Atascadero City Council
March 24, 2026

CITY OF ATASCADERO
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT Item H1
TO: JAMES R. LEWIS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: PHIL DUNSMORE, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
PREPARED BY: KELLY GLEASON, PLANNING MANAGER
SUBJECT: Zoning Code Update – Continuation of Mixed-Use Zones and Standards

RECOMMENDATION:

Council provide direction to staff on specific land uses and development standards for the MixedUse #3 (MU3) zoning district as part of the item continued from the March 10, 2026 meeting.

BACKGROUND:

Although the City Council has reviewed and provided comments on the Mixed-Use Zones, the Discussion of Mixed-Use Zone 3 was continued to March 24th due to a conflict of interest and the resulting lack of quorum. Based on City Council comments from March 10th, staff is now also including draft Mixed-Use zoning land use tables for Mixed Use zones 1-4 for review and discussion. The draft tables and proposed Land Use Definitions are attached for your review and can assist in informing the discussion. The original staff report can be accessed on the City’s website here: https://www.atascadero.org/meetings-past.

REVIEWED BY OTHERS:

This item has been reviewed by the Community Development Director, the Administrative Services Director, and the City Attorney.

REVIEWED AND APPROVED FOR COUNCIL AGENDA
James R. Lewis, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:

1. Proposed Mixed-Use Land Use Table

2. Proposed Land Use Definitions
Department: Community
Development
Date: 03/24/2026
Placement: Management
Report

03/24/26 | Item H1 | Attachment 1
Table 9-2.06.020-1: Mixed-Use Districts Allowed Land Uses and Entitlement Requirements Nonresidential Zoning districts
A - Allowed Use
CUP - Conditional Use Permit Required
AUP - Administrative Use Permit Required
-- Not Permitted
Permitted Uses By Zoning districts
MU1 MU2 MU3 MU4 Special Regulation(s)
Accessory Dwelling Unit A A A AIn conjunction with a permitted residential unit(s). See 9-4.02.

Accessory Storage A1 A1 A1 A1 9-4.60
Adult Oriented Business A -- -- -- 9-4.06
Animal Care Services – Grooming A A A A
Animal Care Services – Kennel -- CUP -- -- 9-4.10
Animal Care Services – Veterinarian -- -- -- -- 9-4.10
Assembly – Public and Entertainment CUP CUP CUP CUP 9-4.12 Assembly – Religious Facility CUP CUP CUP CUP 9-4.12
Assembly – Sports Facility CUP CUP CUP CUP 9-4.12
Bar/Tavern A A A A
Brewery – Production -- -- -- --
Brewery – Micro-Brewery/Brewpub A A A A
Broadcasting Studio A A A A
Building Materials and Hardware Sales
w/outdoor sales or storage area 10,000
SF or greater
CUP CUP CUP CUP 9-4.42
Building Materials and Hardware Sales
w/outdoor sales or storage area less
than 10,000 SF
A A A A 9-4.42.040
Business Support Services A A A A
Commercial Kitchen A A A A
Commercial Recreation and
Entertainment – Indoor A A A A
Commercial Recreation and
Entertainment – Outdoor CUP CUP CUP CUP 9-4.44

03/24/26 | Item H1 | Attachment 1
Table 9-2.06.020-1: Mixed-Use Districts Allowed Land Uses and Entitlement Requirements Nonresidential Zoning districts
A - Allowed Use
CUP - Conditional Use Permit Required
AUP - Administrative Use Permit Required
-- Not Permitted
Permitted Uses By Zoning districts
MU1 MU2 MU3 MU4 Special Regulation(s)
Contract Construction Services –
Indoor -- -- -- --
Contract Construction Services –
Outdoor -- -- -- -- 9-4.42
Composting – Green Waste Facility -- -- -- --
Data and Computer Services Center -- -- -- --
Day Care Center A A A A 9-4.18
Day Care – Family Day Care Home A A A A As required by State law.

Drive-Through Sales or Services AUP AUP AUP AUP
Drive-through sales and services
limited to retail (pharmacy) or
Financial Services and Banks in
Mixed Use zoning districts. See 9-

4.22. Eating and Drinking Establishment A A A A
Emergency Shelter – Low Barrier
Navigation Center A A A A 9-4.20
Farm Equipment and Supplies
w/outdoor storage or sales area
10,000 SF or greater
CUP CUP CUP CUP 9-4.42
Farm Equipment and Supplies
w/outdoor storage or sales area less
than 10,000 SF

A A A A
Financial Services and Banks A A A A
Fitness Facility – Less than 4,000 SF A A A A
Fitness Facility – 4,000 SF or Larger CUP CUP CUP CUP
Government Offices and Facilities A A A A
Home Occupation A A A A 9-4.34

03/24/26 | Item H1 | Attachment 1
Table 9-2.06.020-1: Mixed-Use Districts Allowed Land Uses and Entitlement Requirements Nonresidential Zoning districts
A - Allowed Use
CUP - Conditional Use Permit Required
AUP - Administrative Use Permit Required
-- Not Permitted
Permitted Uses By Zoning districts
MU1 MU2 MU3 MU4 Special Regulation(s)
Horticultural Specialties w/outdoor
storage or sales area 10,000 SF or
greater
CUP CUP CUP CUP 9-4.08.040
Horticultural Specialties w/outdoor
sales or storage area less than 10,000
SF
A A A A 9-4.08.040
Instructional Services A A A A
Laundromat/Coin-Operated Laundry CUP CUP CUP CUP
Libraries and Museums A A A A
Lodging – Bed and Breakfast A A A A
Lodging – Hotel and Motel A A A A
Manufacturing and Processing –
Artisan

A A A A
Manufacturing, Repair, and Processing
– High Intensity
-- -- -- --
Manufacturing, Repair, and Processing
- Low Intensity AUP1 AUP1 AUP1 AUP1
Medical Services – Clinic A A A A
Medical Services – Doctors Office A A A A
Medical Services – Extended Care CUP CUP CUP CUP 9-4.50 Mixed-Use Development – Horizontal A A A -- 9-4.38
Mixed-Use Development – Vertical A A A A 9-4.38
Mortuary Services

A A A A
In a MU building, this use must not
include crematory facilities or any
equipment or activities used for the
cremation of human or animal
remains.

Multi-Family Dwelling A A A A

03/24/26 | Item H1 | Attachment 1
Table 9-2.06.020-1: Mixed-Use Districts Allowed Land Uses and Entitlement Requirements Nonresidential Zoning districts
A - Allowed Use
CUP - Conditional Use Permit Required
AUP - Administrative Use Permit Required
-- Not Permitted
Permitted Uses By Zoning districts
MU1 MU2 MU3 MU4 Special Regulation(s)
Office A A A A
Parking Facility AUP AUP AUP AUP
Personal Services – General A A A A
Recycling Facility – Small Collection A A A A 9-6.130
Research and Development A A A A
Residential Care – General A A A A 9-4.50
Residential Care – Limited A A A A 9-4.50
Residential Care – Assisted Living A A A A 9-4.50
Retail – General (50,000 SF or less) A1 A1 A1 A1
Retail – General (Greater than 50,000

SF) CUP CUP CUP CUP
Sales Lot -- -- CUP -- 9-6.139
Schools A A A A 9-6.125
Schools – Business and Vocational A A A A 9-6.125
Showroom A A A A
Single-Family Dwelling

A A A A
Single-family dwellings permitted in
mixed-use zoning districts as part of
a higher density cottage cluster.

Studio/Creative Workshop A A A A
Tasting Room A A A A
Tattoo and Body Piercing Services AUP AUP AUP AUP
Temporary Event A2 A2 A2 A2 9-4.66
Temporary or Seasonal Retail Sales A A A A 9-4.66
Towing Services -- -- -- -- 9-4.68

03/24/26 | Item H1 | Attachment 1
Table 9-2.06.020-1: Mixed-Use Districts Allowed Land Uses and Entitlement Requirements Nonresidential Zoning districts
A - Allowed Use
CUP - Conditional Use Permit Required
AUP - Administrative Use Permit Required
-- Not Permitted
Permitted Uses By Zoning districts
MU1 MU2 MU3 MU4 Special Regulation(s)
Transit Stations CUP CUP CUP CUP
Vehicle Rental and Accessory
Services A A A A 9-4.72
Vehicle Sales CUP CUP CUP CUP 9-4.72
Vehicle Services and Repair – Major
Repair/Body Work
-- -- -- -- 9-4.74
Vehicle Services and Repair – Minor
Repair/Maintenance
AUP AUP AUP AUP 9-4.74
Vehicle Service Station CUP -- CUP -- 9-4.76
Warehousing and Wholesaling - - - -
Winery – Boutique A1 A1 A1 A1
Winery – Production - - - -
Wireless Telecommunication Facility

CUP CUP CUP CUP
Wireless communication facilities
are allowed with an administrative
use permit in the public right-of-way.

See Article 9-4.70 (Wireless
Communications Facilities)
Notes: (These notes apply only to Table 9-2.06.020-1).
1 Outdoor commercial and industrial sales and storage developments (as defined by Section 9-9.102) of 10,000 square feet or more require the approval of a conditional use permit (Section 9-2.110), even if such a development is listed as an allowable use in a particular zoning district.
2 Temporary events requiring more than 3 days for on-site setup and teardown require the approval of a conditional use permit (Section 9-2.110).
3 Outdoor storage of towing related vehicles, towed vehicles, or accessory storage (other than an approved parking lot for employees or fleet vehicles) over 8,000 square feet shall require approval of a conditional use permit. (Section 9-2.110), even if such a development is listed as an allowable use in a particular zoning district.

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1 Chapter 8: Definitions
CHAPTER 8. DEFINITIONS
ARTICLE 04 – LAND USE DEFINITIONS
9-8.04.010 – Land Use Definitions
This Article contains descriptions of the types of land uses that can be established in the various zoning districts. The descriptions of land uses are intended only to list the various land uses included under each general heading and do not explain what permit requirements or performance standards may be applicable to a given use. See Section 9-

1.04.020(e) (Interpretations of Allowable Uses).
9-8.04.020 “A” Definitions
Accessory Dwelling Unit. Dwelling unit accessory to a primary dwelling unit with complete kitchen and bathroom for one or more persons regulated by California Government Code Sections 66310 – 66342 and Article 9-4.02 (Accessory Dwelling Units). See Article 9-4.02 (Accessory Dwelling Units) for use standards specific to this use.

Accessory Storage. The indoor or outdoor storage of various materials on the same site as a principal building or land use which is other than storage, which supports the activities or conduct of the principal use. Outdoor accessory storage is further regulated by Article 9-4.60 (Storage-Accessory), including a limitation on size.

Adult Oriented Business. Any business defined by Section 5-10.102 (Definitions) of Title 5, or Section 9-4.06.020 (Adult-Oriented Businesses) of this Title as an adult business, or any massage parlor (excluding State-licensed massage therapy), sexual encounter establishment, or nude model studio. "Adult-oriented business" does not include those uses or activities, the regulation of which is preempted by State law. See Article 9-4.06 (Adult Business Uses) for use standards specific to this use.

Agricultural Processing – Large Scale. The large scale processing of agriculture products subsequent to their harvest, with the intent of preparing them for market or further processing including: alfalfa cubing; hay baling and cubing; corn shelling; drying of corn, rice, hay, fruits and vegetables; grain cleaning and custom grinding; custom grist mills; custom milling of flour, feed and grain; sorting, grading and packaging of fruits and vegetables; tree nut hulling and shelling; cotton ginning. This use classification excludes “Winery – Boutique,” “Winery – Production,” “Brewery – Production,” and “Brewery – Micro-Brewery/Brewpub,” which are defined separately. This does not include the growing, harvesting, and production of marijuana, or legally approved uses of marijuana by either the State of California or Federal Government. Outdoor accessory storage is further regulated by Article 9-4.60 (Storage-Accessory), including a limitation on size.

Agriculture – Accessory Use. Small-scale and/or hobby agricultural activities incidental to the primary residential use of the property. Includes the keeping, feeding, or grazing of animals as an avocation, hobby, or school project, subordinate to the principal residential use of a property, includes species commonly considered as farm animals as well as exotic species, but does not include household pets. This includes the raising or feeding of animals as regulated under Section 9-4.08.030 (Farm Animal Raising). This does not include uses defined as "Livestock Specialties." See Article 9-4.08 (Agricultural Uses) for use standards specific to this use.

Agriculture – Primary Use. The tilling of soil, the raising of crops, horticulture, farm animal raising, and related uses as a primary use. Does not include farm animal raising for those animals defined as "Livestock Specialties." See also “Horticulture Specialties.” See Article 9-4.08 (Agricultural Uses) for use standards specific to this use.

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2 Chapter 8: Definitions
Agricultural Produce Stand. Open structure for the retail sale of agricultural products (except hay, grain, and feed sales which are included under "Farm Equipment and Supplies"), which are grown on the site in residential or agriculture zoning districts. This use does not include ”Farmers' Market” or seasonal sales located in nonresidential zoning districts, defined under "Temporary or Seasonal Retail Sales.” See Section 9-4.08.060 (Agricultural Produce Stands) for use standards specific to this use.

Agriculture Employee Housing – Small. Single-family dwelling, or similar other lodging accommodations provided as a part of farming operations, for employee housing per Section 17021.5 of the California Health and Safety Code for six or fewer employees, for employees on land owned by the owner of the building site on which the lodging is located. See Employee Housing Act, Sections 17000 et seq. of the California Health and Safety Code.

Agriculture Employee Housing – Large. Lodging accommodations provided as a part of farming operations, per Section 17021.6 of the California Health and Safety Code consisting of no more than 36 beds in a group quarters or 12 units or spaces designed for use by a single family or household, for employees on land owned by the owner of the building site on which the lodging is located.

Animal Care Services - Grooming. The commercial provision of bathing and trimming services for dogs, cats, and other household animals permitted by the Municipal Code. Overnight boarding is not included with this use (see "Animal Care Services – Kennel").

Animal Care Services - Kennel. The commercial provision of shelter/kenneling for four or more dogs or cats (four months of age or older) or other household animals, including activities associated with such shelter (e.g., feeding, exercising, grooming, and incidental medical care) and the keeping of such animals for sale or for commercial breeding.

Does not include dogs and cats kept for noncommercial purposes. See Article 9-4.10 (Animal Services – Kennels and Veterinarians) for use standards specific to this use.

Animal Care Services - Veterinarian. Establishment where animals receive medical and surgical treatment and may be temporarily boarded (more than one-night stay) in association with such medical or surgical treatment. Short-term animal boarding may be provided as an accessory use. See Article 9-4.10 (Animal Services – Kennels and Veterinarians) for use standards specific to this use.

Artisan Foods and Products. See “Manufacturing and Processing – Artisan.” Assembly – Public and Entertainment. Facility for public assembly and group entertainment such as: community centers, banquet centers, public and semi-public auditoriums; exhibition and convention halls; civic theaters and meeting halls; motion picture theaters; legitimate theater facilities for live theatrical presentations or concerts by bands and orchestras; comedy clubs, amphitheaters; meeting and banquet halls for rent and similar public assembly uses.

See Article 9-4.12 (Assembly Uses) for use standards specific to this use.

Assembly – Religious Facility. Religious facility specifically designed and used to accommodate the gathering of persons for the purposes of fellowship, worship, or similar conduct of religious practices and activities, including accessory us of religious teaching/learning (e.g., Sunday school). This definition includes functionally related internal facilities (i.e., kitchens, multi-purpose rooms, storage, etc.) and residences for clergy. Other establishments maintained by religious organizations, such as educational institutions, hospitals, and other operations that may be considered commercial in nature if not run by the religious organization (such as a recreational camp) are classified according to their respective activities. See Article 9-4.12 (Assembly Uses) for use standards specific to this use.

Assembly – Sports Facility. Facility for spectator-oriented specialized group sports assembly that includes but is not limited to: stadiums and coliseums; arenas and field houses; race tracks (auto and animals); motorcycle racing and drag strips; and other sports that are considered commercial. See Article 9-4.12 (Assembly Uses) for use standards specific to this use.

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3 Chapter 8: Definitions
Auto Repair. See “Vehicle Services and Repair.”
9-8.04.030 “B” Definitions
Bar/Tavern. Establishment where alcoholic beverages are sold for on-site consumption, which is not part of a larger restaurant. Includes bars, taverns, pubs, night clubs, and similar establishments where any food service is subordinate to the sale of alcoholic beverages. This use does not include ”Adult-Oriented Businesses,” “Brewery - MicroBrewery/Brewpub,” or “Tasting Room.” Bed and Breakfast. See “Lodging – Bed and Breakfast.”
Boarding, Animal. See “Animal Care Services – Kennel.”
Brewery – Production. An establishment that produces ales, beers, meads, hard ciders, and/or similar beverages, and distilled spirits on site. Production breweries are classified as a use that requires either a Type 01 (Beer Manufacture) or Type 04 (Distilled Spirits Manufacturer) licensure from Alcohol, Beverage Control (ABC). Breweries may also serve beverages on site and sell beverages for off-site consumption in keeping with the regulations of the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF).

Brewery – Micro-Brewery/Brewpub. An establishment that produces ales, beers, meads, hard ciders/and or similar beverages, and distilled spirits, to serve on site. Sale of beverages for off-site consumption is also permitted consistent with the regulations of the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). Food service for on-site consumption is allowed as an accessory use. Brewpubs and microbreweries are considered small operations consistent with ABC license Type 23, 40, or 42 or State similar licensures. This use category also includes craft distilleries consistent with ABC license Type 74.

Broadcasting Studio. An establishment for commercial and public communications use including radio, television broadcasting and receiving stations, and one or more studios with facilities entirely within buildings. Does not include antennas and towers, which are defined under "Wireless Telecommunications Facility.” Building Materials and Hardware Sales. Retail trade establishment primarily engaged in the sale of lumber, building materials, tools, appurtenances, and decorator items (including hardware, electrical, or building supplies, tools and equipment, plants and garden products, patio furniture, swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs, lighting fixtures and cabinets, paint, carpeting, floor coverings or wallpaper). All merchandise other than plants is kept within an enclosed building or fully screened enclosure and fertilizer, soil, and soil amendments are stored and sold in package form only.

Tools may be available for rent. Includes all such stores selling to the general public, even if sales to contractors account for a larger proportion of total sales. This use does not include establishments that primary offer exhibition space to show products, which are classified as “Showroom,” or establishments primarily selling plumbing, heating, and air conditioning equipment and electrical supplies, which are classified as "Contract Construction Services.” See Section 9-4.42.040 (Building Materials Sales Standards) for use standards specific to this use.

Business Support Services. An establishment or business located entirely within a building providing goods and services to other businesses and individuals on a fee or contract basis, including printing and copying, advertising and mailing, office equipment rental and leasing, office security, custodial services, and photo finishing, including associated delivery services with two or fewer fleet vehicles on-site. 9-8.04.040 “C” Definitions
Car Wash. Washing, waxing, detailing, or cleaning of automobiles or similar light vehicles, including self-serve washing facilities as a primary use. See Article 9-4.74 (Vehicle Repair and Car Washes) for use standards specific to this use.

Caretaker Residence/Employee Unit. A permanent residence that is secondary or accessory to the primary use of the property and used for housing a caretaker employed on the site of any nonresidential use where a caretaker is

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4 Chapter 8: Definitions
needed for security purposes or to provide 24-hour care or monitoring of plants, animals, equipment, or other conditions on the site. Does not include housing for caretaker-type employees in the Agriculture Zone which is defined as "Agriculture Employee Housing." See Article 9-4.16 (Caretaker Residence) for use standards specific to this use.

Childcare Center. See “Day Care Facility.”
Cemetery. Interment establishments engaged in subdividing property into cemetery lots and offering burial plots or air space for sale. Includes animal cemeteries and cemetery, mausoleum, and columbarium operations. This use does not include funeral parlor and related facilities which are classified as "Mortuary Services." Churches. See “Assembly - Religious Facility.”
Commercial Kitchen. A commercial kitchen is defined as a kitchen facility used for cooking and preparing food to be primarily served and consumed off-site. This definition includes multi-tenant shared kitchen facilities, order fulfillment kitchens, commissary kitchens, and catering kitchen facilities. The following uses are allowed when accessory to the kitchen facility: research and teaching facilities, commercial food processing, and order fulfillment pick-up lobbies. This use does not include eating establishments where customers are served at tables, from a walk-up ordering counter, or drive-through for either on- or off-premises consumption (see “Eating and Drinking Establishment”).

