss -of money than
you are saving, then that regulation can be overturned. The courts have required:
1 . historical data,
2. a �,ell-defined map,
3. P_ clear statement of prohibited and permitted uses,
4. perform.ance standards of uses, and
5. scre flexibility for nonconforming uses.
The costs involved in earthquake engineering are distributed among predisaster ad-
justrents, aarning systems 'earthquake prevention, insurance, structural protection
(zoning and building regulations) , hazards building relief, and postdisaster ad-
justrents . The risk inherent in the Uniform Building Code for the State of Califor-
nia is SEO million and 50 deaths per year. Shaking is responsible for 95% of this
damase. A increased cost for invoking a stricter building code in California,
where Sl�
C billion is spent on construction per year, (and $1 . is lost for every
$10,COG s.rent) would decrease losses by a factor of 100. It finally comes down to
dollars anzi death. How many dollars are we willing to spend for increased time?
What is cur normative value system? How safe is safe enough?
12.
IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMS
kOBERT ,E. JAMES, ADMINISTRATOR, CITY OF SAN FERNANDO
At the time of the 1971 earthquake� San Fernando's general plan was less than 2
years old. The earthquake, by destroying or severely damaging the city's old build-
ings, eliminated one of its greatest problems. An updated general plan was under:
taken with 701 funds and it included a seismic element that defined the areas sub
Ject to seismic hazards and fault locations. Public meetings were held to stem the
public outcry when certain areas were identified as hazardous.,
The city is presently involved in:
1 . improved disaster preparedness planning,
2. improvement of disaster response capabilities,
3. zoning and land use planning, particularly in the hazardous zones,
4. earthquake insurance improvement, and
5. developing greater public awareness of seismic hazards.
Responsibility for beginning the actions 'necessary to protect the health and welfare
of citizens must begin at the local level. Because local agencies and counties can
become too bogged down in economic and political considerationsi,the state must pro-
vide leadership, laws, and expertise. Counties should coordinate mutual aid and
manpower, material resources, and public awareness programs. Regional agencies
could perhaps best serve as clearing houses of technical Information.
Citizens must be involved at all stages and in all aspects of the planning process
if it is to be successful .
WRAP UR,�AND ADJOURNMENT
DR. VICTOR MAGISTRALE� DIRECTOR OF SCAG ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PLANNING
The morning sessions made it clear that public safety and the whole area of emergency
planning are part of the seismic element, whereas the afternoon presentations stressed
how to develop such a seismic/public safety element. One theme that emergeO
was that the geotechnical information available is necessary and basic an is
improving daily. The planner's role is to see that this raw data Is submitted In a
form appropriate for use in establishing policy. He must create a flexible imple-
mentation program that takes into account the constant improvement of both geologic
data and structural techniques. Local officials must be mindful that regulation fit
the geologic condition, for they may be held liable to legal suit for either over -
or under-regulation.
The seismic/public safety element will act as a constraint in land-use planning,
influencing earlier, older elements. Several participats anticipate more constraints
from the state in the future. Perhaps even a social element will eventually be de-
veloped to stimulate social planning to avoid or alleviate certain conditions, such
as catastrophic unemployment rate.
13.
The necessity of cooperation between disciplines, within the planning profession,
and among the levels of government and departments 'in order to achieve an efficient
and effective allocation of resources for ensuring public safety was a recurring
theme in today's discussions.
(d) A filinsit OvIactit iihowhig it propose.d system of trall.jit J $eimte Bill No. 1257
lij)cs, fitc1lidiw, r�ipid trzinAt, filejor epa(4t qnq trill.
ivy Lfwicll hiles, illi I rk-loted Nellitios.
(e) A public q�!�-Vicos flild fluilitiel elculpfit olow cell.
I Ing CHAPTER 1026
11al platis 101. svIVvlaIIo, refuse dkjaikial, drainago, and loold
alilitius, alld easolifluills, Ilud fqiliticii for then), 2.1
Av act to wnciid Seetiov 65303 of, all(] to add Sectioa 6530—
(f) A public bailkliiq, elcrilent showing, clitlitiozili 41u) 4r. to, the Government Code, relating to local plunoijig.
