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FROM: Garret Olson, Fire Chief
Prepared By: Julie Cox, Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT: LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
RECOMMENDATION
Receive a progress report on the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update and provide input to staff
regarding the draft plan.
DISCUSSION
Background
Through the Hazard Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000), the U.S. Congress set a goal to encourage
local governments and states to develop plans and undertake projects to mitigate the impact of
natural disasters to a community before disasters occur. Federal requirements established by the
Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) as a result of this legislation, include a
requirement that hazard mitigation plans be reviewed and updated a minimum of every five years,
and following any major disaster declaration, to maintain eligibility for funding and technical
assistance from state and Federal hazard mitigation programs.
In 2006, the San Luis Obispo City Council adopted the City’s first Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
(LHMP), which was subsequently reviewed by the California Office of Emergency Services
(CalOES), and approved by FEMA. Recognizing that the City’s 2006 LHMP expired in 2011, the
Fire Department applied for and was awarded a grant from CalOES and FEMA, to support an
update to the City’s LHMP.
In June 2013, efforts to review and update the 2006 LHMP began, with the establishment of a
hazard mitigation team (described below), discussion of hazard mitigation actions completed since
2006, and circulation of an online survey to solicit community input. These key inputs helped to
refine the current draft of the 2014 LHMP.
Plan Organization
The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan provides guidance on how to reduce the community’s
vulnerability to natural hazards. This 2014 LHMP consists of eight sections, as described below.
Additionally, the DMA 2000 planning requirements are identified in their appropriate sections
throughout the LHMP.
1. Executive Summary - Describes the regulatory requirements of the LHMP and summarizes
the plan contents and organization.
Meeting Date
Item Number 02-04-2014
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 2
2. Community Profile - Offers a description of the City of San Luis Obispo, including its
history, geography, economy, climate, current population trends and demographics, and
current development trends and land use.
3. Planning Process - Describes the planning process, identifies the Hazard Mitigation Team
members and the key stakeholders within the community and surrounding region. In
addition, this section documents public outreach activities and the review and incorporation
of relevant plans, reports, and other appropriate information.
4. Risk Assessment - Describes the process through which the Hazard Mitigation Team
identified and prioritized relevant natural hazards. Updated hazard profiles for each
identified hazard includes: a definition of the hazard, a history of the hazard’s impact on the
City, the location of the hazard within the extent of the City, the hazard’s extent, and the
probability of future hazard events within the City.
5. Vulnerability Assessment - Includes a vulnerability assessment, summarizing the
identified hazards’ impact on critical and essential facilities and infrastructure. An
estimate of the potential dollar losses to vulnerable structures is presented.
6. Capability Assessment - Provides an overview of the City’s plans and policies, as well as
personnel, technical, and financial capabilities that are available to support hazard
mitigation. City department and external agency capabilities that promote hazard mitigation
are also included.
7. Mitigation Strategy - Describes, the Hazard Mitigation Team developed a list of mitigation
goals, objectives, and actions based upon the findings of the risk assessment and the
capability assessment. Based upon these goals and objectives, the Hazard Mitigation Team
reviewed and prioritized a comprehensive range of appropriate mitigation actions to address
the risks facing the community.
8. Plan Maintenance Process - Describes the Hazard Mitigation Team’s formal plan
maintenance process to ensure that the LHMP remains an active and applicable document.
The process includes monitoring, evaluating, and updating the LHMP; implementation
through existing planning mechanisms; and continued public involvement.
Hazard Mitigation Team
Similar to the collaborative efforts utilized in the 2006 LHMP preparation, the Hazard Mitigation
Team (HMT) was reconvened to assist in the preparation of the 2014 LHMP. The HMT, led by the
Fire Department consisted of representatives from all city departments, and participation from
County Departments (Airports, Office of Emergency Services, Public Health) and other local
organizations or agencies critical to the City’s hazard mitigation and disaster response efforts (e.g.
California Highway Patrol, American Red Cross, Cal Poly, French Hospital Medical Center, Sierra
Vista Regional Medical Center).
Throughout the process, the HMT formally convened on two occasions, with additional discussion
and review of draft materials occurring throughout the process. The HMT reviewed and provided
input on the community outreach survey, the list and ranking of identified hazards, the asset
inventory, mitigation strategy, and plan maintenance process.
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 3
Community Input
To better understand the community’s understanding and concerns regarding natural hazards and
local response, the City solicited input from the community in the form of an online survey to
determine:
1. How the community prioritizes hazards facing San Luis Obispo.
2. Actions the City and community can take to reduce future damage from natural hazards.
3. How local government officials can better communicate natural hazard risks to the public.
This online survey was promoted through several city outlets and departments from July through
September 2013 and solicited responses from 325 individuals. A detailed discussion of the survey
results are provided in Section 3 of the 2014 LHMP.
Next Steps
Following the February 4, 2014 City Council meeting, staff will revise the draft plan in response to
comments or questions received from the public and direction provided by Council. Following
revisions, the LHMP will return to council for formal adoption in March. Once adopted by council,
the LHMP will be sent to CalOES for review and comment. CalOES will then send LHMP to
FEMA for approval.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update has been funded by FEMA through a grant of $64,711
from Cal OES which included a 25% match requirement. Any additional funding needed to
complete the grant will be covered by the Fire Department budget.
ALTERNATIVES
Council could direct the staff to modify the plan before returning for approval on March 18, 2014.
ATTACHMENT
Draft Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
T:\Council Agenda Reports\2014\2014-02-04\Hazard Mitigation Plan Update (Olson-Cox)\ECAR Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan 2 4 14.docx
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ATTACHMENT
City of San Luis Obispo Draft Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
January 2014
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2014 City of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Table of Contents
Section 1 Executive Summary .................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Plan Description ............................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Plan Purpose and Authority ............................................................................................. 2
1.3 Plan Adoption ................................................................................................................... 2
Section 2 City of San Luis Obispo Community Profile ............................................................ 3
2.1 History .............................................................................................................................. 3
2.2 Geography ........................................................................................................................ 3
2.3 Population and Demographics ......................................................................................... 3
2.4 Economy........................................................................................................................... 4
2.5 Climate ............................................................................................................................. 5
2.6 Land Use .......................................................................................................................... 5
2.7 Development Trends ........................................................................................................ 5
Section 3 Planning Process ....................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Overview of Planning Process ......................................................................................... 6
3.2 Hazard Mitigation Team .................................................................................................. 6
3.2.1 Formation of the Hazard Mitigation Team ............................................................... 6
3.2.2 Hazard Mitigation Team Meetings ........................................................................... 8
3.3 Public Involvement ........................................................................................................ 10
3.3.1 Online Public Survey .............................................................................................. 10
3.3.2 Promotions .............................................................................................................. 10
3.3.3 Results ..................................................................................................................... 11
3.3.4 Opportunities........................................................................................................... 18
3.3.5 Public Review Period .............................................................................................. 19
3.4 Incorporation of Existing Plans and Other Relevant Information .................................. 19
Section 4 Risk Assessment ..................................................................................................... 20
4.1 Hazard Identification and Prioritization ......................................................................... 20
4.2 Hazard Profiles ............................................................................................................... 23
4.2.1 Earthquakes and Liquefactions ............................................................................... 23
4.2.2 Wildland Fire .......................................................................................................... 37
4.2.3 Adverse Weather ..................................................................................................... 42
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2014 City of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
4.2.4 Hazardous Materials Events ................................................................................... 48
4.2.5 Floods ...................................................................................................................... 52
4.2.6 Pandemic ................................................................................................................. 58
4.2.7 Landslides ............................................................................................................... 61
Section 5 Vulnerability Assessment ....................................................................................... 66
5.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................ 66
5.2 Key Assets – Critical and Essential Facilities and Infrastructure .................................. 66
5.2.1 Mapping .................................................................................................................. 70
5.3 Vulnerability Assessment Methodology ........................................................................ 73
5.4 Risk to Applicable Hazards and Potential Loss Estimates ............................................. 74
5.4.1 Earthquake .............................................................................................................. 74
5.4.2 Liquefaction ............................................................................................................ 77
5.4.3 Wildland Fire .......................................................................................................... 80
5.4.4 Adverse Weather ..................................................................................................... 81
5.4.5 Hazardous Materials Events ................................................................................... 82
5.4.6 Flood ....................................................................................................................... 82
5.4.7 Pandemic ................................................................................................................. 84
5.4.8 Landslide ................................................................................................................. 84
5.5 Summary of Vulnerability .............................................................................................. 86
5.5.1 Significant Hazards ................................................................................................. 92
5.5.2 Facilities at Most Risk ............................................................................................ 92
5.5.3 Potential Losses ...................................................................................................... 94
5.5.4 Climate Change Exacerbations ............................................................................... 94
Section 6 Capability Assessment ............................................................................................ 95
6.1 Plan and Policy Resources ............................................................................................. 95
6.2 Personnel Resources ....................................................................................................... 96
6.3 Technical Resources ....................................................................................................... 97
6.4 Financial Resources........................................................................................................ 97
6.5 Department Capabilities ................................................................................................. 98
6.6 External Agency Capabilities ....................................................................................... 103
Section 7 Mitigation Strategy ............................................................................................... 108
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2014 City of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
7.1 Mitigation Goals and Objectives .................................................................................. 108
7.2 Mitigation Progress ...................................................................................................... 109
7.3 Mitigation Actions........................................................................................................ 110
7.4 Action Plan ................................................................................................................... 114
Section 8 Plan Maintenance .................................................................................................. 118
8.1 Plan Monitoring, Evaluating, and Updating................................................................. 118
8.2 Continued Public Involvement ..................................................................................... 119
Section 9 References ............................................................................................................. 120
List of Figures
Figure 2-1 Location of San Luis Obispo City in San Luis Obispo County and State of California 3
Figure 2-2 San Luis Obispo Population .......................................................................................... 4
Figure 3-1 Survey Participant Interest in the City ........................................................................ 11
Figure 3-2 Past Natural Hazard Events and Property Damage (Residents Only)......................... 12
Figure 3-3 Average Potential Hazard Level of Concern .............................................................. 12
Figure 3-4 Actions Taken to Mitigate Damage ............................................................................ 13
Figure 3-5 Home Insurance Coverage .......................................................................................... 14
Figure 3-6 Supplies Ready during a Natural Hazard .................................................................... 14
Figure 3-7 Emergency Evacuation Plans for Pets and Large Animals ......................................... 15
Figure 3-8 Awareness of Potential Neighbor Needs ..................................................................... 15
Figure 3-9 CERT Participants and Interest ................................................................................... 16
Figure 3-10 Workplace Susceptibility to Natural Hazards ........................................................... 16
Figure 3-11 Workplace Emergency Preparedness ........................................................................ 17
Figure 3-12 Important things local government can do to help communities be more prepared for
a disaster........................................................................................................................................ 18
Figure 4-1 City of San Luis Obispo Earthquake Faults ................................................................ 28
Figure 4-2 City of San Luis Obispo Earthquake Fault Zone of Required Investigation .............. 29
Figure 4-3 City of San Luis Obispo Potential Impacts from Ground Shaking ............................. 31
Figure 4-4 City of San Luis Obispo Liquefaction Susceptibility ................................................. 33
Figure 4-5 City of San Luis Obispo URM Building Status .......................................................... 35
Figure 4-6 Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Map .............................................................................. 37
Figure 4-7 Necessary Conditions for Wildland Fire ..................................................................... 37
Figure 4-8 City of San Luis Obispo Past Fires ............................................................................. 39
Figure 4-9 City of San Luis Obispo Fire Hazard Severity Zones ................................................. 41
Figure 4-10 Probability of 32 degree temperature by weeks in each month ................................ 48
Figure 4-11 Flooding at Los Osos Valley Road and Highway 101 .............................................. 53
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2014 City of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Figure 4-12 Impacts of 1969 Flooding: Car sinks in Johnson Avenue "puddle" and gas station is
closed in Atascadero ..................................................................................................................... 54
Figure 4-13 1973 Flooding at Broad and Lincoln in the City of San Luis Obispo ...................... 54
Figure 4-14 City of San Luis Obispo Special Flood Hazard Areas .............................................. 56
Figure 4-15 Location of Orcutt Area Specific Plan ...................................................................... 62
Figure 4-16 City of San Luis Obispo Landslide Potential ............................................................ 64
Figure 5-1 City of San Luis Obispo Key Assets in Northern Portion of City .............................. 71
Figure 5-2 City of San Luis Obispo Key Assets in Southern Portion of City .............................. 72
List of Tables
Table 3-1 2014 Hazard Mitigation Team Members ....................................................................... 7
Table 4-1 Hazard Identification and Prioritization Worksheet ..................................................... 21
Table 4-2 Hazard Prioritization Exercise Legend ......................................................................... 22
Table 4-3 Richter Scale ................................................................................................................. 23
Table 4-4 Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale for Earthquakes ...................................................... 24
4-5 Historical Accounts of Adverse Weather ............................................................................... 44
4-6 San Luis Obispo Lowest Recorded Temperature ................................................................... 46
4-7 Fujita Scale ............................................................................................................................. 47
Table 4-8 City of San Luis Obispo Hazardous Materials Release Incidents August 2003 - August
2013............................................................................................................................................... 50
Table 5-1 City of San Luis Obispo Key Assets ............................................................................ 67
Table 5-2 Total Linear Feet of Key Infrastructure in Alquist Priolo Fault Zone of Required
Investigation .................................................................................................................................. 74
Table 5-3 Key Asset Ground Shake Potential .............................................................................. 75
Table 5-4 Key Infrastructure Ground Shake Potential ................................................................. 77
Table 5-5 Key Assets with Medium Liquefaction Potential ......................................................... 77
Table 5-6 Key Infrastructure Liquefaction Potential .................................................................... 80
Table 5-7 Key Assets Fire Hazard Severity Potential .................................................................. 80
Table 5-8 Key Infrastructure Fire Hazard Severity Potential ....................................................... 81
Table 5-9 Key Assets Flood Hazard Potential .............................................................................. 82
Table 5-10 Key Infrastructure Flood Hazard Potential................................................................. 84
Table 5-11 Key Assets with High Landslide Potential ................................................................. 85
Table 5-12 Key Infrastructure Landslide Potential ....................................................................... 86
Table 5-13 Risk Assessment Summary Table .............................................................................. 87
Table 5-14 City of San Luis Obispo Facilities at Most Risk ........................................................ 92
Table 5-15 Most Costly City of San Luis Obispo Key Assets ..................................................... 94
Table 6-1 Capabilities and Resources by Department .................................................................. 98
Table 6-2 Capabilities and Resources by External Agency ........................................................ 103
Table 7-1 2014 Mitigation Actions ............................................................................................. 111
Table 7-2 Action Plan Matrix ..................................................................................................... 117
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ATTACHMENT
2014 City of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 1 | Page
Section 1 Executive Summary
1.1 Plan Description
This 2014 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) is an update to the City of San Luis
Obispo’s 2006 LHMP. The plan consists of eight sections, as described below.
Additionally, the DMA 2000 planning requirements are identified in their appropriate
sections throughout the LHMP.
Community Profile
Section 2 offers a description of the City of San Luis Obispo, including its history,
geography, economy, climate, current population trends and demographics, and current
development trends and land use.
Planning Process
Section 3 describes the planning process, identifies the Hazard Mitigation Team members and
the key stakeholders within the community and surrounding region. In addition, this section
documents public outreach activities and the review and incorporation of relevant plans,
reports, and other appropriate information.
Risk Assessment
Section 4 describes the process through which the Hazard Mitigation Team identified and
prioritized relevant natural hazards. Updated hazard profiles for each identified hazard includes:
a definition of the hazard, a history of the hazard’s impact on the City, the location of the hazard
within the extent of the City, the hazard’s extent, and the probability of future hazard events
within the City.
Vulnerability Assessment
Section 5 includes a vulnerability assessment, summarizing the identified hazards’ impact on
critical and essential facilities and infrastructure. An estimate of the potential dollar losses to
vulnerable structures is presented.
Capability Assessment
Section 6 provides an overview of the City’s plans and policies, as well as personnel,
technical, and financial capabilities that are available to support hazard mitigation. City
department and external agency capabilities that promote hazard mitigation are also
included.
Mitigation Strategy
As Section 7 describes, the Hazard Mitigation Team developed a list of mitigation goals,
objectives, and actions based upon the findings of the risk assessment and the capability
assessment. Based upon these goals and objectives, the Hazard Mitigation Team reviewed
and prioritized a comprehensive range of appropriate mitigation actions to address the risks
facing the community.
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2014 City of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 2 | Page
Plan Maintenance Process
Section 8 describes the Hazard Mitigation Team’s formal plan maintenance process to ensure
that the LHMP remains an active and applicable document. The process includes monitoring,
evaluating, and updating the LHMP; implementation through existing planning mechanisms;
and continued public involvement.
References
The section lists the reference materials used to prepare this LHMP.
Appendices
The appendices include the Adoption Resolution, public outreach documentation, and a
crosswalk for compliance with the DMA 2000.
1.2 Plan Purpose and Authority
The Disaster Mitigation Act (DMA) of 2000, also commonly known as “The 2000 Stafford Act
Amendments” (the Act), constitutes an effort by the Federal government to reduce the rising cost
of disasters. The Act stresses the importance of mitigation planning and disaster preparedness
prior to an event.
Mitigation Planning Section 322 of the Act requires local governments to develop and submit
mitigation plans in order to qualify for Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant program
funds. The City of San Luis Obispo must have a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP)
approved pursuant to §201.6 in order to receive FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) project
grants or to receive HMA funding. The LHMP is written to meet the statutory requirements of
DMA 2000 (P.L. 106-390), enacted on October 30, 2000, and 44 CFR Part 201 – Mitigation
Planning, Interim Final Rule, published on February 26, 2002.
In October 2011, FEMA released a Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide (Guide) in order to help
“Federal and State officials assess Local Mitigation Plans in a fair and consistent manner.” Local
jurisdictions must demonstrate that proposed mitigation actions are based upon a sound planning
process that accounts for the inherent risk and capabilities of the individual communities as
stated in §201.5 of the Rule. The Guide includes a Plan Review Tool to assist reviewers in
assuring all required components are present in submitted LHMPs.
During the 2014 update of this LHMP, the Guide was consulted for the purpose of ensuring
thoroughness, diligence, and compliance with the DMA 2000 planning requirements.
1.3 Plan Adoption
This plan was adopted by the City of San Luis Obispo City Council on XXX. The adoption
resolution that constitutes the adoption of this plan can be found in Appendix X.
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2014 City of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 3 | Page
Section 2 City of San Luis Obispo Community Profile
2.1 History
San Luis Obispo’s early settlement began with the founding of Mission San Luis Obispo de
Tolosa in 1772 by Father Junipero Serra. By 1870, the community had grown to a population of
1,579, and became a charter city in 1876. Historic influences on the growth and development in
San Luis Obispo include its beginnings as a center for agricultural productivity, the extension of
the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1894, and the establishment of the polytechnic school,
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in 1901.
Today, agricultural, transportation, government, and educational activities continue to play a
major role in the demographic, economic, land use and development characteristics of the City.
These characteristics and proactive protection of the City’s natural and scenic resources
contribute to the small-town charm and high quality of life that San Luis Obispo’s residents
enjoy.
2.2 Geography
Midway between Los Angeles
and San Francisco, San Luis
Obispo is accessible via
Highway 101 and Highway 1.
The City is an estimated 10.7
square miles and is surrounded
by protected open spaces and
productive agricultural lands.
The City lies to the west of the
Santa Lucia Mountains, and is
located 8 miles east of the
Pacific Ocean. San Luis
Obispo has an average
elevation of 300 feet above sea
level, with the most prominent
peaks located just outside of
the city limits, Cerro San Luis
and Bishop Peak standing at
1,292 and 1,559 feet above sea
level, respectively.
2.3 Population and Demographics
As of the 2010 Census, San Luis Obispo had a population of 45,119 residents and 19,193
households. The presence of nearby Cal Poly and the recognition that much of the student
population lives in the City results in a median age of 26.5, nearly nine years younger than
California’s median age of 35.2. Accordingly, with a younger median age, owner-occupied
households account for 39% of all households, while approximately 61% of households are
renter-occupied.
Figure 2-1 Location of San Luis Obispo City in San
Luis Obispo County and State of California
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2014 City of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4 | Page
Between 1950 and 1990, the City grew from a population of 14,180 to just under 42,000, see
Figure 2-1. Since 1990, the City has maintained an average growth rate of less than 1% per year.
Figure 2-2 San Luis Obispo Population
Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
2.4 Economy
As the civic, economic, and cultural hub of the Central Coast, the City serves as the County Seat
of San Luis Obispo. With major regional employers such as Cal Poly, state agencies, PG&E,
Tenet Health Care, and the County of San Luis Obispo, the City has an estimated daytime
population of more than 70,000 people.
The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Association are active
collaborators and leaders in supporting the retention and expansion of local businesses in San
Luis Obispo. The City’s leading industries include accommodation and food services, retail,
professional services, health care, information and technology, public administration, and
educational sectors.
To support the high quality of life and economic vitality of the community, San Luis Obispo is
considered a full-service city, providing police, fire, water, sewer, streets, transit, parking,
planning, building, engineering, and parks and recreation services to the community.
14
,
1
8
0
20
,
4
3
7
28
,
0
3
6
34
,
2
5
2
41
,
9
5
8
44
,
1
7
4
45
,
1
1
9
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
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2014 City of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 5 | Page
2.5 Climate
San Luis Obispo is considered to demonstrate characteristics of a Mediterranean climate with an
average temperature of 70.2 degrees Fahrenheit. While generally considered a mild climate,
weather patterns and events have historically observed both unseasonably warm periods and cold
spells. Due to its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, San Luis Obispo is also subject to coastal
weather influences such as dense fog that typically rolls into the City through the Chorro Valley
and steady on-shore wind patterns.
2.6 Land Use
The City’s diverse economic activities have resulted in a balanced inventory of land uses. In
nonresidential uses, the City has nearly 11 million square feet in gross floor area in retail (33%),
office (25%), service and manufacturing (32%) and institutional (10%) uses.
Within the City, approximately 52.5% of all residential units are considered to be single family
(9,069 detached, 1,223 attached). The City also has more than 7,900 multi-family housing units
(40.7 %) and 1,300 mobile homes (6.8%).
2.7 Development Trends
San Luis Obispo has traditionally expanded through the establishment of many diverse
neighborhoods that have a mix of residential and commercial uses. With Mission Plaza and
downtown at the heart of the City, development trends have transitioned from the historic
neighborhoods immediately adjacent to Downtown, to post-World War II growth in areas along
the foothills of the Santa Lucia mountains, surrounding Laguna Lake, and in the northern areas
of town near the growing Cal Poly. Recent development efforts have focused on incorporating
additional housing opportunities in the historic downtown core, through the renovation of
historic structures and infill development on underutilized and vacant land.
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2014 City of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 6 | Page
Section 3 Planning Process
3.1 Overview of Planning Process
The City of San Luis Obispo Hazard Mitigation Team reconvened to prepare this 2014 update to
their Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Planning Process Section, outlined in Sections 3.2 to
3.4 below, documents the changes to the planning process that have taken place since the 2006
plan was adopted. Significant updates to the plan include:
• New members and additional agencies/departments on the Hazard Mitigation Team
• Inclusion of an online public survey
• Modifications to identified hazards and hazard rankings
• Updated historical hazard information and GIS data included in hazard profiles
• Updated asset inventory and replacement values included in the vulnerability assessment
• Updated capabilities assessment, mitigation strategy, and plan maintenance procedures
3.2 Hazard Mitigation Team
3.2.1 Formation of the Hazard Mitigation Team
The City’s Disaster Preparedness Committee began the planning process for the City’s 2006
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan in August of 2004. This committee, lead by Fire Chief Wolfgang
Knabe and comprised of other City department representatives from Fire, Police, Public Works,
Utilities, and Administration, formed the City’s Hazard Mitigation Team. While these City
departments still reside on the Hazard Mitigation Team, the representatives from these
departments have changed for this plan update. Also, representatives from additional City and
County departments and other relevant organizations have been added to the Hazard Mitigation
Team since the 2006 update. These agencies include:
DMA Requirements §201.6(b) and §201.6(c)(1):
An open public involvement process is essential to the development of an effective plan.
In order to develop a more comprehensive approach to reducing the effects of natural
disasters, the planning process shall include:
(1) An opportunity for the public to comment on the plan during the drafting stage and
prior to plan approval;
(2) An opportunity for neighboring communities, local and regional agencies involved in
hazard mitigation activities, and agencies that have the authority to regulate
development as well as businesses, academia, and other private and nonprofit
interests to be involved in the planning process; and
(3) Review and incorporation, if appropriate, of existing plans, studies, reports, and
technical information. [The plan shall document] the planning process used to
develop the plan, including how it was prepared, who was involved in the process,
and how the public was involved.
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2014 City of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 7 | Page
• American Red Cross
• California Highway Patrol
• California Polytechnic University
• City of San Luis Obispo Community Development Department
• City of San Luis Obispo Finance and IT Department
• City of San Luis Obispo Natural Resources Department
• City of San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Department
• County of San Luis Obispo Airports
• County of San Luis Obispo Office of Emergency Services
• County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department
• French Hospital Medical Center
• San Luis Coastal Unified School District
• Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center
The Hazard Mitigation Team members for this 2014 update can be found in the table below.