Commercial Recreation/Entertainment - Indoor. Establishment providing indoor amusement and entertainment services where visitors are participant actors rather than spectators, including examples such as ax-throwing establishments; bowling alleys; coin-operated or electronic game arcades (video games, pinball, etc.); billiard and pool halls; dance halls, clubs and ballrooms; ice skating and roller skating, karaoke lounges, and trampoline and bounce house establishments. This classification may include snack bars and other incidental food and beverage services to patrons. Bars or restaurants with alcohol sales are treated as a separate use and regulated accordingly, even when operated in conjunction with the commercial recreation/entertainment use.

Commercial Recreation/Entertainment - Outdoor. Establishment providing permanent outdoor amusement and entertainment services for a fee or admission charge, including amusement parks, golf courses, miniature golf courses, driving ranges, go-cart courses, outdoor tennis courts, outdoor pools, and waterslides. Does not include “Rural Recreation and Camping,” “Recreational Vehicle Park,” or “Public Parks and Recreation Facility,” which are defined separately. See Article 9-4.44 (Outdoor Recreational Facilities) for use standards specific to this use.

Contract Construction Services – Indoor. Office uses with or without indoor storage facilities operated by, or on behalf of, a building contractor, exterminator, janitorial service or similar. Can include the indoor storage of materials used for repair and maintenance of contractor's own equipment and for use by the contractor. All uses must be located within an approved, permitted building. Incidental outdoor storage of construction related vehicles, fleet, or accessory storage (other than an approved parking lot for employees or fleet vehicles) is regulated by Section 9-4.60 (StorageAccessory), including a limitation on size.

Contract Construction Services – Outdoor. Office uses with outdoor facilities operated by, or on behalf of, a building contractor, exterminator, janitorial service, or similar. Outdoor uses may include storage of large equipment, vehicles, and/or other materials commonly used in the individual contractor's type of business and can include the storage of materials used for repair and maintenance of contractor's own equipment. May also include accessory buildings or structures for uses by the contractor. An on-site office building is required. All applicable development standards for this use and for outdoor storage uses must be met. See Article 9-4.42 (Outdoor Sales and Storage) for use standards specific to this use.

Composting – Green Waste Facility. A solid waste facility that utilizes a controlled biological process of degrading non-hazardous solid waste. A facility may include materials processing and hauling equipment; structures to control

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5 Chapter 8: Definitions
drainage; and structures to collect and treat leachate; and storage areas for the incoming waste, the final products, and residual materials.
9-8.04.050 “D” Definitions
Data and Computer Services Center. A use where the majority of the space is occupied by computers and/or related equipment and where information is processed, transferred, and/or stored (also commonly referred to as "server farms.)" Data and computer services/centers may contain data technology centers, internet service providers (ISPs), network operation centers, web hosting facilities and other similar establishments primarily engaged in providing direct access through telecommunication networks to computer-held information.

Day Care Center. Establishments providing non-medical care for persons on a less than 24-hour basis other than "Day Care – Family Day Care Home." This classification includes nursery schools, preschools, and day care facilities for children or adults, and any other day care facility licensed by the State of California. Such use must comply with all applicable State regulations, and specifically those set forth in the California Health and Safety Code commencing with Section 1596.70, to be considered a general day care facility. See Article 9-4.18 (Day Care) for use standards specific to this use.

Day Care – Family Day Care Home. A day-care facility for children under the age of eighteen for periods of fewer than twenty-four hours a day licensed by the state, which is located in a dwelling unit, where a resident of the dwelling provides care and supervision for fourteen or fewer children (or capacity limits as set forth by the state, including children who reside at the home and are under the age of ten. See Health and Safety Code Section 1596.78.

Distilleries. See “Brewery – Production” and “Brewery – Micro-Brewery/Brewpub.” Drive-Through Sales or Services. An establishment that sells products or provides services to occupants in vehicles without leaving their vehicles, including drive-in or drive-up windows and drive-through services. Examples of drivethrough sales facilities include fast-food restaurants, drive-through coffee, photo-stores, pharmacies, banks, etc.

Examples of drive-through service facilities include drive-through bank teller windows, automated teller machines (ATMs), dry cleaners/laundromats, etc., but do not include “Vehicle Service Stations” or “Car Wash”, which are separately defined. See Article 9-4.22 (Drive-In and Drive-Through Facilities) for use standards specific to this use.

Dwelling. See “Single-Family Dwelling” and “Multi-Family Dwelling.” 9-8.04.060 “E” Definitions
Eating and Drinking Establishment. Restaurants and other establishments selling prepared foods and drinks for consumption on the premises, as well as facilities for dancing and other entertainment which are secondary and subordinate to the principal use of the establishment as an eating and drinking place. Also includes lunch counters and refreshment stands selling prepared goods and drinks for immediate consumption. Restaurants, lunch counters, and drinking places operated as subordinate service facilities within other establishments are not included here unless they are operated as leased departments by outside operators. Does not include establishments with drive-through facilities or uses defined under "Adult-Oriented Business."
Electricity Generation and Storage Facility. Solar farms, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and similar uses as a primary use. Does not include “Utilities Facility” and “Utility Infrastructure.” Does not include solar panels or other accessory electrical generation that is accessory to an approved residential use. See Article 9-4.24 (Electricity Generation and Storage Facilities) for use standards specific to this use.

Emergency Shelter - Low Barrier Navigation Center. A Housing First, low barrier, temporary, service-enriched shelter focused on helping homeless individuals and families to quickly obtain permanent housing. Low barrier includes best practices to reduce barriers to entry, such as allowing partners, pets, storage of personal items, and privacy. See

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6 Chapter 8: Definitions
California Government Code Section 65660. See Article 9-4.26 (Emergency Shelters) for use standards specific to this use.

Equestrian Facility. See “Rural Recreation and Camping.” 9-8.04.070 “F” Definitions
Family Day Care Home. See Day Care – Family Day Care Home. For commercial day care facilities see "Day Care Center."
Farm Animal Raising. See “Agriculture – Primary Use” and “Agriculture – Accessory Use.” Farm Equipment and Supplies. Establishment primarily engaged in the sale or rental of agricultural machinery and equipment for use in the preparation and maintenance of the soil, the planting and harvesting of crops, and other operations and processes pertaining to work on the farm; also, dairy and other livestock equipment including trailers.

Includes agricultural machinery, dairy farm machinery and equipment, irrigation equipment, poultry equipment and frost protection equipment; hay, grain and feed sales. Incidental outdoor sales and storage is regulated by Section 9-4.60 (Storage-Accessory), including a limitation on size.

Financial Services and Banks. Service establishments primarily engaged in the field of finance, including: banks and trust companies; credit agencies other than banks; brokers and dealers in securities and commodity contracts; security and commodity exchanges; holding (but not predominantly operating) companies; and other investment companies.

This classification does not include check cashing or payday/same day loan services, which are classified under “Personal Services – Restricted”.

Fitness Facility. An establishment providing health and fitness services, instruction, and/or equipment designed to promote or improve the health of its users through exercise. Examples of fitness activities include, but are not limited to dance, yoga, martial arts, spin, personal training, and functional fitness workouts, and may also include gymnasiums, indoor sports courts, and swimming pools. Fitness facilities that may provide accessory amenities such as locker rooms and small cafes for patrons.

Fuel Sales (Propane). Retail trade establishments primarily engaged in the sale to consumers of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), propane, bottled or other fuels in bulk. Does not include accessory uses as part of a service station. Does not include electric vehicle charging stations as a primary use, which are defined separately as “Vehicle Charging Station.” See Article 9-4.30 (Fuel Sales [Propane]) for use standards specific to this use.

Funeral Services. See “Mortuary Services.”
9-8.04.080 “G” Definitions
Garage, Automotive. See “Vehicle Services and Repair.”
Gasoline Service Station. See “Vehicle Service Station.” Government Offices and Facilities. A building or structure owned, operated, or occupied by a governmental agency for administrative, clerical, or public contact and/or service offices of recognized local, State, or Federal agencies.

Includes post offices, City Hall, municipal corporation yards, etc.

Group Home. See “Residential Care Facilities – Limited.” 9-8.04.090 “H” Definitions
Home Occupation. The conduct of a business within a dwelling unit, with the business activity being subordinate to the residential use of the property. See Article 9-4.34 (Home Occupations) for use standards specific to this use.

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Homeless Shelter. See “Emergency Shelter.”
Horticultural Specialties. Businesses engaged in the production of ornamental plants and other natural products, grown under cover or outdoors. Also includes establishments engaged in the sale or on-site production of such product.

See Article 9-4.08.040 (Horticultural Specialties) for use standards specific to this use.

Hospital. See “Medical Services – Hospitals”.

Hotels and Motels. See “Lodging – Hotel and Motel.”
9-8.04.100 “I” Definitions
Industrial. See “Manufacturing, Repair, and Processing.” Instructional Services Establishments primarily engaged in offering individualized or small-group instruction in academic, music, or professional subjects conducted within classrooms or offices and not involving retail sales or large group assembly. Instruction is typically scheduled by appointment and serves a limited number of students at one time.

This use includes establishments offering academic tutoring, driving training, test preparation, music lessons without a retail component, language instruction, education coaching, and small academic learning centers. This use does not include “Schools – Business and Vocational,” “Fitness Facility,” or art studios, cooking workshops, and craft/maker classes, which are classified as “Studio/Creative Workshop.” 9-8.04.110 “J” Definitions
Reserved.
9-8.04.120 “K” Definitions
Kennels. See “Animal Care Services – Kennel.”
9-8.04.130 “L” Definitions
Large Scale Agricultural Manufacturing. See “Agricultural Manufacturing – Large Scale.” Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Plants. Service establishment primarily engaged in high volume laundry and garment services, including: power laundries (family and commercial); garment pressing and dry cleaning; linen supply; diaper service; industrial laundries; carpet and upholstery cleaners. Does not include Laundromat/Coin-Operated Laundry” or dry-cleaning pickup stores without dry cleaning equipment, which are classified as "Personal Services – General." Laundromat/Coin-Operated Laundry. Facilities providing washing and drying machines for use by customers for a fee as a primary use. Dry cleaning pick-up stores are classified as "Personal Services – General." Libraries and Museums. Permanent public or quasi-public facility generally of a noncommercial nature such as libraries, museums, art exhibitions, planetariums, aquariums, botanical gardens, arboretums and zoos. Also includes historic sites and exhibits.

Livestock Specialties. Agricultural establishment primarily engaged in commercial livestock keeping or feeding as a principal land use which, because of operational characteristics, may generate dust, odors or visual impacts which could have an adverse effect upon adjacent properties. Such uses include dairies and any other farms that exceed allowable animal density identified in Section 9-4.08.030(g) (Allowable Animal Density).

Lodging – Bed and Breakfast. An establishment providing transient (30 consecutive calendar days or less) lodging primarily engaged in providing overnight or otherwise temporary lodging for the public. Such establishments provide

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limited meal service, generally breakfast, for lodgers, requiring a permit issued by the San Luis Obispo County Health Department for food service (not constituting a restaurant operation providing for persons other than guests).

Lodging – Hotel and Motel. An establishment with guest rooms or suites, with or without kitchen facilities, rented to the public for overnight lodging for periods of fewer than 30 consecutive calendar days to transient patrons, but not providing room rentals on an hourly basis. Includes hotels, motor hotels, motels, tourist courts, or cabins. These establishments may provide additional accessory services, such as conference and meeting rooms, restaurants, bars, personal services, shuttle services, retail services, or recreational facilities available to guests or to the public. This use classification does not include uses classified as “Lodging – Bed and Breakfast.” See Article 9-4.30 (Hotels and Motels) for use standards specific to this use.

Low Barrier Navigation Center. See Emergency Shelter - Low Barrier Navigation Center. 9-8.04.140 “M” Definitions
Manufacturing and Processing – Artisan. The small-scale manufacture and/or processing of artisan consumeroriented goods in a manner that generates limited associated trucking activity; where the operational characteristics of the manufacturing process and the materials used are unlikely to cause significant impacts to the existing surrounding neighborhood or businesses; and includes retail sales of the goods produced on site. Includes activities such as jewelry making, art glass, ceramics, paintings, sculpture, small-scale woodworking, small-scale food production, and other maker spaces.

Manufacturing, Repair, and Processing – High Intensity. A facility or establishment that accommodates manufacturing processes that involve and/or produce building materials, fabricated metal products, machinery, and other similar manufacturing uses, where the intensity or scale of operations is determined to be greater than those classified under "Manufacturing and Processing – Low Intensity," but where impacts to surrounding neighborhoods, businesses, and the community may cause a significant impact. Uses may have an indoor setting, however uses may also be conducted outdoors. Examples of manufacturing and processing uses that are considered high-intensity include the following, but are not limited to:
• Machinery manufacturing that makes or process raw materials into products; • Metal fabrication and welding shops engaged in the production and/or assembly of metal, and other similar metal shops;
• Manufacturing that cuts, shapes, and/or finishes building materials used in home or nonresidential construction;
• Chemical product manufacturing that produces or uses basic chemicals and other establishments creating products predominantly by chemical processes;
• Product manufacturing that produces bulk concrete, asphalt, and other paving materials; • Paving and roof materials manufacturing of various common paving and petroleum-based roofing materials including bulk asphalt, paving blocks made of asphalt, creosote wood, and various compositions of asphalt and tar;
• Plastics, other synthetics and rubber manufacturing;
• Primary metal industries engaged in smelting, refining of ferrous and nonferrous metals; • Other similar heavy intensive uses.

Manufacturing, Repair, and Processing – Low Intensity. A facility or business that engages in the (indoor) assembly, fabrication, and conversion of already processed raw materials into products, where the operational characteristics of the manufacturing process and the materials used are unlikely to cause significant impacts to the existing surrounding neighborhood or businesses. Examples include the following, but are not limited to:

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• Artisan manufacturing and production where no retail component exists; • Production, assembly, and/or repair where no raw materials are manufactured; • Production and assembly of precision electronics and scientific instruments, including on-site offices; • Producing or processing of foods and beverages for human consumption where no retail component exists and does not include noxious odors or excessive noise and no slaughter occurs on site; • Repair and service of small consumer products;
• Small scale manufacturing where assembling and/or manufacturing is completed by hand or precision tools; • Small product manufacturing not classified in another major manufacturing group.

Medical Services – Clinic. A facility providing medical, psychiatric, or surgical service for sick or injured persons exclusively on an out-patient basis, including emergency treatment, diagnostic services, administration, and related services to patients who are not lodged overnight. Services may be available without a prior appointment. This classification includes licensed facilities such as blood banks and plasma centers, and emergency medical services offered exclusively on an outpatient basis such as urgent care centers. This classification does not include private medical and dental offices that typically require appointments and are usually smaller scale; see "Medical Services – Doctor Office." These facilities may also include incidental medical laboratories.

Medical Services – Doctors Office. Office use providing consultation, diagnosis, therapeutic, preventive, or corrective personal treatment services by doctors, dentists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, optometrists, and similar medical professionals, including paramedical tattooing and medical and dental laboratories within medical office buildings but excluding “Medical Services – Clinic” or independent research laboratory facilities (“Research and Development”) and “Medical Services – Hospitals." Incidental medical and/or dental research within the office is considered part of the office use, where it supports the on-site patient services. Counseling services by other than medical doctors or psychiatrists are classified as “Office.” Medical Services - Extended Care. Residential facility providing nursing and health-related care as a primary use with in-patient beds. Examples of these uses include: board and care homes; convalescent and rest homes; extended care facilities; and skilled nursing facilities. Long-term personal care facilities that do not emphasize medical treatment are classified as "Residential Care – Assisted Living." See Article 9-4.50 (Medical Services – Extended Care) for use standards specific to this use.

Mini-Storage. See “Self-Storage Facilities”.

Mixed-Use Development – Horizontal. Nonresidential and residential uses integrated horizontally on the same development site, where both nonresidential and residential uses are considered primary uses of the land. See Article 9-4.38 (Mixed-Use Developments) for use standards specific to this use.

Mixed-Use Development – Vertical. Nonresidential and residential uses integrated vertically in the same structure(s), where both nonresidential and residential uses are considered primary uses of the land and where commercial uses are located on the ground floor with residential uses located on the upper floors. See Article 9-4.38 (Mixed-Use Developments) for use standards specific to this use.

Mobile Home Park. Any site that is planned and improved to accommodate two or more mobile homes used for residential purposes, or on which two or more mobile homes, as the term "mobile home" is defined in California Civil Code Section 798.3 or successor provision of the California Mobile home Residency Law, for nontransient use, are rented, leased, or held out for rent or lease, or were formerly held out for rent or lease and later converted to a subdivision, cooperative, condominium, or other form of resident ownership, to accommodate mobile homes used for residential purposes. This use does not include “Recreational Vehicle Park” or “Vehicle and Equipment Storage.” See Article 9-4.40 (Mobile Home Parks) for use standards specific to this use.

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Mortuary Services. Establishment with facilities for the care, preparation, or disposition of human remains for burial, cremation and conducting funeral observances and memorial services. Typical uses may include crematories, columbaria, mausoleums, mortuaries, funeral chapels, and funeral homes.

Multi-Family Dwelling. Two or more primary attached dwelling units located on a single lot, each occupied by a single housekeeping unit; includes buildings or groups of buildings designated as apartments, duplexes, triplexes, rowhouses, townhouses, flats, and condominiums. Also includes transitional housing and supportive housing where people live as independently as possible with the assistance of social services tailored to each person's needs as defined in Article 9-8.04 (General Definitions). This use does not include accessory dwelling units or urban dwelling units as defined in Article 9-8.04 (General Definitions) or “Lodging – Hotels and Motels,” “Lodging – Bed and Breakfast,” dormitories, or “Recreational Vehicle Park.”
9-8.04.150 “N” Definitions
Nurseries and Garden Centers. See “Horticultural Specialties.” 9-8.04.160 “O” Definitions
Office. Offices of firms or organizations providing professional, executive, management, or administrative services, such as accounting, real estate agents, insurance agents, architectural, computer software design, engineering, graphic design, interior design, investment advisors and brokers, insurance offices, legal offices, real estate and mortgage offices and services, and tax preparation offices. Also includes co-working spaces, incubator-type services that provide office-type working spaces for a fee, and counseling services provided by individuals other than medical doctors or psychiatrists, which are included under "Medical Services - Doctor Office." This use classification excludes “Financial Services and Banks.”
Outdoor Recreation. See “Commercial Recreation/Entertainment – Outdoor” Outdoor Temporary and/or Seasonal Sales. See “Temporary or Seasonal Retail Sales.” 9-8.04.170 “P” Definitions
Parking Facility. A public or private space dedicated to accommodating passenger vehicle parking stalls, backup area, driveways, and aisles and in which temporary passenger vehicle parking is the primary use of the site. Includes surface parking lots and parking structures/garages. This use does not include "Vehicle and Equipment Storage" or “Recycling Facility – Light Processing and Scrap.”
Parks and Playgrounds. A public outdoor recreational facility that may provide a variety of recreational activities including playground equipment, open space areas for passive recreation including hiking and biking trails, zoos, picnicking, and sport and active recreation facilities such as noncommercial playing fields, gymnasiums, public swimming pools, picnic facilities, tennis courts, and public golf courses, botanical gardens dedicated for use to the public.

Personal Services – General. Service establishment primarily engaged in providing recurrently needed nonmedical personal services as a primary use and may include accessory retail sales of products related to the services provided.

Examples of these uses include beauty shops (includes permanent makeup artists as a subtenant), barber shops, day spas (excluding services administered by a doctor or similar certified health professional and associated with the a permitted medical business) and massage therapy where each massage therapist is certified/licensed by a Staterecognized organization, shoe repair shops, dry cleaning pickup stores (with no dry cleaning equipment on site), clothing rental, tailors, tanning salons and sauna facilities, float therapy and cryotherapy, nail salons, and other similar uses.

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Personal Services – Restricted. Service establishments including but not limited to: check cashing and/or payday/same day loans; fortunetellers, psychics; palm, tarot and card readers; or card rooms as a primary use. See Article 9-4.54 (Restricted Retail and Personal Services) for use standards specific to this use.

Public Assembly and Entertainment. See “Assembly – Public and Entertainment.” 9-8.04.180 “Q” Definitions
Reserved.
9-8.04.190 “R” Definitions
Recreational Vehicle Park. Transient lodging establishments primarily engaged in renting, leasing or otherwise providing overnight or a period of 30 consecutive calendar days or less for trailers, campers, or tents, with or without individual utility hookups, but with other facilities such as public restrooms. Includes glamping, where RVs and campers are provided for rent. Does not include incidental camping areas, which are included under "Rural Sports and Group Facilities." See Article 9-4.46 (Recreational Vehicle [RV] Parks) for use standards specific to this use.