'allgellikelAs of civic ;1114 coll kill kill ity i� A�
"bliti schools, lif
Aarics, polive and tire 8(�Itiouki, Pit pthVii"putiliq b .,,4'VW (APProved by Governor October 13, 1071. Piled With
Secretary ot State October 13, 1971.)
licluding fliciv architec J"*co Pa FftepolitiO 0
1161. grounds.
oIf �ttij4,jard,' 'The people of the State of California do eatict as follows.
- it element a
(g) A k;ojamunity desig onsistili
ilia uI,!,SvcTroN 1. Section 65302.1 is added to the Governikillit
ind principle.i i"overnilig the sidikilvi4ilip of laud, lint) -allow, f
'ceckillillolided dvk;jwakI toll a I' ,
gode�to read
A 6
)IMILAA end i doyelopinent, incifiding jit �021, : The general plan shall also include �jn addition
6
Ilay,,r0LlIl(jF; kind other uties, ?P�ta tho elements speo-iflod fit Section 65302, a safct�_&,lllelit foi-
the' protection of the community from firas and geologic b az-
�d
jil4i I' �!" , 1, 11 V
or the dw�jjiji# 4ndiflonq., 1 13 L 4rdg including features necessary for skicii proteetion as evilicu-
,vains for the cliwilultiol� of slums lk�ki laps and l"I'6- ition routes, peak load water supply requirements, millimulli
(i) A redevelopment
Vrolut 41id for Y FoII4 wiqtb8, clearances around structures and geologic baz�
ollin)till ity redevelopment" iuQlkuiiIjff
-cas of knowa geologic fiazal,c1q, I
housing sifesL blisiticiiii I mapping in ai
ud industrial sitcki,'Public buil4ing p
iteo,�,0 lid fof cither purm fto' 2. . Section 65303 of the Government Code is arriended
msQs authaiiYA by laly.
to react;
(j) 81101 '04(litiOlitil� ('101aeots'
f If,
65303; The general plan may include the following cle�
y1lich ill tho juclgilielit of t le p0p,411114 4#04ey" ppt �hf
of the I V wentq or'any part or phase thereof
(4) A recreation, elevient showing a comprolieniiive systcra
t
IT Y qr:PI,
o areas ?in p
f 4 ublic sites for recreation, including the follow-
log,, and, ,w their locations and proposed de-
w hen practicable
Velopment:
(1) Natural reservations.
(2) Parks.
(3) Parkways.
f (4) Beaches.
M Playgrounds.
(4) 'Other recreation areas,
(b) The circulation element provided for in Seetion
65302(b) may also include recommendations concerning park-
jug facilities and building setback lines and the delineations of
Ipw systems on the landi a system of street lianking, house
h
J." I.
ii6d building numbering; and such other matters as may be
relate tot e
d b finprovement of circulation of traffic.
(c)' A transportation element lihowing a comprehensive
transportation system, including locations of rights-of-way,
viaducts, and grade Separations. This element of
f
-;terminals,
the'Plan rnay also include prt, harbor, aviation, and related
4
//0,6
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY
ELEMENT OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN
I . INTRODUCTION
This Environmental Impact Report has been prepared pursuant to
the requirements oF the California Environmental Quality Act.
I� is the intent of this report to explore and evaluate the
significant city-wide environmental impacts of the Public Safety
Element of the City of. Newport - Beach General Plan . This element
does not propose any specific development, but rather establishes
long-range guidelines and a short-term action program to insure ..
that public safety considerations are included within any, future*
plans for the physical development in the City of Newport Beach . `
II . ' BACKGROUND
This Element is one of ten Elements which will be included in
the complete General Plan for the City of Newport Beach , and
represents one of the final steps in the completion of the General
Plan Program which was initiated in August , 1971 . Since that date
eight Elements have been adopted , based on information presented
at numerous h�earings , meetings and study sessions hel 'd with elected
public officials , their representatives , and citizens of the
community.
III . SCOPE OF REPORT
This report considers the significant city-wide environmental
impacts of this Element of the General Plan on existing and future
development. It does not consider environmental impacts of any
specific project which may subsequently be built in compliance
with this Element, nor does it exempt any such project from
complying with the requirements of the California Environmental
Quality Act. A detailed Environmental Impact Report 'on the entire
General Plan will be prepared after all individual Elements are
adopted.