Table 3-1 2014 Hazard Mitigation Team Members
Name Title Agency Department
Ron Alsop
Emergency Services
Manager County of San Luis Obispo
Office of
Emergency
Services
Dani Althaus Intern, Natural Resources City of San Luis Obispo Natural Resources
Mary Andrews GIS Specialist City of San Luis Obispo Finance and IT
Cheryl Blair
Administrative Analyst,
Utilities City of San Luis Obispo Utilities
James Bremer Recreation Supervisor City of San Luis Obispo
Parks and
Recreation
Doug Carscaden Ranger Services Supervisor City of San Luis Obispo
Parks and
Recreation
Michael Codron Assistant City Manager City of San Luis Obispo Administration
David Conn Professor Cal Poly
City and Regional
Planning
Julie Cox
Project Lead,
Administrative Analyst,
Fire Department City of San Luis Obispo Fire
Mark D'Arelli Lieutenant CA Highway Patrol - SLO
Paul Deis
Manager, Emergency
Services American Red Cross
Dan Farnum
Director Facilities
Management
French Hospital Medical
Center Plant Maintenance
Rick Ford
Director of Plant
Operations
Sierra Vista Regional Medical
Center Plant Operations
Daryl Grigsby Director, Public Works City of San Luis Obispo Public Works
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2014 City of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 8 | Page
Name Title Agency Department
Hal Hannula Senior Civil Engineer City of San Luis Obispo
Community
Development
Meg Henry
SHMP Update Research
Coordinator Cal Poly
City and Regional
Planning
Richard Howell Regional Manager, Airport County of San Luis Obispo Airports
Derek Johnson
Director, Community
Development City of San Luis Obispo
Community
Development
Katie Lichtig City Manager City of San Luis Obispo Administration
Barbara Lynch Deputy Director City of San Luis Obispo Public Works
Rodger Maggio Fire Marshal City of San Luis Obispo Fire
David Majors Engineering Mechanic
French Hospital Medical
Center Plant Maintenance
Carrie Mattingly Utilities Director City of San Luis Obispo Utilities
Kim Murry
Deputy Director,
Community Development City of San Luis Obispo
Community
Development
Garret Olson Fire Chief City of San Luis Obispo Fire
Wayne Padilla Director, Finance and IT City of San Luis Obispo Finance and IT
Ryan Pinkerton
Assistant Superintendent of
Business Services
San Luis Coastal Unified
School District Business Services
Craig Piper
Assistant General Manager,
Airport County of San Luis Obispo Airports
David Ragsdale
Director of Environmental
Health and Safety Cal Poly
Risk Management
and Environmental
Health and Safety
Michelle
Shoresman
Emergency Preparedness
Program Manager County of San Luis Obispo Public Health
William Siembieda Faculty Cal Poly
City and Regional
Planning
Shelly Stanwyck
Director, Parks and
Recreation City of San Luis Obispo
Parks and
Recreation
Keith Storton Police Captain City of San Luis Obispo Police
Ken Topping Lecturer Cal Poly
City and Regional
Planning
David Yun GIS Supervisor City of San Luis Obispo Finance and IT
3.2.2 Hazard Mitigation Team Meetings
3.2.2.1 Kickoff Meeting
The City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan kickoff meeting occurred on June 19, 2013. The
attendees reviewed the City departments that participated in the 2006 hazard mitigation plan
preparation and identified representatives from these departments as well as additional City and
County departments and relevant agencies from the non-profit and volunteer sector, Cal Poly,
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Special Districts, private utility companies, and the Chamber of Commerce who could be invited
to be members of the Hazard Mitigation Team.
The meeting participants also agreed upon a planning process/public outreach approach and
schedule. The public outreach online survey used during the San Luis Obispo County 2014
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update was reviewed and suggestions were made to revise the survey for
the City’s plan update.
The meeting participants reviewed the hazards identified in the 2006 hazard mitigation plan and
at this initial meeting did not make any changes to the identified hazards list. Participants
discussed the City’s future participation in updating the plan’s capability assessment, asset
inventory, mitigation strategy, and plan maintenance process and schedule at this meeting.
3.2.2.2 Milestone Meeting #1
The Hazard Mitigation Team Milestone Meeting #1 was held on July 10, 2013. A discussion of
the planning and public outreach process was conducted and it was determined that in addition to
distributing an online survey, the City would also make paper copies available at City Hall, fire
stations, at Farmer’s Markets, and during WOW week on the Cal Poly campus.
Based on the hazards identified in the 2006 LHMP, the Hazard Mitigation Team added pandemic
and changed windstorm to adverse weather. The Planning Team also completed a hazard
prioritization exercise.
The asset inventory identified in the 2006 LHMP was reviewed and revisions were made to this
list for the 2014 update.
It was determined that all activities listed in the 2006 Action Plan Matrix were implemented or
are implemented on a regular basis except for Action 3.A.5 (mobile home seismic information).
Other mitigation progress to date was discussed.
Flood mitigation and California Highway Patrol capabilities were discussed and it was
determined that the capabilities assessment should include input from the following agencies:
airports, California Highway Patrol, Cal Trans, hospitals, and Cal Poly.
Finally, this meeting included a discussion of the requirements for linking the hazard mitigation
plan to the general plan safety element.
3.2.2.3 Milestone Meeting #2
The updated drafts of the capabilities assessment, hazard ranking, hazard profiles, and asset
inventory were presented, reviewed, and discussed by the Hazard Mitigation Team. A summary
of the online survey results were also reviewed.
The Planning Team decided to update the vulnerability assessment and include an updated asset
inventory list. The new inventory list separates critical and essential facilities and infrastructure.
Those which are part of critical response activities as identified by the City’s Emergency
Operations Plan and GIS mapping of critical services were denoted as critical. The remaining
assets were identified as essential. This designation prioritizes critical assets over essential assets
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for risk reduction and resiliency measures, while acknowledging that all of these assets are
important to the City of San Luis Obispo.
The 2006 LHMP goals, objectives, and actions were also reviewed and updated for the 2014
plan.
3.3 Public Involvement
3.3.1 Online Public Survey
To better understand the community’s understanding and concerns regarding natural hazards and
local response, the City solicited input from the community in the form of an online survey to
determine:
1. How the community prioritizes hazards facing San Luis Obispo.
2. Actions the City and community can take to reduce future damage from natural hazards.
3. How local government officials can better communicate natural hazard risks to the
public.
The survey included 19 questions crafted to identify the respondent’s connection with San Luis
Obispo, familiarity with previous natural hazard events, preparedness for future natural hazards,
and opportunities to create a community more resilient to natural hazards.
3.3.2 Promotions
To ensure the community had ample opportunities to provide input, the City promoted the survey
using the following methods:
• City website – The City placed
a link to the survey in a
prominent location on the City’s
website homepage, ensuring all
website visitors were aware of
the opportunity.
• Press Release – The City
distributed press release to
media outlets in San Luis
Obispo County, resulting in
announcements and coverage
from KCOY.
• Utility bill inserts – During the
August - September billing
cycle, all City utility customers
received an insert in their utility bill (paper and electronic) which promoted the
opportunity to participate in the local hazard mitigation survey.
• Email to all City employees – An email reminder was sent to all city employees
encouraging their participation in the survey and to share the survey with other interested
parties.
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• Hard Copy surveys – The City provided
paper (hard) copies of the survey at
kiosks and counters of City department
offices including City Hall and at Fire
Station 1.
• Farmers Market Booth – The Utility
Department’s booth at the Thursday
Farmers Market included Paper (hard)
copies of the survey.
• Social Media – A link to the survey was
posted on various City department
Facebook pages including the Public
Works and Utilities department pages.
3.3.3 Results
The following summary highlights the key
responses and findings of the survey. These
survey results help to inform staff of community
concerns. The complete survey results are stored
with the City of SLO Fire Department.
3.3.3.1 Community Interest
The City received responses to the survey from 325 individuals. To gauge respondent’s interest
in the City, the survey asked whether the respondent lives, works, owns property, or has other
interests in the City (visitor, relatives, etc). In total: 196 respondents indicated that they currently
reside in the City, 213 work in the City, 120 own property within the City, and 15 have other
interests in the City. Figure 3-1 indicates whether respondents live, work, or own property within
the City.
Figure 3-1 Survey Participant Interest in the City
Live
196 respondents
Work
213
respondents
Own Property
120 respondents
Other
Interest
15
respondents
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3.3.3.2 Previous Damage
Approximately 15% of survey respondents indicated that they have experienced damage to their
home or business due to a natural disaster. Of those respondents living in San Luis Obispo, 27
indicated their property was damaged during a previous natural disaster. Figure 3-2 presents the
various natural hazards that have caused damage to property in the city.
Figure 3-2 Past Natural Hazard Events and Property Damage (Residents Only)
3.3.3.3 Level of Concern
Respondents were asked to review the city’s likely natural hazards and rate their level of concern
(low, medium, and high) on a scale of one to three, for each natural hazard. While there was not
much difference between resident respondents and all respondents, most indicated the highest
levels of concern regarding earthquakes (2.27) and wildland fires (2.01). Lowest levels of
concern include pandemic (1.43) and landslides (1.34). Figure 3-3 depicts the average level of
concern among all respondents by hazard.
Figure 3-3 Average Potential Hazard Level of Concern
No Damage, 156
Earthquakes, 14
Flooding, 10
Severe Storm, 2
Sink Hole, 1
Damage, 27
1.53
2.27
1.67 1.64
1.34 1.43
2.01
0
1
2
3
Adverse
Weather
Earthquakes Floods Hazardous
Materials Spills
Landslides Pandemic Wildland Fires
Le
v
e
l
o
f
C
o
n
c
e
r
n
Potential Hazards
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2014 City of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 13 | Page
Other potential hazards of concern (though not all natural or likely within the city) identified by
residents include:
• Tsunami
• Nuclear waste exposure
• Train derailment
• Pests such as termites, rats, mosquito, or other vector-borne diseases
• Large trees falling (during adverse weather or due to disease)
3.3.3.4 Actions to Prepare
As presented in Figure 3-4, many respondents have taken actions to reduce damage from a
natural hazard such as securing furniture (54%), and reducing damage from wildfires by creating
defensible space (47%) and using fire resistant roof materials (45%), while a smaller portion of
respondents have installed backflow prevention equipment (21%), fire sprinklers (17%), or
completed seismic retrofits (16%).
Figure 3-4 Actions Taken to Mitigate Damage
3.3.3.5 Home Insurance Coverage
Whether through homeowner’s (85%) or renters insurance (16.8%), most respondents in San
Luis Obispo have home insurance coverage. Additional insurance coverage for earthquake
damage or flood insurance was reported by a small number of respondents, as shown in
Figure 3-5.
16%
9%
21%
47% 45%
17%
6%
13%
56%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
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Figure 3-5 Home Insurance Coverage
3.3.3.6 Emergency Supplies
Respondents were asked whether or not they have supplies readily available if a severe hazard
event occurred today, to supply their household for at least 3 days. The majority of respondents
(70%) identified that they are prepared with supplies in the event of a natural disaster (see Figure
3-6). This is higher than the national average where just 36% of the population has on hand a
three-day supply in case of natural disaster events.1
Figure 3-6 Supplies Ready during a Natural Hazard
1 YouGov. November 14, 2012. 64% of Americans unprepared for natural disasters. Palo Alto, CA.
http://today.yougov.com/news/2012/11/14/64-americans-unprepared-natural-disasters/
85.0%
16.8%
28.7%
7.7%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
Basic homeowner's
insurance (covers fire)
Renter's insurance Earthquake insurance Flood insurance
Yes,
70%
No,
30%
SLO Survey
Respondents
Yes,
36%
No,
64%
National Average
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3.3.3.7 Animal Evacuation Plans
Respondents were asked whether they had an evacuation plan in place for their pets or large
animals. Of the 57% that indicated they had pets or large animals, roughly 67% indicated they
have a plan in place, though only 42% of those with large animals (12 respondents) indicated
they have a plan in place (see Figure 3-7).
Figure 3-7 Emergency Evacuation Plans for Pets and Large Animals
3.3.3.8 Neighborhood Needs Awareness
Respondents were asked two questions regarding any special needs of their neighbors in the
event of an emergency. As shown in Figure 3-8, slightly more than half of respondents are aware
of potential needs of their neighbors with children or those with limited mobility, severe medical
conditions, memory impairments, or other conditions which may limit their ability to evacuate or
respond to a natural hazard.
Figure 3-8 Awareness of Potential Neighbor Needs
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
Pets Large Animals Not Applicable
No
Yes
Yes,
48%
No,
52%
Mobility Needs
Yes,
49%
No,
51%
Children
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3.3.3.9 CERT Participants
Respondents were asked if they are a trained member of the Community Emergency Response
Team (CERT). While 21% of respondents indicated that they are a trained member (see Figure
3-9), many of those certified indicated that they have taken courses in other communities or that
it had been several years since participating. Of the respondents that are not CERT members, 88
respondents were interested in learning more about CERT (or 28% of total respondents).
Figure 3-9 CERT Participants and Interest
3.3.3.10 Workplace Natural Hazards
Respondents were asked to identify any natural hazards present or known at their place of work.
While this question was not applicable to some respondents, 45% identified that they were
unsure of the hazards that may affect their workplace, and 33% identified earthquakes as a
potential hazard to their workplace. Other potential hazards to the workplace are identified in
Figure 3-10.
Figure 3-10 Workplace Susceptibility to Natural Hazards
Yes, 21%
I would like to learn
more about CERT.
I am not interested in
being a trained CERT
member.
No, 79%
11%
33%
1% 3% 6%
13% 12%
45%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
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3.3.3.11 Workplace Emergency Communications and Recovery Plans
Two additional questions related to workplace emergency preparedness and recovery efforts
were asked. Of those respondents that work in San Luis Obispo, As shown in Figure 3-11,
approximately 69% were aware their workplace has a plan in place to communicate with and
ensure the safety of their employees immediately following a disaster, and 64% were aware their
workplace has a plan in place to return to normal operations following a hazard event (i.e.
business continuity plan). Alternatively, many respondents were unsure of whether their
workplace has policies in place, with 24% citing they were unsure if there is an emergency
response plan, and 30% indicating they were unsure if there is a business continuity plan.
Figure 3-11 Workplace Emergency Preparedness
3.3.3.12 Local Government Efforts to Reduce Hazards
Finally, respondents were asked to provide input as to the most important things the local
government can do to help the community be more prepared for a disaster. As noted in
Figure 3-12, respondents felt that most opportunities for the local government to help the
community be more prepared were important.
Yes, 69%
No, 6%
I don't
know,
24%
Emergency Response
Plan
Yes,
64% No, 6%
I don't
know,
30%
Business Continuity Plan
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Figure 3-12 Important things local government can do to help communities be more prepared for a disaster
Other items that were noted by respondents that the local government can do to help the
community be more prepared include:
• Tree maintenance
• Debris clearance from creeks
• Provide (or make the community aware of) emergency shelters
• Evacuation drills
3.3.4 Opportunities
In reviewing the 325 survey responses from the community, several preliminary themes or
opportunities have been identified below:
• Actions to Prepare – While many members of the community have taken small actions
to prevent damage to their home in the event of a natural hazard, only a small portion
have completed larger structural items to prevent damage. The City may consider
developing and implementing programs to support risk reduction activities by property
owners. Using the data available as a result of the risk assessment in this LHMP, the City
is able to identify areas and structures with a higher risk or exposure to the identified
hazards. Sharing this information with community members and evaluating opportunities
to help property owners in funding risk reduction activities will increase the resiliency of
San Luis Obispo.
• Awareness of Neighbor Needs - Given the high student population and regular turnover
of neighbors in some neighborhoods, it can be challenging for community members to be
fully aware of neighbors and their needs. Neighborhood events such as the annual
community block parties are an opportunity for the City to support greater community
70%
77%
66%
71%
53%
59%
70%
64%
25%
0%20%40%60%80%100%
Study potential risks
Convey effective emergency notifications
Provide training and education
Community outreach
Being aware of special needs
Make a plan to use volunteer residents
Update and exercise emergency plans regularly
Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)
More stringent building and fire codes
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interaction which can increase awareness of neighbors needs in the event of an
emergency.
• CERT Training – Many respondents that indicated they are CERT members, though it
had been several years since they had taken the class, or that they took the class in other
communities. This group presents an untapped pool of volunteers and a community
benefit. The City should continue the CERT program, offer CERT training regularly, and
increase CERT volunteer’s skills and confidence by offering refresher courses for those
already trained. The City may also consider inviting CERT members to participate in
emergency management exercises and trainings.
• Community or Workplace Awareness – In many cases, respondents were unaware or
unsure of the hazards that may affect the community or their workplace and policies that
may be in place to help respond to a natural disaster. The City can help to increase
community awareness through wider promotion or participation in workshops or
resources available to the community that have already been prepared by the City or
volunteer organizations. The City may increase business owners’ awareness of risk by
providing emergency planning support, continuity of operations planning support, and
potentially hosting seminars for the business community to learn about the hazard risks.
• Understanding the Extent of Damages – To better understand the extent of damages to
homeowners from a natural disaster, the City could coordinate with homeowner
insurance providers to track damages beyond those reported through the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP).
3.3.5 Public Review Period
Pending
3.4 Incorporation of Existing Plans and Other Relevant Information
Various regulations, plans, and programs developed and implemented by the City were reviewed
by the Planning Team and used to inform the hazard mitigation planning process. The relevant
plan and policy resources that describe the City’s ability to mitigate hazards are documented in
Section 6 Capability Assessment.
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Section 4 Risk Assessment
4.1 Hazard Identification and Prioritization
A risk assessment requires the collection and analysis of hazard-related data to enable local
communities to identify and prioritize appropriate mitigation actions that will reduce losses from
potential hazards. While Central California is susceptible to a number of natural hazards, this
LHMP profiles the most significant of these hazards pertinent to the City of San Luis Obispo.
Historical data, catastrophic potential, relevance to the jurisdiction, and the probability and
potential magnitude of future occurrences are the criteria used to select the hazards of most
concern to the City.
At the first Milestone Meeting on July 10, 2013, the Hazard Mitigation Team reviewed the
hazards addressed in the 2006 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Planning Team determined
that these hazards were still applicable, and made minor updates including the addition of
pandemic and the modification of the windstorm profile to an adverse weather profile. Adverse
weather includes drought, freeze, hailstorm, dense fog, tornado, and thunderstorm in addition to
heavy wind.
Other items discussed at the meeting include utility power failure that can be a secondary effect
of a natural hazard event. Similarly, utility failure may cause cascading impacts such as the
inability to pump wastewater. The Planning Team also acknowledged that hazards such as
adverse weather and wildfire risk are exacerbated by the local effects of climate change.
The Planning Team prioritized the identified hazards by ranking the probability of occurrence
and potential impacts. The results of the online survey for rating the level of concern were also
included in the prioritization calculation. The results are presented in Table 4-1 Hazard
Identification and Prioritization. The accompanying hazard ranking exercise legend (Table 4-2)
presents the calculation formulas.
Earthquakes, wildland fires, and adverse weather received the highest prioritization scores, but
all of the hazards are considered a significant concern to the City. It is noted that the
prioritization process focused on significant events which have lesser probabilities of occurrence.
For example, an earthquake with severe impacts is expected to occur less frequently than an
earthquake causing negligible damage.
DMA Requirement §201.6(c)(2)(i):
[The risk assessment shall include a] description of the type ...of all natural hazards that
can affect the jurisdiction… .
DMA Requirement §201.6(c)(2)(i):
[The risk assessment shall include a] description of the … location and extent of all natural
hazards that can affect the jurisdiction. The plan shall include information on previous
occurrences of hazard events and on the probability of future hazard events.
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Table 4-1 Hazard Identification and Prioritization Worksheet
Hazard Type Probability
Impact Survey
Rating
Survey
Score
Total
Score Affected
Area
Primary
Impact
Secondary
Impacts
Earthquakes/Liquefactions 2 4 4 4 2.35 7.83 39.83
Wildland Fires 2 3 3 3 2.08 6.93 30.93
Adverse Weather 2 4 2 2 1.53 5.10 27.50
Hazardous Materials 3 1 2 2 1.67 5.57 24.77
Floods 2 2 2 2 1.63 5.43 21.43
Pandemic 1 4 4 4 1.45 4.83 20.83
Landslides 1 1 2 2 1.34 4.47 10.87
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Table 4-2 Hazard Prioritization Exercise Legend
Probability Importance 2.0
Secondary Impacts Importance 0.5
Based on estimated likelihood of occurrence from historical
data Score
Based on estimated secondary impacts to community at
large considering economic impacts, health impacts, and
crop losses Score
Unlikely (Less than 1% probability in next 100 years or has
a recurrence interval of greater than every 100 years.) 1
Negligible - no loss of function, downtime, and/or
evacuations 1
Somewhat Likely (Between 1 and 10% probability in next
year or has a recurrence interval of 11 to 100 years.) 2
Limited - minimal loss of function, downtime, and/or
evacuations 2
Likely (Between 10 and 100% probability in next year or
has a recurrence interval of 10 years or less.) 3
Moderate - some loss of function, downtime, and/or
evacuations 3
Highly Likely (Near 100% probability in next year or
happens every year.) 4
High - major loss of function, downtime, and/or
evacuations 4
Affected Area Importance 0.8
Survey Score Importance 1.0
Based on size of geographical area of community affected
by hazard Score
Survey Score = (Survey Rating / 3) x 10 where:
Isolated 1
Survey Rating is the average rating of concern based on a scale of
1 (low concern) to 3 (high concern) compiled from the survey
responses. Small 2
Medium 3
Large 4
Total Score = (Probability x Impact) + Survey Score, where:
Probability = (Probability Score x Importance)
Primary Impact Importance 0.7
Impact = (Affected Area + Primary Impact + Secondary Impacts),
where:
Based on percentage of damage to typical facility in
community Score
Affected Area = Affected Area Score x Importance
Negligible - less than 10% damage 1
Primary Impact = Primary Impact Score x Importance
Limited - between 10% and 25% damage 2
Secondary Impacts = Secondary Impacts Score x Importance
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4.2 Hazard Profiles
4.2.1 Earthquakes and Liquefactions
4.2.1.1 Hazard Definition
An earthquake is a sudden motion or trembling caused by a release of strain accumulated
within or along the edge of the earth’s tectonic plates. The effects of an earthquake can be felt
far beyond the site of its occurrence. Earthquakes usually occur without warning and, after just
a few seconds, can cause massive damage and extensive casualties.
Earthquakes are measured in terms of their magnitude and intensity. Magnitude is measured by
using the Richter magnitude scale, shown in Table 4-3 below. The magnitude of an earthquake
is determined from the logarithm of the amplitude of waves recorded by seismographs.
Adjustments are included for the variation in the distance between the various seismographs and
the epicenter of the earthquakes. On the Richter scale, magnitude is expressed in whole numbers
and decimal fractions. For example, a magnitude 5.3 might be computed for a moderate
earthquake, and a strong earthquake might be rated as magnitude 6.3. Because of the logarithmic
basis of the scale, each whole number increase in magnitude represents a tenfold increase in
measured amplitude; as an estimate of energy, each whole number step in the magnitude scale
corresponds to the release of about 31 times more energy than the amount associated with the
preceding whole number value.
Table 4-3 Richter Scale
Richter
Magnitudes
Earthquake Effects
Less than 3.5 Generally not felt, but recorded.
3.5 - 5.4 Often felt, but rarely causes damage.
5.5 - 6.0 At most slight damage to well-designed buildings. Can cause major
damage to poorly constructed buildings over small regions.
6.1 - 6.9 Can be destructive in areas up to about 100 kilometers across where
people live.
7.0 – 7.9 Major earthquake. Can cause serious damage over larger areas.
8 or greater Great earthquake. Can cause serious damage in areas several hundred
kilometers across.
The effect of an earthquake on the Earth's surface is called the intensity. The intensity scale
consists of a series of certain key responses such as people awakening, movement of furniture,
damage to chimneys, and finally, total destruction. Although numerous intensity scales have
been developed over the last several hundred years to evaluate the effects of earthquakes, the one
currently used in the United States is the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) Scale, shown in
Table 4-4 below. This scale, composed of 12 increasing levels of intensity that range from
imperceptible shaking to catastrophic destruction, is designated by Roman numerals. It does not
have a mathematical basis; instead it is an arbitrary ranking based on observed effects.
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The MMI value assigned to a specific site after an earthquake has a more meaningful measure of
severity to the nonscientist than the magnitude because intensity refers to the effects actually
experienced at a particular place.
The lower numbers of the intensity scale deal with the manner in which people feel the
earthquake. The higher numbers of the scale are based on observed structural damage.
Structural engineers usually contribute information for assigning intensity values of VIII or
above.
Table 4-4 Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale for Earthquakes
Scale Intensity Earthquake Effects Corresponding
Richter Scale
Magnitude
I Instrumental Detected only on seismographs
II Feeble Some people feel it <4.2
III Slight Felt by people resting; like a truck
rumbling by
IV Moderate Felt by people walking
V Slightly Strong Sleepers awake; church bells ring <4.8
VI Strong Trees sway; suspended objects swing;
objects fall off shelves
<5.4
VII Very Strong Mild Alarm; walls crack; plaster falls <6.1
VIII Destructive Moving cars uncontrollable
IX Ruinous Some houses collapse; ground cracks;
pipes break open
<6.9
X Disastrous Ground cracks profusely; many
buildings destroyed; liquefaction and
landslides widespread
<7.3
XI Very
Disastrous
Most buildings and bridges collapse;
roads, railways, pipes and cables
destroyed; general triggering of other
hazards
<8.1
XII Catastrophic Total destruction; trees fall; ground
rises and falls in waves
>8.1
The intensity of an earthquake can also be measured through Peak Ground Acceleration
(PGA). PGA is a measure of earthquake acceleration on the ground and is measured by
instruments, such as accelerographs. Peak ground acceleration can be expressed in “g”, or the
acceleration due to Earth’s gravity. Generally speaking,
• 0.001 g – perceptible by people
• 0.02 g – people lose their balance
• 0.50 g – very high; well-designed buildings can survive if the duration is short.