Recycling Facility – Light Processing and Scrap. Establishment primarily engaged in assembling, breaking up, sorting, temporary storage, and distribution of recyclable or reusable scrap and waste materials, including auto wreckers engaged in dismantling automobiles for scrap. Does not include “Waste Disposal Sites.” Does not include temporary storage of toxic or radioactive waste materials. See Article 9-4.48 (Recycling Facilities) for use standards specific to this use.

Recycling Facility – Small Collection. A facility available for the general public for the recycling of California Redemption Value (CRV) products such as glass, aluminum cans, and plastic beverage containers as defined by the State's Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery or clothing recycling. Small collection facilities may include a mobile unit, reverse vending machines or a grouping of reverse vending machines, kiosk-type units which may include permanent structures, or unattended containers placed for the donation of recyclable materials. See Article 9-4.48 (Recycling Facilities) for use standards specific to this use.

Recycling Facility – Large Collection. Establishments that are larger than "Recycling Facility – Small Collection," that serve as a community-wide center for the collection and/or processing of recyclable materials such as glass, paper, plastic, aluminum, and metal cans. See Article 9-4.48 (Recycling Facilities) for use standards specific to this use.

Research and Development. A facility for scientific research, and the design, development, and testing of electrical, electronic, magnetic, optical, computer, medical, and telecommunications components in advance of product manufacturing, and the assembly of related products from parts produced off-site, where the manufacturing activity is secondary to the research and development activities. Examples of this use include, but are not limited to, pharmaceutical, chemical, and biotechnological research and development, medical labs, therapeutic discovery, genomic research, molecular diagnostics, soils and materials testing labs, vivarium, and forensic labs, energy, propulsion, and mobility research, software and hardware technology, and other similar or related uses. May also include shared work spaces such as creative incubators, culinary incubators, design and fabrication centers, fabrication laboratories, and their substantial equivalents. These uses are not intended to manufacture mass quantities of physical products or use large quantities of raw or hazardous materials.

Residential Care Facility. Facility licensed by the State to provide permanent living accommodations and 24-hour primarily non-medical care and supervision for persons in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance with daily tasks. This classification includes facilities that are operated for profit as well as those operated by public or notfor-profit institutions. See Article 9-4.50 (Residential Care and Medical Services – Extended Care) for use standards specific to this use. Does not include “Transitional Housing” and “Supportive Housing” which are defined separately.

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Residential Care – General. A facility that is located in a residence and licensed by the State to provide care for more than six persons.

Residential Care – Limited. A facility that is located in a residence and licensed by the State to provide care for six or fewer persons.

Residential Care – Assisted Living. A facility that provides a combination of housing and supportive services for the elderly or functionally impaired, including personalized assistance, congregate dining, and recreational and social activities. Living accommodations are shared living quarters with or without separate kitchen or bathroom facilities for each room or unit. These facilities may include medical services. Examples include assisted living facilities, convalescent care, nursing homes, skilled nursing, retirement homes, and retirement communities. The residents in these facilities may require varying levels of assistance. Facilities with six or fewer persons are included in “Residential Care – Limited”, which is defined separately.

Restaurant. See “Eating and Drinking Establishment.”
Retail – General. The retail sale or rental of merchandise not specifically listed under another use classification. This classification includes department stores, and businesses retailing goods such as: clothing, furniture, pet supplies, hardware, toys, hobby materials, handcrafted items, jewelry, cameras, photographic supplies, medical supplies and equipment, pharmacies, electronic equipment, sporting goods, kitchen utensils, appliances, antiques, secondhand goods, art galleries, art supplies and services, paint and wallpaper, carpeting and floor covering, office supplies, bicycles, and new automotive parts and accessories (excluding vehicle service and installation). Accessory instruction and/or repair of goods may be provided. Does not include or “Retail – Restricted,” which is defined separately.

Retail – Restricted. Stores and shops selling products that may have a blighting and/or deteriorating effect upon the surrounding area and may need to be dispersed in order to minimize their adverse impact. Examples of these uses include, but are not limited to, the following: selling smoking, tobacco and vaping products as a primary use; and pawn shops, in which the business of pawn brokering, or the business of lending money upon personal property, pawns or pledges is done. See Article 9-4.54 (Restricted Retail and Personal Services) for use standards specific to this use.

Rural Recreation and Camping. Establishments supporting special group activities such as: archery, pistol, rifle, and skeet clubs and facilities; dude and guest ranches; health resorts including outdoor hot spring, spa or hot tub facilities; hunting and fishing clubs; recreational camps; group or organized camps; incidental, seasonal camping areas without facilities; equestrian facilities, including riding academies, schools, stables and exhibition facilities. See Article 9-4.44 (Outdoor Recreational Facilities) for use standards specific to this use.

RV Parks. See “Recreational Vehicle Parks.”
9-8.04.200 “S” Definitions
Sales Lot. Permanent establishment for the outdoor sales of items (used or new), not including sales lots that are exclusively vehicle sales, which are classified as “Vehicle Sales,” or sales lots that are exclusively farm equipment and supplies, which are classified as “Farm Equipment and Supplies.” See Article 9-4.42 (Outdoor Sales and Storage) for use standards specific to this use.

Schools. A public or private institution of learning, which offers instruction in those courses of study required by the California Education Code or which is maintained pursuant to standards set by the State Board of Education, including any preschool, kindergarten, elementary school, junior high school, senior high school, community or junior college, four-year college or university, or any special institution of learning under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Education. Does not include Sunday schools which are classified under "Assembly – Religious Facilities." See Article 9-4.56 (Schools) for use standards specific to this use.

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Schools – Business and Vocational. Public or private post-secondary schools providing occupational or job skills training for specific occupations, including business and computer schools, trade schools and apprenticeship programs, management training, and technical training schools. Excludes personal instructional services such as music lessons and tutoring, which are classified as “Instructional Services.” See Article 9-4.56 (Schools) for use standards specific to this use.

Self-Storage Facility. Facility divided into individual compartments offering enclosed storage with individual access for personal effects and household goods intended to be used principally to provide rental spaces to the public, including mini-warehouses and mini-storage. This use excludes “Warehousing” and “Vehicle and Equipment Storage.” See Article 9-4.58 (Self Storage and Facilities) for use standards specific to this use.

Showroom. Establishment that primarily offers exhibition space to show products (e.g., furniture, furnishings, home improvement and finish materials, appliances, and other products) for ordering and future pick up or delivery.

Single-Family Dwelling. An attached or detached building not to contain more than one kitchen wherein the occupants of the dwelling unit are living and functioning together as a single housekeeping unit, meaning that they have established ties and familiarity with each other, jointly use common areas, interact with each other, membership in the single housekeeping unit is fairly stable as opposed to transient, and members have some control over who becomes a member of the single housekeeping unit. This definition also includes individual manufactured housing units installed on a foundation system pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 18551 and transitional housing and supportive housing serving six or fewer persons as defined in Article 9-8.06 (General Definitions).

Skilled Nursing. See “Medical Services – Extended Care.” Small Scale Ag Processing. See “Agricultural – Accessory Use.” Studio/Creative Workshop. An establishment where studio space and/or instruction is provided in creative, culinary, craft, or artistic disciplines and where activities may involve group participation, shared equipment, preparation of materials, or communal experiences. This use may include incidental display and retail sales of items produced on the premises. This use includes establishments such as art studios, painting or pottery classes, cooking schools, and craft and maker classes.

Sports Assembly. See “Assembly – Sports Facility.”
9-8.04.210 “T” Definitions
Tasting Room. An establishment that offers wine, beer, or liquor for consumption on the premises, and those products are manufactured or rectified on the premises or at an off-site location associated with the premises. Tasting rooms must meet the requirements of the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) license type (Type 02, Type 23, Type 40, Type 42, Type 74, or Type 86 license, or similar). Tasting rooms may operate within a large-scale brewing, winery, or distillery facility as an accessory use.

Tattoo and Body Piercing Services. An establishment whose principal business activity is one or more of the following: (1) using ink or other substances that result in the permanent coloration of the skin through the use of needles or other instruments designed to contact or puncture the skin; or (2) creation of an opening in the body of a person for the purpose of inserting jewelry or other decoration. This use does not include permanent makeup artists as a subtenant to beauty shops or day spas, which is classified as “Personal Services – General.” Temporary Event. Any use of a structure or land for an event for a limited period of time where the site is not to be permanently altered by grading or construction of accessory facilities. Events include, but are not limited to: art shows; rodeos; outdoor festivals, concerts. Does not include the temporary staging of food trucks or outdoor sales associated

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with existing, permitted businesses or uses, where circulation and access is not impacted. See Article 9-4.66 (Temporary Uses) for use standards specific to this use.

Temporary or Seasonal Retail Sales. The temporary use of property for retail sales for a specified duration of time, primarily involving the sale of Christmas trees or other seasonal items; or semiannual sales of art or handcrafted items in conjunction with community festivals or art shows. Does not include “Farmers' Markets” or “Agricultural Produce Stands.” See Article 9-4.66 (Temporary Uses) for use standards specific to this use.

Towing Services. An establishment that provides vehicle towing services and accessory temporary outdoor storage for the vehicles it tows, which shall only include: (1) mechanically operable/drivable, licensed vehicles that are to be claimed by titleholders or their agents; and/or (2) wrecked motor vehicles awaiting insurance adjustments and transport to repair shops. This use does not include “Vehicle Services and Repair” with a tow truck on site, “Recycling Facility – Light Processing and Scrap,” “Vehicle Service Stations,” or “Vehicle and Equipment Storage (Outdoor)” which includes impound yards. See Article 9-4.68 (Towing Services) for use standards specific to this use.

Transit Stations. Passenger stations for vehicular, bus, and rail mass transit systems; also, terminal facilities providing maintenance and service for the vehicles operated in the transit system. 9-8.04.220 “U” Definitions
Utility Facility. A fixed-base structure or facility serving as a junction point for transferring electric utility services from one transmission voltage to another or to local distribution and service voltages, and similar facilities for water supply, natural gas distribution, wastewater pump station, fiber optics junction box, or other similar facilities that are not exempted from land use permit requirements by California Government Code Section 53091. 9-8.04.230 “V” Definitions
Vehicle and Equipment Storage – Indoor. Service establishments primarily engaged in the business of storing cars, buses and other motor vehicles; recreational vehicles (such as campers, motor homes, boats); construction equipment; and farm equipment indoors. All uses of the site must be located within an approved, permitted building. Onsite outdoor storage is regulated by Section 9-4.60 (Storage – Accessory), including a limitation on size.

Vehicle and Equipment Storage – Outdoor. Service establishments primarily engaged in the business of storing cars, buses and other motor vehicles; recreational vehicles (such as campers, motor homes, boats); construction equipment; and farm equipment, as well as vehicle impound lots. Does not include wrecking yards, which are classified as "Recycling Facility – Light Processing and Scrap." See Article 9-4.42 (Outdoor Sales and Storage) for use standards specific to this use. Outdoor storage as an accessory use is regulated by Section 9-4.60 (Storage – Accessory), including a limitation on size.

Vehicle Rental and Accessory Services. Rental of automobiles, motorcycles, mopeds, motorized scooters, recreational vehicles, trucks, and similar vehicles and equipment powered by a motor, including related on-site storage and incidental maintenance that does not require pneumatic lifts or tools. See Article 9-4.72 (Vehicle Sales and Rentals) for use standards specific to this use.

Vehicle Sales. A retail establishment selling new or used automobiles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, trucks, boats, motorized farm equipment, mobile homes, construction equipment, or other heavy equipment and similar vehicles, as well as any use that requires approval from the California Department of Motor Vehicles for vehicles displayed outdoors. May also include the sale, installation, and servicing of related equipment and parts as an accessory use to vehicle dealerships. "Does not include "Vehicle Service Stations." See Article 9-4.72 (Vehicle Sales and Rentals) for use standards specific to this use.

Vehicle Services and Repair - Major Repair/Body Work. Major repair of automobiles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, or trucks including light-duty trucks (i.e., gross vehicle weights of less than 10,000 pounds) and heavy-duty

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trucks (i.e., gross vehicle weights of more than 10,000 pounds). Examples of uses include full-service motor vehicle repair garages; body and fender shops; servicing of cooling and air conditioning, electrical, fuel and exhaust systems; wheel alignment and balancing; tire sales, service, and installation shops; shock absorber replacement; chassis lubrication; engine tune-ups; brake shops; machine shops; painting shops; towing services; and transmission shops.

This use does not include vehicle dismantling or salvage (see "Recycling Facility – Light Processing and Scrap") or tire retreading or recapping. See Article 9-4.74 (Vehicle Services and Repair and Car Washes) for use standards specific to this use.

Vehicle Services and Repair - Minor Repair/Maintenance. Minor repair and maintenance of automobiles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, or light trucks, vans or similar size vehicles (i.e., vehicles that have gross vehicle weights less than 10,000 pounds) including detailing as an accessory use, installation of electronic equipment (e.g., alarms, audio equipment, etc.); realigning and repairs; oil and air filter replacement; smog checks; and installation of window film, and similar accessory equipment. See Article 9-4.74 (Vehicle Services and Repair and Car Washes) for use standards specific to this use.

Vehicle Service Station. An establishment engaged in the retail sale of vehicle fuels or the retail sale of these fuels in combination with activities, such as providing minor vehicle repair services; selling automotive oils, replacement parts, and accessories; and/or accessory retail and grocery sales and automated vehicle washing. Also includes establishments engaged in the retail sale of electricity as a vehicle fuel as a primary use or as an accessory use to vehicle fuel sales. Does not include electric vehicle charging stations that are located within a parking area associated with and accessory to another allowed use. This use does not include body and fender work or "heavy" repair of trucks or other motor vehicles (see "Vehicle Services and Repair – Major Repair/Maintenance"), “Towing Services,” or “Vehicle and Equipment Storage.” See Article 9-4.76 (Vehicle Service Stations) for use standards specific to this use.

Veterinarian. See “Animal Care, Veterinarian.”
9-8.04.240 “W” Definitions
Waste Disposal Site. Any land, area, or premises, often called a landfill, where garbage, refuse, or industrial waste is deposited, dumped, or stored. Does not include “Composting – Green Waste Facility.” See Article 9-4.78 (Waste Disposal Sites) for use standards specific to this use.

Warehousing and Wholesaling. Facilities for indoor storage; distribution; or sale of goods to other firms for resale, business-to-business sales, and sales to individual consumers through mail or internet orders or limited onsite consumer sales. This use normally operates from a warehouse or office having little or no display of merchandise and are not designed to solicit walk-in traffic. Also includes storage, processing, packaging, and shipping facilities for mail order and e-commerce retail establishments. This classification excludes the storage of hazardous chemical, mineral, and explosive materials. This use does not include personal storage facilities offered for rent or lease to the public ("Self-Storage Facilities"); or building materials sales (“Building Materials and Hardware”); or “Contract Construction Services.” Onsite outdoor storage is regulated by Section 9-4.60 (Storage – Accessory), including a limitation on size.

Winery—Boutique. Winery or brandy production for no more than 3,000 cases of wine per year. Uses include fruit processing, fermentation pressing, barrel and bottle storage, bottling, wine tasting, and direct retail sale of wine and/or brandy. This use does not include winery production in residential zoning districts, which is classified as “Agriculture – Accessory Use.”
Winery—Production. Winery or brandy production of more than 3,001 cases of wine per year. Uses include fruit processing, fermentation pressing, barrel and bottle storage, bottling, wine tasting, and direct retail sale of wine and/or brandy.

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Wireless Telecommunication Facility. Public, commercial, and private electromagnetic and photoelectrical transmission, broadcast, repeater, and receiving stations for radio, PCS, paging, broadband, television, telegraph, telephone, cellular data network, and wireless communication towers (cellular phones), including commercial earth stations for satellite-based communications. Includes antennas, commercial satellite dish antennas, and equipment buildings. Does not include telephone, telegraph, and cable television transmission facilities utilizing hard-wired or direct cable connections. Does not include “Data and Commuter Services/Center.” See Article 9-4.80 (Wireless Telecommunications Facilities) for use standards specific to this use. 9-8.04.250 “X” Definitions
Reserved.
9-8.04.260 “Y” Definitions
Reserved.
9-8.04.270 “Z” Definitions
Reserved.

CITY OF ATASCADERO
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT Item H2
TO: JAMES R. LEWIS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: CASEY BRYSON, FIRE CHIEF
PREPARED BY: DAVE VAN SON, BATTALION CHIEF
SUBJECT: 2025-2030 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update
RECOMMENDATION:

Council adopt Draft Resolution, approving the 2025-2030 Updates to the San Luis Obispo County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP), accompanying Atascadero-specific annex (Annex B), and the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).

REPORT IN BRIEF:

The primary purpose of the MJHMP is to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards and their effects on the San Luis Obispo County planning area.

This MJHMP is an update to 2020-2025 plan. The purpose of the CWPP is to focus further efforts on the mitigation of the threat of wildfire. These plans were both adopted by Council in 2021. This report will detail the update process and significant changes to the MJHMP, the City of Atascadero Annex, and the CWPP.

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 communities before disasters occur. Requirements established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as a result of this legislation, include a requirement that hazard mitigation plans (HMP) 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.

As with other agencies in San Luis Obispo County, the City of Atascadero has historically completed HMPs locally. In 2018, the County of San Luis Obispo’s Office of Emergency Services proposed creating a Multi-Jurisdictional HMP (MJHMP) for all interested cities, community Department:

Fire
Date: 3/24/2026
Placement: Management
Report

03/24/2026 | Item H2 | Staff Report
services districts, and special districts, and received grant funding to complete this endeavor. The goal of the plan was to meet federal and state requirements, create efficiencies for supporting agencies, and provide cost savings to the participating agencies. The proposed timeline fit within the City of Atascadero’s need to update the existing 2015 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) and participating in the countywide update ensured the plan was properly updated and maintained. The City agreed to participate in the multi-jurisdictional plan along with twenty (20) other regional agencies. Participating agencies include the County of San Luis Obispo, seven (7) cities, nine (9) community services districts and four (4) special districts. The Atascadero City Council adopted a draft resolution approving the San Luis Obispo County MJHMP and Annex B (City of Atascadero Annex) at a Council meeting on January 26, 2021.

Development of the updated countywide MJHMP took place over the past two years and involved multiple meetings with the participating agencies and multiple public workshops and surveys held during the process. This multi-jurisdictional plan built on previous hazard mitigation planning efforts and incorporated updated hazard mapping, risk assessment, and threat analysis. San Luis Obispo County Planning and Building led this coordinated update prepared by WSP (consultant).

The draft MJHMP was completed and submitted to CalOES and FEMA for approval. Cal OES reviewed and approved the plan on October 17, 2025, and forwarded it on to FEMA for review.

FEMA has reviewed and conditionally approved the plan and each jurisdiction’s Annex, pending adoption by the Council. This Council item is to formally adopt the plan for implementation, which will allow FEMA to issue its final plan approval letter.

The San Luis Obispo MJHMP represents the County’s and participating agencies’ primary hazard mitigation guidance document. It provides an updated analysis of each jurisdiction’s historical and current hazards, hazard mitigation goals and objectives, and hazard mitigation strategies and actions. The plan also represents the City of Atascadero’s and the region’s overall commitment to supporting a comprehensive mitigation strategy to reduce or eliminate potential risks and impacts of disasters in order to promote faster recovery after disasters and an overall more resilient region.

THE PLANNING PROCESS
The planning process followed during the update utilized the input from a multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC) consisting of representatives from each participating jurisdiction. Through a grant secured by the County, a contractor was hired to oversee the project with the County as the lead jurisdiction, leading the participating agencies.

The planning process was developed for the MJHMP using the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) planning requirements and FEMA’s associated guidance. The original FEMA planning guidance is structured around a four-phase process; however, the HMPC integrated a more detailed 10-step planning process used for FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS) and Flood Mitigation Assistance programs that meets the requirements of major grant programs including:

03/24/2026 | Item H2 | Staff Report
FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program, Flood Mitigation Assistance Program, and flood control projects authorized by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The 10-step process consisted of the following:

A) Organize Resources

1. Organize the Planning Effort

2. Involve the Public

3. Coordinate with Other Departments and Agencies
B) Assess Risks

4. Identify the Hazards

5. Assess the Risks
C) Develop the Mitigation Plan

6. Set Goals

7. Review Possible Activities

8. Draft an Action Plan
D) Implement the Plan and Monitor Progress

9. Adopt the Plan

10.Implement, Evaluate, and Revise the Plan

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO THE COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO MJHMP The 2025 update of the San Luis Obispo County MJHMP introduces major improvements from the 2020 plan. The planning process now follows FEMA’s 2023 guidance and incorporates new California legislation, including SB 552 on drought resilience and AB 747 on evacuation route planning. Public outreach expanded to include bilingual access and broader engagement across County communities.