IV . OBJECTIVES OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT
The overall objective of the General Plan Program is to implement
the basic policy of the General Plan Policy Report which reads as
follows :
" IN PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE OF THE COMMUNITY , it shall be
the basic underlying goal of the City of Newport Beach to
protect and enhance the City ' s special charm and
character; its unique natural and man-made physical
environment; its attractive visual environment, and the
wide range of social , economic, cultural , educational
and recreational opportunitie's which have contributed
to the high quality of life enjoyed by its citizens . "
Consistent with this overall goal , the objective of the Public
Safety Element is to introduce safety considerations into the
planning process in order to reduce loss of life , injuries , damage
to property , and economic and social dislocation resulting from
such natural physical phenomenon as fire , flood, and dangerous
geologic occurrences .
It is further intended that this Element satisfy the State require-
ment that local General Plans contain a "Safety Element" , a
"Seismic Safety Element" and identify areas subject to flood hazard .
Section 65302 of the Government Code states , in part, th-&t—t-h�e
General Plan shall include:
1 . "A safety element for the protection of the
community from fires and geologic hazards
including features necessary for such protection
as evacuation routes , pe-ak I o-ac�'water s;u-pp-ly
-In
requirements , minimum road widths , clearances
around structures , and geologic hazard mapping
in areas of known geologic hazard. "
2 . "A seismic safety element consisting of an
identification and appraisal of seismic hazards
such as susceptibility to surface ruptures from
faulting , to ground shaking , to ground failures ,
or to the effects of seismically induced
waves such as tsunamis and seiches .
Tke seismic safety el'ement shall also include an
appraisal of mudslides , landslides , and slope
stability as necessary geologic hazards that
must be considered simultaneously with other
hazards such as possible surface ruptures from
faulting , ground shaking , ground failure and
seismically induced waves . "
This Element includes consideration of natural physical hazards
in three major sections :
Section I - Geologic Hazards
Section 2 - Flood Hazards
Section 3 - Fire Hazards from Undeveloped Areas
V. DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The City of Newport Beach is located along the southwesterly, edge
of the Los Angeles Basin , adjacent to the Pacific Ocean . Due
to this location , the City is subject to those natural physical
hazards which threaten the region , namely: earthquakes , fires in
natural -undeveloped areas , a nd flooding . In addition , there are
aspects of the local environmental setting which contribute to
the risks . The Public Safety Element identifies the regional alld--
local aspects of these potential hazards and proposes measures to
reduce the risk to persons and property .
VI . ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
A. The Environmental Impact of the Proposed Action :
The Public Safety Element will create no adverse environmental
impacts . The Element provides for the introduction of safety
considerations into the planning process . As such , if any
impacts were to be found, they must be deemed beneficial to the
health , safety and welfare of the residents of Newport Beach .
B . Any Adverse Environmental Effects Which Cannot be Avoided
If the Proposal is Implemented .
The Public Safety Element will serve to protect and enhance the ,
environment of the City and will have no significant adverse
environmental effects .
C. Mitigation Measures Proposed to Minimize the Impact.
There will be no significant adverse environmental impacts and
therefore no mitigation measures are required or proposed . It should
be noted that the proposed Element is itself a mitigation measure
to protect against the adverse environmental impact which occur if .
this Element were not adopted .
D. Alternatives to the Prop6.sed Action .
One alternative would be a "no project" alternative , simply not
adopting this Element. This would not be satisfactory as development
could occur without public safety considerations . Furthermore , the
Element ' s component parts are required by State Law to be adopted.
14�
E . Relationship Between Local Short-Term Uses of Man ' s Environz-
ment and the Maintenance and Enhancement of Long-Term
T-roductivity.
The Public Safety Element is a long-range guide which provides for
the safety of the City ' s citizens , as such it does not represent
a short-term use of man ' s environment .
F. 8ny Ir,,r2versible Environmental Changes Which Would Be
Rvol d in the Proposed Action , Should It Be Implemented.
The Public S afety Element will not create any irreversible
environmental changes ; but rather will help to limit and control
irreversible adverse changes in the City of Newport Beach .
G. The Growth- Inducing Impact of the Proposed Action .
The public Safety Element will not have a growth inducing impact .
VII . SUMMARY
The Public Safety Element , like other elements of the General Plan ,
is intended to preserve and protect the environment of the community.
Therefore, the adoption of this Element will have beneficial
long-term errvironmental impacts . It should be stressed that
any future developments which may be proposed in compliance with
this Element will be subject to detailed environmental revi'ew.
01,44