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Ground Motion: The most common effect of earthquakes is ground motion, or the vibration or
shaking of the ground during an earthquake. The severity of ground motion generally
increases with the amount of energy released and decreases with distance from the fault or
epicenter of the earthquake. Ground motion causes waves in the earth’s interior, also known as
seismic waves, and along the earth’s surface, known as surface waves. Two kinds of seismic
waves exist. P (primary) waves are longitudinal or compressional waves similar in character to
sound waves that cause back-and-forth oscillation along the direction of travel (vertical
motion). S (secondary) waves, also known as shear waves, are slower than P waves and cause
structures to vibrate from side to side (horizontal motion). Also two kinds of surface waves
exist: Raleigh waves and Love waves. These waves travel more slowly and typically are
significantly less damaging than seismic waves.
Faulting: In addition to ground motion, several secondary hazards can occur from
earthquakes, such as surface faulting. Surface faulting is the differential movement of two
sides of a fault at the earth’s surface. Displacement along faults, both in terms of length and
width, varies but can be significant (e.g. up to 20 feet), as can the length of the surface
rupture (e.g. up to 200 miles). Surface faulting can cause severe damage to linear structures,
including railways, highways, pipelines, and tunnels.
Liquefaction: Earthquake-related ground failure due to liquefaction is another secondary
hazard. Liquefaction occurs when seismic waves pass through saturated granular soil,
distorting its granular structure, and causing some of the empty spaces between granules to
collapse. Porewater pressure may also increase sufficiently to cause the soil to behave like a
fluid for a brief period and cause deformations. Liquefaction causes lateral spreads (horizontal
movements of commonly 10 to 15 feet, but up to 100 feet), flow failures (massive flows of soil,
typically hundreds of feet, but up to 12 miles), and loss of bearing strength (soil deformations
causing structures to settle or tip). Liquefaction can cause severe damage to property.
4.2.1.2 History
Historically, most of the earthquakes that have occurred near San Luis Obispo have originated
from movement along the San Andreas Fault, which lies approximately 35 miles northeast of
the City. However, the most recent major earthquake to affect San Luis Obispo occurred at
11:15:56 am Pacific Standard Time on December 22, 2003. The epicenter of the magnitude 6.5
earthquake was approximately 7 miles northeast of San Simeon at a depth of 4.7 miles
(35.706N, 121.102W), 45 miles from San Luis Obispo. The City of San Luis Obispo
experienced some minor damage. Two people were killed by falling debris from an
unreinforced building in the City of Paso Robles when they ran outside of the building during
the event. Countywide, 47 people were reported injured and 290 homes and 190 commercial
structures were damaged. Other historical earthquakes near the City of San Luis Obispo
include:
1830 San Luis Obispo Earthquake. The 1830 earthquake is noted in the annual report from the
Mission, and had an estimated magnitude of 5. The location of the event is poorly constrained
and cannot be attributed to a specific fault source, but the earthquake reportedly occurred
somewhere near San Luis Obispo.
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1906 San Francisco Earthquake. This earthquake has been studied in detail and the effects in
San Luis Obispo County have been documented. Modified Mercalli intensity ratings ranged
from III-IV in the inland and north coast portions of the County, and IV-V in the south coast
areas. The higher intensities were felt in areas underlain by alluvial soil, while the lower
intensities occurred in areas underlain by bedrock formations.
1916 Avila Beach Earthquake. This magnitude 5.1 event occurred offshore of Avila Beach in
San Luis Bay. The earthquake reportedly resulted in tumbling smokestacks of the Union Oil
Refinery at Port San Luis, and a landslide that blocked the railroad tracks. The maximum
intensity appears to be approximately VI, but the available descriptions of the shaking are
somewhat limited.
1952 Arvin-Tehachapi Earthquake. This 7.7 magnitude earthquake occurred on the White
Wolf fault, located south and west of Bakersfield. Throughout most of the San Luis Obispo
County, ground shaking intensities of VI were felt. Intensities of IV-V were experienced in the
northwest portion of the County, and magnitude VIII intensities were felt in the Cuyama area, in
the southeast portion of the County. The higher intensities were likely due to closer proximity to
the earthquake epicenter.
1952 Bryson Earthquake. This magnitude 6.2 earthquake likely occurred on the Nacimiento
fault, and resulted in intensity ratings of VI throughout most of the western portion of the County.
Intensities of IV-V were experienced in the eastern portion of the County. Higher intensities were
generally felt in the coastal valley areas that are underlain by alluvial soils.
1934, 1966, 2004, and 2012 Parkfield Earthquakes. These earthquakes had magnitudes of 6.0
and 5.5, respectively, and occurred on the San Andreas fault in or near the northeast corner of the
County. Earthquake intensities generally conformed to anticipated characteristics for events of
this size, with intense shaking (VII-VIII) being limited to a relatively small area near the
epicenters of the quakes. Moderate shaking was experienced in most of the central and western
parts of the County. A variation from the expected intensity characteristics was experienced in the
La Panza area during the 1934 earthquake. La Panza is approximately 40 miles south of the fault
rupture area, but experienced earthquake intensities of VII. The 2012 earthquake was felt as far
south as the City of San Luis Obispo.
October 21, 2012 King City Earthquake. A magnitude 5.3 earthquake shook Northern San
Luis Obispo County. The quake was labeled as “moderate” by the USGS and rocking was felt
as far as Nipomo. The epicenter was outside of King City, California. The sheriff departments
for Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties both stated no reports of damage.
4.2.1.3 Location
Faulting: The Los Osos fault zone, also known as the Edna fault zone, main strand lies near
the intersection of Los Osos Valley Road and Foothill Boulevard. Field evaluations by the
California Geological Survey (CGS) for the main strand of the Los Osos fault found evidence
of movement in the last 11,000 years. This evidence of recent activity resulted in the
establishment of an Earthquake Fault Zone by CGS in 1989 under the Alquist-Priolo Fault
Zoning Act. It should not be interpreted that the active portion of the main trace of the Los
Osos Fault is limited only to the designated Earthquake Fault Zone. Rather, the limits of the
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established zone correspond to the limits of the available information provided in site specific
studies that show evidence of recent fault activity in that area. The Los Osos fault presents a
high to very high fault rupture hazard to developments near and southwest of the Los Osos
Valley Road area.
Other fault zones, in the vicinity of San Luis Obispo are the West Huasna, Oceanic, and
Rinconada. All of these faults were the sources of magnitude M>6.0 during the Quaternary.
These faults are considered potentially active and present a moderate fault rupture hazard to
developments near them. Locations of faults in the immediate San Luis Obispo area can be
seen in the Figure 4-1 below.
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Figure 4-1 City of San Luis Obispo Earthquake Faults
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Figure 4-2 City of San Luis Obispo Earthquake Fault Zone of Required Investigation
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Ground Shaking: The central and northern portion of the City of San Luis Obispo is located
within the lower-moderate range of the earthquake shaking potential model, while the western
and southern portions of the City fall within the higher-moderate range and, therefore, may
experience stronger earthquake shaking.
Studies have estimated the maximum credible ground acceleration that could be generated by
active and potentially active faults. Deterministic peak horizontal ground accelerations from
these studies range from a low of 0.4 g in the central portion of the County to a high of about 0.7
g along the San Andreas, Rinconada, Oceanic-West Huasna, and coastal fault zones. The
western portion of San Luis Obispo County has a high probability of experiencing ground
accelerations in the range of 0.3 g to 0.4 g in the next 50 years. The eastern portion of the
County adjacent to the San Andreas Fault has a high percent probability of experiencing a peak
ground acceleration of 0.5 g to 0.7 g in the next 50 years. The statistical variance in estimated
ground acceleration could easily be plus or minus 50 percent of the estimated ground motion.
Spectral acceleration (SA) is a unit measured in g (the acceleration due to Earth’s gravity) that
describes the potential maximum acceleration in an earthquake on an object, such as a building 2.
SA, with a value related to the natural frequency of vibration of the building, is used in
earthquake engineering and gives a closer approximation to the motion of a building or other
structure in an earthquake than the peak ground acceleration value. The map in Figure 4-3
depicts short period spectral acceleration (0.2 seconds) designed to determine the period of
motion that affects short structures (generally less than 7 stories). The acceleration levels shown
in the figure below have a 2% probability of being exceeded in the next 50 years.
2 2013 Hazard Mitigation Plan for the County of San Luis Obispo
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Figure 4-3 City of San Luis Obispo Potential Impacts from Ground Shaking
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Liquefaction: The areas of the City of San Luis Obispo that have a high potential to be underlain
by potentially liquefiable sediments are those areas underlain by younger alluvium. Most of the
City of San Luis Obispo is underlain by alluvium. Site specific studies are needed to evaluate if
a geologic unit actually contains potentially liquefiable materials, and if they require mitigation
for development. Figure 4-4 below depicts the relative liquefaction susceptibility of sediments in
the City of San Luis Obispo. Liquefaction susceptibility of sediments within the City are either
very low or medium on a scale from very low to very high.
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Figure 4-4 City of San Luis Obispo Liquefaction Susceptibility
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4.2.1.4 Extent
Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most
earthquake-related injuries result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects as a
result of the ground shaking, or people trying to move more than a few feet during the shaking.
Non-structural items and building components can influence the amount of damage that
buildings suffer during an earthquake. Unreinforced parapets, chimneys, facades, signs, and
building appendages can all be shaken loose, creating a serious risk to life and property. Much
of the damage in earthquakes is predictable and preventable.
When liquefaction of the soil does occur, buildings and other objects on the ground surface may
tilt or sink, and lightweight buried structures (such as pipelines) may float toward the ground
surface. Liquefied soil may be unable to support its own weight or that of structures, which
could result in loss of foundation bearing or differential settlement. Liquefaction may also result
in the development of cracks in the ground surface followed by the emergence of a sand/water
mixture, typically referred to as a sand-boil. In areas underlain by thick deposits of saturated,
loose granular sediment (such as alluvial valleys or beaches), subsidence as much as several feet
may result.
Unreinforced Masonry (URM) Buildings: Unreinforced masonry structures consist of buildings
made of unreinforced concrete and brick, hollow concrete blocks, clay tiles, and adobe.
Buildings constructed of these materials are heavy and brittle, and typically provide little
earthquake resistance. In small earthquakes, unreinforced buildings can crack, and in strong
earthquakes, they have a tendency to collapse. These types of structures pose the greatest
structural risk to life and safety of all general building types.
Due to the public safety risks that are posed by unreinforced masonry buildings, the California
legislature passed Senate Bill 547 (Government Code section 8875 et seq.). This legislation
went into effect January 1, 1987, and required all cities and counties located in Seismic Zone 4,
which includes San Luis Obispo City, to conduct an inventory of potentially hazardous
structures, including unreinforced masonry buildings.
Following the 2003 San Simeon Earthquake and the resulting damage observed in nearby Paso
Robles, the City adopted Ordinance No. 1453 in August 2004, amending requirements and
accelerating deadlines for strengthening the City’s unreinforced masonry buildings. In 2004,
there were 126 URM buildings, most of which were located in the downtown area.
By the end of 2012, only 11 of the original 126 URM buildings remain on the Unreinforced
Masonry Hazard Inventory. Of these, eight have deadlines of July 1, 2015 and the other three
are making progress through the entitlement process with strengthening to follow. Five
buildings are in the process of being strengthened. Those buildings classified as exempt will not
undergo strengthening. Figure 4-5 below shows where the exempt, unreinforced, and partially
reinforced structures are located within the City.
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Figure 4-5 City of San Luis Obispo URM Building Status
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HAZUS Analysis: The San Luis Obispo County 2013 Hazard Mitigation Plan contains
summarized HAZUS Analysis results for three earthquake scenarios on three faults that fall
within the County: San Andreas, Los Osos, and Hosgri. Since the Los Osos Fault is closest in
proximity to the City of San Luis Obispo, the results of this scenario are summarized below.
Additional information on the HAZUS scenarios can be found in the County plan.
The Los Osos Fault scenario contains a magnitude 6.8 earthquake on the Los Osos Fault with an
epicenter approximately five miles west of US Highway 101. The results of this scenario
include:
• Direct Economic Loss Estimates - $1,102,661,000
• Total Casualties for Daytime Event – 537 requiring medical aid, 135 requiring hospital
treatment, 21 experiencing life-threatening severity, and 38 deaths.
4.2.1.5 Probability of Future Events
The segment of the San Andreas Fault Zone closest to San Luis Obispo was given an earthquake
recurrence interval of 206 years with an 18% probability of rupturing between 1994 and 2024
(Southern California Earthquake Center, 1995). The Los Osos Fault was given an earthquake
recurrence interval of 1,925 years (USGS, 1996).
The below probabilistic seismic hazard map (Figure 4-6) produced by the CGS shows the hazard
from earthquakes that geologists and seismologists agree could occur. It is probabilistic in the
sense that the analysis takes into consideration the uncertainties in the size and location of
earthquakes and the resulting ground motions that can affect a particular site. The maps are
expressed in terms of probability of exceeding a certain ground motion. Acceleration is
measured in “g”, where 1 g corresponds to the vertical acceleration force due to gravity (9.8
m/s2). The acceleration of an earthquake can be expressed in “g”, or as a percentage of the force
of gravity (9.8 m/s2), which is known as “percent g”. This map shows that there is a 10% chance
that the City of San Luis Obispo will exceed peak ground accelerations of 20%-30% g in the
next 50 years.
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Figure 4-6 Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Map
4.2.2 Wildland Fire
4.2.2.1 Hazard Definition
A wildland fire is a type of fire that spreads through all types of vegetation. It often begins
unnoticed, spreads quickly, and is usually signaled by dense smoke that may be visible from
miles around. Wildland fires can be caused by human activities (such as arson or campfires) or
by natural events such as lightning. Wildland fires often occur in forests or other areas with
ample vegetation. In addition to wildland fires, wildfires can be classified as urban fires,
interface or intermix fires, and prescribed burns.
The following three factors contribute significantly to wildland fire behavior and can be used
to identify wildland fire hazard areas 3:
• Topography: As slope increases, the rate of wildland fire spread typically increases.
South-facing slopes are also subject to more solar radiation, making them drier and
thereby intensifying wildland fire behavior. However, ridge tops may mark the end of
wildland fire spread, since fire spreads more slowly or may be unable to spread
downhill.
• Fuel: The type and condition of vegetation plays a
significant role in the occurrence and spread of wildland
fires. Certain types of plants are more susceptible to burning
or will burn with greater intensity. Dense or overgrown
vegetation increases the amount of combustible material
available to fuel the fire (referred to as the “fuel load”). The
ratio of living to dead plant matter is also important. The
risk of fire is increased significantly during periods of
prolonged drought as the moisture content of both living
3 Source for Figure 4-7: http://thewmpa.org/resources/forest-fire-info
Figure 4-7 Necessary Conditions
for Wildland Fire
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and dead plant matter decreases. The fuel’s continuity, both horizontally and
vertically, is also an important factor.
• Weather: The most variable factor affecting wildland fire behavior is weather.
Temperature, humidity, wind, and lightning can affect chances for ignition and spread
of fire. Extreme weather, such as high temperatures and low humidity, can lead to
extreme wildland fire activity. By contrast, cooling and higher humidity often signals
reduced wildland fire occurrence and easier containment.
With regard to mitigation practices, it should be noted that weather and topography are
generally beyond human control. We can work to reduce and modify the fuel levels by
managing vegetation to avoid flammable landscaping around properties at risk to wildfire.
4.2.2.2 History
Wildland fires are common occurrences in San Luis Obispo County. The most significant
wildland fires within the county have been located in the northern division of the Los Padres
National Forest. The 1994 Highway 41 Fire involved over 51,000 acres and threatened the City
on its northern boundary. The fire was stopped prior to damaging City property. The 1996
Highway 58 Fire involved 115,000 acres and caused minor damage to City properties.
Fortunately, no lives were lost in either incident.
Other fires of note include:
• 1985 Las Pilitas Fire – Affected the eastern edge of San Luis Obispo destroying several
structures and forcing the evacuation of numerous residents when erratic winds abruptly
pushed the fire down out of the foothills. The County airport on the south side of the
City was closed, as was California State Polytechnic University.
• 2008 El Cerrito Fire – Located 2 miles north of the San Luis Obispo airport, just outside
the City limits.
• June 28, 2013 Highway 101 Fire – Small grass fire on Highway 101.
• July 9, 2013 California Men’s Colony Fire
• July 16, 2013 Bishop Peak Fire – 1 acre brush fire near Bishop Peak in San Luis
Obispo.
• August 27, 2013 Bowden Ranch Fire – Small brush fire in San Luis Obispo.
The map in Figure 4-8 shows locations of past fires in relations to the City boundary.
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Figure 4-8 City of San Luis Obispo Past Fires
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4.2.2.3 Location
The risk of wildland fires is greatest near the City limits where development meets rural areas
of combustible vegetation. Most of the community is within 1 mile of a High or Very High
Fire Hazard Severity Zone (Figure 4-9) which indicates significant risk to wildland fire. The
City of San Luis Obispo is confronted with one of the more hazardous wildfire risks in the
County because of its location near the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Irish
Hills, with increased wildfire risk in these foothills as well as on Chumash Peak, Bishop Peak,
Cerro San Luis, and Islay Hill.
The City has addressed fire risk with a specific policy (3.1) in the General Plan Safety Element
which acknowledges the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones as prescribed by Cal FIRE
pursuant to Government Code Section 51179. This policy also prohibits new subdivisions in
these zones. A development plan is required for existing parcels in order to manage fuels,
maintain a buffer zone, and provide adequate fire protection to the approval of the Chief
Building Official. The development plan must be consistent with the policies required by the
City’s Conservation and Open Space Element of the General Plan. In addition, consistent with
part three of the Safety Element policy 3.1, the municipal code implements a commercial fire
zone with specific construction requirements to reduce fire risk in the downtown area.
The City’s municipal code requires that new buildings constructed within the City of San Luis
Obispo, other than those located within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone discussed
above, comply with section 705A (Roofing) and 706A (Vents) of the California Building Code.
The map in Figure 4-9 shows the established Fire Hazard Severity Zones within the City of San
Luis Obispo.
Although the Las Pilitas and Highway 41 fires that occurred in 1985 and 1994 did not result in
property losses within the City limits, structures in the City were threatened by these fires. The
City of San Luis Obispo is considered a “Community at Risk” due to the threat of wildfire
impacting the urban community. The Fire Prevention Code that has been adopted by the City
considers all areas within the jurisdictional limits of the City to be subject to regulations
pertaining to hazardous fire areas, such as requiring the installation of fire resistant roofing
materials. However, some structures in the City have wood shake roofs. This type of roof is
most susceptible to airborne cinders caused by wildfires. Shake roofs are vulnerable to flying
embers because of their low ignition points. According to a study that looked at approximately
2,000 California homes burned in wildfires, homes with untreated wood roofs are between 2-21
times more likely to be destroyed in a wildfire 4. In addition, shake roofs can exacerbate the
spread of wildfires because burning wood shakes peel off and become airborne cinders.
4 http://www.sbcounty.gov/rutherford/report/issues/2012_march/shakeroof.html
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Figure 4-9 City of San Luis Obispo Fire Hazard Severity Zones
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4.2.2.4 Extent
The frequency and severity of wildland fire is dependent upon other factors, such as weather,
lightning, drought, and infestations (such as damage to Southern California alpine forests by
the pine bark beetle). If not promptly controlled, wildland fires may grow into an emergency
or disaster. Even small fires can threaten lives and resources and destroy improved properties.
In addition to affecting people, wildland fires may severely affect livestock and pets. Such
events may require emergency watering/feeding, evacuation, and shelter.
The indirect effects of wildland fires can be catastrophic. In addition to stripping the land of
vegetation and destroying forest resources, large, intense fires can harm the soil, waterways, and
the land itself. Soil exposed to intense heat may lose its capability to absorb moisture and support
life. Exposed soils erode quickly and enhance siltation of rivers and streams, thereby enhancing
flood potential, harming aquatic life, and degrading water quality. Lands stripped of vegetation
are also subject to increased debris flow hazards, as described above.
4.2.2.5 Probability of Future Events
Generally, fire susceptibility throughout California dramatically increases in the late summer
and early autumn as vegetation dries out, decreasing plant moisture content and increasing the
ratio of dead fuel to living fuel. Based on previous occurrences, the likelihood of a significant
wildland fire (10,000 acres or greater) to occur in the neighboring unincorporated county is
once every four years. It is not expected that a significant wildfire will occur within the
incorporated City limits. However, other various factors, including humidity, wind speed and
direction, fuel load and fuel type, and topography, can contribute to the intensity and spread of
wildland fires. In addition, common causes of wildland fires in California include human
induced fires such as arson and negligence.5
4.2.3 Adverse Weather
In the City’s prior hazard mitigation plan, windstorms were profiled as an individual hazard.
With this plan update the Hazard Mitigation Team modified that profile to be more inclusive of
the diverse types of adverse weather which may impact the City. This is consistent with the
County’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
4.2.3.1 Hazard Definition
Adverse weather events include windstorms, drought, freeze, hail storms, dense fog, tornadoes,
and thunderstorms.
Windstorms: Winds are horizontal flows of air that blow from areas of high pressure to areas of
low pressure. Wind strength depends on the difference between the high- and low-pressure
systems and the distance between them. Therefore, a steep pressure gradient results from a large
pressure difference or short distance between places and causes strong winds. Windstorms
associated with cyclonic systems, and their cold fronts, can damage trees and temporarily
disrupt power and communication facilities, but usually cause only minor damage to structures.
Drought: A drought, or an extreme dry period, is an extended timeframe where water
availability falls below the statistical requirements for a region. Droughts are not a purely
5 City of San Luis Obispo 2006 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
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physical phenomenon, but rather interplay between the natural water availability and human
demands for water supply.
The precise definition of drought is made complex owing to political considerations, but there
are generally three types of conditions that are referred to as drought:
• Meteorological drought is brought about when there is a prolonged period with less than
average precipitation.
• Agricultural drought occurs when there is insufficient moisture for average crop or
range production. This condition can arise, even in times of average precipitation, owing
to soil conditions or agricultural techniques.
• Hydrologic drought is brought about when the water reserves available in sources such
as aquifers, lakes, and reservoirs falls below the statistical average. This condition can
arise, even in times of average (or above average) precipitation, when increased usage of
water diminishes the reserves.
When the word "drought" is used by the general public, the most often intended definition is
meteorological drought. However, when the word is used by urban planners, it is more
frequently in the sense of hydrologic drought.
Freeze: In this mild Mediterranean climate area, a freeze refers to a particularly cold spell of
weather where the temperature drops below 32 degrees, most typically in the early morning
hours. Usually these cold spells will last only two or three days when the ocean influence will
overcome the cold front and the early morning temperatures will return to the normal 45 to 55
degree range.
Hail Storms: Hail is precipitation in the form of balls or irregular lumps, always produced by
convective clouds, nearly always cumulonimbus. They can vary from pea size all the way up to
that of a grapefruit in rare circumstances. Hailstones generally form in thunderstorms between
currents of rising air called the updrafts and the current of air descending toward the ground,
called the downdraft. Large hailstones indicate strong updrafts in the thunderstorm. The larger
the hail, the stronger the updraft needed to hold it aloft in the storm.
Dense Fog: Dense fog in San Luis Obispo County reduces visibility making driving more
dangerous. A fog advisory issued for San Luis Obispo County in October 2011 warned visibility
could be as low as a quarter mile and reduce suddenly with denser patches. In March 2012
another fog advisory anticipated less than ¼ of normal visibility. The National Weather Service
issues dense fog advisories when appropriate and suggests slowing down on the road, using
headlights at all times, and leaving plenty of distance from other vehicles.
Tornado: A tornado, often referred to as a twister, is a violent, dangerous, rotating column of air
that is in contact with both the surface of the earth and a cumulonimbus cloud. Tornadoes come
in many shapes and sizes, but are typically in the form of a visible condensation funnel, whose
narrow end touches the earth and is often encircled by a cloud of debris and dust. Most tornadoes
have wind speeds less than 110 miles per hour, are approximately 250 feet across, and travel a
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few miles before dissipating. The most extreme can attain wind speeds of more than 300 mph,
stretch more than two miles across, and stay on the ground for dozens of miles.
Thunderstorm: A thunderstorm, also known as an electrical storm, a lightning storm,
thundershower or simply a storm, is a form of weather characterized by the presence of lightning
and its acoustic effect on the Earth's atmosphere known as thunder.. Thunderstorms are usually
accompanied by strong winds, heavy rain and sometimes snow, sleet, hail, or no precipitation at
all. Those which cause hail to fall are known as hailstorms (described above).
4.2.3.2 History
Adverse weather has impacted the City of San Luis Obispo. The first recorded tornado
occurred on April 7, 1926. A Pacific storm came in from the west and produced lightning.
The lightning struck large oil tanks along Tank Farm Road. Altogether, more than five million
gallons of oil burned over five days. It was reported that burning oil made it all the way to
Avila Beach by way of the San Luis Obispo Creek. Intense heat from these fires produced
hundreds of fire whirls, many of them showing characteristics of tornadoes. One of the
tornadoes traveled 1,000 yards, picked up a house and carried it 150 feet, killing the two
occupants inside 6.
The National Climatic Data Center has documented the significant various adverse weather
events from 1998-2013. Of note, in February 1998, three windstorm events affected the
Central Coast, including the City of San Luis Obispo, within a six day period. Only three
months later, in May, a small tornado developed over the City, knocking power out and
damaging four houses. Additionally, windstorms caused severe damage to the large aging ficus
trees in the City’s Downtown area.