Hazard identification and risk assessment were significantly expanded. Adverse weather hazards were separated into Thunderstorm/Heavy Rain, High Wind/Tornado, and Extreme Heat, and debris flow was added to the landslide profile. The plan incorporates updated data sources, including parcel-level GIS vulnerability analysis, updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps, FEMA flood maps, and an increased critical facility inventory - from 948 in 2020 to 1,323 in 2025- organized by FEMA lifeline sectors.

Regulatory and capability assessments were updated to align with the County’s General Plan Safety Element and recent state mandates related to hazard planning and resilience. Mitigation strategies expanded significantly, totaling 371 actions: 106 new, 265 continued, 47 completed, and 22 deleted. Priorities include drought resilience, infrastructure hardening, evacuation improvements, and community-focused preparedness initiatives. Updated development trends show 3,853 new properties built since 2019, vulnerability assessments of 2,991 structures in flood zones and over 56,000 parcels in high or very high wildfire hazard areas.

Overall, the 2020 plan marked the first comprehensive multi-jurisdictional approach, while the 2025 update deepens analysis through improved data, more detailed hazard profiles, and updated compliance with evolving state and federal requirements.

03/24/2026 | Item H2 | Staff Report

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO THE CITY OF ATASCADERO ANNEX
The Atascadero Annex (Annex B) in the 2025 MJHMP presents a more comprehensive, forwardlooking approach than the 2020 version. It aligns with FEMA’s guidance and new California legislation and maintains consistency with the City’s existing and new General Plan Safety Element. While both plans aim to reduce long-term risk to people, property, and critical facilities, the 2025 Annex expands public outreach efforts and updates prioritization methods. Hazard profiles remain largely the same—wildfire, earthquake, drought, flood, landslide, hazardous materials, and biological agents—but now include refined analysis for extreme heat, adverse weather, and parcel-level GIS vulnerability data.

Vulnerability metrics were updated significantly: the 2025 annex identifies 10,232 structures valued at $5.01 billion and 78 critical facilities, compared to 10,298 parcels valued at $3.53 billion and 47 critical facilities in 2020. Wildfire exposure analysis identifies 8,034 properties and $3.77 billion in value within hazard zones. Flood analysis now covers both 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains plus dam inundation zones. The updated assessment also includes additional demographic and housing-related factors to better understand potential planning considerations.

Mitigation strategies expanded from 19 actions in 2020 to 26 in 2025, adding initiatives such as preparedness for extreme heat, urban forest maintenance, and Firewise community promotion alongside continued wildfire fuel management, evacuation route improvements, and floodplain standards. Capability assessments highlight strengthened regulatory compliance, fiscal tools, and partnerships, including participation in Firewise, Storm Ready, and the National Flood Insurance Program, with $20.8 million in coverage. Implementation remains similar—annual reviews and five-year updates, while adding post-disaster revision procedures and expanded funding strategies.

Overall, the 2025 update advances detailed hazard analysis, improved mapping, and expanded mitigation strategies while building upon the foundational framework established in 2020.

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO THE CWPP
The 2026 CWPP introduces several key updates compared to the 2019 plan. Demographic and housing data have been refreshed, and the plan now incorporates CAL FIRE’s updated Hazard Severity Zones (HSZ), replacing the City’s previously adopted 2021 WUI map. This transition places Atascadero fully under the standardized state hazard mapping framework. The 2026 plan also updates its regulatory references to the 2025 California Building, Fire, and WUI Codes, aligning the city with the newest statewide construction and fire safety requirements.

Operationally, the 2026 plan expands significantly on fuel management, evacuation planning, and response coordination. It introduces more detailed roadside clearance standards, broader fuel treatment strategies, and formalizes the concept of a dedicated Fuels Crew to support vegetation management and hazard reduction work. Evacuation components are also strengthened through improved alert systems, expanded route identification, and integration with countywide technology platforms that enhance situational awareness and multiagency communication.

03/24/2026 | Item H2 | Staff Report
The plan also advances ignition resistance and community engagement initiatives, adding structured home hardening assessments, stronger defensible space enforcement, improved contractor education, and an expanded Firewise Community program. A new Residential Consultation Program provides homeowners with direct, personalized guidance on vegetation management and home hardening.

Overall, the 2026 CWPP shifts from a largely descriptive document to a more operational, data driven, and implementation focused plan designed to support grant funding, improve coordination, and enhance wildfire preparedness.

ALTERNATIVES TO THE STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

1. Council may choose not to adopt the Draft Resolution.

2. Council may provide other direction to Staff.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The total cost to develop the MJHMP was $254,150, of which the County received a federal hazard mitigation grant covering 75% of the cost. The remaining 25% was divided on a per capita basis among the participating agencies. The City of Atascadero contributed $4375 from the Fire Department operating budget in Fiscal Year 2025-2026.

REVIEWED BY OTHERS:

This item has been reviewed by the Assistant City Manager, the Community Development Director and the Public Works Director.

REVIEWED AND APPROVED FOR COUNCIL AGENDA
James R. Lewis, City Manager
ATTACHMENT(S):

1. Draft Resolution

2. Atascadero Annex

3. Community Wildfire Protection Plan
* The San Luis Obispo County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) can be viewed at the following link: SLO MJHMP

03/24/2026 | Item H2 | Attachment 1

DRAFT RESOLUTION

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

ATASCADERO, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE SAN LUIS OBISPO

COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
UPDATE 2025-2030
WHEREAS, the City of Atascadero recognizes the threat that natural hazards pose to people and property within our community; and
WHEREAS, undertaking hazard mitigation actions will reduce the potential for harm to people and property from future hazard occurrences; and WHEREAS, an adopted Local Hazard Mitigation Plan is required as a condition of future funding for mitigation projects under multiple FEMA pre- and post-disaster mitigation grant programs; and
WHEREAS, the City of Atascadero participated in the FEMA-prescribed mitigation planning process to prepare this Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan; and WHEREAS, the 2025-2030 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan will serve as the City of Atascadero’s required update of the 2020 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan; and WHEREAS, the California Office of Emergency Services and Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region IX officials have reviewed the San Luis Obispo County MultiJurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and approved it contingent upon this official adoption of the governing body.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Atascadero:

SECTION 1. That the County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, on file in the Atascadero and Emergency Services Department and incorporated herein by this reference, is hereby adopted, as presented to the City Council on March 24, 2026.

PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 24th day of March, 2026.

On motion by Council Member ___________ and seconded by Council Member ________, the foregoing Resolution is hereby adopted in its entirety on the following roll call vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

03/24/2026 | Item H2 | Attachment 1

CITY OF ATASCADERO
______________________________
Charles Bourbeau, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________________
Lara K. Christensen, City Clerk

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-1 Annex B City of Atascadero
B.1 Community Profile
B.1.1 Mitigation Planning History and 2025 Process
This annex was updated in 2025 to build upon the previous version created for the 2019 San Luis Obispo Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) update. This 2025 annex update also includes input from the City of Atascadero Local Hazard Mitigation Plan completed in September 2015. The 2019 HMP was not integrated into the city’s planning mechanisms due to a lack of opportunity.

The 2025 mitigation plan will be integrated into these documents as opportunities become available. A review of jurisdictional priorities found no significant changes in priorities since the last update.

The city’s Local Planning Team (LPT) held responsibility for implementation and maintenance of the plan. The city Fire Chief is responsible for coordinating the update of the plan.

Table B-1 Atascadero Hazard Mitigation Plan Revision Planning Group

DEPARTMENT TITLE
Atascadero Fire Department Fire Chief
Atascadero Fire Department Battalion Chief
Atascadero Public Works Public Works Director
Atascadero Public Works Deputy Director
Atascadero Public Works Public Works Analyst
Atascadero Police Department Police Commander
Atascadero Police Department Police Commander
Atascadero Department of Technology Deputy City Manager Atascadero Community Development Planning Manager
Atascadero Community Development Chief Building Official Additionally, the plan must document opportunities for neighboring communities, local and regional agencies involved in hazard mitigation activities, agencies with the authority to regulate development, as well as businesses, academia, and other private and non-profit interests, to actively participate in the planning process. At least one point of contact for each stakeholder group should be listed below in Table B-2.

Table B-2 City of Atascadero Stakeholder Groups

STAKEHOLDER GROUP ORGANIZATION
Agencies involved in hazard mitigation activities Atascadero State Hospital Waste Management
Agencies that have the authority to regulate
development
Atascadero Mutual Water Company
Neighboring communities Templeton Community Service District Representatives of business academia, and other
private orgs
Atascadero Unified School District
Atascadero Chamber of Commerce
Representatives supporting underserved
communities
El Camino Homeless Organization
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-2 More details on the planning process and how the jurisdictions, service districts and stakeholders participated, as well as how the public was involved during the 2025 update, can be found in Chapter 3 of the Base Plan.

B.1.2 Geography and Climate
Atascadero is located 17 miles inland from the Pacific coast and lies midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on U.S. Highway 101 (US 101), about 220 miles from each city. The city is one of seven incorporated communities in San Luis Obispo County. The city consists of

26.15 square miles, is 879 feet above sea level and is located 40 miles west of the San Andreas Fault.

The city is situated in the southern part of the Salinas River Valley. The Salinas River flows along the eastern city limits from south to north. Steep hills and canyons border the community on the west, and open rolling hills surround the city center. The city lies within an agricultural area where ranchlands are becoming vineyards to support the growing wine industry. Suburban residential development approved by San Luis Obispo County borders the city on the southern and eastern edges, and lower-density residential development lies to the north and west.

Atascadero is bordered on the west by the rugged mountainous ridges of the Santa Lucia Coastal Range, on the east by the low hills of the La Panza and Temblor Ranges, and on the north by the low hills and flat-topped mesas of the Diablo Range. The highest elevations in the vicinity are within the Santa Lucia Coastal Range, where many peaks are 2,000 to 3,400 feet above mean sea level.

The area has a Mediterranean climate with a wet season from October to early April and a dry summer season with low humidity. The city has an average annual precipitation of 20.7 inches.

In winter, the average high temperatures range from the 50s to the 60s, with lows in the 30s.

In summer, the average daily highs are in the 90s, with some days exceeding 100.

Summertime lows are typically in the 60s and 70s.

Atascadero is a General Law city operating within rules established by the California Legislature. The organizational structure of the local government is of the City Council–City Manager form. The City Manager, hired by the City Council, is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all administrative activities such as enforcing municipal laws, directing the daily operations of the city, and preparing and observing the municipal budget.

The City Council is composed of a mayor and four City Council members elected at large by the citizens of Atascadero. The City Council acts upon all legislative matters concerning Atascadero, approving and adopting all ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other matters requiring overall policy decisions and leadership.

Figure B-1 displays a map of the City of Atascadero planning area. 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-3 Figure B-1 The City of Atascadero
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-4 B.1.3 History
The area was originally home to the Salinan Indians. In the late 18th Century and early 19th Century, Spanish missionaries established 21 missions along the California coast, including the nearby Mission San Miguel Arcángel, and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. When Mexico won its independence from Spain, and California became a Mexican province, the Mexican government secularized the mission lands. Rancho Atascadero was granted to Trifon Garcia in 1842, and Rancho Asuncion was granted to Pedro Estrada in 1845.

Toward the end of the 19th century, J.H. Henry consolidated a number of tracts into the 23,770- acre Atascadero Ranch, which included all of the present planning area, except for Baron von Schroeder's Eaglet, now part of Eagle Ranch. In 1913, E.G. Lewis founded Atascadero as California’s first planned community, consisting of 26.15 square miles of the original 38 square miles of the historic Atascadero Ranch, later known as the Colony.

The Atascadero Fire Department was first established as an all-volunteer department in 1915. In 1922 the Atascadero Fire Protection District was founded on the heels of a disastrous 5,000- acre wildland fire near the Eagle Ranch property. Originally the District was 7 square miles in area with a population less than 3,000. On February 4, 1926 Atascadero’s first paid fire department was established.

In June 1979, the residents of Atascadero voted in favor of incorporation. The Fire District dissolved in 1979 when the department became an official part of the newly incorporated City.

The 1980 General Plan became the first major planning document adopted by the newly incorporated City of Atascadero. In 1983, a new zoning ordinance was adopted to implement that plan.

B.1.4 Economy
Based on the 2018-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Atascadero’s labor force is estimated to be 15,020 people. The city’s economic base primarily consists of employees within the educational services, health care and social services, which accounts for 23.7% of jobs. The city’s largest employers include the Atascadero State Hospital and the Atascadero Unified School District (AUSD). The second largest type of industry in the city is the retail trade and services sector at 14.2% of employment.

All consumable goods must be transported to the city via trucks utilizing U. S. Highway 101. It should be noted there are two rail spurs located in the undeveloped area of the county adjacent to the city. There is no airport in the city.

Table B-3 shows how Atascadero’s labor force breaks down by industry estimates from the U.S.

Census Bureau’s 2018-2023 American Community Survey.

Table B-3 City of Atascadero's Employment by Industry
INDUSTRY # EMPLOYED %
Population (16 years and over) 24,330
In Labor Force 15,020 64.5%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 270 1.8% Armed Forces 29 .001%
Construction 963 6.4%
Manufacturing 1,358 9%
Wholesale trade 120 .8%
Retail trade 2,129 14.2%
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 810 5.4%
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-5 INDUSTRY # EMPLOYED %
Information 183 1.2%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 668 4.4% Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services
1,700 11.3%
Educational services, health care, and social assistance 3,556 23.7% Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services 1,501 10% Other services, except public administration 757 5%
Public administration 1,005 6.7%
Unemployed 650 2.7%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2018-2023 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ Table B-4 shows how Atascadero’s labor force breaks down by occupation based on estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2018-2023 American Community Survey. The most common occupations are those in management, business, science, and art (40.9%).

Table B-4 City of Atascadero Employment by Occupation (2023) INDUSTRY # EMPLOYED %
Population (2023) 29,735
In Labor Force 15,020
Management, business, science, and arts occupations 6,148 40.9% Service occupations 3,040 20.2%
Sales and office occupations 3,183 21.2%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations 1,174 7.8% Production, transportation, and material moving occupations 1,475 9.8% Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2018-2023 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ B.1.5 Population
The U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey estimated the city’s 2023 population as 29,735, down from 30,037 in 2017. Table B-5 shows an overview of key social and demographic characteristics of the city taken from the American Community Survey.

Note that the city’s median household and per capita income are both above average for the county and the state, although the median home price is slightly below average for the county.

The percentage of individuals living below the poverty level (9.9%) is less than that of the county (12.8%), or California as a whole (12%).
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-6 Table B-5 City of Atascadero Demographic and Social Characteristics, 2018-2023 CITY OF ATASCADERO 2018 2023 % CHANGE
Population 30,037 29,735 -1%
Median Age 38.3 40.5 +5.7%
Total Housing Units 12,029 12,090 +.5%
Housing Occupancy Rate 96.3% 95% -1.2%
% of Housing Units with no Vehicles Available 4.4% 3.2% -27.3% Median Home Value $471,900 $673,400 +42.7%
Unemployment 3.3% 2.7% -18.2%
Mean Travel Time to Work (minutes) 22.9 21.9 -4.4%
Median Household Income $103,085 $130,843 +26.9%
Per Capita Income $38,371 $59,728 +55.7%
% of Individuals Below Poverty Level 7.2% 9.9% +37.5%
# of Households 11,580 11,510 +2.9%
Average Household Size 2.56 2.54 -.6%
% of Population Over 25 with High School Diploma 95.3% 92.8% -2.6% % of Population Over 25 with Bachelor’s Degree or
Higher

33.1% 30.2% -8.8%
% with Disability 11.7% 13.7% +17.1%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2018-2023 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ B.1.6 Development Trends
Prior to the city’s incorporation, San Luis Obispo County guided growth in the Unincorporated County through its General Plan. San Luis Obispo County adopted the General Plan in 1968 and by 1972 developed more stringent growth standards in accordance with State of California (State) planning standards. With the incorporation of Atascadero in 1979, the newly formed Planning Commission adopted the 1980 General Plan and subsequently, in 1983, a new zoning ordinance. The city updated the General Plan in the mid-1980s and adopted a revised version in 1992 and 2002.

The General Plan is currently being updated in 2025. The update process is an opportunity to evaluate long-term city growth, resources, public services, and facilities, and a host of other topics essential to our quality of life. This includes policies related to housing, economic development and fiscal sustainability, mobility, infrastructure, and public safety. The project is scheduled to be completed in September of 2025, and is envisioned to provide a blueprint for the city through 2045.

According to the Local Planning Team (LPT), Atascadero’s growth will focus on in-fill development due to topographical and land area constraints in addition to infrastructure limitations, namely sewer service. Growth will be focused throughout the urban core, specifically in areas along and adjacent to El Camino Real and Morro Rd. One area available for potential annexation is Eagle Ranch, adjacent to the city’s southern and western boundaries.

Up to 3,000 acres could be annexed into the city limits to accommodate mostly residential uses with some commercial opportunities.

Most of the existing activity, including 3 million square feet of commercial and industrial buildings, takes place along El Camino Real, Morro Road, and near the US 101 interchanges.

The historic downtown, located in the city center, is surrounded by residential neighborhoods 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-7 (with approximately 8,000 dwelling units) that transition to low-density rural areas to the east and west of US 101 and open space, public recreation, and public facilities east of US 101.

The LPT notes that, while the city is anticipating and planning for increased density and growth within the urban core, much of this is outside of the identified hazard areas. The state’s policies to further provide increased density and housing will require the city to accommodate growth outside the urban core with more limited infrastructure and within higher wildfire risk areas. Figure B-2 below shows the updated 2025 General Plan land use in draft form.

Specific to hazards, analysis of parcels developed between 2019-2024 (since the last update of this HMP) indicated some growth in areas prone to dam inundation, flood (0.2% annual chance zone), landslide, earthquake (liquefaction), and wildfire (see Development Trends subsections in base plan Chapter 5 for specific counts). While these trends may indicate some increase in community vulnerability, they do not account for site specific investigations or compliance with local regulations that may reduce risk during development. For all other hazards identified in Section B.3.3, the city’s net vulnerability has not increased or decreased due to changes in development since the previous plan was approved. 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-8 Figure B-2 The City of Atascadero Land Use Plan
Sources: USDA, CADOT, CNRA, County of San Luis Obispo Open Data: City of Atascadero, 2024 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-9 B.2 Hazard Identification and Summary
The Atascadero LPT identified the hazards that affect the city and summarized their frequency of occurrence, spatial extent, potential magnitude, and significance specific to their community (see Table B-6). There are no hazards that are unique to Atascadero. The overall hazard significance takes into account the geographic area, probability, and magnitude as a way to identify priority hazards for mitigation purposes. This is discussed further in the Vulnerability Section.

Table B-6 City of Atascadero – Hazard Summaries
HAZARD

GEOGRAPHIC
AREA

PROBABILITY OF
FUTURE

OCCURRENCE

MAGNITUDE/

SEVERITY
(EXTENT)

OVERALL

SIGNIFICANCE
Adverse Weather:

Thunderstorm/Heavy Rain/ Lighting/
Dense Fog/ Freeze
Significant Likely Limited Low
Adverse Weather: High Wind/Tornado Extensive Likely Limited Low Adverse Weather: Extreme Heat Extensive Occasional Negligible Low Agricultural Pest Infestation and
Disease
Limited Occasional Negligible Medium
Biological Agents (naturally occurring) Extensive Occasional Critical Medium Dam Incidents Limited Unlikely Limited Low
Drought and Water Shortage Extensive Likely Limited Medium Earthquake Limited Unlikely Limited Low
Flood Significant Occasional Critical Medium
Landslides and Debris Flow Limited Likely Limited Medium Subsidence Limited Occasional Negligible Low
Wildfire Extensive Likely Critical High
Human Caused: Hazardous Materials Significant Likely Limited Medium Geographic Area
Limited: Less than 10% of planning area
Significant: 10-50% of planning area
Extensive: 50-100% of planning area
Probability of Future Occurrences
Highly Likely: Near 100% chance of occurrence in
next year or happens every year.

Likely: Between 10 and 100% chance of occurrence
in next year or has a recurrence interval of 10 years
or less.

Occasional: Between 1 and 10% chance of
occurrence in the next year or has a recurrence
interval of 11 to 100 years.

Magnitude/Severity (Extent)
Catastrophic—More than 50 percent of property
severely damaged; shutdown of facilities for more
than 30 days; and/or multiple deaths
Critical—25-50 percent of property severely
damaged; shutdown of facilities for at least two
weeks; and/or injuries and/or illnesses result in
permanent disability
Limited—10-25 percent of property severely
damaged; shutdown of facilities for more than a
week; and/or injuries/illnesses treatable do not
result in permanent disability
Negligible—Less than 10 percent of property
severely damaged, shutdown of facilities and
services for less than 24 hours; and/or
injuries/illnesses treatable with first aid
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-10 HAZARD

GEOGRAPHIC
AREA

PROBABILITY OF
FUTURE

OCCURRENCE

MAGNITUDE/

SEVERITY
(EXTENT)

OVERALL

SIGNIFICANCE
Unlikely: Less than 1% chance of occurrence in next
100 years or has a recurrence interval of greater than
every 100 years.

Significance
Low: minimal potential impact
Medium: moderate potential impact
High: widespread potential impact
B.3 Vulnerability Assessment
The intent of this section is to assess Atascadero’s vulnerability separately from that of the planning area as a whole, which has already been assessed in Section 5.3 Risk Assessment in the main plan. This vulnerability assessment analyzes the population, property, and other assets at risk to hazards ranked of low, medium, or high significance that may vary from other parts of the planning area.

The information to support the hazard identification and risk assessment was based on the City’s previous Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). A LHMP Update Guide and associated worksheets were distributed to each participating municipality or special district to complete during update process in 2025. Information collected was analyzed and summarized in order to identify and rank all the hazards that could impact anywhere within the county, as well as to rank the hazards and identify the related vulnerabilities unique to each jurisdiction.

Each participating jurisdiction was in support of the main hazard summary identified in the Base Plan (See Table 5-2). However, the hazard summary rankings for each jurisdictional annex may vary slightly due to specific hazard risk and vulnerabilities unique to that jurisdiction.

Identifying these differences helps the reader to differentiate the jurisdiction’s risk and vulnerabilities from that of the overall county.

Note: The hazard “Significance” reflects overall ranking for each hazard and is based on the City of Atascadero’s LPT member input from the Data Collection Guide and the risk assessment developed during the planning process (see Section 5.1 of the Base Plan), which included a more detailed qualitative analysis with best available data.

B.3.1.1 Other Hazards
The following hazards identified in the base plan HIRA are not applicable within this jurisdictional annex due to no risk or insignificant anticipated impacts and are not considered further for risk assessment or mitigation actions:
• Adverse weather: Hail
• Coastal Storm/ Coastal Erosion/ Sea Level Rise
• Tsunami and Seiche
B.3.2 Assets at Risk
This section considers Atascadero’s assets at risk, including values at risk, critical facilities and infrastructure, historic assets, economic assets and growth and development trends.

B.3.2.1 Values at Risk
The following data on property exposure is derived from the San Luis Obispo County 2024 Parcel and Assessor data. This data should only be used as a guideline to overall values in the city as the information has some limitations. It is important to note that in the event of a disaster, it is generally the value of the infrastructure or improvements to the land that is of concern or at risk. Generally, the land itself is not a loss. Table B-7 shows the exposure of 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-11 properties to landslides (e.g., the values at risk) broken down by property type for the City of Atascadero. The property type with the highest exposed structure count is residential with 10,232 properties exposed. Note that all values are based on assessor data, but due to proposition 13, the actual replacement cost is generally significantly higher than the assessed value.

Table B-7 Atascadero Total Exposure by Property Type

PROPERTY TYPE

STRUCTURE
COUNT

IMPROVED
VALUE

ESTIMATED

CONTENT

VALUE TOTAL VALUE
Commercial 625 $376,427,924 $376,427,924 $752,855,848
Exempt 53 $29,821,565 $29,821,565 $59,643,130
Industrial 49 $25,353,714 $38,030,571 $63,384,285
Mixed Use 364 $98,313,172 $98,313,172 $196,626,344
Mobile/Manufactured Homes 133 $19,805,202 $9,902,601 $29,707,803 Multi-Family Residential 315 $206,003,403 $103,001,702 $309,005,105 Residential 8,551 $2,390,630,571 $1,195,315,286 $3,585,945,857 Vacant Improved 142 $15,935,099 - $15,935,099
Total 10,232 $3,162,290,650 $1,850,812,820 $5,013,103,470 Source: San Luis Obispo Assessor Data November 15, 2024, WSP GIS Analysis B.3.2.2 Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
A critical facility may be defined as one that is essential in providing utility or direction either during the response to an emergency or during the recovery operation. In the City of Atascadero there are 78 critical facilities. See Section 5 and Appendix G of the Base Plan for more details on the definitions and categories of critical facilities.

An inventory of critical facilities in the City of Atascadero from San Luis Obispo County GIS is provided in Table B-8 and illustrated in Figure B-1.

Table B-8 City of Atascadero’s Critical Facilities

FEMA LIFELINE TOTAL
Communications 6
Energy 1
Food, Hydration, and Shelter 3
Health and Medical 12
Safety and Security 20
Transportation 35
Water Systems 1
Total 78
Source: San Luis Obispo County, CalARP, HIFLD, National Bridge Inventory, National Inventory of Dams, FCWCD, WSP Analysis Table B-9 below lists additional critical facilities and infrastructure identified by the LPT from the City of Atascadero.
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-12 Table B-9 Critical Facilities and Infrastructure Identified by Atascadero Planning Team

CATEGORY FACILITY NUMBER

ESTIMATED VALUE PER

STRUCTURE/MILE
City Hall City Hall 1 $43,400,000
Police and Fire
Stations
Fire Station #1 1 $1,777,972
Fire Station #2 1 $1,167,090
Atascadero Police Department 1 $2,168,594
Other
City-Owned
Facilities
Lake Pavilion 1 $2,528,924
Charles Paddock Zoo 1 $2,352,377
Ranger House 1 $91,689
Youth Center 1 $9,902,817
Skate Park 1 $850,448
Paloma Creek Park Facilities 4 $351,765
Pine and Chalk Mountain Towers 2 $517,423
Public Works Yard 1 N/A
Potable Water
and Wastewater
Wastewater Treatment Plant 1 $Not available
Sewer Lift Stations 12 $874,267
Sewer Lift Station 5 Buildings 4 $1,279,465
Sewer Collection Pipes 67 mi N/A
Atascadero Mutual Water Company
(AMWC) well sites
17 N/A
AMWC well sites
AMWC water tanks 9 N/A
AMWC operations buildings N/A
AMWC booster stations 8 N/A
AMWC treatment facilities 5 N/A
AMWC hydrants N/A
Infrastructure State and Federal Highways (miles) 21.277 $109,967 Major Arterials (miles) 27.044 $14,279
Railroads (miles) 7.608 $10,532
Bridges 14 $5,930,990
Source: City of Atascadero
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-13 B.3.2.3 Transportation and Lifeline Facilities
Major transportation and lifeline facilities are located adjacent to US Highway 101 and State Highway 41, which traverse through Atascadero, as well as the rail line that runs through the eastern edge of the city. Damages to these transportation corridors would not only impact Atascadero but the entire region.

B.3.2.4 Historic and Cultural Resources
The National Register of Historic Places contains three sites in the City of Atascadero:
• Administration Building, Atascadero Colony, 6500 Palma Ave. • Archeological Site 4 SLO 834, Address Restricted
• Atascadero Printery, 6351 Olmeda
There are no California State Historical Landmarks, and two California Register of Historical Resources properties located in Atascadero: The Printery Building and Historic Administration Building.

Other significant historic or cultural resources identified by the planning team include the Adobe Springs on Traffic Way and numerous homes built during the Atascadero Colony era.

B.3.2.5 Natural Resources
Natural resources are important to include in benefit-cost analyses for future projects and may be used to leverage additional funding for projects that also contribute to community goals for protecting sensitive natural resources. Awareness of natural assets can lead to opportunities for meeting multiple objectives. For instance, protecting wetlands areas protects sensitive habitat as well as attenuates and stores floodwaters.

Key natural assets in the city include Atascadero, Graves, Paloma, and Boulder creeks in addition to the Salinas River. The city also contains vast areas of native oak woodland, California Sycamore, Madrone, and Coast Live Oak. Native plants such as Santa Lucia Fir are well-suited for landscaping and habitat restoration as they provide drought tolerance and adaptability to areas around the city.

B.3.3 Estimating Potential Losses
Note: This section details vulnerability to specific hazards of high or medium significance, where quantifiable, and/or where (according to LPT member input) it differs from that of the overall County.

San Luis Obispo County’s parcel and assessor data was used to calculate the improved value of parcels. The most vulnerable structures are those in the floodplain (especially those that have been flooded in the past), unreinforced masonry buildings, and buildings built prior to the introduction of modern-day building codes. Impacts of past events and vulnerability to specific hazards are further discussed below (see Section 4.1 Hazard Identification for more detailed information about these hazards and their impacts on San Luis Obispo County as a whole).

B.3.3.1 Adverse Weather: Thunderstorm/ Heavy Rain/ Lightning/ Dense Fog/ Freeze The City of Atascadero’s risk and vulnerability to adverse weather conditions does not differ significantly from San Luis Obispo County. As a city situated inland within the county’s northcentral region, Atascadero experiences many of the same regional weather patterns, particularly storm events and transitional seasons.

The entire property and facility inventory, as well as the population of Atascadero, is exposed to the impacts of thunderstorm/heavy rain/lightning/dense fog/freeze due to the widespread nature of these hazards. The typical impacts to people, structures, and critical facilities/lifeline 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-14 are discussed in Section 5.3.2.7 of the base plan. .Like the rest of the county, Atascadero is susceptible to the impacts of intense rainfall, which can strain local drainage systems, cause localized floodings, and lead to road and public safety hazards. Thunderstorms and lightning events, while infrequent, pose risks to public safety, power infrastructure, and wildland areas.

Dense fog, especially during cooler months, can reduce visibility on major roadways such as U.S. Highway 101, increasing the potential for traffic accidents and associated injuries. A majority of the freeze events in the winter months does not affect road conditions significantly.

The overall rating of adverse weather in Atascadero is low.

B.3.3.2 Adverse Weather: High Wind and Tornado
High wind and tornado hazards in Atascadero are rated as low due to the area’s mild climate and geographical location. Atascadero can experience high wind events, particularly the Santa Lucia Winds. These winds can be strong and occasionally gusty. Tornadoes are extremely rare and not supported by the local topography or climate.

High winds can damage property, including roods, windows, trees, and powerlines. The entire property and facility inventory, as well as the population of the City, is exposed to the impacts of high wind and tornado due to the widespread nature of this hazard. The typical impacts to people, structures, and critical facilities/lifeline are discussed in Section 5.3.3.7 of the base plan.

The City has 133 mobile homes, which if unanchored, may be more susceptible to damage from high wind/tornado; an estimated 338 persons live in these homes based on an average household size of 2.54. Downed power lines can lead to widespread power outages, disrupting communication, transportation, and daily life, particularly for those reliant on electricitydependent medical devices. High winds can also impact safe driving, especially for high-profile vehicles. On January 5, 2023, a Shell gas station in Atascadero sustained significant wind damage, including damage to cables and the canopy, as shown in Figure B-3 below.

Figure B-3 High Wind Damage to Gas Station in Atascadero Photo by KSBY News, January 5, 2023, https://www.ksby.com/news/local-news/gas-station-in-atascadero-shutdown-after-sustaining-major-damage-from-latest-storm 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-15 B.3.3.3 Adverse Weather: Extreme Heat
Extreme heat is generally considered low in Atascadero, though the risk is slightly higher than in nearby coastal cities. The monthly mean maximum temperature for summer the Paso Robles NOAA weather station (the closest NOAA weather station to Atascadero) is 90.8°F; however, temperatures up to 117°F have been recorded (see Table B-10). Recent heatwaves have led to a significant increase in heat-related emergency calls, particularly impacting the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and residents without air conditioning. Additionally, rising temperatures and more frequent heat waves are increasing the likelihood of more extreme heat events in the future. The entire property and facility inventory, as well as the population of Atascadero, is exposed to the impacts of extreme heat due to the widespread nature of this hazard. The typical impacts to people, structures, and critical facilities/lifeline are discussed in Section 5.3.4.7 of the base plan, and no unique vulnerabilities or impacts are anticipated.

Table B-10 Paso Robles Climate Summary Table – Weather (Period of Record: 01/01/1894 - 04/15/2025)

SUMMARY
PERIOD

MONTHLY
MEAN

MAXIMUM
TEMP.

MONTHLY
MEAN

MINIMUM
TEMP.

DAILY

EXTREME
HIGH
TEMP
DAILY

EXTREME
HIGH
DATE
DAILY

EXTREME

LOW TEMP
DAILY

EXTREME

LOW DATE

MAXIMUM
TEMP. ≥
90°F
MEAN #
DAYS

MINIMUM
TEMP. ≤
32°F MEAN
# DAYS
Winter 61.9 °F 33.9 °F 87 °F 12/4/1958 0 °F 1/6/1913 0 41.7 Spring 73.2 °F 41 °F 110 °F 5/31/1910 20 °F 3/2/1971 6.5 7.9 Summer 90.8 °F 49.6 °F 117 °F 8/13/1933 31 °F 6/15/1973 54.5 0 Fall 79.7 °F 41.8 °F 115 °F 9/7/2020 14 °F 11/17/1958 21.1 12.6 Annual 76.5 °F 41.6 °F 117 °F 8/13/1933 0 °F 1/6/1913 82.4 63.2 Source: Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC) https://wrcc.dri.edu/ * Winter is defined as December, January, and February
** Summer is defined as June, July, and August
B.3.3.4 Agricultural Pest Infestation, Plant Disease, Marine Invasive Species, and Tree Mortality
The City of Atascadero was given a medium significance ranking by the HMPC for agricultural pest infestation, plant disease, marine invasive species, and tree mortality. According to the United States Forest Service over 100 million trees have died in California and more continue to die due to many years of drought that have weakened trees and left millions of acres of forestland highly susceptible to insect attacks. The County of San Luis Obispo Assessor data shows that 57 properties are at risk from tree mortality as shown in Table B-11. Land use designations in Atascadero include a mix of agriculture, rural lands, and residential neighborhoods. According to Figure B-2 a majority of the land is used for rural residential areas.

These areas contain vegetation such as the Coast live Oak. An outbreak of a disease such as Sudden Oak Death could kill many of these trees leaving residential areas susceptible to wildfires and more extreme drought conditions, and higher incidents of landslides and erosion.

Table B-11 below shows that 56 residential properties with a total value of over $29 million are exposed to tree mortality hazard zones. Preventative measures for diseases such as Sudden Oak Death include sanitation, quarantine, or removal of infected trees as there is no cure once a tree is infected with Sudden Oak Death.

Table B-11 Atascadero Properties Exposed to Tree Mortality Hazard Zones

PROPERTY
TYPE

STRUCTURE
COUNT

IMPROVED
VALUE

ESTIMATED

CONTENT VALUE TOTAL VALUE POPULATION
Commercial 1 $297,000 $297,000 $594,000 --
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-16

PROPERTY
TYPE

STRUCTURE
COUNT

IMPROVED
VALUE

ESTIMATED

CONTENT VALUE TOTAL VALUE POPULATION
Residential 56 $19,727,099 $9,863,550 $29,590,649 141
Total 57 $20,024,099 $10,160,550 $30,184,649 141
Source: San Luis Obispo Assessor Data November 15, 2024, CAL FIRE, FRAP, TMTF October 2022, WSP GIS Analysis B.3.3.5 Biological Incidents
The Atascadero LPT gave biological agents a medium overall significance rating. Atascadero’s risk and vulnerability to this hazard does not differ substantially from that of the county’s overall. Disease outbreaks usually occur in densely populated areas, where person to person proximity provides ample opportunity for transmission of illnesses. Places of work and business, schools and high-population public spaces are of particular concern when the threat of transmissible illness occurs. More information on biological agents can be found in Section

5.3.6 of the base plan.

B.3.3.6 Dam Incidents
The City of Atascadero rated Dam Incidents as having low significance. Atascadero is potentially affected by four dams. The Hartzell Dam is a significant hazard dam northwest of Atascadero. Water from this dam eventually flows to Paso Robles Creek to the Salinas River.

The dam failure inundation zone is relative narrow and the stream only briefly flows on the northernmost tip of Atascadero and a small area designated as a “sphere of influence”.

Slightly south of town, the high-hazard Eagle Ranch Dam holds 300 acre-feet of water along Hale Creek. This dam drains to Atascadero Creek, flows through town roughly parallel to and mostly on the north side of Highway 41, and empties to the Salinas River slightly downstream (north) of the 101. The potential inundation zone through Atascadero is modest , especially compared to the Salinas Dam inundation zone discussed below.

In town, the high-hazard Atascadero Park Dam forms Atascadero Lake. This dam drains to the north along either side of Highway 41 through neighborhoods, across the 101/41 interchange, before emptying into Atascadero Creek and flowing north to the Salinas River. Exposure of people, structures, and infrastructure in the potential dam inundation zone is significant and discussed further below.

The Salinas Dam is a much larger high-hazard dam the southeast if Atascadero on the Salinas River. This dam holds roughly 140 times more water than any of the three dams described above. The inundation zone along the Salinas River, shown in the figure below,, is relatively wide and is located along the entire eastern edge of the city limits. A total of 607 structures and 298 people exist within one or more of the dam inundation zones in the City of Atascadero (shown in Table B 12). In addition, 11 bridges exist within dam inundation zones of the Eagle Ranch, Atascadero Park, and Salinas Dams (Table B-13). Appendix E provides additional detail of critical facilities at risk from each dam inundation zone. Section 5.3.8 of the Base Plan provides additional information on dam-related hazards in the county. 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-17 Figure B-4 Dam Inundation Zones In and Near Atascadero
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-18 Table B-12 Structures and Population Within Dam Inundation Zones in Atascadero

PROPERTY TYPE STRUCTURE COUNT POPULATION
Commercial 30 -
Exempt 7 -
Industrial 2 -
Mixed Use 12 -
Multi-Family Residential 9 23
Residential 233 585
Vacant Improved 5 -
Total 298 607
Table B-13 Critical Facility Assets Exposed to Dam Inundation in Atascadero by FEMA Lifeline COMMUNICATIONS ENERGY FOOD, HYDRATION, SHELTER HAZARDOUS MATERIAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL SAFETY AND SECURITY TRANSPORTATION WATER SYSTEMS TOTAL COUNT - - - - - - 11 - 11
Source: San Luis Obispo Assessor Data 2024, Division of Safety of Dams, Department of Water Resources, WSP GIS Analysis B.3.3.7 Drought or Water Shortage
The City of Atascadero sources its water primarily from the Atascadero Subbasin of the Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin. The Atascadero Basin is approximately 19,800 acres in size, extending from the Salinas River on the north to the southern boundary of Paso Robles. The Salinas River is the primary surface water source, although the subbasin also encompasses Atascadero Creek, Graves Creek, and smaller tributaries which feed into the Salinas River.

Average annual precipitation ranges from 13 to 23 inches (Atascadero GSP, 2022).

The Atascadero Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GA) published the Water Year 2024 Annual Report for the Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the Atascadero Basin in February 2025. According to this report, above average precipitation occurred in 2023-2024, resulting in generally stable groundwater levels throughout the year. Total pumping from the basin for water year (WY) 2024, which includes the City of Atascadero as well other municipal, agricultural, and public users, decreased to about 14,500 acre-feet (AF), down from about 15,000 to 16,700 AF during WY 2017-2022. About 526 AF of surface water came primarily from the Nacimiento Water Project (NWP) and was supplied exclusively to municipal agencies.

Total water use in WY 2024 was 15,000 AF, down from a peak of 19,500 AF in WY 2021. While the GSA will continue adaptive management based on monitoring data, the basin remains sustainable with no overdraft concerns and is expected to remain sustainable in the coming years.