A sample of the variety of adverse weather events that have occurred more recently in and
around the City of San Luis Obispo are found in the Table 4-5 below.
4-5 Historical Accounts of Adverse Weather
Location Date of
Event
Damage
Reported
Incident Description
San Luis
Obispo County
02/02/1998 –
02/07/1998
A series of three storms affected Central and Southern
California with powerful winds.
City of
San Luis
Obispo
05/05/1998 4 homes
damaged
Tornado - A small tornado developed over the City of
San Luis Obispo. The tornado knocked out power to
several hundred homes. Four homes were damaged,
including a home struck by a falling cypress tree.
6 http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2013/07/27/2603365/tornadoes-are-a-rare-occurance.html
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Location Date of
Event
Damage
Reported
Incident Description
San Luis
Obispo County
12/21/1998
through
12/24/1998
$5.4
million
in crop
damage
Freeze - An unseasonable cold air mass produced a three-
night period of sub-freezing temperatures across Central
and Southern California. Agricultural interests suffered
heavy crop losses.
San Luis
Obispo County
12/17/2000
through
12/18/2000
High Wind - Gusty offshore winds buffeted the Coastal
section of San Luis Obispo County. In the City of San
Luis Obispo, the winds blew out the windows in an
unoccupied mobile home and destroyed part of a car
port. In Nipomo, a weather spotter reported sustained
winds of 35 mph with gusts to 55 mph. The strong winds
produced widespread power outages.
San Luis
Obispo County
03/04/2001
through
03/06/2001
High Wind - A powerful and slow-moving storm brought
heavy rain, strong winds and snow to Central and
Southern California. Across San Luis Obispo County,
rainfall totals ranged from 2 to 6 inches over coastal and
valley areas and ranged from 6 to 13 inches in the
mountains. In San Luis Obispo County, the heavy rain
produced extensive flooding.
San Luis
Obispo County
01/13/2007 –
01/14/2007
$25
million in
crop
damage
Freeze - Between January 13th and 15th, a very cold arctic
storm brought widespread freezing temperatures and
some gusty offshore winds to the area. Total crop
damages in San Luis Obispo County were estimated to
be around $25 million.
San Luis
Obispo County
01/04/2008 Strongest winds were reported across San Luis Obispo
and Santa Barbara counties. The winds knocked down
trees and power lines, producing numerous power
outages.
San Luis
Obispo County
02/23/2008 Wind gusts as high as 75-86 mph were reported in some
areas. Numerous trees and power lines were knocked
down.
4.2.3.3 Location
The entire City of San Luis Obispo is subject to the variety of adverse weather described in this
profile. NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center, which prepares GIS data for hazard events, did not
produce any mapping of tornado, high winds, or hail within the City limits. Similarly, the City’s
GIS department did not have any available GIS data of past adverse weather events. Should data
become available in the future, mapping of past events may aid in the visualization of the
adverse weather risk.
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4.2.3.4 Extent
Drought: Periods of drought can have significant environmental, agricultural, health, economic
and social consequences. Damage to buildings and site improvements have been attributed to
drought related subsidence in the City in the past. Drought can also reduce water quality,
because lower water flows reduce dilution of pollutants and increase contamination of remaining
water sources. Wildfires are typically larger and more severe in periods of drought due to the
lower fuel moisture content.
The National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) releases current drought monitor maps for the
United States. The NDMC classifies drought in five categories of increasing severity:
• D0: abnormally dry
• D1: moderate drought
• D2: severe drought
• D3: extreme drought
• D4: exceptional drought.
During August 2013, the drought classification for San Luis Obispo County changed from D2,
severe drought, to D3, extreme drought. From January-June 2013, the City of San Luis Obispo
experienced its third driest period on record at Cal Poly since 1870, when weather observations
started. Since January 2013, Cal Poly has recorded only 3.5 inches of rain. Normally, it should
have received 15 inches.7
Freeze: Freeze is rarely a threat to human life in San Luis Obispo. The major impact will be to
agricultural operations where crop damage to high value products such as strawberries, citrus,
grapes and row crops such as lettuce and celery can be extensive. The following table from the
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperative Extension shows the
lowest recorded temperature in the City of San Luis Obispo as well as average dates for the first
and last frost:
4-6 San Luis Obispo Lowest Recorded Temperature 8
Average Dates
First
Frost
Last
Frost
First
Hard
Frost
Last
Hard
Frost
28 degree F
Growing
Season
Lowest
Record
Temp
Chill
Hours
Grape
Degree
Days
San
Luis
Obispo 12/31 2/15 - - 350 20 227 2,632
Hail Storms: Significant amounts of damage to property notably to automobiles, skylights, and
glass-roofed structures can occur from hail storms. The damage to crops can also be severe.
7 http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2013/08/24/2649527/map-shows-san-luis-obispo-county.html
8 http://ucanr.org/blogs/slomggarden/blogfiles/3250.pdf
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Wind Storms, Thunderstorms, and Tornados: The City is subject to strong southeasterly winds
associated with powerful cold fronts. These winds, which are usually part of a strong Pacific
storm, generally occur during the winter months, from November through February. In addition,
northwesterly winds frequent the climate of the central coast of California, including San Luis
Obispo, during the spring and summer. These wind events are usually associated with a
relatively strong, zonal upper-level jet over the State and a passage of frontal storm systems into
the US from the Pacific. Both high northwest and southeast wind events associated with cold
fronts and zonal upper-level jet systems can reach sustained winds of 35-45 mph with wind gusts
of 65-75 mph within San Luis Obispo. Wind related events can be quite destructive, especially
in urban areas where falling trees and branches can result in considerable property damage.
The tornado that occurred in May of 1998 was a low-level tornado, ranked as an F0 on the Fujita
Scale (shown in Table 4-7 below).
4-7 Fujita Scale
Scale Wind Speed Possible Damage
F0 40-72 mph Light damage: branches broken off trees, minor roof damage
F1 73-112 mph Moderate damage: trees snapped, mobile home pushed off
foundations, roofs damaged
F2 133-157 mph Considerable damage: mobile homes demolished, trees
uprooted, strong built homes unroofed
F3 158-206 mph Severe damage: trains overturned, cars lifted off the ground,
strong built homes have outside walls blown away
F4 207-260 mph Devastating damage: houses leveled leaving piles of debris, cars
thrown 300 yards or more in the air
F5 261-318 mph Incredible damage: strongly built homes complete blown away,
automobile-sized missiles generated
Dense Fog: Reduced visibility and slick road conditions caused by dense fog increase the
likelihood for traffic accidents.
4.2.3.5 Probability of Future Events
Ten adverse weather events were documented in the City of San Luis Obispo between 1998 and
2013. This suggests that there is a 50% chance that an adverse weather event will occur in the
City in any given year. However, it should be noted that while the chance for an adverse weather
event in one year is high, all of these adverse weather events are unpredictable and assessing the
probability of their occurrence is difficult. It may be that some adverse weather events occur
more often than others.
The Farmer’s Almanac predicts the probability of weather events on an annual basis. The long
range forecast for San Luis Obispo from November 2013 to October 2014 includes a rainier and
cooler than normal winter, a warmer and drier than normal April and May, and a warmer than
normal summer.9
9 http://www.almanac.com/weather/longrange/zipcode/93401
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While, accurate data is not available to make more detailed probability estimations for all of the
adverse weather events, the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Cooperative Extension in San Luis Obispo County has attempted to determine frost probability
for the City. Frost date probability graphs give the probability of reaching either 32 degrees or
28 degrees on a particular day. Based on the graph in Figure 4-10, the greatest chance (60%) of
a 32 degree temperature is during the third week in January.
Figure 4-10 Probability of 32 degree temperature by weeks in each month
4.2.4 Hazardous Materials Events
4.2.4.1 Hazard Definition
Hazardous materials include hundreds of substances that pose a significant risk to humans.
These substances may be highly toxic, reactive, corrosive, flammable, radioactive, or
infectious. Numerous Federal, State, and local agencies including the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Transportation, National Fire Protection
Association, FEMA, U.S. Army, and International Maritime Organization regulate hazardous
materials.
Hazardous material releases may occur from any of the following:
• Fixed site facilities (such as refineries, chemical plants, storage facilities, manufacturing,
warehouses, wastewater treatment plants, swimming pools, dry cleaners, automotive
sales/repair, gas stations, etc.)
• Highway and rail transportation (such as tanker trucks, chemical trucks, railroad tankers)
• Air transportation (such as cargo packages)
• Pipeline transportation (liquid petroleum, natural gas, and other chemicals)
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Unless exempted, facilities that use, manufacture, or store hazardous materials in the United
States fall under the regulatory requirements of the Emergency Planning and Community
Right to Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986, enacted as Title III of the Federal Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act (42 United States Code 11001–11050; 1988). Under
EPCRA regulations, hazardous materials that pose the greatest risk for causing catastrophic
emergencies are identified as Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHSs). These chemicals are
identified by the EPA in the List of Lists – Consolidated List of Chemicals Subject to the
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and Section 112 of the
Clean Air Act. Releases of EHSs can occur during transport and from fixed facilities.
Transportation-related releases are generally more troublesome because they may occur
anywhere, including nearby to human populations, critical facilities, or sensitive
environmental areas. Transportation-related EHS releases are also more difficult to mitigate
due to the variability of locations and distance from response resources.
In addition to accidental human-caused hazardous material events, natural hazards may cause
the release of hazardous materials and complicate response activities. The impact of
earthquakes on fixed facilities may be particularly serious due to the impairment or failure of
the physical integrity of containment facilities. The threat of any hazardous material event may
be magnified due to restricted access, reduced fire suppression and spill containment, and even
complete cut-off of response personnel and equipment.
Terrorism involving hazardous materials is also considered a major threat due to the location of
hazardous material facilities and transport routes throughout communities and the frequently
limited antiterrorism security at these facilities.
4.2.4.2 History
The National Response Center’s system of non-privacy act data was queried to generate a
list of hazardous materials release incidents from August 2003 to August 2013. The City’s
Planning Team reviewed these incidents and determined which incidents were most
pertinent to the City. Twelve hazardous materials release incidents occurred near the City of
San Luis Obispo within the past 10 years. Four of these spills occurred at fixed locations,
while eight occurred through mobile transportation. These incidents are summarized in
Table 4-8 City of San Luis Obispo Hazardous Materials Release Incidents August 2003 –
August 2013.
It should be noted that this data is derived at a national level and exact locations may not be
accurate.
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Table 4-8 City of San Luis Obispo Hazardous Materials Release Incidents August 2003 - August 2013
Type of
Incident Incident Cause Date/Time Location Nearest City
Medium
Affected Material Name
Railroad Equipment
Failure 02/16/2004 19:25 2034 Santa Barbara St San Luis Obispo Land Hydrated Alumina
Fixed Dumping 01/01/2004 12:00 4130 Horizon Lane San Luis Obispo Water Hydraulic Oil
Railroad Non-
Release Other 03/19/2007 0:04 Milepost: 251.6 San Luis Obispo Rail Report
(N/A)
Railroad Non-
Release Derailment 03/19/2007 4:53 Milepost: 248.4 San Luis Obispo Rail Report
(N/A)
Railroad Non-
Release
Transport
Accident 02/29/2008 14:15 Union Pacific Railroad San Luis Obispo Rail Report
(N/A)
Fixed Equipment
Failure 03/27/2010 18:15 212 Madonna Rd. San Luis Obispo Soil Oil, Misc: Mineral
Fixed Other 06/05/2010 15:32 Private Residence 1459 Descanso
St San Luis Obispo Air Natural Gas
Railroad Non-
Release Trespasser 07/15/2010 17:48 On A Single Main Line San Luis Obispo Rail Report
(N/A)
Railroad Non-
Release Unknown 12/29/2010 6:00 Milepost: 250.15 San Luis Obispo
Non-
Release
(N/A)
Fixed Other 12/07/2011 7:30
UPS Package On The Conveyor
Belt At Truck Loading Area,
3601 Sacramento Dr.
San Luis Obispo Other Hydrochloric Acid
Mobile Equipment
Failure 08/23/2012 10:10 276 Tank Farm Road San Luis Obispo Soil Hydraulic Oil
Mobile Unknown 05/13/2013 15:00 UPS San Luis Obispo Facility At
Front Of Building San Luis Obispo Land Oil: Diesel
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4.2.4.3 Location
The EPA’s regulated facilities within City limits include 4 facilities that are permitted to
discharge water and 140 facilities that are hazardous waste handlers. Generally, the small,
fixed facilities (drycleaners, auto body shops, etc.) have varying uses of hazardous
chemicals, but in general do not pose a significant risk to the City. Areas at risk of
hazardous material spills include any area within a 1-mile radius of Highway 101, State
Route 1, the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, and EHS fixed facilities within the city limits.
Additionally, hazardous materials are transported via railroad tracks, roadways, and
pipelines. Thus an accident along these infrastructure may result in a hazardous material
spill.
A map of facilities that store hazardous materials as well as hazardous substance facilities is
maintained by the City, but not included in this plan for security reasons.
4.2.4.4 Extent
The extent of a hazardous material spill may vary from significant impacts causing injuries
and evacuation to minor impacts requiring minimal cleanup.
Hazardous materials releases can be harmful in the following ways:
• Chemical, biological, and radiological agents can cause significant health risks to
those exposed to them; biological agents can be additionally dangerous if they are
infectious. Flammable and explosive materials also present life safety concerns if
they are exposed to heat.
• Oil spills can present an immediate fire hazard and can contaminate drinking water
supplies.
• Any release of hazardous material requires a thorough and careful clean-up of the site
and decontamination of those exposed. Clean-up and recovery is time and cost
consuming.
• Delays caused by hazardous materials releases and the ensuing evacuation and
cleanup processes could lead to significant economic losses due to traffic delays
(mobile releases) or operational shut-down (fixed facilities).
• Overall, hazardous materials can cause death, serious injury, long-lasting health
effects, and damage to buildings, the environment, homes, and other property.
4.2.4.5 Probability of Future Events
Based on previous occurrences, the likelihood of a small oil or chemical spill occurring is
about once per year. Since the majority of events have occurred through transportation, a
hazardous material event would have the highest potential to occur along Highway 101, State
Route 1, and Union Pacific Railroad. The trains and trucks that use these transportation
arteries commonly carry a variety of hazardous materials, including gasoline, other crude oil
derivatives, and other chemicals known to cause human health problems.
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4.2.5 Floods
4.2.5.1 Hazard Definition
Flooding is the accumulation of water where usually none occurs or excess water from a
stream, river, lake, reservoir, or coastal body of water overflows onto adjacent floodplains.
Floodplains are lowlands adjacent to water bodies that are subject to recurring floods. Floods
are natural events that are considered hazards only when people and property are affected.
Riverine Flooding: In San Luis Obispo, the most common type of flooding event is riverine
flooding, also known as overbank flooding. Riverine floodplains range from narrow, confined
channels in the steep valleys of mountainous and hilly regions, to wide, flat areas in plains and
coastal regions. The amount of water in the floodplain is a function of the size and topography
of the contributing watershed, the regional and local climate, and land use characteristics.
Flooding in steep, mountainous areas is usually confined, strikes with less warning time, and
has a short duration. Larger rivers typically have longer, more predictable flooding sequences
and broad floodplains.
Flash Flooding: In addition to riverine flooding, San Luis Obispo is susceptible to flash
flooding. Flash flood is a term widely used by experts and the general population, but no single
definition or clear means of distinguishing flash floods from other riverine floods exists. Flash
floods are generally understood to involve a rapid rise in water level, high velocity, and large
amounts of debris, which can lead to significant damage that includes the tearing out of trees,
undermining of buildings and bridges, and scouring of new channels. The intensity of flash
flooding is a function of the intensity and duration of rainfall, steepness of the watershed,
stream gradients, watershed vegetation, natural and artificial flood storage areas, and
configuration of the streambed and floodplain. Urban areas are increasingly subject to flash
flooding due to the removal of vegetation, installation of impermeable surfaces over ground
cover, and construction of drainage systems. Wildfires that strip hillsides of vegetation and
alter soil characteristics may also create conditions that lead to flash floods and debris flows.
Debris flows are particularly dangerous due to the fact that they generally strike without
warning and are accompanied by extreme velocity and momentum.
Dam Inundation: Dam failure may also lead to flash flooding; however, the County’s dam
inundation as well as the California Office of Emergency Services dam inundation data
confirms that there are no dam inundation zones located within the City limits.
Localized Flooding: Localized flooding may occur outside of recognized drainage channels or
delineated floodplains due to a combination of locally heavy precipitation, increased surface
runoff, and drainage and stormwater conveyance system capacity limitations. Such events
frequently occur in flat areas and in urbanized areas with large impermeable surfaces. Local
drainage may result in “nuisance flooding,” in which streets or parking lots are temporarily
closed; and minor property damage occurs. While several areas in the downtown of San Luis
Obispo may be subject to localized flooding from infrastructure failure (i.e. drainage issues),
the effects are not widespread and damage is typically minimal, and thus, localized flooding is
not studied in detail as part of this LHMP.
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4.2.5.2 History
The most serious flood events on record resulting in property damage or loss of life in San
Luis Obispo occurred in 1868, 1884, 1897, 1911, 1948, 1952, 1962, 1969, 1973, 1993, 1995,
1998 and 2001.
Figure 4-11 Flooding at Los Osos Valley Road and Highway 101
Recent damaging floods occurred during January and March of 1995, with a lesser flooding
problem in 1998. Flow during these events overtopped streambanks near the intersection of
Marsh and Higuera Streets and remained out of the channel for nearly three miles downstream,
with damage estimated at nearly $2.3 million. The City and Zone 9 spent approximately $1
million to repair bank erosion caused during the winter of 1995. Damage occurred near the
town of Avila during both the January and March 1995 events, where high flow and debris
blockages caused extensive damage to several bridges across the creek.10
Flooding during 1969 was significantly damaging. Two floods occurred, one at the end of
January and the second at the end of February. During this 2-month period, a local rain gage
recorded an accumulated precipitation total of 39.79 inches.
10 http://www.coastalrcd.org/zone9/history/history.html
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Figure 4-12 Impacts of 1969 Flooding: Car sinks in Johnson Avenue "puddle" and gas station is closed in Atascadero 11
Historically, the 1969 and 1973 events were more damaging than the 1995 floods in present
day dollars. The 1969 flood caused approximately $6.92 million in damage within the SLO
Creek watershed. The 1973 storm caused $13.6 million along Stenner Creek, Brizziolari
Creek, Prefumo Creek, and See Canyon Creek.
Figure 4-13 1973 Flooding at Broad and Lincoln in the City of San Luis Obispo
11 January 1969 The Flood that Was, San Luis Obispo County by Gilbert Moore and Dave Verbon
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4.2.5.3 Location
The FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for the City of San Luis Obispo shows
identified Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) for the following flooding sources: San Luis
Obispo Creek, Stenner Creek, Brizziolari Creek, Old Garden Creek, Prefumo Creek, Laguna
Lake, and several tributaries.
Figure 4-14 below shows the extent of the 100- and 500-year floodplains within San Luis
Obispo. The 100-year floodplains for these creeks encompass extensive areas of the City on the
east and west sides of U.S. 101, including the downtown area. The City is most prone to shallow
flooding (1 to 3 feet) along the San Luis Obispo Creek and Laguna Lake. Local waterways
typically reach and then decline from flood stage in a matter of hours. However, flooding
problems can be aggravated by natural and human-made obstructions in the channels. Flooding
in these areas generally occurs during the rainy season from October - April.
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Figure 4-14 City of San Luis Obispo Special Flood Hazard Areas
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4.2.5.4 Extent
Flood events vary from insignificant to severe. In San Luis Obispo, flooding may occur
throughout the watershed in lesser than 100-year flood events, due to flow constrictions at
bridges and other areas of limited channel conveyance. For example, during a 1973 event,
flooding in the Stenner Creek watershed was exacerbated by constriction at the Highway 101
Bridge. This bridge, along with the Santa Rosa Street Bridge, has since been replaced to
alleviate this constriction.12 In addition, denuded banks and erosion can add plant debris and
sediment that is later re-deposited downstream. Undermined trees may topple into the channel in
some areas during a large flood event. Streambank vegetation can collect debris, reducing
channel capacity and deflecting flows against banks.
Depending on the depth of the floodwaters, flood events have the potential to cause
significant damage which may include:
• Inundation of structures, causing water damage to structural elements and contents.
o During historic flooding events, flood depths as high as three feet were recorded and
critical areas, such as the downtown business district of San Luis Obispo,
experienced inundation from floodwaters.
• Erosion or scouring of stream banks, roadway embankments, foundations, footings for
bridge piers, and other features.
o SLO Creek bank conditions range from stable and well vegetated to near vertical
eroding banks. Accelerated bank erosion results from land uses that affect the
stream corridor including overgrazing, agriculture, and development, including
roads and utility construction.
• Impact damage to structures, roads, bridges, culverts, and other features from high-
velocity flow and from debris carried by floodwaters. Such debris may also accumulate
on bridge piers and in culverts, increasing loads on these features or causing overtopping
or backwater effects.
• Destruction of crops, erosion of topsoil, and deposition of debris and sediment on
croplands.
• Release of wastewater if the treatment plant is inundated.
In addition, while the City’s wastewater treatment plant is not expected to be inundated
by the 100-year flood, flood flows have spilled into areas near the plant, including the
City’s Corp Yard. Prior flood incidents have resulted in people being unable to exit
buildings at the Corp Yard. To mitigate these concerns, the main Corporate Yard
building was designed to remain out of the floodplain and storage sheds are elevated to
reduce flood damage.
Floods have the potential to result in economic losses because of building damage, closure of
businesses and government facilities, disruption of communications, disruption of the provision
of utilities such as water and sewer service, result in expenditures for emergency response, and
generally disrupt the normal function of a community.
12 Waterway Management Plan, http://www.slocity.org/publicworks/download/wmp/wmp.pdf
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As part of the San Luis Obispo Waterway Management Plan (2003), computer models of the
rainfall/runoff hydrology of the SLO watershed and the channel hydraulics of the major
streams and floodplains of the watershed were developed. Analysis using these models found
that since urban development of the watershed the amount of flow in SLO Creek during the
100-year flood event has only increased a few percent since the early 1960’s, but the 2-year
channel shaping flow has increased by as much as 10-12%. Increased flows at lower storm
return intervals (e.g. increased 2-year channel forming flow) can cause channel incision and
toe scour, which in turn can cause widespread bank failure. The Waterway Management Plan
notes that discharge from urban areas and grazing lands have increased, resulting in higher
velocities that are capable of eroding the channel bed and banks.
4.2.5.5 Probability of Future Events
The Hazard Mitigation Team relies on the FIRMs for evaluating the likelihood of future flood
events. The studies resulting in the FIRMs establish Special Flood Hazard Areas that depict the
locations likely to be inundated in two different frequency flood events:
1. The 1% annual chance flood (commonly referred to as the 100-year flood or base flood)
2. The 0.2 % annual chance flood (commonly referred to as the 500-year flood)
The Special Flood Hazard Areas within the City of San Luis Obispo are shown in Figure 4-14.
4.2.6 Pandemic
The Hazard Mitigation Team added pandemic for consideration within this plan update. It is a
recognized potential threat to San Luis Obispo and could pose severe challenges for the City to
provide services if a significant number of staff are affected by a pandemic. The City is largely
reliant on the County’s public health resources through the County’s Emergency Preparedness
Program within the County Public Health Department under the direction of the County Health
Officer. This program supports the Public Health Department in the management and
coordination of public health emergencies including natural disasters, technological disasters,
bioterrorism incidents, and pandemic flu. It should be noted that the County’s Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan includes a risk assessment on naturally occurring biological agents including
pandemic. This hazard profile is intended to be consistent with the County identified risks while
maintaining focus on pandemic over the other naturally occurring biological agents.
4.2.6.1 Hazard Definition
Pandemic is defined as “occurring over a wide geographic area and affecting an exceptionally
high proportion of the population.” Historically around the world, influenza (or flu) viruses have
caused more pandemics than any other agent. However other causes of pandemic are also
important to acknowledge. These include novel infections and food or waterborne illnesses.
Pandemic Flu (Influenza): For centuries, influenza viruses have threatened the health of humans
and animals worldwide by causing contagious respiratory illnesses, from mild to severe. Annual
influenza epidemics create a significant public health burden with the highest risk of
complications occurring in the elderly, children under the age of two, and individuals with other
medical conditions (especially those impacting the immune system). The diversity in influenza
viruses and their propensity for mutation has prevented the development of both a universal
vaccine and highly effective antiviral drugs. Ongoing concern exists over the potential
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emergence of a new strain of influenza with the ability to infect and be passed between humans.
Because humans do not have immunity to a novel virus, a worldwide epidemic (pandemic) could
result, as recently occurred in 2009 (H1N1).
Novel Infections (SARS et al): Novel infections, particularly those of viral origin, pose a
tremendous risk to public health because the general public has no immunity from prior
infections or vaccination, and because a vaccine is not readily available. One novel virus that
took the world by surprise was Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). It first appeared in
China at the end of 2002.
Food and Waterborne Illness: The following have been historical threats to the food and water
supply in the United States:
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Salmonella species
• E. coli 0157: H7
• Campylobacter species
• Amebiasis
• Hepatitis A
• Shigella species
Intrinsic problems in food or water production, processing, storage, distribution, or preparation
all result in contamination of the food supply. Because food production and distribution
practices are constantly changing, new, unforeseen problems will continue to emerge. The need
for ongoing monitoring of food safety practices and control of water supplies is essential.