The Atascadero Mutual Water Company (AMWC) manages and distributes the City’s water supply. Its infrastructure includes 250 miles of pipelines, nine storage tanks ranging in capacity from 120,000 gallons to 4.8 million gallons, 17 active wells, eight booster stations, five 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-19 treatment buildings, and 20 pressure reducing stations. Construction of an additional treatment facility for PFAW is underway and expected to be completed in 2026.

Section 5.3.9.7 of the Base Plan includes an analysis of the vulnerability of people, property, facilities, and other assets to this hazard countywide. Drought poses a medium significance overall to the city, but its impacts are often disproportionately felt by socially vulnerable populations. These vulnerable groups, including low-income (9.9% of all people in Atascadero, according to the ACS 2023 Five-Year Estimates) and disabled individuals (13.7% of individuals in Atascadero) have a disability are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of water scarcity due to limited resources and socio-economic disparities. In times of drought, access to clean water for drinking, sanitation, and agriculture becomes severely constrained, exacerbating existing inequalities and increasing the risk of food insecurity, malnutrition, and disease among these populations.

Vulnerability of buildings is low.

B.3.3.8 Earthquake
Earthquake and liquefaction hazards pose a Low Significance for the City of Atascadero.

According to the Technical Background Report of the County Safety Element (1999), mapped faults in the vicinity of Atascadero include the potentially active Rinconada fault and the Nacimiento fault zones. The Rinconada fault trends northwest along the eastern City limits.

The fault mostly lies east of the Salinas River and outside the City limits. Because the Rinconada fault is potentially active, it presents a moderate fault rupture hazard to the City of Atascadero. Further studies to evaluate the activity of the faults are warranted, prior to placing structures near the mapped fault traces.

Atascadero is at a lower risk of severe ground shaking compared to other areas within the county, but the risk is still present. Areas of the city which are more susceptible to the damaging effects of ground shaking are those areas that are underlain by liquefiable soils.

Table B-15 below details the various property types in the City of Atascadero at risk of liquefaction. Based on this analysis residential property types, including mobile and manufactured homes and multi-family residential, are at the greatest risk of liquefaction in Atascadero compared to other types of properties in the community. Commercial properties throughout are also significantly exposed, more so than most jurisdictions in the county, with 625 commercial properties exposed. There are 10,232 improved parcels at risk with a combined total value of over $5 billion. Figure B-5 below depicts the areas of Atascadero at risk of liquefaction.

Table B-14 details the total number of critical facilities found in liquefaction susceptible zones in the city, organized by FEMA Community Lifeline.

Table B-14 Critical Facility Assets Exposed to Liquefaction Susceptibility by FEMA Lifeline

LIQUEFACTION SUSCEPTIBILITY

CATEGORY

COMMUNICATIONSENERGYFOOD, HYDRATION, SHELTERHAZARDOUS MATERIALHEALTH AND MEDICALSAFETY AND SECURITYTRANSPORTATIONWATER SYSTEMS

TOTAL COUNT
High Liquefaction Susceptibility - - - - - - 1 - 1
Moderate Liquefaction
Susceptibility 1 - 1 - 1 6 21 - 30
Low Liquefaction Susceptibility 5 1 2 - 11 14 13 1 47
Source: San Luis Obispo County, CalARP, HIFLD, NBI, NID, FCWCD, WSP Analysis 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-20 Table B-15 City of Atascadero Improved Properties Exposed to Liquefaction Potential by Property Type

PROPERTY TYPE

STRUCTURE

COUNT HIGH

STRUCTURE
COUNT

MODERATE

STRUCTURE

COUNT LOW

STRUCTURE
PARCEL
COUNT

IMPROVED
VALUE

ESTIMATED

CONTENT

VALUE TOTAL VALUE POPULATION
Agricultural - - - 0 $0 $0 $0 -
Commercial 1 207 417 625 $376,427,924 $376,427,924 $752,855,848 - Exempt 2 12 39 53 $29,821,565 $29,821,565 $59,643,130 - Industrial - 13 36 49 $25,353,714 $38,030,571 $63,384,285 - Mining - - - 0 $0 $0 $0 -
Mixed Use - 87 277 364 $98,313,172 $98,313,172 $196,626,344 - Mobile/Manufactured
Homes
- 4 129 133 $19,805,202 $9,902,601 $29,707,803 334
Multi-Family
Residential
- 64 251 315 $206,003,403 $103,001,702 $309,005,105 791 Residential 13 1,291 7,247 8,551 $2,390,630,571 $1,195,315,286 $3,585,945,857 21,463 Vacant Improved - 10 132 142 $15,935,099 $0 $15,935,099 - Total 16 1,688 8,528 10,232 $3,162,290,650 $1,850,812,820 $5,013,103,470 22,587 Source: San Luis Obispo Assessor Data November 15, 2024, WSP GIS Analysis 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-21 Figure B-5 Areas of the City of Atascadero at Risk of Liquefaction 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-22 B.3.3.9 Flood
Flood hazards pose a medium significance for the City. In Atascadero, flooding remains a significant hazard, primarily due to riverine and flash flood events. The city’s topography, characterized by steep slopes and narrow valleys, contributes to rapid runoff during heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of flash floods. Key waterways, including Atascadero Creek, Graves Creek, and the Salinas River, play a central role in the city’s flood dynamics.

The most severe flood events on record occurred in 1969, 1993, 1995, and 2001. Notably, the 1969 floods caused the Salinas River to reach a discharge of over 28,000 cubic feet per second, leading to extensive damage. In January 2023, a series of atmospheric river storms brought significant flooding, swelling the Salinas River into one of the largest rivers in the state during that period. This event damaged infrastructure and homes, especially along Atascadero Creek and the Salinas River. The city incurred nearly $1 million in emergency repairs due to erosion along Atascadero Creek,and more than $700,000 in repair to other drainage facilities and damges infrastructure throughout the city. Residents reported private property damage and sewage backups (Sources: High Country News; New Times SLO).

To mitigate flood risks, Atascadero maintains GIS-based maps of riparian areas, enforces creekside development standards, and collaborates with agencies such as the USACE and the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife. The city also participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and adheres to FEMA and state floodplain regulations to support its flood mitigation strategies.

Given the increasing frequency of severe weather events, it remains crucial for Atascadero to continue updating its hazard mitigation strategies, investing in resilient infrastructure, and engaginage the community in preparedness efforts. Ongoing collaboration with regional and federal agencies will further enhance the city’s capacity to manage and reduce flood-related risks. A flood map for the City was created showing flooding extents and at-risk properties (see Figure B-6). For additional context and a countywide flood hazard assessment, refer to Section

5.3.8 of the Base Plan.

Values at Risk
Table B-16 and Table B-17 summarize the values at risk in the City’s 1% annual chance (100- year) and 0.2% annual chance (500-year) floodplains, respectively. These tables also detail loss estimates for each flood as well as population estimates at risk to flooding. Note that the potential loss increases significantly with the 500-year or 0.2% annual chance flood. It is also important to note that assessor data is generally significantly below actual replacements costs.

According to the updated exposure analysis, a number of properties in Atascadero are at risk to riverine flooding. Within the 1% annual chance flood zone, 99 improved parcels are exposed, with a total estimated improved value near $26 million. The estimated content value adds another $16 million, resulting in a combined total value at risk of approximately $42 million.

Estimated potential losses for the 1% annual chance flood total roughly $10.6 million.

In the 0.2% annual chance flood zone, exposure increases significantly. A total of 2,797 improved parcels are located within the 0.2% floodplain. The improved value of these parcels is over $715 million, with an additional $474 million in content value, bringing the combined total value at risk to approximately $1.19 billion. Estimated potential losses for the 0.2% annual chance flood event could reach nearly $298 million. These figures highlight the importance of continued flood risk management and mitigation efforts within the City. 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-23 Figure B-6 City of Atascadero DWR & FEMA Flood Hazards with Flooded Structures 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-24 Table B-16 City of Atascadero Improved Properties Exposed to FEMA Riverine 1% Flood Hazard by Property Type

PROPERTY TYPE
PARCEL
COUNT

IMPROVED
VALUE

CONTENT

VALUE TOTAL VALUE
LOSS

ESTIMATE POPULATION
Commercial 8 $3,547,125 $3,547,125 $7,094,250 $1,773,563 - Exempt 5 $0 $0 $0 $0 -
Industrial 2 $1,448,117 $2,172,176 $3,620,293 $905,073 - Mixed Use 3 $575,843 $575,843 $1,151,686 $287,922 -
Multi-Family Residential 1 $30,259 $15,130 $45,389 $11,347 3 Residential 79 $20,280,040 $10,140,020 $30,420,060 $7,605,015 198 Vacant Improved 1 $5,306 $0 $5,306 $1,327 -
Total 99 $25,886,690 $16,450,293 $42,336,983 $10,584,246 201 Source: San Luis Obispo Assessor Data November 15, 2024, FEMA NFHL Effective Date 6/6/2024, WSP GIS Analysis Table B-17 City of Atascadero Improved Properties Exposed to FEMA Riverine 0.2% Flood Hazard by Property Type

PROPERTY TYPE
PARCEL
COUNT

IMPROVED
VALUE

CONTENT

VALUE TOTAL VALUE
LOSS

ESTIMATE POPULATION
Commercial 373 $152,458,529 $152,458,529 $304,917,058 $76,229,265 - Exempt 20 $10,681,461 $10,681,461 $21,362,922 $5,340,731 - Industrial 12 $6,651,683 $9,977,525 $16,629,208 $4,157,302 - Mixed Use 207 $59,336,743 $59,336,743 $118,673,486 $29,668,372 - Mobile/Manufactured
Homes
6 $1,064,304 $532,152 $1,596,456 $399,114 15
Multi-Family Residential 249 $98,225,006 $49,112,503 $147,337,509 $36,834,377 625 Residential 1,921 $385,063,25
5 $192,531,628 $577,594,883 $144,398,721 4,822
Vacant Improved 9 $2,099,723 $0 $2,099,723 $524,931 -
Total 2,797 $715,580,70
4 $474,630,540 $1,190,211,244 $297,552,811 5,462
Source: San Luis Obispo Assessor Data November 15, 2024, FEMA NFHL Effective Date 6/6/2024, WSP GIS Analysis Population at Risk
The population exposure to flooding events also presents a significant concern. Based on the parcel and floodplain data analysis, approximately 201 people are at risk within the 1% annual chance floodplain, consisting of 198 residents in single-family homes and 3 in multi-family residential properties.

In the 0.2% annual chance flood zone, the number of people at risk increases to 5,462 residents. This includes 4,822 individuals in single-family homes, 625 in multi-family residential units, and 15 in mobile/manufactured homes. These figures emphasize the need for proactive flood mitigation planning to protect both property and public safety across Atascadero's flood hazard areas.

Insurance Coverage, Claims Paid, and Repetitive Losses
The City joined the NFIP on January 20, 1982. The current adopted effective map is dated June 6, 2024. As of May 12, 2025, NFIP records show 68 active flood insurance policies in the City, totaling $20,844,000 in coverage. Of these, 33 policies are in A zones, and the rest are in B, C, or X zones.

Since joining the NFIP, the City has recorded 40 flood loss claims totaling $915,067, all for residential properties. According to the OpenFEMA dataset accessed in 2024, the City includes three Repetitive Loss (RL) properties, none of which meet the criteria for Severe Repetitive Loss 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-25 (SRL). There are two affected structures categorized as a single-family residential building, excluding mobile homes and units within multi-family buildings, as well as one categorized as a single-family residence only.

The City does not currently participate in the Community Rating System (CRS).

Critical Facilities at Risk
Atascadero has 19 critical facilities located within the 1% annual chance floodplain, based on combined FEMA and DWR awareness mapping. These facilities are all related to transportation, highlighting the vulnerability of the city's infrastructure network to major flood events. While no communications, energy, medical, or public safety assets are currently within this flood zone, the potential disruption to mobility and emergency access makes these at-risk facilities a priority for flood mitigation and response planning.

In the 0.2% annual chance floodplain, the number of critical facilities at risk rises to 29 additional within this zone, not inclusive of the 1% counts. This includes five communications facilities, three designated for food, hydration, or shelter, three medical-related sites, eight safety and security assets, and ten transportation facilities. Although these assets are exposed to a lower-probability event, the range of lifelines represented underscores the importance of long-term resilience planning, particularly as flood patterns continue to shift. Table B-18 and Table B-19 show critical facilities exposed by floodplain type, below.

Table B-18 Critical Facility Assets Exposed to FEMA and DWR Awareness 1% Flood Hazards by Jurisdictions and FEMA Lifelines

JURISDICTION

COMMUNICATIONSENERGYFOOD, HYDRATION, SHELTERHAZARDOUS MATERIALHEALTH AND MEDICALSAFETY AND SECURITYTRANSPORTATIONWATER SYSTEMSTOTAL COUNT Atascadero - - - - - - 19 - 19
Total - - - - - - 19 - 19
Source: San Luis Obispo County, FEMA NFHL Effective Date 6/6/2024, DWR, USACE Comprehensive Study, CalARP, HIFLD, NBI, NID, FCWCD, WSP Analysis
Table B-19 Critical Facility Assets Exposed to FEMA Riverine 0.2% Flood Hazards by Jurisdictions and FEMA Lifelines

JURISDICTION

COMMUNICATIONSENERGYFOOD, HYDRATION, SHELTERHAZARDOUS MATERIALHEALTH AND MEDICALSAFETY AND SECURITYTRANSPORTATIONWATER SYSTEMSTOTAL COUNT Atascadero 5 - 3 - 3 8 10 - 29
Total 5 - 3 - 3 8 10 - 29
Source: San Luis Obispo County, FEMA NFHL Effective Date 6/6/2024, DWR, USACE Comprehensive Study, CalARP, HIFLD, NBI, NID, FCWCD, WSP Analysis
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-26 B.3.3.10Landslide and Debris Flow
The City of Atascadero LPT gave landslide and debris flow a medium ranking. Instability in the city generally increases with steepness and distance from the Salinas River, with areas of steep terrain that consist of fractured soil or thin layers of clay that are susceptible to erosion and land subsidence. The areas of the city that are considered to have a very high risk of landslides are developments along the alluvial valley of the Salinas River and Highway 101, and in the relatively steeply sloping terrain of the Santa Lucia Mountains west of Highway 101. Areas along Highway 41 are also documented as having steep and unstable slopes. There are also several high and very high-risk areas outside of the city boundary that have potential to impact the City. 8,600 properties in the city with a total value over $4.2 billion are exposed to landslide potential as shown in Table B-20. Atascadero has 78 critical facility assets exposed to landslide potential as shown in Table B-21.

Overall, although some of the mapped landslides may now be stable, the concentration of old and recent landslides is indicative of relatively unstable slope conditions.

Table B-20 Improved Properties Exposed to Landslide Potential

PROPERTY TYPE

STRUCTURE
COUNT

IMPROVED
VALUE

ESTIMATED

CONTENT

VALUE TOTAL VALUE POPULATION
Agricultural 0 $0 $0 $0 -
Commercial 419 $265,763,338 $265,763,338 $531,526,676 - Exempt 39 $27,373,606 $27,373,606 $54,747,212 -
Industrial 36 $20,289,752 $30,434,628 $50,724,380 -
Mining 0 $0 $0 $0 -
Mixed Use 315 $88,957,940 $88,957,940 $177,915,880 -
Mobile/Manufactured Homes 130 $19,523,253 $9,761,627 $29,284,880 326 Multi-Family Residential 252 $177,354,647 $88,677,324 $266,031,971 633 Residential 7,277 $2,061,255,488 $1,030,627,744 $3,091,883,232 18,265 Vacant Improved 132 $13,589,672 $0 $13,589,672 -
Total 8,600 $2,674,107,696 $1,541,596,206 $4,215,703,902 19,224 Source: San Luis Obispo Assessor Data November 15, 2024, WSP GIS Analysis Table B-21 Critical Facility Assets Exposed to Landslide Potential by FEMA Lifelines

LANDSLIDE POTENTIAL

COMMUNICATIONSENERGYFOOD, HYDRATION, SHELTERHAZARDOUS MATERIALHEALTH AND MEDICALSAFETY AND SECURITYTRANSPORTATIONWATER SYSTEMSTOTAL COUNT High 4 1 2 - 6 9 12 1 35
Moderate 1 - - - 5 5 1 - 12
Low 1 - 1 - 1 6 22 - 31
Total 78
Source: San Luis Obispo County, CalARP, HIFLD, NBI, NID, FCWCD, WSP Analysis 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-27 As shown in Figure B-7 below, areas in Atascadero with the very high risk of landslides are those around Little Morro Creek, Atascadero Creek, and Paloma Creek. Additionally, Los Padres National Forest and Morro Creek along Highway 41 have areas with very high landslide risks. 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-28 Figure B-7 City of Atascadero Landslide Risk
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-29 B.3.3.11 Subsidence
Subsidence was given a low overall significance rating from the Atascadero LPT. Section

5.3.13.7 of the Base Plan includes an analysis of the vulnerability of people, property, facilities, and other assets to this hazard countywide and the typical impacts are similar in Atascadero.

The United States Geological Survey shows that areas in northeastern Atascadero along Rocky Canyon Road and Highway 41 have subsidence from groundwater pumping. Throughout the last three decades land has been converted from dry farming and grazing to irrigated agriculture and urban development. Groundwater has been relied upon to make up for shortages of surface water. The 2015 City of Atascadero Local Hazard Mitigation Plan noted that Highway 1 west of Atascadero closes every winter due to land subsidence. Although subsidence isn’t a major concern for Atascadero and is rated low, it will still be important to monitor groundwater extraction, as this is the main cause of subsidence in California.

Additionally, land elevation should also be monitored to prevent any subsidence-related hazards in the city. Population vulnerability is low.

B.3.3.12 Wildfire
Wildfires in the City of Atascadero have been driven in the past by dry conditions, seasonal winds, and human activity. Strong seasonal winds, such as Santa Ana or Diablo winds, can further accelerate fire spread, making containment efforts more difficult. Wildfire occurrence usually happen between late summer and early fall. Among the most devastating wildfires to impact Atascadero and the surrounding San Luis Obispo County area was the Chimney Fire of 2016. This wildfire burned 46,344 acres, starting August 2016.

Following the methodology described in the wildfire hazard Section 5.3.15 Wildfire of the Base Plan, along with the GIS parcel analysis discussed in more detail under Section 5.2 Asset Summary, a wildfire vulnerability analysis for the City of Atascadero was completed. The assessment was performed using GIS, and results indicate that there were neither parcels nor critical facilities in wildfire severity hazard zones within the boundaries of the City of Atascadero. However, wildfire hazards have been rated by the City’s planning team as holding High Significance based on the community’s experience and historical evidence.

In the City of Atascadero, 8.034 properties are situated within fire hazard severity zone ranging from moderate to very high. Of these 1,119 are located in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, while 1,147 properties fall within the High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Collectively, these properties represent a total assessed value of $3,771,725,135 and impact approximately 18,423 residents across all fire hazard severity zones. Table B-22 shows the properties in the City exposed to Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Figure B-8 depicts the Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the City of Atascadero.
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-30 Table B-22 City of Atascadero Improved Properties Exposed to Fire Hazard Severity Zones by Property Type

PROPERTY TYPE

STRUCTURE COUNT VERY HIGHSTRUCTURE COUNT HIGHSTRUCTURE COUNT MODERATETOTAL STRUCTURE COUNT

IMPROVED
VALUE

ESTIMATED

CONTENT

VALUE TOTAL VALUE POPULATION
Commercial 1 94 198 293 $155,033,765 $155,033,765 $310,067,530 - Exempt 2 5 31 38 $18,043,750 $18,043,750 $36,087,500 -
Industrial - 19 17 36 $17,829,975 $26,744,963 $44,574,938 - Mixed Use - 50 180 230 $56,652,383 $56,652,383 $113,304,766 - Mobile/Manufactured Homes 3 7 105 115 $14,706,460 $7,353,230 $22,059,690 289 Multi-Family Residential 1 18 175 194 $121,317,542 $60,658,771 $181,976,313 487 Residential 1,101 935 4,995 7,031 $2,034,623,449 $1,017,311,725 $3,051,935,174 17,648 Vacant Improved 11 19 67 97 $11,719,225 $0 $11,719,225 - Total 1,119 1,147 5,768 8,034 $2,429,926,549 $1,341,798,586 $3,771,725,135 18,423 Source: San Luis Obispo Assessor Data November 15, 2024, CAL FIRE - FHSZ Phase 3 March 10, 2025, WSP GIS Analysis 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-31 Figure B-8 City of Atascadero Fire Hazard Severity Zones 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-32 Table B-23 shows critical facilities in Atascadero that are exposed to fire hazard severity zones, categorizing them by severity level and facility type. The exposure of these critical assets to wildfire hazards poses significant risks to transportation and safety/security. The table below shows a total 50 critical facilities exposed to fire hazard severity zone, five (5) of which fall in the very high fire hazard severity zone rating, eight (8) of which are exposed to high fire hazard severity zone, and thirty-seven (37) exposed to moderate fire hazard severity zone. Linear transmission lines owned by PG&E are not considered in the analysis.