4.2.6.2 History
Pandemic Flu (Influenza): Three human influenza pandemics occurred in the 20th century, each
resulting in illness in approximately 30 percent of the world population and death in up to two
percent of those infected.
The 1918 Spanish Influenza (H1N1) pandemic occurred towards the end of World War I. More
people died during the flu pandemic than were killed during the entire war. The influenza death
toll was an estimated 50–100 million worldwide. In the United States, about 675,000 died.
The 1957 Asian Influenza (H2N2) pandemic killed one to two million worldwide and caused
approximately 70,000 deaths in the United States.
The third pandemic, the Hong Kong Influenza (H3N2), occurred in 1968-1969 and killed an
estimated one million people worldwide.
More recently, a novel influenza virus emerged, the 2009 H1N1, which spread worldwide and
caused the first flu pandemic in over four decades. In the U.S., the CDC believed H1N1 may
have been responsible for up to 17,000 deaths as of May 2010. In San Luis Obispo County
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between April 23, 2009 and August 28, 2010, there were 5 severe cases, 4 ICU cases, and 3
deaths associated with the 2009 H1N1.13
Novel Infections (SARS et al): The SARS virus infected China at the end of 2002. Within
months, this coronavirus spread internationally, with the help of air travel, resulting in 8,098
cases in 26 countries with 774 death occurring.
Food and Waterborne Illness: Threats to the food and water supply in the U.S. occur regularly
due to a variety of causes.
4.2.6.3 Location
The potential exists within the City of San Luis Obispo and in all of the U.S. for an outbreak of
an infectious disease to occur that would dramatically affect the health and safety of the general
public and the economy of the affected area, state, and possibly nation. The San Luis Obispo
County Public Health Department, which responds to health emergencies in the City, has been
proactive in its infection control, surveillance efforts and in its emergency planning activities to
limit and control outbreaks of infectious disease.
4.2.6.4 Extent
Pandemic Flu (Influenza): The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that,
in the U.S. alone, a "minor" influenza pandemic could infect up to 200 million people and cause
between 100,000-200,000 deaths.
The San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department estimates that an influenza pandemic
could result in as many as 5,000 illnesses (approximately 2% of county population) and up to
1,000 deaths.14
The potential financial impact on the U.S. of this type of pandemic is estimated at $166 billion.
Pandemics can continue for up to 24 months and cause major disruptions in supply chains for
essential goods and services.
Novel Infections (SARS et al): It can take many years to develop new vaccines for novel viruses
and even longer for those vaccines to begin protecting individuals.
Food and Waterborne Illness: Food and waterborne illnesses are major global health problems
resulting in over 2 million deaths per year. In the U.S. alone, an estimated 76 million cases of
food-borne illness occur annually resulting in 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths. Food-
borne outbreaks are identified by the presence of illness shortly following a meal. Illness can
occur within a few hours and up to several weeks. Symptoms range from mild to severe.
4.2.6.5 Probability of Future Events
The greatest ongoing concern national health agencies have is the potential emergence of a novel
influenza virus similar to that which recently occurred in 2009 (H1N1). For the past several
years, federal, state and local governments have been actively engaged in pandemic influenza
13 http://www.cdph.ca.gov/data/statistics/Documents/H1N1DataTable082810.pdf
14 http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/health/publichealth/commdisease/pandemicflu.htm
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preparedness planning efforts. The San Luis Obispo Public Health Department has an up-to-date
Pandemic Influenza Plan and Strategic National Stockpile Plan. While influenza is an
unpredictable virus, these preparedness measures will facilitate prevention, early detection, and
treatment when the next pandemic does strike.
Another area of particular concern in San Luis Obispo is the limited surveillance for vector borne
diseases such as West Nile Virus (WNV). Surveillance efforts throughout California have been
extensive, including human and horse case detection, and WNV testing of mosquitoes, sentinel
chicken flocks, and dead birds. Because San Luis Obispo County is one of the few remaining
counties in California without a Vector Control District, the risk of vector borne diseases is
higher than those communities with Districts.
4.2.7 Landslides
4.2.7.1 Hazard Definition
Landslide is a general term for the dislodgment and fall of a mass of soil or rocks along a sloped
surface or for the dislodged mass itself. The term is used for varying phenomena, including
mudflows, mudslides, debris flows, rock falls, rock slides, debris avalanches, debris slides, and
slump-earth flows. Landslides may result from a wide range of combinations of natural
rock, soil, or artificial fill. The susceptibility of hillside and mountainous areas to landslides
depends on variations in geology, topography, vegetation, and weather. Landslides may also
occur due to indiscriminate development of sloping ground or the creation of cut-and-fill slopes
in areas of unstable or inadequately stable geologic conditions.
Additionally, landslides often occur together with other natural hazards, thereby
exacerbating conditions, as described below.
• Shaking due to earthquakes can trigger events ranging from rock falls and topples to
massive slides.
• Intense or prolonged precipitation that causes flooding can also saturate slopes and
cause failures leading to landslides.
• Landslides into a reservoir can indirectly compromise dam safety, and a landslide can
even affect the dam itself.
• Wildfires can remove vegetation from hillsides, significantly increasing runoff and
landslide potential.
4.2.7.2 History
Landslide events are common occurrences outside of the City limits, along the steep slopes
and the coastal mountain areas of the county. Numerous landslides within the Franciscan
complex have been observable along the Highway 1 corridor from San Luis Obispo to San
Simeon. The largest landslide events within the county have been associated with severe
winter storms and strong El Nino events (1982-1983, 1994-1995, 1997-1998, and 2004-2005).
Only small landslides along unstable slopes saturated during prolonged and/or intense rain
events have occurred within the City.
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4.2.7.3 Location
The City of San Luis Obispo is considered to have a moderate risk to landslides. The majority
of the development in the City is in the valley area with a low to very low potential for slope
instability. Slope instability in the City generally increases with steepness and distance from
the San Luis Obispo Creek, with areas of steep terrain that consist of fractured soil or thin
layers of clay that are susceptible to erosion and landslide. Only the most northern and most
western portions of the City are considered to be at high risk to landslides. In addition, the
hillside areas to the east, north, and west of the City, as well as along the flanks of the Morros,
are underlain by the Franciscan mélange, which is a source of significant slope instability.
Areas of the City with steep topography and geologic formations prone to slope stability
problems are depicted in Figure 4-16 City of San Luis Obispo Landslide Potential.
Landslide potential is exacerbated by the
occurrence of other natural hazards such
as wildfire and flooding, thus areas
prone to these types of hazards should be
evaluated for landslide concern as well.
Orcutt Area Specific Plan:
The Environmental Impact Report for
the Orcutt Area Specific Plan (2011)
indicates that while a majority of the
project area does not appear steep
enough to pose a landslide hazard, the
southern part of the site that includes
Righetti Hill is steep and rocky enough
to have stability concerns. Thus, the
development plan designates the steepest
portions of Righetti Hill to be kept as
open space and not developed for
residential uses. The western flank of
the hill, however, is to be developed for
residential housing and, therefore, there
is a risk of landslide within the project
boundary. In addition, the City of San
Luis Obispo General Plan depicts
portions of the project site as having a
moderate landslide potential. To mitigate
risk from this landslide potential, a
geotechnical study to identify unstable
slopes within the project area is required. Development on these slopes will be avoided, or the
slopes will be engineered so that they are no longer unstable. Proposed development within
the Orcutt Area Specific Plan avoids hillside areas and slopes greater than 30%.
Margarita Area Specific Plan: The Margarita Area is located adjacent to San Luis Obispo and
encompasses the County Airport. It is bordered by South Higuera Street to the west and
Figure 4-15 Location of Orcutt Area Specific Plan
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Broad Street to the east and is crossed by Tank Farm Road. According to the Environmental
Impact Report (EIR) for the Airport Area and Margarita Specific Plans and Related Facilities
Master Plans (2003), the Margarita Area includes the southern slopes of the South Street Hills,
which form the northern boundary of the project area and are susceptible to landslides. The
EIR indicates that no building sites in this area will be located above the elevation designated
in the hillside planning section of the City’s General Plan Open Space Element.
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Figure 4-16 City of San Luis Obispo Landslide Potential
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4.2.7.4 Extent
Landslides are usually a cascading effect of severe weather and range in size from less than an
acre to several that extend over a mile of hillside. Landslides can have the following impacts on
people and property:
• Effects on people and housing: People and housing are at risk from landslides and
rockslides. For the most part, past incidents in the City have not resulted in significant
injuries or loss of life. Property loss is rare, but is usually significant when it occurs.
• Effects on commercial and industrial structures: Landslides can result in damage to
property and cause buildings to become unsafe either due to distress or collapse during
sudden or gradual slope movement. Structures constructed in steep terrain, possibly on
stable ground, may also experience landslide hazards if they are situated in the path of
potential mud flows or rockslide hazards.
• Effects on infrastructure: Landslides and rockslides can result in the destruction of
infrastructure such as water and sewer lines, electrical and telecommunications utilities
and drainage. Disrupted transportation routes occur occasionally, usually during heavy
rain storms, and cause considerable inconvenience.
4.2.7.5 Probability of Future Events
The likelihood of sliding increases during or after a period of heavy rain, when saturated soil
fractures or weak spots give way. Therefore, while slides generally occur during the rainy
season, after very wet winters, deep-seated landslides can continue to become active for many
months, extending well into the summer. Geologists consider San Luis Obispo to be prone to
deep-seated, slow-moving landslides. However, even where slides are recognized, it is often
hard to accurately predict the frequency or magnitude of potential future movement.
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Section 5 Vulnerability Assessment
5.1 Overview
The vulnerability assessment is a summary of each hazard’s impact on the City’s key assets.
This section includes: 1) a description of the City’s critical and essential facilities and
infrastructure, 2) an analysis of the extent of each hazard’s effect on these vulnerable structures,
and 3) an estimate of the potential dollar losses to vulnerable structures.
5.2 Key Assets – Critical and Essential Facilities and Infrastructure
The Planning Team reviewed the list of Critical Facilities and Infrastructure in the 2006 plan and
identified several key assets to add to the list such as private schools, California Polytechnic
State University (Cal Poly) (which sits directly adjacent to the City boundary and receives
primary fire and emergency medical services response from the City Fire Department), the
airport and train station, Cal Trans headquarters, water system infrastructure, sewer system
infrastructure, etc. In addition, replacement values of the identified key assets were reviewed and
updated as available. The replacement value is the insured amount of the asset, including the
contents value. These represent the total potential loss value for each facility. Table 5-1 is the
updated list of Key Assets developed for the 2014 hazard mitigation plan.
Some assets are relied upon as part of critical response activities, while others are considered
essential to the operations and viability of the City. Those which are part of critical response
activities as identified by the City’s Emergency Operations Plan and GIS mapping of critical
services are denoted as critical in the following table. The remaining assets are identified as
essential. This designation prioritizes critical assets over essential assets for risk reduction and
resiliency measures, while acknowledging that all of these assets are important to the City of San
DMA Requirement [The risk assessment shall include a] description of the jurisdiction’s
§201.6(c)(2)(ii): vulnerability to the hazards described in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this
section. This description shall include an overall summary of each
hazard and its impact on the community.
DMA Requirement The plan should describe vulnerability in terms of the types and
§201.6(c)(2)(ii)(A): numbers of existing and future buildings, infrastructure, and critical
facilities located in the identified hazard areas … .
DMA Requirement [The plan should describe vulnerability in terms of an] estimate of the
§201.6(c)(2)(ii)(B): potential dollar losses to vulnerable structures identified in paragraph
(c)(2)(i)(A) of this section and a description of the methodology used
to prepare the estimate … .
DMA Requirement [The plan should describe vulnerability in terms of] providing a
§201.6(c)(2)(ii)(C): general description of land uses and development trends within the
community so that mitigation options can be considered in future
land decisions.
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Luis Obispo. The asset ID numbers in Table 5-1 correspond to the maps presented in Section
5.2.1 Mapping.
Table 5-1 City of San Luis Obispo Key Assets
Category Asset Name Asset IDs Address
Replacement
Value Priority
City Hall City Hall 68 990 Palm Street $8,281,217 Critical
Community and
Recreational
Facilities
Library 451 995 Palm Street $1,389,319 Essential
Ludwick Community
Center 452
864 Santa Rosa
Street $2,216,438 Critical
Meadow Park
Recreational Center 453 2333 Meadow $1,252,339 Essential
Mitchell Park Senior
Center 456
1445 Santa
Rosa Street $924,546 Essential
Sinsheimer Pool and
Park 97-110
900 Southwood
Drive $2,260,151 Essential
Hospitals
French Hospital
Medical Center 81-85
1911 Johnson
Avenue $160,000 Critical
Sierra Vista Regional
Medical Center 79-80
1010 Murray
Avenue $8,260,000 Critical
Infrastructure
Amtrak Train Station 540 Essential
Critical Bridges
10, 11, 19,
20, 23, 25,
27, 34, 35,
40, 41, 42,
44, 51, 56
Varies by
bridge
Varies by
bridge Critical
Essential Bridges
8, 9, 12-18,
21, 22, 24,
26, 28-33,
36-39, 43,
45-50, 52-
55, 58, 59-
62
Varies by
bridge Varies by bridge Essential
Higuera Box Culvert 57 Higuera Street $4,500,000 Critical
Cal Trans
Headquarters 397-424 50 Higuera Essential
Cal Trans Yard 397-424 66 Madonna Essential
CHP San Luis
Obispo Dispatch
Center 425
675 California
Boulevard $3,200,000 Essential
Evacuation Route
Roads 50 miles
$1,000,000/mile
= $50,000,000 Critical
Other Essential City-
Owned Roads 120 miles
$1,000,000/mile
= $120,000,000 Essential
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Category Asset Name Asset IDs Address
Replacement
Value Priority
Communication
Towers 614,616,617 Essential
Data Center -
Building 14 -
CalPoly 237 Essential
Digital West 618
3620
Sacramento
Drive Essential
Federal Highway 101
included in
Evacuation
Route Roads Critical
Fiber Optic Network Essential
Railroad 4.19 miles $5,813,789 Essential
SLO Airport 95 Critical
State Route 1
included in
Evacuation
Route Roads Critical
Other City-
Owned Facilities
City Corporation
Yard 426 25 Prado Road $4,089,200 Critical
Community
Development and
Public Works
Administration 437 919 Palm Street $20,073,356 Essential
Parking Garage 477
Marsh and
Chorro Streets $19,931,781 Essential
Parking Garage 478 842 Palm Street $7,597,529 Essential
Parks and Recreation
Department Building 479
1341 Nipomo
Street $1,120,748 Essential
Prado Day Center 96 45 Prado Road $604,287 Essential
Utilities
Administration 541
879 Morro
Street $928,696 Essential
Police and Fire
Stations
Dispatch Center 78
1135
Roundhouse $5,586,920 Essential
Fire Station #1 69
2160 Santa
Barbara Street $4,752,133 Critical
Fire Station #2 70
136 North
Chorro Street $446,979 Critical
Fire Station #3 71
1280 Laurel
Lane $518,011 Critical
Fire Station #4 72
1395 Madonna
Road $442,840 Critical
Police Main
Building, Garage, 73-77
1042 and 1016
Walnut Street $3,775,017 Critical
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Category Asset Name Asset IDs Address
Replacement
Value Priority
Annex
Potable Water
and Wastewater
Facilities
Fire Station #4 Well 619
1395 Madonna
Road Essential
Pacific Beach Well 620
11950 Los Osos
Valley Road
(front median) Essential
Reservoirs 63-67 Essential
Sewer Lift Stations 555-564 Essential
Sewer System
Infrastructure (pipes) Essential
Storm Drain System Essential
Waste Water
Treatment Plant
(includes the
Water/Wastewater
Laboratory) 615 35 Prado Road $66,629,793 Essential
Water Pump Stations 1-7 Critical
Water System
Infrastructure (pipes) Critical
Water Tanks 566-613 Critical
Water Treatment
Plant and Stenner
Hydro Plant 565
Stenner Creek
Road $44,721,338 Essential
Private Schools
California
Polytechnic State
University 111-372 1 Grand Avenue Essential
Mission College
Preparatory School 454-455 682 Palm Street Critical
Old Mission School 457-459
761 Broad
Street $1,000,000 Critical
Bishop Peak
Elementary School 86
451 Jaycee
Drive $590,000 Critical
CL Smith
Elementary 427-436 1375 Balboa $590,000 Critical
Hawthorne
Elementary 438
2125 Story
Street $590,000 Critical
Laguna Middle
School 439-450
11050 Los Osos
Valley Road $590,000 Critical
Old Pacheco
Elementary (Vacant) 460-472
165 Grand
Avenue $590,000 Critical
Pacheco Elementary 87-94 375 Ferrini $590,000 Critical
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Category Asset Name Asset IDs Address
Replacement
Value Priority
Pacific Beach High
School 473-476
11950 Los Osos
Valley Road $590,000 Critical
San Luis Coastal
Unified School
District
Administrative
Offices 542-554
1500 Lizzie
Street Essential
San Luis Obispo
High School 480-510
1499 San Luis
Drive $590,000 Critical
Sinsheimer
Elementary 511-539 2755 Augusta $590,000 Critical
5.2.1 Mapping
Figures 5-1 and 5-2 present the locations of the key assets throughout the City. These maps show
building footprints where available. Points denote assets that were not available as a footprint in
the City’s current GIS database. Infrastructure such as roads and pipelines are shown as line
features.
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Figure 5-1 City of San Luis Obispo Key Assets in Northern Portion of City
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Figure 5-2 City of San Luis Obispo Key Assets in Southern Portion of City
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Two assets require a brief discussion to explain their inclusion in the vulnerability assessment:
Cal Poly and the City Corp Yard.
5.2.1.1 Cal Poly
Cal Poly maintains its own Local Hazard Mitigation Plan based on the University’s assessment
of its risks and capabilities. The University is a large component of the community, but this plan
does not focus on the operations or specific risks to the Cal Poly campus. For the purposes of the
City of San Luis Obispo Hazard Mitigation Plan, the University is looked at, in its entirety, as an
essential asset. However, there is one building on the Cal Poly campus that the Planning Team
identified as having a specific role for the City of San Luis Obispo, and therefore is a critical
asset. The University Data Center, Building 14, is identified as critical asset #241 in the GIS
analysis for this plan. Building 14, also known as the Frank E. Pilling Computer Science
Building, houses multiple data servers which retain data for both the Cal Poly Campus and City
of SLO.
5.2.1.2 City Corp Yard
The entire parcel which hosts the City Corp Yard is included in the vulnerability assessment
rather than just the building footprints. The City Corp Yard houses the following: fleet services
and fueling station, public works equipment storage, and the Wastewater Collections and Water
Distribution maintenance staff, tools, and equipment. Prado Day Center, which sits on this
parcel, is listed as a separate asset as it may be needed to serve as an emergency shelter.
Additionally, the waste water treatment plant (listed as a separate asset) is located on this parcel.
Given the amount of equipment stored and services provided on this parcel, the entire parcel area
is acknowledged as a critical key asset in addition to the Prado Day Center and the waste water
treatment plant. As denoted in Section 4.2.5.4 of the Flood Profile, prior flooding incidents on
the City’s Corp Yard have prohibited people from leaving buildings on this parcel. To mitigate
flooding concerns, the main Corporate Yard building was designed to remain out of the
floodplain and storage sheds have been elevated to reduce flood damage.
5.3 Vulnerability Assessment Methodology
The City’s key assets (Table 5-1) were overlaid with the known hazard areas using GIS to
determine which assets are located within each hazard area. All GIS data used to compile and
map the City’s key assets were collected from the City’s Geographic Information Services group
within the City’s Finance and Information Technology Department. This department also
provided hazard area data for wildfire and flood. The County of San Luis Obispo provided
liquefaction and landslide hazard data. Alquist-Priolo fault zones and ground shaking data was
retrieved from the California Geological Survey. Hazard area and key asset overlays were
conducted for earthquake, liquefaction, wildfire, flood, and landslide. The available replacement
values for the key assets that fall within a hazard area are tallied in each vulnerability table
presented in Section 5.4 Risk to Applicable Hazards and Potential Loss Estimates to provide the
total estimated potential losses to each hazard. Please note that the actual losses will depend on
the type and extent of the hazard event.
Hazard and key asset overlays were not conducted for adverse weather, hazardous materials
incidents, and pandemic. Adverse weather has the potential to affect the entire city. Drought,
freeze, and fog do not inflict physical damage on the City’s key assets; however, windstorms,
hail, tornadoes, and thunderstorms can pose a threat, and, therefore, all facilities listed in Table
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5-1 City of San Luis Obispo Key Assets could potentially be susceptible to damage from these
hazard events. The City maintains a map of facilities that store hazardous materials as well as
hazardous substance facilities and is able to use GIS to evaluate the key assets located in close
proximity to these facilities to determine their vulnerability. For security, the map and specific
facilities at risk to hazardous material spills are not presented in this plan. Pandemics do not
inflict physical damage on the City’s key assets. However, all people within the City of San Luis
Obispo are at risk from pandemics.
5.4 Risk to Applicable Hazards and Potential Loss Estimates
5.4.1 Earthquake
As shown in Figure 4-2, a small portion of the City of San Luis Obispo lies in an Alquist Priolo
Zone of Required Investigation. This zone portrays the region in which a fault investigation
must be conducted as a condition for a permit to construct certain buildings, pursuant to CA
Public Resources Code Section 2621 et seq. While no critical or essential facilities fall within
this zone, some key infrastructure does fall within this area. Table 5-2 identifies the length in
feet of infrastructure located within the Alquist Priolo Zone of Required Investigation.
Table 5-2 Total Linear Feet of Key Infrastructure in Alquist Priolo Fault Zone of Required Investigation
Key Infrastructure
Linear Feet in Fault Zone
of Required Investigation Replacement Value
Other Essential City-owned Roads 6,140
$1,000,000/mile =
$1,160,000
Water System Infrastructure 2,782
Sewer System Infrastructure 2,215
Critical Roads 1,312
$1,000,000/mile =
$250,000
Stormwater 865
Total Linear Feet of Key
Infrastructure 13,314 $1,410,000
Spectral Acceleration (SA) data, as collected from the California Geological Survey (Figure 4-3),
shows ground shaking potential throughout the City. Using GIS, the key assets were overlaid
with the SA data to identify which assets are within areas of higher potential ground shaking.
The SA data covers the entire City and thus all key assets are associated with an acceleration
value in Table 5-3. While the scale of acceleration is measured from 0g (lowest potential ground
shaking) to 4.25g (highest potential ground shaking), the ground shaking potential ranges
between 1.05g to 1.35g within the San Luis Obispo City limits.
Three facilities fall within the highest ground shaking potential area within the City, 1.35g.
These include two essential bridges and one water tank. The two bridges are both located on
Prefumo Creek, one at the end of Fairway Drive and the other at the end of Prefumo Canyon
Road. The water tank is located at the end of Royal Way in the southwest section of the City.
City staff can view the complete GIS data to further evaluate and understand the potential ground
shaking identified for each of the key assets.
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Table 5-3 Key Asset Ground Shake Potential
Number of structures with indicated
ground shake potential
Asset IDs Key Asset 1.35g 1.25g 1.15g 1.05g
Replacement
Value
68 City Hall 1 $8,281,217
451 Library 1 $1,389,319
452 Ludwick Community Center 1 $2,216,438
453 Meadow Park Recreational
Center
1
$1,252,339
456 Mitchell Park Senior Center 1 $924,546
97-110 Sinsheimer Pool and Park 14 $2,260,151
81-85 French Hospital Medical Center 5 $160,000
79-80 Sierra Vista Regional Medical
Center
2
$8,260,000
95 SLO Airport 1
10, 11, 19, 20,
23, 25, 27, 34,
35, 40, 41, 42,
44, 51, 56 Critical Bridges
3 12
$76,460,800
8, 9, 12-18,
21, 22, 24, 26,
28-33, 36-39,
43, 45-50, 52-
55, 58, 59-62 Other Essential Bridges
2 6 31
$99,661,000
57 Higuera Box Culvert 1 $4,500,000
397-424 Cal Trans Headquarters 28
397-424 Cal Trans Yard 28
425 CHP San Luis Obispo Dispatch
Center
1
$3,200,000
614,616,617 Communication Towers 1 2
237 Data Center - Building 14 -
CalPoly
1
618 Digital West 1
78 Dispatch Center 1 $5,586,920
63-67 Reservoirs 4 1
555-564 Sewer Lift Stations 8 2
540 Amtrak Train Station 1
1-7 Water Pump Stations 7
566-613 Water Tanks 1 27 20
426 City Corporation Yard 1 $4,089,200
437 Community Development and
Public Works Administration
1
$20,073,356
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Number of structures with indicated
ground shake potential
Asset IDs Key Asset 1.35g 1.25g 1.15g 1.05g
Replacement
Value
477 Parking Garage (Marsh and
Chorro)
1
$19,931,781
478 Parking Garage (Palm Street) 1 $7,597,529
479 Parks and Recreation
Department Building
1
$1,120,748
96 Prado Day Center 1 $604,287
541 Utilities Administration 1 $928,696
69 Fire Station #1 1 $4,752,133
70 Fire Station #2 1 $446,979
71 Fire Station #3 1 $518,011
72 Fire Station #4 1 $442,840
73-77 Police Main Building, Garage,
Annex
5
$3,775,017
615 Waste Water Treatment Plant 1 $66,629,793
565 Water Treatment Plant and
Stenner Hydro Plant
1
$44,721,338
111-372 California Polytechnic State
University
286
454-455 Mission College Preparatory
School
2
457-459 Old Mission School 3 $1,000,000
86 Bishop Peak Elementary School 1 $590,000
427-436 CL Smith Elementary 10 $590,000
438 Hawthorne Elementary 1 $590,000
439-450 Laguna Middle School 12 $590,000
460-472 Old Pacheco Elementary
(Vacant)
13
$590,000
87-94 Pacheco Elementary 8 $590,000
473-476 Pacific Beach High School 4 $590,000
619 Fire Station #4 Well 1
620 Pacific Beach Well 1
542-554 San Luis Coastal Unified School
District
13
480-510 San Luis Obispo High School 31 $590,000
511-539 Sinsheimer Elementary 29 $590,000
Total number of structures
with indicated ground shake
potential
3 108 508 3 $396,094,438
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Table 5-4 Key Infrastructure Ground Shake Potential presents the total amount of linear feet of
key infrastructure within the indicated ground shake potential areas. Over 43,800 linear feet of
key infrastructure are within the highest (1.35g) ground shake potential zone within the City.
Table 5-4 Key Infrastructure Ground Shake Potential
Linear feet of key infrastructure with
indicated ground shake potential
Key Infrastructure 1.35g 1.25g 1.15g 1.05g
Replacement
Value
Fiber Optic Network 0 42,629 110,786 0
Critical Roads 10,637 99,487 154,521 0
$1,000,000/mile
= $50,000,000
Other Essential Public Roads 4,866 174,109 455,256 0
$1,000,000/mile
= $120,000,000
Railroad 0 7,159 90,735 0
Sewer System Infrastructure 9,034 192,085 527,587 0
Water System Infrastructure 10,692 219,920 692,794 1,268
Stormwater 8,606 103,678 229,822 0
Total Linear Feet of Key
Infrastructure 44,105 839,067 2,261,501 1,268 $170,000,000
5.4.2 Liquefaction
While liquefaction susceptibility ranges from Very Low to Very High, the City of San Luis
Obispo only has areas denoted with Very Low and Medium liquefaction potential. Since it is
unlikely an event would impact facilities and infrastructure in a Very Low liquefaction
susceptibility area, the Planning Team focused on those facilities that fall within the areas
designated with Medium liquefaction potential.
Table 5-5 Key Assets with Medium Liquefaction Potential presents a listing of the key assets at
risk to Medium liquefaction potential. For key assets that are comprised of more than one
building structure, the table denotes how many of these structures (if not all) fall within the zone
in relation to the total number of structures that make up the key asset. The City is able to utilize
GIS to view exactly which structures are within the Medium liquefaction potential areas. Given
the available replacement values of the key assets within the Medium liquefaction potential
areas, at least $333,192,100 of property is at risk to liquefaction.
Table 5-5 Key Assets with Medium Liquefaction Potential
Asset IDs Key Asset
Number of structures in Medium
liquefaction potential area
Replacement
Value
68 City Hall 1 (all) $8,281,217
451 Library 1 (all) $1,389,319
452 Ludwick Community Center 1 (all) $2,216,438
453 Meadow Park Recreational Center 1 (all) $1,252,339
456 Mitchell Park Senior Center 1 (all) $924,546
97-110 Sinsheimer Pool and Park 14 (all) $2,260,151
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Asset IDs Key Asset
Number of structures in Medium
liquefaction potential area
Replacement
Value
79-80 Sierra Vista Regional Medical
Center
2 (all)
$8,260,000
95 SLO Airport 1 (all)
10, 11, 19,
20, 23, 25,
27, 34, 35,
40, 42, 44,
51 Critical Bridges
13 of 15
$71,221,800
8, 9, 12-
15, 17, 18,
21, 22, 24,
26, 28-33,
36-39, 45-
48, 50, 53,
55, 58-62 Other Essential Bridges
34 of 39
$94,269,000
57 Higuera Box Culvert 1 (all) $4,500,000
397-424 Cal Trans Headquarters 28 (all)
397-424 Cal Trans Yard 28 (all)
618 Digital West 1 (all)
65,67 Reservoirs 2 of 5
555-564 Sewer Lift Stations 10 (all)
540 Amtrak Train Station 1 (all)
1,3, 7 Water Pump Stations 3 of 7
574, 579-
603 Water Tanks
26 of 48
426 City Corporation Yard 1 (all) $4,089,200
437 Community Development and
Public Works Administration
1 (all)
$20,073,356
477 Parking Garage (Marsh and
Chorro)
1 (all)
$19,931,781
478 Parking Garage (Palm) 1 (all) $7,597,529
479 Parks and Recreation Department
Building
1 (all)
$1,120,748
96 Prado Day Center 1 (all) $604,287
541 Utilities Administration 1 (all) $928,696
78 Dispatch Center 1 (all) $5,586,920
69 Fire Station #1 1 (all) $4,752,133
70 Fire Station #2 1 (all) $446,979
71 Fire Station #3 1 (all) $518,011
72 Fire Station #4 1 (all) $442,840
73-77 Police Main Building, Garage,
Annex
5 (all)
$3,775,017
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Asset IDs Key Asset
Number of structures in Medium
liquefaction potential area
Replacement
Value
615 Waste Water Treatment Plant 1 (all) $66,629,793
111-372 California Polytechnic State
University
79 of 286
454-455 Mission College Preparatory
School
2 (all)
457-459 Old Mission School 3 (all) $1,000,000
427-436 CL Smith Elementary 10 (all) $590,000
438 Hawthorne Elementary 1 (all) $590,000
439-450 Laguna Middle School 12 (all) $590,000
87-94 Pacheco Elementary 8 (all) $590,000
473-476 Pacific Beach High School 4 (all) $590,000
619 Fire Station #4 Well 1 (all)
620 Pacific Beach Well 1 (all)
480-510 San Luis Obispo High School 2 of 31 $590,000
511-539 Sinsheimer Elementary 12 of 29 $590,000
Total number of structures in
Medium liquefaction potential
area
294 $333,192,100
*all other key assets are within the area of very low potential to liquefaction
Table 5-6 Key Infrastructure Liquefaction Potential presents the total amount of linear feet of
key infrastructure within the Medium and Very Low liquefaction potential areas in the City.
Approximately 2,352,626 linear feet of key infrastructure fall within the Medium liquefaction
potential area.
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Table 5-6 Key Infrastructure Liquefaction Potential
Linear feet of key infrastructure with
indicated liquefaction potential
Key Infrastructure
Medium
Liquefaction
Potential
Very Low
Liquefaction
Potential Replacement Value
Fiber Optic Network 127,181 26,234
Critical Roads 234,318 30,326
$1,000,000/mile =
$50,000,000
Other Essential Public
Roads 458,918 175,313
$1,000,000/mile =
$120,000,000
Sewer System
Infrastructure 556,482 172,224
Water System
Infrastructure 673,085 251,588
Railroad 45,150 52,743
Stormwater 257,492 84,614
Total Linear Feet of Key
Infrastructure 2,352,626 793,042 $170,000,000
5.4.3 Wildland Fire
Figure 4-9 City of San Luis Obispo Fire Hazard Severity Zones portrays fire hazard severity
zones, ranging from Moderate Severity to Very High Severity, in both State and Local
Responsibility Areas within the City Limits and in areas directly surrounding the City. Several
of the City’s facilities are within Moderate or Very High zones. It is also noted that the majority
of the community is within one mile of fire hazard severity zones. This presents a significant risk
to being impacted by a fire event. Table 5-7 Key Assets Fire Hazard Severity Potential shows
the facilities that are either completely within or partially within a Moderate or Very High Fire
Hazard Severity Zone. For key assets that are comprised of more than one building structure, the
table denotes how many of these structures (if not all) fall within the zone in relation to the total
number of structures that make up the facility. The City is able to utilize GIS to view exactly
which structures are more at risk than others. Notably, the water tank located at end of Royal
Way in the southwest section of the City is within a Very High Severity Zone as well as the
highest ground shake potential (1.35g) within the City.
Table 5-7 Key Assets Fire Hazard Severity Potential
Number of structures with indicated
Fire Hazard Severity Potential
Asset IDs Key Asset Very High (LRA) Moderate (SRA) Replacement Value
95 SLO Airport 1 (all)
51 Critical Bridges 1 of 15 $3,822,000
54 Other Essential Bridges 1 of 39 $2,171,000
63,66, 67 Reservoirs 3 of 5
7 Water Pump Stations 1 of 7
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Number of structures with indicated
Fire Hazard Severity Potential
Asset IDs Key Asset Very High (LRA) Moderate (SRA) Replacement Value
570, 572,
576, 605,
607-610,
612-614 Water Tanks
1 of 48 10 of 48
565 Water Treatment Plant
and Stenner Hydro Plant
1 (all)
$44,721,338
111-372 California Polytechnic
State University
42 of 286
Total number of
structures with
indicated Fire Hazard
Severity Potential
1 60 $50,714,338
Table 5-8 Key Infrastructure Fire Hazard Severity Potential presents the total linear feet of key
infrastructure within the indicated Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Approximately 195,041 feet of
key infrastructure is within the Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone, 7,365 within the High Fire
Hazard Zone, and 1,125 within the Very High Fire Hazard Zone.
Table 5-8 Key Infrastructure Fire Hazard Severity Potential
Linear feet of key infrastructure with indicated Fire
Hazard Severity Potential
Key Infrastructure Very High (LRA) High (SRA) Moderate (SRA) Replacement Value
Fiber Optic Network 0 0 620
Critical Roads 0 0 67,146
$1,000,000/mile =
$12,700,000
Other Essential Public
Roads 0 742 48,017
$1,000,000/mile =
$9,200,000
Sewer System
Infrastructure 725 0 13,105
Water System
Infrastructure 390 4,419 29,810
Railroad 0 1,874 28,494
Stormwater 110 330 7,849
Total Linear Feet of
Key Infrastructure 1,225 7,365 195,041 $21,900,000
5.4.4 Adverse Weather
The potential for windstorms, hail, tornadoes, and thunderstorms exists across the entire City.
Therefore, all of the key assets are equally at risk to these hazards. The available replacement
values for the key assets are presented in Table 5-1 City of San Luis Obispo Key Assets. In total
at least $566,524,438 of key assets including key infrastructure is susceptible to adverse weather.
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Drought, freeze, and fog do not inflict physical damage on the City’s key assets. However,
drought and freeze may negatively affect the City’s agricultural industry and economy, as well as
cause damage to the City’s urban forest (street trees). Drought can also cause a lack of water
availability for the City’s population. Dense fog can cause vehicle accidents, making people
within San Luis Obispo City most vulnerable to this hazard.
5.4.5 Hazardous Materials Events
People and structures that are most vulnerable to hazardous material spills include those within a
1-mile radius of Highway 101, State Route 1, the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, and extremely
hazardous substance (EHS) fixed facilities within the city limits. The City maintains a map of
facilities that store hazardous materials and is able to use GIS to evaluate the key assets located
in close proximity to these facilities to determine their vulnerability. For security, the map and
specific facilities at risk to hazardous material spills are not presented in this plan.
5.4.6 Flood
FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (Figure 4-14) depicts the City’s Special Flood Hazard Areas,
which include areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding (100-year flood zone) and a 0.2%
annual chance of flooding (500-year flood zone). Using GIS, the key assets were overlaid with
the Special Flood Hazard Areas to identify which assets are susceptible to flood risk. Table 5-9
Key Assets Flood Hazard Potential presents a listing of facilities at risk to the 100-year flood and
the 500-year flood. For key assets that are comprised of more than one building structure, the
table denotes how many of these structures (if not all) fall within the zone in relation to the total
number of structures that make up the facility. The City is able to utilize GIS to determine which
structures are more at risk than others. Given the available replacement values of the facilities
located within each flood zone, the total value at risk to a 100-year flood is at least $102,763,446
and the total value at risk to a 500-year flood is at least $125,562,031.
Table 5-9 Key Assets Flood Hazard Potential
Number of structures with indicated
Flood Hazard Potential
Asset IDs Key Asset
1% Annual
Chance
0.2% Annual
Chance
Replacement
Value
427-436 CL Smith Elementary 6 of 10 $590,000
456 Mitchell Park Senior Center 1 (all) $924,546
97-110 Sinsheimer Pool and Park 4 of 14 $2,260,151
81-85 French Hospital Medical Center 1 of 5 $160,000
79-80 Sierra Vista Regional Medical
Center
1 of 2
$8,260,000
95 SLO Airport 1 (all)
10, 11, 19,
20, 23, 25,
27, 34, 35,
40, 42, 44,
56
Critical Bridges
5 of 15 8 of 15
$68,751,800
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Number of structures with indicated
Flood Hazard Potential
Asset IDs Key Asset
1% Annual
Chance
0.2% Annual
Chance
Replacement
Value
8, 9, 12-18,
21, 22, 24,
26, 29-33,
36-38, 43,
45, 47-49,
58-62 Other Essential Bridges
21 of 39 9 of 39
$76,357,900
57 Higuera Box Culvert 1 (all) $4,500,000
397-424 Cal Trans Headquarters 28 (all)
397-424 Cal Trans Yard 28 (all)
556, 558,
560, 565 Sewer Lift Stations
2 of 10 2 of 10
6 Water Pump Stations 1 of 7
586-588,
590-595 Water Tanks
9
96 Prado Day Center 1 (all) $604,287
615 Waste Water Treatment Plant 1 (all) $66,629,793
454-455 Mission College Preparatory School 2 (all)
457-459 Old Mission School 1 of 3 2 of 3 $1,000,000
Total number of structures with
indicated Flood Hazard Potential 70 37 $230,038,477
Table 5-10 Key Infrastructure Flood Hazard Potential presents the total amount of linear feet of
key infrastructure within the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood hazard areas. Approximately
332,786 linear feet of key infrastructure fall within the 1% annual chance flood hazard area,
while 600,648 feet falls within the 0.2% annual chance flood hazard area.
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Table 5-10 Key Infrastructure Flood Hazard Potential
Linear feet of key infrastructure with
indicated Flood Hazard Potential
Key Infrastructure 1% Annual Chance 0.2% Annual Chance Replacement Value
Fiber Optic Network 27,263 33,735
Critical Roads 24,577 82,344
$1,000,000/mile =
$20,250,000
Other Essential Public
Roads 51,431 113,796
$1,000,000/mile =
$31,290,000
Sewer System
Infrastructure 85,533 137,968
Water System
Infrastructure 88,991 149,281
Railroad 0 21,817
Stormwater 54,991 61,707
Total Linear Feet of
Key Infrastructure 332,786 600,648 $51,540,000
5.4.7 Pandemic
Pandemics do not inflict physical damage on the City’s key assets. However, all people within
the City of San Luis Obispo are at risk from pandemics. This may include but is not limited to
residents, employees and business owners, students, and tourists. In particular, children, the
elderly, and those with already weak immune systems are likely to be more susceptible to
experiencing symptoms caused by a pandemic outbreak. In a pandemic, key assets may be
impacted as locations to treat people and isolate the sick become scarce. Also, with potentially
30-40% of the work force ill in a major pandemic, staff to manage facilities considered key
assets may become scarce.
5.4.8 Landslide
According to the landslide potential data presented in Figure 4-15, key assets in the City of San
Luis Obispo are susceptible to Low and High landslide potential. Since it is unlikely an event
would impact facilities and infrastructure in a Low landslide susceptibility area, the Planning
Team focused on those facilities that fall within the High landslide susceptibility area.
Table 5-11 Key Assets with High Landslide Potential presents a listing of facilities at risk to
High landslide potential. For key assets that are comprised of more than one building structure,
the table denotes how many of these structures (if not all) fall within the zone in relation to the
total number of structures that make up the facility. The City is able to utilize GIS to determine
which structures are more at risk than others. Given the available replacement values of the
facilities within the High landslide potential zone, the total value at risk is at least $63,542,338.
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Table 5-11 Key Assets with High Landslide Potential
Asset IDs Key Asset
Number of structures in High
Potential Landslide Area Replacement
Value
81-85 French Hospital Medical Center 5 (all) $160,000
41, 51 Critical Bridges 2 of 15 $7,709,000
16, 43, 49,
52, 54 Other Essential Bridges
5 of 39
$5,392,000
425 CHP San Luis Obispo Dispatch Center 1 (all) $3,200,000
614, 616,
617 Communication Towers
3 (all)
237 Data Center - Building 14 - CalPoly 1 (all)
63, 64, 66,
67 Reservoirs
4 of 5
2-7 Water Pump Stations 6 of 7
567, 569-
573, 575-
578, 603-
613 Water Tanks
21 of 48
565 Water Treatment Plant and Stenner Hydro
Plant
1 (all)
$44,721,338
111-372 California Polytechnic State University 211 of 286
86 Bishop Peak Elementary School 1 (all) $590,000
460-472 Old Pacheco Elementary (Vacant) 13 (all) $590,000
480-510 San Luis Obispo High School 29 of 31 $590,000
542-554 San Luis Coastal Unified School District 13 (all)
511-539 Sinsheimer Elementary 17 of 29 $590,000
Total number of structures in High
Potential Landslide Area 338 $63,542,338
* all other key assets are within the area of low potential to landslide
Key infrastructure in the City of San Luis Obispo is susceptible to Low, Moderate, and High
landslide potential. Approximately 909,269 feet is located within the High potential landslide
area, 5,632 feet is located within the Moderate potential landslide area, and 6,604,913 feet is
located in the low potential landslide area.
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Table 5-12 Key Infrastructure Landslide Potential
Linear feet of key infrastructure with indicated
landslide potential
Key Infrastructure
High
Landslide
Potential
Moderate
Landslide
Potential
Low Landslide
Potential
Replacement
Value
Fiber Optic Network 18,538 0 134,877
Critical Roads 72,253 535 142,354
$1,000,000/mile
= $40,750,000
Other Essential Public
Roads 180,732 3,252 454,343
$1,000,000/mile
= $120,900,000
Sewer System
Infrastructure 227,794 485 4,914,006
Water System
Infrastructure 306,394 1,005 623,525
Railroad 28,481 0 69,412
Stormwater 75,077 355 266,396
Total Linear Feet of
Key Infrastructure 909,269 5,632 6,604,913 $161,650,000
5.5 Summary of Vulnerability
Table 5-13: Risk Assessment Summary Table shows a summary of key assets that have
structures which fall within the known hazard areas. Those facilities that have structures that fall
within a hazard area are indicated with a “Y” and a red shaded cell. Key assets that do not have
structures that fall within the hazard area are designated by an “N” and a green shaded cell.
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Table 5-13 Risk Assessment Summary Table
Asset
IDs Asset Name
Ground Shake Potential Liquefaction Wildland Fire Flood Landslide
Priority 1.35g 1.25g 1.15 g 1.05 g Medium
Very
Low
Very
High
(LRA)
Moderate
(SRA)
100-
Year
500-
Yea
r High Low
68 City Hall Critical N N Y N Y N N N N N N Y
451 Library Essential N N Y N Y N N N N N N Y
452
Ludwick
Community Center Critical N N Y N Y N N N N N N Y
453
Meadow Park
Recreational Center Essential N N Y N Y N N N N N N Y
456
Mitchell Park
Senior Center Essential N N Y N Y N N N Y N N Y
97-110
Sinsheimer Pool
and Park* Essential N N Y N Y N N N N Y N Y
81-85
French Hospital
Medical Center* Critical N N Y N N Y N N N Y Y N
79-80
Sierra Vista
Regional Medical
Center* Critical N N Y N Y N N N Y N N Y
540
Amtrak Train
Station Essential N N Y N Y N N N N N N Y
10, 11,
19, 20,
23, 25,
27, 34,
35, 40,
41, 42,
44, 51,
56 Critical Bridges* Critical N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y
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Asset
IDs Asset Name
Ground Shake Potential Liquefaction Wildland Fire Flood Landslide
Priority 1.35g 1.25g 1.15 g 1.05 g Medium
Very
Low
Very
High
(LRA)
Moderate
(SRA)
100-
Year
500-
Yea
r High Low
8, 9, 12-
18, 21,
22, 24,
26, 28-
33, 36-
39, 43,
45-50,
52-55,
58, 59-62 Essential Bridges* Essential Y Y Y N Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y
57
Higuera Box
Culvert Critical N Y N N Y N N N Y N N Y
397-424
Cal Trans
Headquarters* Essential N Y N N Y N N N Y N N Y
397-424 Cal Trans Yard* Essential N Y N N Y N N N Y N N Y
425
CHP San Luis
Obispo Dispatch
Center Essential N N Y N N Y N N N N Y N
614, 616,
617
Communication
Towers* Essential N Y N Y N Y N N N N Y N
237
Data Center -
Building 14 -
CalPoly Essential N N Y N N Y N N N N Y N
618 Digital West Essential N N Y N Y N N N N N N Y
95 SLO Airport Critical N Y N N Y N N Y Y N N Y
426
City Corporation
Yard Critical N Y N N Y N N N N N N Y
437
Community
Development and
Public Works
Administration Essential N N Y N Y N N N N N N Y
477 Parking Garage Essential N N Y N Y N N N N N N Y
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Asset
IDs Asset Name
Ground Shake Potential Liquefaction Wildland Fire Flood Landslide
Priority 1.35g 1.25g 1.15 g 1.05 g Medium
Very
Low
Very
High
(LRA)
Moderate
(SRA)
100-
Year
500-
Yea
r High Low
478 Parking Garage Essential N N Y N Y N N N N N N Y
479
Parks and
Recreation
Department
Building Essential N N Y N Y N N N N N N Y
96 Prado Day Center Essential N Y N N Y N N N N Y N Y
541
Utilities
Administration Essential N N Y N Y N N N N N N Y
78 Dispatch Center Essential N N N N Y N N N N N N Y
69 Fire Station #1 Critical N N Y N Y N N N N N N Y
70 Fire Station #2 Critical N N Y N Y N N N N N N Y
71 Fire Station #3 Critical N N Y N Y N N N N N N Y
72 Fire Station #4 Critical N Y N N Y N N N N N N Y
73-77
Police Main
Building, Garage,
Annex* Critical N N Y N Y N N N N N N Y
619
Fire Station #4
Well Essential N Y N N Y N N N N N N Y
620 Pacific Beach Well Essential N Y N N Y N N N N N N Y
63-67 Reservoirs* Essential N N Y Y Y Y N Y N N Y Y
555-564
Sewer Lift
Stations* Essential N Y Y N Y N N N Y Y N Y
615
Waste Water
Treatment Plant
(includes the
Water/Wastewater
Laboratory) Essential N Y N N Y N N N N Y N Y
1-7
Water Pump
Stations* Critical N N Y N Y Y N Y N Y Y Y
566-613 Water Tanks* Critical Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y
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Asset
IDs Asset Name
Ground Shake Potential Liquefaction Wildland Fire Flood Landslide
Priority 1.35g 1.25g 1.15 g 1.05 g Medium
Very
Low
Very
High
(LRA)
Moderate
(SRA)
100-
Year
500-
Yea
r High Low
565
Water Treatment
Plant and Stenner
Hydro Plant Essential N N Y N N N N Y N N Y N
111-372
California
Polytechnic State
University Essential N N Y N Y Y N Y N N Y Y
454-455
Mission College
Preparatory
School* Critical N N Y N Y N N N N Y N Y
457-459
Old Mission
School* Critical N N Y N Y N N N Y Y N Y
86
Bishop Peak
Elementary School Critical N N Y N N Y N N N N Y N
427-436
CL Smith
Elementary* Critical N Y N N Y N N N N Y N Y
438
Hawthorne
Elementary Critical N N Y N Y N N N N N N Y
439-450
Laguna Middle
School* Critical N Y N N Y N N N N N N Y
460-472
Old Pacheco
Elementary
(Vacant)* Critical N N Y N N Y N N N N Y N
87-94
Pacheco
Elementary* Critical N N Y N Y N N N N N N Y
473-476
Pacific Beach High
School* Critical N Y N N Y N N N N N N Y
542-554
San Luis Coastal
Unified School
District
Administrative
Offices* Essential N N Y N N Y N N N N Y N
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Asset
IDs Asset Name
Ground Shake Potential Liquefaction Wildland Fire Flood Landslide
Priority 1.35g 1.25g 1.15 g 1.05 g Medium
Very
Low
Very
High
(LRA)
Moderate
(SRA)
100-
Year
500-
Yea
r High Low
480-510
San Luis Obispo
High School* Critical N N Y N Y Y N N N N Y Y
511-539
Sinsheimer
Elementary* Critical N N Y N Y Y N N N N Y Y
Total Key Assets with structures in the
risk areas 2 17 38 2 44 15 1 8 10 11 16 44
*These key assets have structures which fall within more than one denoted risk area for the same hazard.
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5.5.1 Significant Hazards
The vulnerability assessment conducted for each hazard is used to understand the varying levels of
risk to the City of San Luis Obispo. Based on these assessments, the Planning Team concluded the
hazards of greatest concern to the City of San Luis Obispo are earthquake and liquefaction. This is
reflected in Table 5-13 Risk Assessment Summary, which shows that out of the 52 key assets listed
in the table, 44 have structures that fall within the Medium liquefaction potential zone. Thirty-eight
have structures that fall within the 1.15g ground shake potential zone, which, according to the
United States Geological Survey, can pose heavy potential damage during an earthquake event.15
Landslides also pose a threat to the City. Sixteen out of 52 key assets listed in Table 5-13 have
structures that fall within the High landslide potential zone. Also, flood presents a threat to the
City, with 21 facilities subject to varying degrees of future flood inundation; ten facilities having
structures that are within the 100-year floodplain and 11 having structures that are within the 500-
year floodplain. It is important to note that all facilities in Table 5-13 Risk Assessment Summary
Table are in close proximity to Moderate, High, and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and,
while they do not fall within these zones, they could potentially be impacted by an event occurring
nearby.