Table B-23 Critical Facilities Assets Exposed to Fire Hazard Severity Zones

WILDFIRE
THREAT
COMMUNICATIONSENERGYFOOD, HYDRATION, SHELTERHAZARDOUS MATERIALHEALTH AND MEDICALSAFETY AND SECURITYTRANSPORTATIONWATER SYSTEMS*TOTAL COUNT Very High - - - - 1 - 4 - 5
High - - - - 1 2 5 - 8
Moderate 1 1 - - 6 11 18 - 37
Total 1 1 0 0 8 13 27 0 50
Source: San Luis Obispo County, CAL FIRE - FHSZ Phase 3 March 10, 2025, CalARP, HIFLD, NBI, NID, WSP Analysis; *LPT noted that some AMWC water storage tanks on the west side may be at risk that may not be reflected in this analysis.

B.3.3.13 Human Caused: Hazardous Materials
The Atascadero LPT rated hazardous materials incidents as having medium overall significance. The Cal OES Spill Release Reporting Center reports 15 hazardous materials incidents in the City of Atascadero from January 1st, 2019 through December 20th, 2024. This likely excludes a number of unreported minor spills. The 15 reported incidents constitutes 3% of the hazardous materials incidents reported countywide during the same time frame and averages out to roughly 2.5 incidents per year.

B.4 Capability Assessment
Capabilities are the programs and policies currently in use to reduce hazard impacts or that could be used to implement hazard mitigation activities. This capabilities assessment is divided into six sections: regulatory mitigation capabilities, administrative and technical mitigation capabilities, fiscal mitigation capabilities, mitigation outreach and partnerships, participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, and other mitigation efforts.

To develop this capability assessment, the jurisdictional planning representatives used a matrix of common mitigation activities to inventory which of these policies or programs were in place.

The team then supplemented this inventory by reviewing additional existing policies, regulations, plans, and programs to determine if they contributed to reducing hazard-related losses.

During the plan update process, this inventory was reviewed by the jurisdictional planning representatives and WSP consultant team staff to update information where applicable and note ways in which these capabilities have improved or expanded. Additionally, in summarizing current capabilities and identifying gaps, the jurisdictional planning representatives also considered their ability to expand or improve upon existing policies and 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-33 programs as potential new mitigation strategies. The City of Atascadero’s capabilities are summarized below.

B.4.1 Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities
Table B-24 City of Atascadero Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities

REGULATORY TOOL YES/NO COMMENTS
General plan Yes General Plan 2025 Safety Element Establishes policies, programs, goals and objectives to protect
the community from risks associated with seismic,
geologic, flood, and fire hazards. The plan was
originally adopted in June 2002 and most recently
updated in July 2016.

Zoning ordinance Yes Updated periodically as needed
Subdivision ordinance Yes Updated periodically as needed Growth management ordinance No
Floodplain ordinance Yes Title 7 Public Works, Chapter 11 Flood Damage Prevention.

Other special purpose ordinance
(stormwater, water conservation,
wildfire)
Yes Title 7 Public Works, Chapter 13 Stormwater
Pollution Prevention
Community Wildfire Protection Plan
Building code Yes CA Building Standards Title 24, Ata Municipal Code.

Fire department ISO rating ISO Rating is a 3 / 3X
Erosion or sediment control program Yes Public Works manages the City’s MS4 Permit Stormwater management program Yes City Engineering Standard Specifications Section 5 and Regional Water Quality Control Board
Resolution No. R-3-2013-0032 contains the
regulatory criteria and mitigations applicable to
new development and redevelopment
Site plan review requirements Yes All development plans are reviewed, at a minimum, through the City’s permitting process.

Capital improvements plan Yes Five year Capital Improvement Plan updated every other year with budget process
Economic development plan No Incorporated into the General Plan and part of annual strategic planning efforts
Local emergency operations plan Yes Multi-Hazard Emergency Response Plan Basic Plan and Appendices A-F. Adopted in Fall 2003 and
Summer 2004.

Other special plans Yes Fire Department Master Plan, CWPP. Identifies areas of the City at higher risk for wildland fires.

Flood Insurance Study or other
engineering study for streams
Yes The City Flood Damage Prevention Regulations
and City Engineering Standard Specifications
requires detailed hydrology and analysis of projects
located within certain flood zones or where it may
impact streams
Elevation certificates (for floodplain
development)
Yes FEMA Elevation Certificates are required for new
structures and substantially remodeled structures
within any Flood Zone A.
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-34 B.4.1.1 Discussion on Existing Building Codes, Land Use and Development Regulations
The City of Atascadero’s Zoning Ordinance contains numerous standards and requirements related to minimizing flood risk to new structures and developments. In addition, Ordinance No. 193, An Ordinance adding Chapter 5 to Article 7 of the City of Atascadero Municipal Code Relating to Flood Damage Prevention, provides further guidance to reduce flood damage. It is the purpose of this ordinance to promote public health, safety, and general welfare and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions. Also, Ordinance No. 304 amended Title 6, Chapter 13 of the Atascadero Municipal Code to provide a mechanism to allow the Fire Chief to order the removal of weeds, rubbish, and similar material that has the potential to become a flooding hazard. See also discussion in Development Trends.

The city adapts and enforces the California Building Code with local amendments and requirements.

B.4.2 Administrative/Technical Mitigation Capabilities
Table B-25 identifies the personnel responsible for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in Atascadero.

Table B-25 City of Atascadero Administrative/Technical Mitigation Capabilities

PERSONNEL RESOURCES YES/NO DEPARTMENT/POSITION
Planner/engineer with knowledge of land
development/land management practices
Yes Community Development, Public Works
Engineer/professional trained in construction
practices related to buildings and/or infrastructure
Yes Community Development, Public Works
Planner/engineer/scientist with an
understanding of natural hazards
Yes Community Development, Public Works,
Fire Department
Personnel skilled in GIS Yes Information Technology
Full time building official Yes Community Development
Floodplain manager Yes Public Works
Emergency manager Yes City Manager, alt. Police Chief and Fire Chief
Grant writer Yes Administrative Services
GIS Data Resources
(Hazard areas, critical facilities, land use,
building footprints, etc.)
Yes Information Technology
B.4.3 Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities
Table B-26 identifies financial tools or resources that the City could potentially use to help fund mitigation activities.

Table B-26 City of Atascadero Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities

FINANCIAL RESOURCES ACCESSIBLE/ELIGIBLE TO USE
Community Development Block Grants No
Capital improvements project funding Yes
Authority to levy taxes for specific purposes No
Fees for water, sewer, gas, or electric services No
Impact fees for new development No
Incur debt through general obligation bonds No
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-35

FINANCIAL RESOURCES ACCESSIBLE/ELIGIBLE TO USE
Incur debt through special tax bonds Yes
Incur debt through private activities Yes
Withhold spending in hazard prone areas No
B.4.4 Mitigation Outreach and Partnerships
The City of Atascadero has an active wildfire fuel reduction and education program and participates in programs such as Firewise and Storm Ready. The city also does outreach to local schools such as fire prevention presentations in all schools during fire prevention week.

More outreach events and partnerships are listed below in Table B-27.

Table B-27 City of Atascadero Mitigation Outreach and Partnerships

CAPABILITY TYPE YES/NO NOTES
Hazard Awareness/Education Campaigns Yes Wildfire Consultations Firewise Yes In the process of establishing 2 Firewise
communities
Storm Ready Yes Post storm ready information on social
media
Severe Weather Awareness Week No
School programs Yes Fire prevention presentations in all schools during fire prevention week
Other
Methods Used to Communicate Hazard Info.
to the Public
Yes Social Media, Website, alertslo.org,
Billboards
Local News Yes
Social media Yes Facebook, Instagram, X notifications of emergencies and utilize the platforms for
education
Community Newsletters Yes City Manager Update through Chamber Utility Bill Inserts No AMWC drought and water conservation Community Events Yes Wildfire Prevention Day
Other
Organizations that represent or work with
underserved or vulnerable communities
Yes ECHO, Atascadero Chamber of Commerce
American Red Cross Yes
Salvation Army Yes
Veterans Groups No
Environmental/Conservation Groups Yes Beaver Brigade, Atascadero Land Preservation Society (ALPS)
Homeowner/Neighborhood Associations No
Chamber of Commerce Yes
Community Organizations (Lions, Kiwanis, etc.) Yes
B.4.5 National Flood Insurance Program
In the City of Atascadero, the City Engineer is designated as the Floodplain Administrator (FPA).

Local floodplain management regulations are actively implemented and enforced by this 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-36 position to regulate and permit development within Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). This includes reviewing construction and land use permits to confirm compliance with elevation, structural, and zoning requirements aimed at reducing flood risk to properties and residents. The city consistently adopts the latest effective Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) provided by FEMA, updating local floodplain management practices to align with newly identified flood risks. This helps to ensure the community is aware of the most recent flood hazard data for planning and development purposes.

Following flood or other damage events, the City of Arroyo Grande enforces substantial improvement/substantial damage provisions by evaluating damaged properties to determine if they meet thresholds requiring them to comply with updated floodplain management standards. If substantial damage is determined, properties must undergo upgrades to meet current floodplain standards before they can be repaired or rebuilt. This process helps to reduce future risk by ensuring that post-event repairs and reconstructions contribute to longterm flood resilience. The city does not participate in the NFIP’s Community Rating System (CRS). More information on Atascadero’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program can be found in Table B-28 below.

Table B-28 City of Atascadero NFIP Participation

NFIP TOPIC COMMENTS
Regulation
Does the Community Participate in the NFIP? Yes
How does the community enforce local floodplain
regulations and monitor compliance?
Permitting process and code enforcement
Do floodplain development regulations meet or
exceed FEMA or state minimum requirements? If
so, in what ways?
Yes, meets minimum requirements of FEMA and
State
Explain the permitting process. Application, Review, Approval, Inspections Compliance History
Are there any outstanding compliance issues? (i.e.,
current violations)?
No
Does the community intend to continue to comply
with NFIP requirements?
YES
How does the community identify substantially
damaged/improved structures? What is the
process to make sure these structures are brought
into compliance post-disaster event?
Yes, Red tagging and permitting
Staff Resources
Please note the department and position
responsible for floodplain management.

Do they serve any roles other than Community
Floodplain Administrator (FPA)?
City Engineer
Yes, Public Works Director and City Engineer
Explain NFIP administration services (e.g., permit
review, GIS, inspections, engineering capability).
permit review, GIS, inspections, engineering
capability
What are the barriers to running an effective NFIP
program in the community, if any?
Funding
Community Rating System (CRS)
Does the community participate in CRS? If so, what
is the community's CRS Class Ranking?
No
What categories and activities provide CRS points,
and how can the class be improved?
N/A
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-37

NFIP TOPIC COMMENTS
Does the plan include CRS planning requirements? N/A
B.4.6 Opportunities for Enhancement
Based on the capabilities assessment, the City of Atascadero has several existing mechanisms in place that already help to mitigate hazards. In addition to these existing capabilities, there are also opportunities for the city to expand or improve on these policies and programs to further protect the community. The city is anticipating and planning for increased density and growth outside of the identified hazard areas. To meet state policies surrounding increased density and housing, the city will have to accommodate this growth. This could include training opportunities to inform city staff members on how best to integrate hazard information and mitigation projects into their departments. Other opportunities include providing training for staff members related to hazards or hazard mitigation grant funding in partnership with the County and Cal OES and training city staff on mitigation and the hazards that pose a risk to the City of Atascadero. This will lead to more informed staff members who can better communicate this information to the public.

B.5 Mitigation Strategy
B.5.1 Mitigation Goals and Objectives
The City of Atascadero adopts those hazard mitigation goals and objectives developed by the County Planning Team and described in Section 7 of the Base Plan: Mitigation Strategy. Those goals are as followed:

1. Strengthen risk reduction and resilience by minimizing risks to life, property, infrastructure, and the environment through comprehensive, community-wide strategies.

2. Boost outreach and capacity to improve disaster resilience for vulnerable communities.

3. Promote regional collaboration to reduce hazard vulnerability and strengthen community resilience.

4. Reduce injury, loss of life, and damage to critical facilities and infrastructure from natural hazards.

5. Enhance public education and engagement to boost awareness and preparedness for natural, human-health, and human-caused hazards.

6. Use the best science and data to guide resilience efforts and prioritize mitigation projects for natural hazards and climate change impacts.

B.5.1.1 Continued Compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program The city has been an NFIP participating community since 1982. In addition to the mitigation actions identified herein, the City will continue to comply with the NFIP. This includes ongoing activities such as enforcing local floodplain development regulations, including issuing permits for appropriate development in Special Flood Hazard Areas and ensuring that development is mitigated in accordance with the regulations. This will also include periodic reviews of the floodplain ordinance to ensure that it is clear, up to date, and in compliance with the Federal model ordinance (Flood Damage Prevention Regulations).
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-38 B.5.2 Completed 2019 Mitigation Actions
During the 2025 planning process the City of Atascadero LPT reviewed all the mitigation actions from the 2019 plan. During the 2025 planning process the LPT identified that four (4) of the fourteen (14) mitigation actions from 2019 were deleted. Table B-29 below describes the mitigation actions from the 2019 plan that were completed or deleted.

Table B-29 Mitigation Actions for 2019
2019
Action
ID
Hazard(s)
Addressed
Mitigation Action Title Lead Agency Action
Status
Notes
AT.8 Wildfire Continue fuel load reductions program by
annual control burns in the WUI impacting
the city
Fire Dept. Deleted, no
longer a
priority
AT.16 Landslide Retrofit or implement stabilizing measures for Atascadero hillside developments that
predate current best practices and codes
Community
Development /
Public Works
Deleted, no
longer a
priority
AT.18 Landslide Focus on proposed new developments to
determine if soils stabilization is
economically feasible. If the soils
stabilization is not economically feasible
deny, the proposed development or rezone
Community
Development /
Public Works
Deleted, no
longer a
priority
AT.19 Drought
and Water
Shortage
Implement the water demand management
strategies outlined in the Atascadero Mutual
Water Company Urban Water Management
Plan
Community
Development /
Public Works/
Atascadero MWC
Deleted, no
longer a
priority
B.5.3 Mitigation Actions
The LPT for the City of Atascadero identified and prioritized the following mitigation actions based on the risk assessment. Background information and information on how each action will be implemented and administered, such as ideas for implementation, responsible office, potential funding, estimated cost, and timeline are also included. Actions were prioritized using the process described in Section 7.2.1 of the Base Plan. Actions with an ‘*’ are those that mitigate losses to future development. Timeline and project cost definitions are noted in Section 7.3.2 of the Base Plan.

A special note regarding a column in the table: The ‘Primary Hazards Mitigated’ column uses an abbreviated version of the Adverse Weather hazards in the interest of conciseness:

References to ‘Adverse Weather: Thunderstorm’ includes the subhazards Thunderstorm/Lightning/Heavy Rain/Dense Fog/Freeze.
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-39 Table B-30 City of Atascadero’s Mitigation Action Plan

MITIGATION
ACTION
NUMBER

PRIMARY HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED DESCRIPTIONS/BACKGROUND/BENEFITS

LEAD AGENCY &

PARTNERS

ESTIMATED COST &

POTENTIAL FUNDING

SOURCES
2025

PRIORITY TIMELINE

STATUS/

IMPLEMENTATION
NOTES
AT.1 Dam Incident Perform inspections, maintenance, and repairs for Atascadero Lake dam and spillway.

Install rock armoring on lake side of dam as
funding becomes available.

City of Atascadero
Public Works
$500,000

FEMA HMA
Medium 2-3 yrs. In Progress. Dam
Inundation mapping
and EAP complete.

AT.2 Dam Incident Minimize development along the Salinas River. Maintain setback and open space
zoning to the greatest extent possible along
the River and continue the enforcement of
existing land use ordinances
Community
Development/Public
Works
Little to no cost. Staff
Time/General Fund
Low Annual
Implementation
In Progress
AT.3 Wildfire Wildfire Evacuation Routes. Seek options to improve city road systems to improve
emergency access and egress and emergency
evacuation times. Benefits: Improved road
widths and clearance; enhanced residence
evacuation times in high fire severity zones;
elimination or reductions in loss of life
Atascadero Fire &
Emergency Services/
Public Works
$5M-$10M

FEMA HMA
High More than 5 yrs. In Progress
AT.4 Wildfire Continue to educate the public on wildland fire safety
Atascadero Fire
Department
Little to no cost. CA
Fire Safe Council,
General Fund, FEMA
HMA
High Annual
Implementation
In Progress
AT.5 Wildfire Continue the enforcement on the Weed
Abatement Ordinance. Continue to seek
annual grant funding for the residential
chipping program.

Atascadero Fire
Department
Little to no cost. CA
Fire Safe Council,
General Fund, FEMA
HMA
High Annual
Implementation
In Progress
AT.6 Wildfire Maintain and revise the CWPP Atascadero Fire Department
Little to no cost.CA
Fire Safe Council,
General Fund, FEMA
HMA
High 3-5 years In Progress. To be
updated in 2025.

AT.7 Wildfire Continue to conduct current fuel
management programs and investigate and
apply new and emerging fuel management
techniques.

Atascadero Fire
Department
Little to no cost.CA
Fire Safe Council,
General Fund, FEMA
HMA
High Annual
Implementation
In Progress
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-40

MITIGATION
ACTION
NUMBER

PRIMARY HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED DESCRIPTIONS/BACKGROUND/BENEFITS

LEAD AGENCY &

PARTNERS

ESTIMATED COST &

POTENTIAL FUNDING

SOURCES
2025

PRIORITY TIMELINE

STATUS/

IMPLEMENTATION
NOTES
AT.8 Adverse Weather:

Thunderstorm,
Adverse Weather:

High Wind/Tornado
Debris Management Plan Development.

Develop a debris management plan to handle
slash and leaf accumulation produced by a
wind or storm event. Benefits: Reduced
impacts due to debris accumulation
Public Works/ Fire &
Emergency Services
Department
$100.000 every 5
years. FEMA HMA
Medium 3-5 yrs. In Progress
AT.9 Adverse Weather:

Thunderstorm,
Adverse Weather:

High Wind/Tornado
Continue to communicate with Pacific Gas
and Electric on new at-risk populations that
may be affected by their PSPS events.

Benefits: reduced impacts on at-risk
populations from rolling blackouts.

Public Works/
Atascadero Fire &
Emergency Services
Department
Little to no cost. Staff
Time/General Fund
High 1 yr. In Progress
AT.10 Earthquake Continue to enforce Uniform Building Code (UBC) provisions pertaining to grading and
construction related to seismic hazards.

Community
Development/
Public Works
Little to no cost.

General Fund/Staff
Time
Medium Annual
Implementation
In Progress
AT.11 Earthquake Continue to implement an Unreinforced
Masonry (URM) building program that
determines the structural safety of City owned
critical facilities, and retrofit as necessary
Community
Development/Public
Works
Little to no cost.

General Fund/Staff
Time
Medium Annual
Implementation
In progress
AT.12 Subsidence Continue to require a Soils Report for all new building permits
Community
Development
Little to no cost.

General Fund/Staff
Time
Medium Annual
Implementation
In Progress. Required
for all buildings over
1K square ft.

AT.13 Flood During the plan check process utilize GIS to ensure the building project meets current
Flood Damage Prevention Regulations prior
to the issuance of building permits
Community
Development/
Public Works
Little to no cost.

General Fund/Staff
Time
Medium Annual
Implementation
In Progress
AT.14 Landslide and Debris
Flow
Implement the City's Hillside Development
Standards and Creekside Development
Standards for all new development projects.

Require construction and maintenance of
natural and/or human-made retaining
structures that will help control landslide risk
in key residential and commercial areas.

Community
Development/ Public
Works
Little to no cost.

General Fund/Staff
Time
Medium Annual
Implementation
In Progress
AT.15 Landslide and Debris
Flow
Located and identify unstable soils through
the use of GIS and soil maps
Community
Development/
Public Works
Little to no cost.