5.5.2 Facilities at Most Risk
The key assets identified by the Planning Team as being at most at risk to potential hazard events in
the City are summarized in Table 5-14: City of San Luis Obispo Facilities at Most Risk. These
assets are located within multiple hazard zones increasing the likelihood of potential damage from
future events.
Table 5-14 City of San Luis Obispo Facilities at Most Risk
Asset
IDs Asset Name Type
Ground
Shake
Potential
(g)
Annual
Chance
Flood
Hazard
Liquefaction
Potential
Landslide
Potential
Fire
Hazard
Severity
Zone
37 P-03 (Bridge) Essential 1.35
0.2% Medium Low
575 Water Tank Critical 1.35
Very Low High
Very
High
(LRA)
54
Prefumo Creek
at Prefumo
Canyon Road
49C-223
(Bridge) Essential 1.35
Very Low High
Moderate
(SRA)
95 SLO Airport Critical 1.25
1% Medium Low
Moderate
(SRA)
15 http://earthquake.usgs.gov/research/shakemap/
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Asset
IDs Asset Name Type
Ground
Shake
Potential
(g)
Annual
Chance
Flood
Hazard
Liquefaction
Potential
Landslide
Potential
Fire
Hazard
Severity
Zone
26
Bianchi Lane
at SLO Creek
49C-381
(Bridge) Essential 1.25
1% Medium Low
33
Elks Lane at
SLO Creek
49C-81
(Bridge) Essential 1.25
1% Medium Low
35
LOVR at SLO
Creek 49C-401
(Bridge) Critical 1.25
1% Medium Low
36
Calle Joaquin
at Prefumo Crk
49C-395
(Bridge) Essential 1.25
1% Medium Low
38 P-02 (Bridge) Essential 1.25
1% Medium Low
57
Higuera Box
Culvert Critical 1.25
1% Medium Low
59
Santa Fe 49C-
380 (Bridge) Essential 1.25
1% Medium Low
397-424
Cal Trans
Headquarters
and Yard Essential 1.25
1% Medium Low
555
Madonna Lift
Station Essential 1.25
1% Medium Low
557
Calle Joaquin
Lift Station Essential 1.25
1% Medium Low
585 Water Tank Critical 1.25
1% Medium Low
586 Water Tank Critical 1.25
1% Medium Low
587 Water Tank Critical 1.25
1% Medium Low
589 Water Tank Critical 1.25
1% Medium Low
590 Water Tank Critical 1.25
1% Medium Low
591 Water Tank Critical 1.25
1% Medium Low
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Asset
IDs Asset Name Type
Ground
Shake
Potential
(g)
Annual
Chance
Flood
Hazard
Liquefaction
Potential
Landslide
Potential
Fire
Hazard
Severity
Zone
592 Water Tank Critical 1.25
1% Medium Low
593 Water Tank Critical 1.25
1% Medium Low
594 Water Tank Critical 1.25
1% Medium Low
5.5.3 Potential Losses
Table 5-15: Most Costly City of San Luis Obispo Key Assets identifies the City’s assets with the
greatest replacement values. Should these assets be completely destroyed by a hazard event, their
replacement value will be the most costly compared to other identified key assets.
Table 5-15 Most Costly City of San Luis Obispo Key Assets
Asset
IDs
Asset Name Type Replacement
Value
Other Essential City-Owned Roads Essential $120,000,000
615 Wastewater Treatment Plant (includes the
Water/Wastewater Laboratory)
Essential $66,629,793
Evacuation Route Roads Critical $50,000,000
565 Water Treatment Plant and Stenner Hydro Plant Essential $44,721,338
437 Community Development and Public Works
Administration
Essential $20,073,356
477 Parking Garage (Marsh and Chorro Streets) Essential $19,931,781
47 49C-03 Poinsettia at Goldenrod (Bridge) Essential $19,698,000
35 49C-401 LOVR at SLO Creek (Bridge) Critical $13,949,000
25 49C-415 Marsh Street at 101 and SLO Creek Bridge Critical $12,116,000
11 49C-408 Higuera at SLO Creek (Bridge) Critical $10,348,000
Out of these key assets, Bridge 49C-401 is also an asset that is most susceptible to hazard events in
the City of San Luis Obispo.
5.5.4 Climate Change Exacerbations
The intensity and frequency associated with the hazards profiled in this plan are largely based on
historic events. The Planning Team recognizes that climate change has the potential to alter the
nature and frequency of hazard events in the future. Based on the climate change impact modeling
results provided in CalEMA’s Cal Adapt, hazards that may increase in frequency and severity
include longer and hotter/dryer seasons, reduced water supply, increase in wildfire events and area
burned, changes in rainfall and severe storm patterns and intensities, and increased stress to flood
and water infrastructure. Public health impacts may also be expected since extreme periods of heat
and cold, storms, and smoke from fire can have impacts on climate-sensitive diseases and
respiratory illnesses.
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While climate modeling provides a range of likely scenarios, these models cannot yet predict
exactly how climate change impacts may affect San Luis Obispo. The City has taken early action to
both mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, potentially reducing the severity of climate change
impacts, and to adapt to a changing climate. To address GHG mitigation and adaptation, the City of
San Luis Obispo adopted a Climate Action Plan (CAP) in August 2012. The CAP includes a GHG
emissions reduction target and a plan to achieve that target. Within the CAP, community strategies
for climate change adaptation and reduction of GHG emissions are divided into six chapters:
Buildings, Renewable Energy, Transportation and Land Use, Water, Solid Waste, and Parks and
Open Space. In addition, strategies to help reduce GHG emissions associated with City
Government Operations are included in their own chapter. A GHG emission forecast included in
the CAP shows that implementation of all strategies in the plan can achieve a 15% reduction from
baseline GHG levels by 2020, which would meet required AB 32 State reduction goals.16
Section 6 Capability Assessment
An important component of a hazard mitigation plan is a review of the City’s resources to identify,
evaluate, and enhance the capacity of those resources to mitigate the effects of hazards. This section
evaluates and assesses the City’s capabilities to implement current and future hazard mitigation
actions in four areas—(1) plan and policy, (2) technical, (3) personnel, and (4) financial.
6.1 Plan and Policy Resources
The City currently supports hazard mitigation through its regulations, plans, and programs.
Documentation of the City’s existing and future hazard mitigation activities can be found
throughout the regulations, plans, and programs developed and implemented by the City. The
relevant plan and policy resources that describe the City’s ability to mitigate hazards include:
• San Luis Obispo Municipal Code - outlines hazard mitigation-related ordinances in seven
of its 12 titles, including Health and Safety, Air Quality, Public Services, Community
Preservation, Buildings and Construction, Subdivisions, and Zoning.
• General Plan - includes a safety element with policies and programs to protect the
community from risks associated with seismic, geologic, flood, and fire hazards.
• Specific Plans – includes a detailed description of specific geographic areas of the City,
including their natural resources and hazards, and identifies policies or guidelines for
development within those areas to minimize impacts to those resources or hazards. Policies
specific to mitigating natural hazards are included in the Margarita Area, Orcutt Area, and
Airport Area specific plans.
• Open Space Conservation Plans – inventories the physical features of each open space and
provides a set of goals and policies for the maintenance of open spaces, including
grazing/fuel reduction policies, wildfire preparedness policies. Conservation plans have
been prepared for each open space property or natural reserve managed by the City.
• Climate Action Plan – establishes goals and policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
and identifies strategies to minimize potential impacts to the City’s physical assets and
population.
• Emergency Operations Plan - establishes official City policy and procedures for response
16 City of San Luis Obispo Climate Action Plan, 2012,
http://www.slocity.org/communitydevelopment/CAP/CAP%20Final%20Web.pdf
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to a variety of potential emergencies in hazard-prone areas.
• Urban Water Management and Water Shortage Contingency Plans – identifies historic
and projected water needs and establishes actions to be taken in the event of a water
shortage due to drought or other natural hazard.
• Waterway Management Plan – identifies relevant waterway problems such as flooding,
bank erosion, vegetation management, and channel constrictions, and establishes a
framework to manage each of the identified waterway issues.
• Water System Vulnerability Assessment – identifies the potential needs, constraints, and
opportunities of the City’s water system.
• Utilities Department Emergency Plan – establishes official Utility Department policies
and procedures to respond to water-related emergencies.
In addition to the plan and policy resources available to the City to mitigate hazards, the City has
developed or participates in several hazard mitigation programs including:
• Unreinforced Masonry Hazard Mitigation Program
• Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.)
• Disaster Preparedness Program
• Floodplain Management Educational Program
• SLO Chamber of Commerce Business Continuity Planning
• County Public Health Emergency Preparedness Advisory Committee
6.2 Personnel Resources
The City government consists of approximately 375 full or part-time employees and 10
departments: Police, Fire, Public Works, Public Utilities, Community Development, Parks and
Recreation, Human Resources, Finance and Information Technology, City Administration, and City
Attorney’s Office. There are several key departments and staff within the City organization that
serve a specific role in developing and implementing hazard mitigation activities including:
• Fire
• Police
• Community Development
• Public Works
• Utilities
To further support implementation of hazard mitigation activities the City, its neighboring
jurisdictions, San Luis Obispo County, and multiple state organizations such as the California
Highway Patrol, Cal Poly, CalFire, and Caltrans have established strong partnerships to collectively
address local hazards. These partnerships have been formalized through the following:
• Mutual Aid Agreements
• Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
• San Luis Obispo County Community Fire Safe Council
• Department Operations Centers (DOC)
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6.3 Technical Resources
With a clear set of policies in place and a diverse range of staff available to mitigate identified
hazards within the City, the City has many staff with specific training on the use of specialized
equipment or particular areas of expertise that are essential in implementing mitigation actions.
Technical resources are considered to be physical infrastructure or equipment available to the City
to aid in implementing hazard mitigation or disaster response activities. Highlights of the City’s
technical resources available to support hazard mitigation activities include:
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Software
• Emergency Communications Center
• Public Alert and Notification Systems
6.4 Financial Resources
There are multiple financial and funding opportunities for the City to mitigate or respond to natural
hazards. These capabilities include local revenues from the general fund, or the receipt of grant
funds from state or federal agencies.
The City’s financial planning process includes a two-year goal setting and budget development
based on community and council priorities. The City’s five-year fiscal forecast identifies the City’s
forecast of revenues, expenditures, and changes in fund balance. The general fund receives revenues
from a variety of sources including taxes (sales, property, transient occupancy, business, utility
users), subventions and grants (vehicle license fees, gas tax, and other subventions), service charges
(development review fees, recreation fees), and other revenues (fines, interest earnings, and rents).
The City has and will continue to utilize the two-year goal setting and budget process to prioritize
expenditures needed to mitigate future hazards. In the event of a natural disaster and a need for
immediate City response, the City has the financial capacity to utilize reserve funds, when
authorized by the City Council.
The City has previously utilized the following financial resources to implement hazard mitigation
activities. The added revenues to the General Fund from Measure “Y” have allowed the City to
financially support major improvements in the areas of public safety, flood protection, and open
space preservation.
Financial resources to mitigate hazards:
• Building Permit Inspection and Plan Review Fees 17
• Development Impact Fees
• Added General Fund revenues from Measure “Y” funding
• Hazard Mitigation and Other Grants
17 Fees collected by the City, must directly correlate to the services provided by that fee. While building permit
inspection and plan review fees cannot be freely used by the City to support all hazard mitigation activities, the
collection of these fees enables the City to retain building and safety personnel to review projects and ensure they are
designed and built in a manner that minimizes risks from natural hazards.
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6.5 Department Capabilities
The variety of resources noted in the above sections are organized and implemented through the
City’s departments. In order to facilitate collaboration and ongoing progress toward hazard
mitigation activities, it is pertinent to understand which departments maintain certain resources and
capabilities. Table 6-1 organizes the plan and policy, personnel, technical, and financial resources
available to mitigate hazards and risks by the department responsible for leading or coordinating
with other agencies.
Table 6-1 Capabilities and Resources by Department
Type of Resource Resource Name Ability to Support Mitigation
Administration
Financial General Fund (including Measure
Y Funding)
In 2006, city voters approved measure Y to
preserve and enhance essential city services by
establishing a 1/2 –cent City sales tax. In the
2011/12 fiscal year, measure Y generated
approximately $6.2 million in revenue. This
funding has been used in recent years for
public safety, infrastructure maintenance,
traffic congestion relief, neighborhood code
enforcement and open space acquisition
project. Many of the projects funded through
measure Y revenues are considered to help
mitigate hazard throughout the community.
Measure Y will sunset on March 31, 2015
unless a new measure is passed to continue the
collection of additional sales tax.
Financial Reserve Funds
The City’s budget and fiscal policies includes
a requirement to maintain adequate fund
reserves for both general and enterprise funds.
The minimum reserve level is 20% of annual
operating expenditures.
Policy Municipal Code
Establishes rules and regulations by which the
City will be governed and outlines hazard
mitigation-related ordinances in 7 of its 12
titles, including Health and Safety, Air
Quality, Public Services, Community
Preservation, Buildings and Construction,
Subdivisions, and Zoning.
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Type of Resource Resource Name Ability to Support Mitigation
Personnel Mutual Aid Agreements
Establishes agreements among local
jurisdictions to assist in emergency response
efforts in neighboring jurisdictions during
times of need. San Luis Obispo currently
participates in the following mutual aid
agreements: 1. California Master Mutual Aid
Agreement, 2. SLO County Fire and Rescue
Mutual Aid Agreement, 3. California Fire
Assistance Agreement, 4. Region 1A Law
Enforcement Mutual Aid Agreement, 5. Public
Works Mutual Aid Agreement, 6. California
Emergency Managers Mutual Aid Agreement,
7. Regional Disaster Medical/Health
Coordination.
Community Development
Financial
Building Permit
Inspection and Plan
Review Fees
Fees are collected by the planning and building divisions
of the community development department to inspect and
review construction documents on proposed projects
within the city. The collection of these fees ensures
buildings are designed and constructed in a manner
consistent with applicable components of the municipal
code and helps the department to recover staff costs
associated with review and inspection.
Personnel
Code Enforcement
and Neighborhood
Services
Staff with training and expertise in identifying hazards to
health, safety, and welfare, and assisting property owners
with achieving code and policy compliance.
Personnel Building Inspectors
Professionals trained in construction practices associated
with buildings and infrastructure and in storm water
compliance during construction and operation of buildings
and infrastructure projects.
Personnel Planners and
Engineers
Staff with knowledge of land development practices and
local land development patterns.
Plan General Plan -
Safety Element
Establishes goals, policies, programs and objectives to
protect the community from risks associated with seismic,
geologic, flood, and fire hazards.
Plan Climate Action
Plan
Establishes goals and policies to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and identifies strategies to minimize potential
impacts to the City’s physical assets and population.
Identifies potential local effects climate change may have
on the increased severity of hazards (fire, drought,
flooding), and identifies strategies to help residents
respond to or adapt to the increased severity of hazards.
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Type of Resource Resource Name Ability to Support Mitigation
Plan Zoning Code Chapter 17.84 - Floodplain management regulations
Policy Building and Fire
Code
Establishes standards for new development to improve
building design and construction in a manner that protects
public health, safety, and welfare from risks associated
with seismic, geologic, flood, and fire hazards.
Financial Development
Impact Fees
New development projects proposed in the City affect the
City's ability to provide adequate essential services (e.g.
transportation, water and wastewater, and open space). To
ensure these essential services can adequately serve the
City's existing and future community needs, a series of
development impact fees are levied on new development
projects.
Economic Development
Policy
Unreinforced
Masonry Hazard
Mitigation Program
Rules and regulations to improve the safety of the City's
unreinforced masonry buildings to better withstand
seismic events.
Policy
SLO Chamber of
Commerce
Business Continuity
Plan
Identifies best practices and resources for businesses to
utilize in preparing for and recover from natural hazards
while minimizing impacts to a business’ bottom line.
Fire
Personnel Fire Marshal
Measure Y funded position, manages and directs the
activities of the Fire Prevention Bureau. Oversees fire
safety inspections for all facilities in the City. Ensures that
development in the City meets fire safety standards.
Obtains funding and implements wildland fuel reduction
projects. Directs and oversees fire investigations.
Personnel Fire Inspectors
Professionals trained in fire prevention techniques and
construction practices associated with buildings and
infrastructure. Inspect all multi-family residential
buildings and public assembly buildings. Review building
plans and inspect construction projects for fire and life
safety and proper installation of fire protection systems.
Investigate fire for cause and origin.
Personnel
Hazardous
Materials
Coordinator
Staff designated to inspect facilities and containers storing
hazardous materials. There are approximately 244
facilities located within the City that are permitted for the
use of hazardous materials.
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Type of Resource Resource Name Ability to Support Mitigation
Personnel
Voluntary
Organizations
Active in Disaster
Provides disaster preparedness courses to residents and
community members and provides care and shelter to
those threatened or impacted by natural hazards.
Volunteer and private agencies are essential to the area’s
mutual aid system by providing for the care and shelter
needs of disaster victims. Organizations active in San Luis
Obispo include the American Red Cross and Salvation
Army.
Plan Emergency
Operations Plan
Identifies hazards and threats, describes current mitigation
activities and establishes response procedures in the event
of a natural or man-made hazard or emergency.
Plan Fire Department
Development Guide
Provides developers and building designers with best
practices in the design and construction of new buildings
to mitigate fire hazards.
Policy C.E.R.T.
Program designed to provide residents with basic
preparedness skills in the event of many types of disasters.
Additionally, participants are trained to understand team
concepts in disaster response situations, so that they can
assist emergency personnel in disaster response efforts.
As of 2013, the City has 813 CERT graduates.
Policy Fire Sprinkler
Retrofit Program
Program designed to retrofit existing buildings with a fire
sprinkler suppression system to minimize building loss
from a fire due to natural or other causes.
Policy
Disaster
Preparedness
Program
Through the City's website, local, state, and federal
resources are available to help residents and business
owners prepare in the event of a natural disaster.
Policy
SLO County
Community Fire
Safe Council
Provides a forum to foster fire prevention and fire safety
within the County by bringing representatives together to
discuss and strategize fire prevention best practices.
Technical
Emergency
Communications
Center
The emergency communications center provides primary
communications among city departments and dispatch
personnel during a disaster. Primary communications are
conducted through the City radio systems, dedicated
telephone lines, and (ARES/RACES) radios and computer
systems.
Finance & Information Technology
Personnel GIS Specialists
Provide accurate and comprehensive Geographic
Information System for managing resources, make
informed decisions, and expedite work processes.
Personnel Network
Administrators
Provide technical support for wired/wireless network and
radios.
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Type of Resource Resource Name Ability to Support Mitigation
Parks & Recreation
Personnel Park Rangers Staff familiar with brush clearance requirements and
conditions of City-owned open space.
Police
Personnel Police Officers
Emergency response to provide protection of life,
property and address community safety/security needs.
Work cooperatively with other first responders for an
organized response to disaster mitigation plans.
Personnel
Dispatchers
Provide communication links to responding personnel to
transfer emergency information and direct resources as
needed.
Policy Mutual Aid
Agreements
Coordinate with other law enforcement jurisdictions to
respond to Hazard Mitigation needs
Public Works
Personnel Construction
Inspection
Ensures storm water compliance during construction of
City projects, and private grading and encroachment
projects.
Personnel
Public Works -
Department
Operations Centers
(DOC)
The Public Works DOC coordinates responses to road
flooding and related problems during a storm with road
crews, the County, Caltrans, and the California Highway
Patrol. They also support other emergency response
operations coordinated through the City’s EOC.
Policy Floodplain
Management
Provides information to the public regarding flood zones
and flood insurance requirements, and mitigates flood
hazards, helping to reduce flood insurance premiums for
property owners.
Public Utilities
Financial Water and Sewer
Fees
The City's utilities department provides water and
wastewater services to the residents and businesses of San
Luis Obispo. Water and sewer revenues are collected to
support operations and capital improvements, with rates
reviewed on an annual basis and approved by the City
Council. These revenues from customer water and sewer
use are utilized by the utilities department to maintain,
improve, expand and replace components of the City's
water and wastewater infrastructure system, including
improvements made to protect from natural hazards.
Personnel Storm water
Compliance
Staff responsibility assigned to ensure storm water
compliance during construction and operation of buildings
and infrastructure projects.
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Type of Resource Resource Name Ability to Support Mitigation
Personnel Operations
Field staff provide assistance to Public Works DOC for
flood response, and City EOC for general emergency
response.
Plan Water Shortage
Contingency Plan
Establishes policies and procedures to reduce the threat of
drought through water conservation and allocation
measures.
Plan
Water System
Vulnerability
Assessment
Identifies the potential needs, constraints, and
opportunities of the City’s water system.
Plan
Utilities
Department
Emergency Plan
Establishes official Utility Department policies and
procedures to respond to water-related emergencies.
6.6 External Agency Capabilities
As noted above, the City of San Luis Obispo coordinates with many external (local, state, federal,
and private sector) agencies which have capabilities to support hazard mitigation activities. Many of
these agencies participated in the hazard mitigation planning process to update this plan. Their
available resources are summarized in Table 6-2.
Table 6-2 Capabilities and Resources by External Agency
Type of Resource Resource Name Ability to Support Mitigation
County of San Luis Obispo - Airports
Policy
SLO County
Regional Airport
Master Plan
Identifies current, near, and long-term airport operations
and needs, including the design of facilities to
accommodate likely aircraft operations.
Policy
SLO County
Airport Rules and
Regulations
Establishes safety, security, and environmental
protection procedures at the airport to ensure
appropriate response to emergency conditions.
County of San Luis Obispo – Office of Emergency Services
Personnel Emergency
Services Manager
Coordinates disaster preparedness, response, and
recovery activities between agencies and organizations
in SLO County and local, state, and federal officials.
Policy Emergency
Operations Plan
Addresses the planned response to effectively and
efficiently organize the County's response to emergency
situations associated with natural disasters in or
affecting San Luis Obispo County.
Policy Earthquake
Response Plan
Assesses earthquake hazards and fault lines in
unincorporated SLO County, likely effects of a
damaging earthquake, and response procedures. This
plan is reviewed on an annual basis and following each
emergency incident in which the plan was used to
ensure changes are made based on lessons learned.
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Type of Resource Resource Name Ability to Support Mitigation
Policy Dam and Levee
Failure Plan
Assesses dam or levee failure hazards in unincorporated
SLO County, likely effects of a dam or levee failure,
and response procedures. This plan is reviewed on an
annual basis and following each emergency incident in
which the plan was used to ensure changes are made
based on lessons learned.
Policy
Hazardous
Materials
Emergency
Response Plan
Assesses hazardous material risks in unincorporated
SLO County, likely effects of a hazardous material spill
or leak, and response procedures. This plan is reviewed
on an annual basis and following each emergency
incident in which the plan was used to ensure changes
are made based on lessons learned.
Policy Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan
Identifies the hazards and vulnerabilities in SLO County
to natural disasters and identifies the County's
capabilities and mitigation strategies to address the
identified hazards and vulnerabilities.
Technical Web EOC
A web-based information management system that
provides real-time information sharing to help public
safety and emergency managers.
Technical Notification and
Alert Systems
The City utilizes the Reverse 911 Notification and Early
Warning siren systems operated by the County to notify
the community of potential hazards and response
procedures through telecommunications and 131 sirens
located throughout the County’s emergency planning
zones.
County of San Luis Obispo – Public Health Department
Policy
Public Health
Emergency
Preparedness
Program
Assures the County's first responders and health care
systems are prepared to respond to public health
emergencies such as natural disasters, technological
disasters, and pandemic flu in an effective and
coordinated manner.
Policy Pandemic
Influenza Plan
Includes printable guides for individuals, businesses,
schools, and community groups to prepare for and
respond to pandemic flu.
Personnel
Medical Reserve
Corps
(SLOMRC)
The SLOMRC is a group of trained volunteers, made up
of healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurses,
paramedics, and mental health professionals among
others, designated and trained to assist public health
officials during times of special need or disaster.
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Type of Resource Resource Name Ability to Support Mitigation
Policy Strategic National
Stockpile Plan
This plan outlines the process for local distribution of a
shipment of medical supplies and equipment from the
Federal Resource: the Strategic National Stockpile. It
outlines roles of the county and jurisdictions within the
county during a response to a biological or chemical-
related incident. This plan also references procedures
for mass vaccination or prophylaxis of the public and
first responders.
Cal Poly – City & Regional Planning Department
Personnel
Hazard
Mitigation
Planners
Cal Poly's City and Regional Planning faculty includes
staff with a high level of expertise in the areas of hazard
mitigation and disaster recovery planning, including
several staff assisting with the preparation of the State
Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Cal Poly – Administration and Finance
Technical
PolyAlert
Campus
Emergency
Notification
System
A text messaging service that will distribute brief
messages in the event of imminent physical threats to
the campus community. To receive messages, campus
users must register their cell phone number with Cal
Poly.
Technical
Material Safety
Data Sheets
database
An online database used to comply with Cal OSHA
requirements regarding the use and storage of hazardous
materials on campus.
Policy
Hazardous Waste
and Materials
program
Cal Poly's hazardous waste and materials website
identifies policies and procedures for the proper use and
storage of hazardous materials and electronic waste. The
website includes a spill prevention control and
countermeasures online training, hazardous waste
pickup request forms, and a campus hazard
communication program.
Policy
Campus
Emergency
Management Plan
Cal Poly's administration and finance department
maintains an emergency management plan with policies
and procedures for campus activities. The EMP is
similar to a local jurisdiction's EMP and includes
response procedures for emergencies likely to occur in a
campus setting.
Personnel University Police
Cal Poly's university police department includes 44 full-
time staff trained to serve the campus community and
assist SLO PD when needed.
Personnel Building
Coordinators
A building coordinator has been identified for each
campus building designated to be responsible for
assisting in building evacuations, and situational
reporting between building occupants and facility
services.
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Type of Resource Resource Name Ability to Support Mitigation
French Hospital Medical Center
Personnel
Trained
Emergency
Medicine
Specialists
French Hospital's staff includes 21 physicians trained
specifically for treating patients in need of immediate
medical attention.
Personnel
Emergency
Response Trained
Personnel
Staff from French Hospital participates in two disaster
drills per year of which one is a Statewide Exercise.
Additional drills are held periodically with PG&E’s
Diablo Canyon Power Plant on the treatment of
radiological accidents. French Hospital also participates
in SLO County planning activities and tabletop
exercises.
American Red Cross
Personnel
Voluntary
Organization
Active in Disaster
Provides disaster preparedness courses to residents and
community members and provides care and shelter to
those threatened or impacted by natural hazards.
Volunteer and private agencies are essential to the area’s
mutual aid system by providing for the care and shelter
needs of disaster victims.
Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center
Personnel
Trained
Emergency
Medicine
Specialists
Sierra Vista regional medical center is SLO County's
only Level III trauma center. This distinction allows
emergency medical professionals in the field to
determine whether the patient should go to the closest
hospital or Sierra Vista and ensures trauma patients
receive immediate evaluation and care from trauma
specialists, as may be the case in emergency response
situations.
Personnel
Emergency
Response Trained
Officials
In the past, staff from Sierra Vista have received
training and participated in drills to better understand
the emergency response and incident command roles of
the hospital as a member of the County and State
emergency response systems.
San Luis Coastal Unified School District
Policy SLCUSD
Board Policy
The SLCUSD Board sets and adopts guiding policies for the
operations of the school district, which includes several
specific policies to minimize student and staff risks to
natural hazards. Sections applicable to hazard mitigation
activities include: 3514 - Environmental Safety, 3514.1 -
Hazardous Substances, 3516 - Emergencies and Disaster
Preparedness Plan, 3516.5 - Emergency Schedules, and
3530 - Risk Management/Insurance.
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Type of Resource Resource Name Ability to Support Mitigation
Technical Campus
Properties
The SLCUSD has multiple properties distributed throughout
the city of SLO, which may be used as incident command
centers or shelters depending on the location and extent of a
natural disaster. Currently, the American Red Cross has
shelter agreements in place with SLCUSD to utilize Laguna
Middle School in the event of a natural disaster or
emergency.
California Highway Patrol
Personnel
Hazardous
Materials
Coordinator
The California Highway Patrol maintains incident
command authority over hazardous materials being
carried on state highways and roads that traverse the
City.
PG&E
Personnel
Gas, Electric,
Transmission, and
Distribution
Emergency
Preparedness
departments
PG&E's team of trained professionals includes staff
assigned to maintain and repair PG&E infrastructure
when needed prior to and following a natural disaster.
These staff are important to mitigating the potential
cascading effects that a power outage may have such as
a loss of potable water supply, or blocked access to
geographic areas due to downed power lines.
Policy
Gas & Electric
Emergency
Preparedness Plan
PG&E has developed an integrated emergency
preparedness plan to establish policies for each of its
critical services: gas, electric, transmission, and
distribution. These plans are shared with local police
and fire departments throughout their service territory to
coordinate appropriate notification and response in the
event of a natural hazard.
Personnel
Public Safety
Program
Specialists
PG&E recently hired eight specialists dedicated to
enhancing public safety planning and coordination of
training for public safety officials on the policies and
procedures for emergency response associated with the
utilities infrastructure.
Technical Mobile Command
Vehicles
PG&E recently purchase six mobile command vehicles
equipped with computers, satellite phones and necessary
equipment to be deployed during emergencies
throughout their service territory.
Gas Company
Policy
Natural Gas
System Operator
Safety Plan
Identifies the safety performance expectations of So Cal
Gas employees and emergency response procedures in
the event of a natural hazard.
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Section 7 Mitigation Strategy
7.1 Mitigation Goals and Objectives
The requirements for the local hazard mitigation goals, as stipulated in DMA 2000 and its
implementing regulations, are described below.
DMA 2000 Requirements: Mitigation Strategy – Local Hazard Mitigation Goals
Local Hazard Mitigation Goals
Requirement §201.6(c)(3)(i): [The hazard mitigation strategy shall include a] description of
mitigation goals to reduce or avoid long-term vulnerabilities to the identified hazards.
Element
Does the plan include a description of mitigation goals to reduce or avoid long-term vulnerabilities
to the identified hazards? (GOALS are long-term; represent what the community wants to achieve,
such as “eliminate flood damage”; and are based on the risk assessment findings.)
Source: FEMA, March 2004.
During the second milestone meeting of the Hazard Mitigation Team on October 9, 2013, upon
review of the preliminary vulnerability assessment results, the Team reviewed the 2006 mitigation
strategy. The HMT discussed the extent to which previous goals, objectives, and actions have been
implemented and whether the mitigation strategies should be revised or continued in the 2014
LHMP. The HMT agreed to consolidate the 2006 goals from 8 goals (including hazard specific
goals) to two comprehensive goals.
Mitigation goals are guidelines that explain what a community wants to achieve in terms of hazard
and loss prevention. Goal statements are typically long-range, policy-oriented statements
representing community-wide visions. Objectives are statements that detail how to achieve a
community’s goals. Typically, objectives define strategies, or implementation steps, to attain
identified goals.
Below are the goals and objectives established for the 2014 LHMP.
Goal 1. Cultivate a disaster-resistant community through implementation of risk reduction
measures and increased public awareness to prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural
and human-caused hazard events.
Objective 1.A Ensure that local plans, policies, and programs are consistent with the hazard
information identified in the LHMP.
Objective 1.B. Increase City employee capacity through SIMS and NIMS compliant training and
EOC drills to identify hazards, and assist in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.
Objective 1.C Pursue available grant funding to implement hazard mitigation efforts.
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Objective 1.D Maintain critical and essential key assets to increase resiliency and minimize future
damage from hazard events.
Objective 1.E Increase public awareness of hazards, emergency response, and recovery.
Objective 1.F Promote public/private partnerships to increase community resiliency.
Goal 2. Reduce the severity of damage and losses due to natural and human-caused hazards.
Objective 2.A Protect and enhance as practical existing assets, as well as any future development,
from the effects of natural and human-caused hazards.
7.2 Mitigation Progress
Since 2006, the City of San Luis Obispo has made considerable progress in implementing risk
reduction measures. The following were identified during the Hazard Mitigation Team’s review of
the actions outlined in the 2006 LHMP. Additional progress is attributed through the existing
policies noted in Section 6 Capability Assessment.
• The City’s General Plan Safety Element has been updated several times to ensure it remains
current and useful.
• Every City employee was trained in the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and
Safety and Environmental Management System (SEMS) in 2003.
• CERT training was offered to City employees.
• The Chamber of Commerce provides resources on their website as to how to reduce damage
and losses due to earthquakes.
• The City requires businesses that use, store, or transport hazardous materials to ensure that
adequate measures are taken to protect public health and safety.
• The City’s website provides information regarding the safe handling and disposal of
household chemicals.
• The City has a dedicated professional focused on hazardous materials safety.
• The City participates in the county-wide hazardous materials team.
• Several fuel modification projects are scheduled for reducing the risk of wildland fires:
o Cerro San Luis- Shaded Fuel Break/understory management in eucalyptus grove.
o Bowden Ranch Open Space- Shaded Fuel Break/understory management along
Bowden Creek.
o Irish Hills Open Space- Thinning and brush removal project on emergency
access/egress road off Isabella Street.
• The City conducts ongoing urban forest maintenance (tree trimming) to reduce potential for
damage from high winds and/or fire.
• The City uses the California building codes for placing utilities underground to reduce
damage from high winds.
• The City participates in county-wide exercises focusing on identified hazards such as
pandemic.
• The City offers free flu vaccines to staff.
• City employees practice emergency management training and the use of its emergency
operations center.
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• As of January 1, 2014 all new structures in the City of San Luis Obispo will be required to
meet CBC Chapter 7A construction requirements in the Wildland Urban Interface for:
ignition resistant siding, Class A roofs, protected eaves, ember intrusion resistant attic and
subfloor vents, and at least one sprinkler head in the attic. For new structures in the area
mapped as Local Very High Fire Severity Zones, all requirements of Chapter 7A are
applied.
7.3 Mitigation Actions
The requirements for the identification and analysis of mitigation actions, as stipulated in DMA
2000 and its implementing regulations, are described below.
DMA 2000 Requirements: Mitigation Strategy - Identification and Analysis of Mitigation
Actions
Requirement §201.6(c)(3)(ii): [The mitigation strategy shall include a] section that identifies and
analyzes a comprehensive range of specific mitigation actions and projects being considered to
reduce the effects of each hazard, with particular emphasis on new and existing buildings and
infrastructure.
DMA 2000 Requirements: Mitigation Strategy - Identification and Analysis of Mitigation
Actions
Element
Does the plan identify and analyze a comprehensive range of specific mitigation actions and
projects for each hazard?
Do the identified actions and projects address reducing the effects of hazards on new buildings
and infrastructure?
Do the identified actions and projects address reducing the effects of hazards on existing
buildings and infrastructure?
Source: FEMA, March 2004.
The Hazard Mitigation Team reviewed the list of mitigation actions from the 2006 plan and
opted to consolidate several, remove a few that have become irrelevant, and identified several
new actions. The following reflects the current list of mitigation actions for monitoring and
potential implementation over the next five years. The actions are numbered to coordinate with
the above stated goals and objectives. Additionally, the actions have been categorized as either
supporting hazard mitigation efforts or disaster preparedness efforts. While both are important
to public safety in preparing for and responding to natural disasters, the primary focus of this
plan is to identify actions that will minimize threats to public health, safety, and welfare.
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Table 7-1 2014 Mitigation Actions
Action
Number Action Description Status
Hazard
Mitigation or
Disaster
Preparedness?
1.A.1 Regularly review and continue to maintain
consistency between the Safety Element,
Municipal Code, zoning regulations, hazard area
maps, and LHMP implementation strategies.
Valid from
2006 LHMP
Hazard
Mitigation
1.B.1 Train all city employees including fire fighters,
police officers, building inspectors, and public
works and utilities staff to levels appropriate for
their hazard mitigation tasks and
responsibilities.
Modified from
2006 LHMP
Disaster
Preparedness
1.B.2 Provide training for City staff who apply its
building regulations and planning standards,
emphasizing the lessons learned in locations that
have experienced disasters.
Valid from
2006 LHMP
Disaster
Preparedness
1.B.3 Conduct disaster-preparedness exercises for the
types of hazards discussed in this LHMP.
Valid from
2006 LHMP
Disaster
Preparedness
1.B.4 Establish ongoing Disaster Service Worker
training program to include training for City
staff to deal with emergencies as well as
contribute to risk reduction measures.
Modified from
2006 LHMP
Disaster
Preparedness
1.B.5 Conduct EOC training for CERT members NEW Disaster
Preparedness
1.B.6 Incorporate pandemic into CERT training
program
NEW Disaster
Preparedness
1.C.1 Review funding opportunities and establish
centralized internal procedures to coordinate
efforts for securing funds that support risk
reduction measures.
Modified from
2006 LHMP
Hazard
Mitigation
1.C.2 Identify hazard mitigation projects eligible for
grants as part of the Capital Improvement
Program planning process.
NEW Hazard
Mitigation
1.D.1 Assess structural capacity of key assets
(including bridges) and pursue infrastructure
improvements as necessary.
NEW Hazard
Mitigation
1.D.2 Continue offering free flu vaccines to City
employees.
NEW Hazard
Mitigation
1.D.3 Establish policies to maintain health of City
employees such as discouraging employees
from coming to work when sick and
encouraging employees to develop a plan for
taking care of ill family members.
NEW Hazard
Mitigation
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Action
Number Action Description Status
Hazard
Mitigation or
Disaster
Preparedness?
1.E.1 Establish a funded program or mechanism to
distribute public information regarding risk
reduction activities and projects at City-
sponsored events.
• Identify materials available for
use at public education
workshops
• Coordinate messaging with
external agencies such as the
American Red Cross and
Volunteer Organizations Active
in Disasters.
Modified from
2006 LHMP
Hazard
Mitigation
1.E.2 Support the efforts and education of people with
access and functional needs to prepare for
disasters.
Modified from
2006 LHMP
Disaster
Preparedness
1.E.3 Educate the community on individual
preparedness and response to deal with
emergencies at times when professional
responders would be overwhelmed.
Modified from
2006 LHMP
Disaster
Preparedness
1.F.1 Offer CERT training to local / small businesses NEW Disaster
Preparedness
1.F.2 Offer seminars and/or resources to assist local /
small businesses in planning for continuity of
operations and emergency preparedness.
NEW Disaster
Preparedness
2.A.1 Continue to enforce local codes, ordinances, and
standards pertaining to safe development and
resiliency to natural and human-caused hazards.
Modified from
2006 LHMP
Hazard
Mitigation
2.A.2 Continue to implement the Unreinforced
Masonry Hazard Mitigation Plan and strengthen
buildings identified in Levels A and B.
Valid from
2006 LHMP
(almost
complete)
Hazard
Mitigation
2.A.3 Develop and provide managers of mobile home
parks with information on how to improve the
seismic performance of mobile homes and
awareness of flood risk.
Modified from
2006 LHMP
Hazard
Mitigation
2.A.4 Develop and carry out environmentally sensitive
flood reduction programs.
Valid from
2006 LHMP
Hazard
Mitigation
2.A.5 Continue requiring businesses that use, store, or
transport hazardous materials to ensure that
adequate measures are taken to protect public
health and safety.
Modified from
2006 LHMP
Hazard
Mitigation
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Action
Number Action Description Status
Hazard
Mitigation or
Disaster
Preparedness?
2.A.6 Coordinate with allied agencies to prepare for
hazardous materials incidents.
• Reference City EOP and
Training and Exercise Plan
• Maintain participation in County
hazardous materials team
Modified from
2006 LHMP
Hazard
Mitigation
2.A.7 Maintain City’s web site and other outlets with
information regarding the safe handling and
disposal of household chemicals.
Modified from
2006 LHMP
Hazard
Mitigation
2.A.8 Continue to conduct current fuel management
programs and investigate and apply new and
emerging fuel management techniques.
Valid from
2006 LHMP
Hazard
Mitigation
2.A.9 Require an enhanced fire protection plan in
Local Very High Fire Severity Zones.
Valid from
2006 LHMP
Hazard
Mitigation
2.A.10 Enhance partnerships with CalFire and the local
Fire Safe Council for fuel reduction efforts.
NEW Hazard
Mitigation
2.A.11 Support ongoing urban forest maintenance and
tree trimming programs.
NEW Hazard
Mitigation
2.A.12 Add gas pipeline mapping to the City’s GIS
resources.
NEW Disaster
Preparedness
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7.4 Action Plan
As listed above, the Hazard Mitigation Team identified 29 potential mitigation actions that will
assist the City in mitigating the impact of natural and human-caused hazards. The DMA 2000
requires the evaluation, selection, and prioritization of the potential mitigation actions, as
described below.
DMA 2000 Requirements: Mitigation Strategy - Implementation of Mitigation Actions
Requirement: §201.6(c)(3)(iii): [The mitigation strategy section shall include] an action plan
describing how the actions identified in section (c)(3)(ii) will be prioritized, implemented, and
administered by the local jurisdiction. Prioritization shall include a special emphasis on the extent
to which benefits are maximized according to a cost benefit review of the proposed projects and
their associated costs.
Element
Does the mitigation strategy include how the actions are prioritized? (For example, is there a
discussion of the process and criteria used?)
Does the mitigation strategy address how the actions will be implemented and administered?
(For example, does it identify the responsible department, existing and potential resources, and
timeframe?)
Does the prioritization process include an emphasis on the use of a cost-benefit review (see
page 3-36 of Multi- Hazard Mitigation Planning Guidance) to maximize benefits?
Source: FEMA, March 2004.
The Hazard Mitigation Team reviewed the following STAPLE/E criteria to help prioritize
which actions may be most feasible for implementation.
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STAPLE/E Review and Selection Criteria
Social
• Is the proposed action socially acceptable to the jurisdiction and surrounding community?
• Are there equity issues involved that would mean that one segment of the jurisdiction and/or
community is treated unfairly?
• Will the action cause social disruption?
Technical
• Will the proposed action work?
• Will it create more problems than it solves?
• Does it solve a problem or only a symptom?
• Is it the most useful action in light of other jurisdiction goals?
Administrative
• Can the jurisdiction implement the action?
• Is there someone to coordinate and lead the effort?
• Is there sufficient funding, staff, and technical support available?
• Are there ongoing administrative requirements that need to be met?
Political
• Is the action politically acceptable?
• Is there public support both to implement and to maintain the project?
Legal
• Is the jurisdiction authorized to implement the proposed action?
• Are there legal side effects? Could the activity be construed as a taking?
• Will the jurisdiction be liable for action or lack of action?
• Will the activity be challenged?
Economic
• What are the costs and benefits of this action?
• Do the benefits exceed the costs?
• Are initial, maintenance, and administrative costs taken into account?
• Has funding been secured for the proposed action? If not, what are the potential funding
sources (public, non-profit, and private)?
• How will this action affect the fiscal capability of the jurisdiction?
• What burden will this action place on the tax base or local economy?
• What are the budget and revenue effects of this activity?
• Does the action contribute to other jurisdiction goals?
• What benefits will the action provide?
Environmental
• How will the action affect the environment?
• Will the action need environmental regulatory approvals?
• Will it meet local and state regulatory requirements?
• Are endangered or threatened species likely to be affected?
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Through this process, the Hazard Mitigation Team identified four priority mitigation actions.
Priority actions are denoted with a Priority Level “A”. These are presented in Table 7-2
Action Plan Matrix with additional details to assist with implementation.
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Table 7-2 Action Plan Matrix
Action
Number
Action
Item
Department /
Division
Potential
Funding Source
Implementation
Timeline
Economic
Justification
Priority
Level
Action
2.A.1
Continue to enforce local
codes, ordinances, and
standards pertaining to
safe development and
resiliency
Community
Development
General
Funds/HMGP
or PDM grants
Annually
Well-trained City staff
will reduce loss of life,
property damage, and
ensure continuity of
operations in all future
large-scale disasters.
A
Action
2.A.5
Continue requiring
businesses that use, store,
or transport hazardous
materials to ensure that
adequate measures are
taken to protect public
health and safety
Fire
Certified
Unified
Program
Agency
(CUPA)
Annually
Reduce the potential for
hazardous materials
spills by insuring proper
storage, containment,
and identification of
hazardous materials.
A
Action
2.A.8
Continue to conduct
current fuel management
programs and investigate
and apply new and
emerging fuel
management techniques
Fire/Natural Resources
Director/Parks and
Recreation
FEMA
and Fire
Safe
Council
grants
Annually
Reduce the potential for
wildland fires by
improving and
expanding the current
fuel management
program.
A
Action
1.C.1
Review funding
opportunities and
establish centralized
internal procedures to
coordinate efforts for
securing funds that
support risk reduction
Administration General Funds/
FEMA grant Annually
Grant funds supplement
the City’s budget for
implementing hazard
mitigation in all aspects
of risk.
A
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Section 8 Plan Maintenance
DMA 2000 Requirements: Plan Maintenance Process - Monitoring, Evaluating, and
Updating the Plan
Requirement §201.6(c)(4)(i): [The plan maintenance process shall include a] section describing
the method and schedule of monitoring, evaluating, and updating the mitigation plan within a
five-year cycle.
Element
Does the plan describe the method and schedule for monitoring the plan? (For example, does
it identify the party responsible for monitoring and include a schedule for reports, site visits,
phone calls, and meetings?)
Does the plan describe the method and schedule for evaluating the plan? (For example,
does it identify the party responsible for evaluating the plan and include the criteria used to
evaluate the plan?)
Does the plan describe the method and schedule for updating the plan within the five-year
cycle?
Source: FEMA, March 2004.
8.1 Plan Monitoring, Evaluating, and Updating
The City of San Luis Obispo has developed a method to ensure that regular review and update of
its LHMP occurs. FEMA regulations require an update every five years. The City Hazard
Mitigation Team will convene annually to review and discuss mitigation progress and any new
concerns that may benefit from mitigation activities.
At the annual meetings, the Hazard Mitigation Team will review each goal and objective to
evaluate its:
• Relevance to the evolving situation in the City of San Luis Obispo
• Consistency with changes in State and Federal policy
• Relevance to current and expected conditions
The Hazard Mitigation Team will review the Risk Assessment portion of the plan to determine if
the information should be updated or modified. The parties responsible for various
implementation actions will report on:
• Status of their projects
• Implementation processes that have worked well
• Any difficulties encountered
• How coordination efforts are proceeding
• Which strategies should be revised
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The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to involving the public in the continual reshaping and
updating of the LHMP. The Hazard Mitigation Team will present the LHMP at a City council
meeting annually with the opportunity for public comment at the meeting. Any public comments
received at the meeting will be documented and stored with the plan for use in the five-year
update.
8.2 Continued Public Involvement
The Hazard Mitigation Team members are responsible for the review and update of the plan.
Although they represent the public to some extent, the public are welcome to directly comment
on and provide feedback about the plan at anytime to the project lead at the City’s Fire
Department.
Copies of the plan will be made available for review on the City website and at the City Fire
Department, Fire Station 1.
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Section 9 References
2006 City of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
2012 City of San Luis Obispo Climate Action Plan,
http://www.slocity.org/communitydevelopment/CAP/CAP%20Final%20Web.pdf
2013 Hazard Mitigation Plan for the County of San Luis Obispo
California Department of Public Health,
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/data/statistics/Documents/H1N1DataTable082810.pdf
Farmer’s Almanac, http://www.almanac.com/weather/longrange/zipcode/93401
Linsey, John. 2013 August 24. Map shows San Luis Obispo County is in ‘extreme drought’. The
Tribune, http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2013/08/24/2649527/map-shows-san-luis-obispo-
county.html
Linsey, John. 2013 July 27. Tornadoes are a rare occurrence in SLO County. The Tribune,
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2013/07/27/2603365/tornadoes-are-a-rare-occurance.html
Moore, Gilbert and Dave Verbon. 1969. January 1969 The Flood that Was, San Luis Obispo
County. http://www.slocity.org/publicworks/download/storm/floodwas.pdf.
San Luis Obispo City Waterway Management Plan,
http://www.slocity.org/publicworks/download/wmp/wmp.pdf
San Luis Obispo County,
http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/health/publichealth/commdisease/pandemicflu.htm
San Luis Obispo Flood Control and Water Conservation District Zone 9,
http://www.coastalrcd.org/zone9/history/history.html
The Rutherford Report,
http://www.sbcounty.gov/rutherford/report/issues/2012_march/shakeroof.html
University of California, http://ucanr.org/blogs/slomggarden/blogfiles/3250.pdf
USGS, http://earthquake.usgs.gov/research/shakemap/
Wildfire Mitigation Professionals Association, http://thewmpa.org/resources/forest-fire-info
YouGov. 2012 14 November. 64% of Americans unprepared for natural disasters. Palo Alto,
CA, http://today.yougov.com/news/2012/11/14/64-americans-unprepared-natural-disasters/
PH4 - 128
Goodwin, Heather
From: Mejia, Anthony
Sent: Wednesday, February 05, 2014 12:46 AM
To: Goodwin, Heather FEB 0 5 2014
Subject: Fwd: hazard mitigation plan comments
AGENDA
CORRESPONDENCE
Date Begin forwarded message: Q�t � )411�Item#
From: Dale Williams <coastaltech805(d,) hoo.com>
Date: February 4, 2014 at 6:13:51 PM PST
To: "Mejia, Anthony" <ameiiaO)slocity.or >
Subject: hazard mitigation plan comments
The focus of all this should stay with best helping people, enabling them to help themselves and
each other, and connecting people with resources that help them be better prepared. I'm
concerned that some of the turn - neighborhoods- into - businesses crowd wanting more properties
will use this as an opportunity to ambush those that are low income, older, or facing other
challenges. Some of the survey data cannot be take at face value when driven by a hidden
agenda. Please be sure that whatever you do always lessens stress and pain, rather than
increasing it. It's pretty bad when the fear of what government can do becomes greater than that
of natural disasters or terrorism.
It's disturbing to be getting calls from current or former fire department personnel wanting to
acquire property. That seems like a conflict of interest. Perhaps the city should consider
whether it is ethical for employees to have interest in rental properties (anything other than a
primary residence shown as such on tax rolls) within the city. (this is even worse than when the
fire departments referral for yard work turned out to be a city employee. So much for helping
the jobless.) Knowing that most fire personal and other city employees are great people it is a
shame to see that image tarnished.
CAPSLO doesn't provide some types of repair assistance that EOC did, an apparently can't even
accept payment to do some of those things. Wouldn't it be a win -win to put more homeless or
jobless to work?
It's outside the scope of "natural ", but I think it would have been a good thing if the Cal Poly
dairy had been prepared with a reserve of animal feed that was protected and known to use it,
avoiding the I -131 intake and milk contamination during rainfall shortly after the Japan
disaster. Although airborne contamination at ground level here was extremely low, rainfall can
bring down material creating spotty not -so- negligible contamination. While avoiding anxiety is
good, denying that those things mattered isn't always the most beneficial official action.
I mention that just because there was not any indication of preparedness in that situation.