General Fund/Staff
Time
Medium Annual
Implementation
In Progress
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-41

MITIGATION
ACTION
NUMBER

PRIMARY HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED DESCRIPTIONS/BACKGROUND/BENEFITS

LEAD AGENCY &

PARTNERS

ESTIMATED COST &

POTENTIAL FUNDING

SOURCES
2025

PRIORITY TIMELINE

STATUS/

IMPLEMENTATION
NOTES
AT.16 Hazardous Materials Continue to monitor the manufacture, storage, and transport of hazardous materials
by working with environmental health and
public safety agencies to identify effective
mitigation actions or requirements that will
help reduce the risk of incidents, including
the spread of released materials.

Atascadero Fire &
Emergency Services
Department
Little to no cost.

General Fund/Staff
Time
Low Annual
Implementation
New in 2025
AT.17 Adverse Weather:

Extreme Heat
Initiate an extreme heat public awareness
and educational campaign to discuss the
dangers of extreme heat, steps each
individual can personally take during periods
of extreme heat and ways to reduce energy
consumption during periods of extreme heat.

Atascadero Fire &
Emergency Services
Department
Little to no cost. Staff
Time/General Fund
Low 1 yr. New in 2025
AT.18 Wildfire, Flood,
Landslide and Debris
Flow
Educate the planning staff, City
administrative staff and elected officials on
the importance of keeping up to date on
trends and developments in, disaster
preparedness. Attendance at seminars and
lectures on the specific hazards would enable
staff to make appropriate recommendations
to the governing bodies as they go about the
process of approving new developments.

Atascadero Fire &
Emergency Services
Department
Little to no cost. Staff
Time/General Fund
Low Annual
Implementation
New in 2025
AT.19 Wildfire, Landslide
and Debris Flow,
Flood, Dam Incident
Create a GIS-based pre-application review for
new construction and major remodels in
hazard areas, such high wildfire severity
zones, moderate landslide susceptibility areas,
and dam failure inundation zones.

Atascadero Fire &
Emergency Services
Department
Little to no cost. Staff
Time/General Fund
Low 1 yr. New in 2025
AT.20 Flood Reinforce roads from flooding through
protection activities, including elevating the
road and installing/widening culverts beneath
the road or upgrading storm drains.

Atascadero Fire &
Emergency Services
Department; Public
Works
Little to no cost.

General Fund/Staff
Time
Low 1 yr. New in 2025
AT.21 Wildfire, Flood Ability to fast track cleanup efforts in the Salinas Riverbed with approvals through Fish
and Wildlife, or other agencies involved in
environmentally sensitive areas
Atascadero Fire
Department
Little to no cost.

General Fund/Staff
Time
Low 1 yr. New in 2025
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-42

MITIGATION
ACTION
NUMBER

PRIMARY HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED DESCRIPTIONS/BACKGROUND/BENEFITS

LEAD AGENCY &

PARTNERS

ESTIMATED COST &

POTENTIAL FUNDING

SOURCES
2025

PRIORITY TIMELINE

STATUS/

IMPLEMENTATION
NOTES
AT.22 Adverse Weather:

Thunderstorm,
Adverse Weather:

High Wind/Tornado,
Adverse Weather:

Extreme Heat; Flood,
Wildfire, Drought and
Water Shortage, Dam
Incident, Landslide
and Debris Flow,
Subsidence
Regularly review and continue to maintain
consistency between the Safety Element,
Municipal Code, zoning regulations, hazard
area maps, and LHMP implementation
strategies. Review the implementation and
impacts of SB1069 Land use zoning
Atascadero Fire
Department
Little to no cost. Staff
Time/General Fund
Low Annual
Implementation
New in 2025
AT.23* Adverse Weather:

High Wind/Tornado,
Biological Incidents,
Earthquake, Flood,
Wildfire, Hazardous
Materials
Continue to enforce local codes, ordinances,
and standards pertaining to safe
development and resiliency to natural and
human-caused hazards.

Atascadero Fire
Department
Little to no cost. Staff
Time/General Fund
Low Annual
Implementation
New in 2025
AT.24 Hazardous Materials Continue requiring businesses that use, store, or transport hazardous materials to ensure
that adequate measures are taken to protect
public health and safety.

Atascadero Fire
Department
Little to no cost. Staff
Time/General Fund
Low Annual
Implementation
New in 2025
AT.25 Adverse Weather:

High Wind/Tornado,
Adverse Weather:

Extreme Heat,
Agricultural Pest
Infestation and
Disease; Drought and
Water Shortage
Support ongoing urban forest maintenance
and tree trimming programs, to include
planting drought-resistant trees and plants,
and monitoring for agricultural pests and
invasive species.

Atascadero Fire
Department
Little to no cost. Staff
Time/General Fund
Low 2-3 months New in 2025
AT.26 Wildfire Work to become a fire risk reduction
community: Promote the effectiveness of
defensible space in neighborhoods that have
a high wildfire risk. Encourage neighbors to
be accountable for not only their defensible
space but also their neighborhoods. Help
Atascadero Fire &
Emergency Services,
San Luis Obispo Fire
Safe Council
Little to no cost. Staff
Time, General Fund
Medium 3-5 Years New in 2025
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

Annex B: City of Atascadero

County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan| City of Atascadero | 2025-2030 Annex B-43

MITIGATION
ACTION
NUMBER

PRIMARY HAZARD(S)

MITIGATED DESCRIPTIONS/BACKGROUND/BENEFITS

LEAD AGENCY &

PARTNERS

ESTIMATED COST &

POTENTIAL FUNDING

SOURCES
2025

PRIORITY TIMELINE

STATUS/

IMPLEMENTATION
NOTES
neighborhoods to facilitate the creation of
NEPA Firewise USA.
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 2

- 0 -
January 2026
Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services
6005 LEWIS AVE.| ATASCADERO, CA 93422
Community Wildfire Protection Plan

CITY OF ATASCADERO
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 3

- 1 -
January 2026
Table of Contents
SIGNATURE PAGE .....................................................................................................................................- 2 - Section I: City Overview ...........................................................................................................................- 3 - Location ................................................................................................................................................- 3 - Land Ownership....................................................................................................................................- 3 - Population and Housing.......................................................................................................................- 3 - Wildland-Urban Interface ....................................................................................................................- 4 - Wildland-Urban Intermix .....................................................................................................................- 5 - Fire Environment..................................................................................................................................- 6 - Vegetation/Fuels..................................................................................................................................- 7 - Weather................................................................................................................................................- 8 - Topography ..........................................................................................................................................- 8 - Fire History............................................................................................................................................- 9 - Preparedness and Firefighting Capabilities.........................................................................................- 9 - Fire Administration...............................................................................................................................- 9 - Fire Operations...................................................................................................................................- 10 - Firefighting Capabilities.....................................................................................................................- 10 - Fire Prevention ...................................................................................................................................- 10 - Public Education .................................................................................................................................- 12 - Section II: Collaboration........................................................................................................................- 13 - Community / Agencies / Fire Safe Councils / Firewise Communities...............................................- 13 - Section III: Values.......................................................................................................................................14 Critical Infrastructure .............................................................................................................................14 Fire Risk vs. Fire Hazard .........................................................................................................................15 Section IV: Plan Recommendations and Goals..........................................................................................15 Education................................................................................................................................................15 Fuel..........................................................................................................................................................16 Planning..................................................................................................................................................18 Ignition Resistance .................................................................................................................................19 Response.................................................................................................................................................21 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 3

- 2 -
January 2026

SIGNATURE PAGE
Community Wildfire Protection Plan for the City of Atascadero:

This Plan:
• Was developed by Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services. • Identifies and prioritizes pre fire and post fire management strategies and tactics meant to reduce the loss of values at risk within the city.
• Is intended for use as a planning and assessment tool only. It is the responsibility of those implementing the projects to ensure that all environmental compliance and permitting processes are met as necessary.
• Recommends measures to reduce the ignitability of structures throughout the city. • Serves as a basis for all fuel reduction projects within the city.

The Healthy Forests Restoration Act requires that the applicable local government, local fire department, and State agency responsible for forest management agree to the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).

The undersigned have reviewed the CWPP for the City of Atascadero.

Casey Bryson, Chief
Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services
Charles Bourbeau, Mayor
City of Atascadero
Jim Lewis, City Manager
City of Atascadero
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 3

- 3 -
January 2026
Section I: City Overview
The following Community Wildfire Protection Plan covers the City of Atascadero, California. Section 1 presents detailed information about the City of Atascadero, specifically, a description of the factors affecting wildfire risk within the city limits.

Location
Atascadero is located approximately halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, in the interior valley of San Luis Obispo County, California. The city is bordered by the unincorporated towns of Templeton to the north, Santa Margarita to the south, and Creston to the east. To the west, Atascadero is bordered by the Los Padres National Forest and the city of Morro Bay. Atascadero is home to 29,773 residents and encompasses just over 26 square miles. Fire protection is provided by Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services which has two stations in the city.

Land Ownership
Over 76% of the land within Atascadero is privately owned. The other 14% is owned by public entities such as the City of Atascadero, Union Pacific Railroad, Atascadero Mutual Water Co., Atascadero Land Preservation Society, and the Atascadero School District to name a few.

Population and Housing
The estimated population of Atascadero is 29,773 within the city limits with little change during work hours. The city has approximately 12,170 housing units spread across the 26 square miles. The town is generally divided by Highway 101 with differing housing characteristics on either side. West of Highway 101, there tends to be larger lots with less houses per acre whereas to the east of the highway, housing is much denser with more multi-family housing.

The City of Atascadero is comprised of “Very
High Fire Severity Zones” (VHFHSZ), “High Fire
Severity Zones” (HFSZ), and “Moderate Fire
Severity Zones” (MFSZ) as set forth by criteria
established by Cal Fire. Atascadero currently
has 9,177 parcels located within designated
Fire Hazard Severity Zones; 1,600 Very High,
1,285 High, and 6,292 Moderate . The
designated hazard zones present a significant
threat to the City and has the ability to promote significant fire spread within its boundaries with potential to extend beyond.

Severity Zone Rating Acres Number of
Parcels
Very High 5,923 1,600
High 2,594 1,285
Moderate 6,802 6,292
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 3

- 4 -
January 2026
Within Atascadero, there tends to be both wildland-urban interface and wildland-urban intermix, with the latter being more predominant. The area where urban development abuts nonmaintained wildland fuels is known as the wildland-urban interface (WUI). Rural areas, as defined in the NWCG Glossary of Wildland Fire Terminology are “Any area wherein residences and other
developments are scattered and intermingled with forest, range, or farm land and native vegetation or cultivated crops”, More recently, “wildland-urban intermix” is a term being used to describe WUI areas where the density of housing units and structures is relatively low and the space between consists of wildland fuels capable of propagating fire. While often used interchangeably when discussing WUI issues, the difference between the terms “interface” and “intermix” is that the boundary between rural and urban areas is typically much more distinct when referred to as an “interface”. The “interface” boundary is relatively easy to decipher and map, whereas the “intermix” boundary can be several miles wide and is often difficult to map precisely. 
Wildland-Urban Interface
Wildland-Urban Interface areas are those within the “vicinity” of wildland vegetation, typically with housing density exceeding 1 house per 40 acres, but with vegetation covering more than 50% of the parcel. In addition, WUI areas must be within 1.5 miles of an area that has vegetative cover exceeding 75% to ensure that small urban parks are not classified as WUI.

The California Fire Alliance (2001) defined "vicinity" as all areas within 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of wildland vegetation, the anticipated distance that firebrands can be carried from a wildland fire to the roof of a house.

The Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (HFRA) defines the term “Wildland-Urban Interface” to mean:
• An area within or adjacent to an at-risk community that is identified in recommendations to the Secretary in a
community wildfire protection plan; or in the case of
any area for which a community wildfire protection plan is not in effect—
o An area extending ½-mile from the boundary of
an at-risk community.
o An area within 1½ miles of the boundary of an at-risk community, including any land that:
▪ Has a sustained steep slope that creates the potential for wildfire behavior endangering the at-risk community.
▪ Has a geographic feature that aids in creating an effective fire break, such as a road or ridge top; or
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 3

- 5 -
January 2026
▪ Is in condition class 3, as documented by the Secretary in the project-specific environmental analysis; and
▪ An area that is adjacent to an evacuation route for an at-risk community that the Secretary determines, in cooperation with the at-risk community, requires hazardous fuel reduction to provide safer evacuation from the at-risk community.

The wildland fire risk associated with WUI areas includes propagation of fire throughout WUI communities via house-to-house fire spread, landscaping-to-house fire spread, or ember intrusion.

Advantages and disadvantages associated with WUI areas include:

WUI Advantages:
• WUI areas often have community water supply systems
• Many homes can be accessed by a single road
• Emergency equipment can protect multiple assets at once • Houses usually only exposed to flammable fuels on one side WUI Disadvantages:
• High housing density: house to house fire spread is likely • Roads can become congested during emergencies
• Limited options if the community water systems fail
Wildland-Urban Intermix
Wildland-Urban Intermix areas are those where housing and vegetation intermingle. In the Intermix, wildland vegetation is continuous and greater than 50% of the land area is vegetated with combustible fuels. The wildland fire risk associated with Intermix areas includes vegetation-to-house fire spread or ember intrusion. Advantages and disadvantages associated with Intermix areas include:

Intermix Advantages:
• Low housing density
• Less likely to have house to house fire spread
Intermix Disadvantages:
• Increased risk to firefighters
• Emergency equipment can only protect single assets
• Emergency equipment response times can be
delayed due to:
o Rural Roads (single lane, windy, heavy fuel
loading)
o Long Driveways
• Roads can become congested during emergencies
• Diversity in water supply systems
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 3

- 6 -
January 2026
• Houses are surrounded by vegetation
Intermix areas identified within Atascadero occur mostly on the west side of the city. Specific examples of intermix areas are:
• Las Encinas
• 3F Meadows
• Eagle Ranch
• Chandler Ranch
• Long Valley
• Oak Ridge
• Paradise Valley
• Summit Hills
Fire Environment
The fire environment is defined as the “surrounding conditions, influences, and modifying forces that determine fire behavior”. The four components that affect fire behavior in this County are fuels, weather, topography, and human behavior. Understanding the relationship between these factors and their influence on fire behavior must be considered to plan the most effective strategies for reducing the threat of unwanted fire.

Of the factors listed above, fuels
(vegetation, buildings, etc.) are the
component that is targeted most
often since this factor is the most
easily affected. For example,
vegetation can be removed or
manipulated in ways that will
dramatically reduce the fire risk.

Homes can be “hardened”, i.e. built
with non-combustible or fireresistant materials and maintained with adequate defensible space and
proper property hygiene.

While the weather cannot be controlled, it is important to understand what types of weather can occur that increase the fire hazard and what options there are for reducing this hazard. An example of this is limiting certain activities including backyard burning, equipment uses, welding, or mowing when weather conditions are hot and dry.

As with the weather and topography, the terrain cannot be significantly altered to reduce the fire hazard. Terrain, however, has a strong influence within the fire environment and should be carefully assessed when designing fire hazard reduction treatments. Aspect has a strong bearing on the type of vegetation present and the temperature and moisture of the soil and vegetation. Slope, or terrain steepness is an important factor in how fast a fire will spread. Generally, the steeper the slope, the faster a vegetation fire will burn due to pre-heating of fuels and increased flame length. Slope position 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 3

- 7 -
January 2026
should be carefully evaluated when planning fire prevention measures. For example, properties located on slopes steeper than 20 degrees, especially those with south-facing exposure or situated within narrow canyons, saddles, or ravines (commonly referred to as "chimneys"), may require additional defensible space to reduce fire risk. “Full alignment” is a term used to describe the fire environment when all the conditions are conducive for increased fire activity. This occurs when fires burn in heavy fuels, during hot, dry weather with strong winds blowing up steep slopes and/or draws. Highest priority for fire prevention measures should be focused on areas where these types of conditions are known to occur or are considered likely. For Atascadero, many of these areas are located on the west side with only a few pockets east of Highway 101.

Vegetation/Fuels
The City of Atascadero is home to a variety of different fuel types due in part to the geography and microclimates within the city limits. The city is home to both native or endemic (naturally occurring prior to European settlement) and non-native species that have been introduced from outside ecosystems.

Many non-native species are considered invasive and thrive in our area, pushing out native species. All plants and vegetation types have a range of environmental conditions within which they can grow known as “limits of tolerance”. For plants, the limiting factors that determine the range of a species or plant community are precipitation, temperature, solar radiation, soil structure, elevation, and disturbance regime.

Vegetation (fuel) plays a major role in the susceptibility to fire as well as the fire behavior in the area.

Vegetation type and distribution is varied in the City of Atascadero due to location and topography as well as
human factors such as housing developments.

Atascadero is made up of 16 different fuel types with
the most abundant being Coastal Oak Woodland
followed by annual grass. Coastal Oak Woodland is
generally found on north facing slopes which can be
relatively steep. Fire behavior through this vegetation type can vary based on the vegetation and litter found
under the trees. Annual grasses are found throughout
the city and mostly on south facing aspects. This fuel
type is characterized by fast moving fires; however, the intensity is generally low. Atascadero is also made up
of approximately 700 acres of the shrub/brush fuel
type. Fire behavior in this fuel type is generally higher in intensity and can have rapid rates of spread.

Modifying the brush within the city limits can help slow these intense fires.

Variations in vegetative cover type and species composition have a direct effect on fire behavior. Some vegetation types and their associated plant species have increased flammability based on plant physiology (resin content), biological function (flowering, retention of dead plant material), physical structure (leaf size, branching patterns), and overall fuel loading. For example, the native shrub species Description Acres Percent
Agriculture 823 4.9%
Annual Grass 2845 17.0%
Barren 129 0.8%
Blue Oak Pine 52 0.3%
Blue Oak Woodland 1243 7.4%
Coastal Oak Woodland 4496 26.9%
Lawn 232 1.4%
Mixed Hardwood 2 0.0%
Orchard 77 0.5%
Road 1472 8.8%
Shrub 693 4.1%
Exotic Urban Trees 1726 10.3%
Urban 1158 6.9%
Valley Oak Woodland 1120 6.7%
Riparian Woodland 617 3.7%
Water 53 0.3%
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 3

- 8 -
January 2026
present a high potential hazard based on such criteria whereas coastal oak woodland species typically have high fuel moistures which makes it more difficult for the fuel to burn.

Wildfire disturbances can also have dramatic impacts on plants and plant composition. Heat shock, accumulation of post-fire charred wood, and change in photoperiods due to removal of shrub canopies may all stimulate seed germination. Wildfire disturbances can also be characterized within each vegetation type and described as the fire return interval (historically how often a fire burns within a fuel type). For example, native shrub species generally have a fire return interval of 15-30 years and has been historically characterized by a high intensity, stand replacing (complete burn down) fire. The postfire response for most species is vegetative reproduction and stimulation of flowering and fruiting especially in the native shrub species. The combustion of above ground biomass alters seedbeds and temporarily eliminates competition for moisture, nutrients, heat, and light. Species that can rapidly take advantage of the available resources will flourish. It is possible to alter successional pathways for different vegetation types through manual alteration. Mirroring a fuel type’s fire return interval and characteristic burn pattern is a key concept in the overall establishment and maintenance of fuel reduction projects.

Weather
The City of Atascadero has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Most of the annual rainfall occurs during the late fall and winter with little to none occurring from May to October. Due to the inland location of Atascadero, the average temperature during the summer months generally remains in the high 80’s to mid-90’s with low humidity. At night, the recovery can be low due to the lack of moisture in the air during the hotter days and relatively warm nights. Temperatures normally reach the low 100’s throughout the summer, mainly from June to September.

The terrain within the city also contributes to the weather. Due to the proximity of the coast, the west side of the city receives a westerly wind every afternoon with ridge top winds that can average above 20 MPH. The middle of the city sits in a valley which keeps the temperature warmer for longer periods of time. The wind also tends to be less near the valley floor. The mountains that separate Atascadero from the coast helps to keep the coastal moisture out of the city attributing to the drier climate. Another locally important characteristic affecting weather in the County is the frequency of summer fog along the coast and winter fog in the inland valleys. These two fog conditions augment rainfall and provide moisture for plant growth and affect live and dead fuel moistures. The average rainfall in Atascadero is 18 inches, with the wettest month generally being January.

Topography
Topography is defined as the arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area. In other words, it is how the land is laid out in terms of both natural features (hills, mountains, rivers, etc.) as well as manmade features such as lakes, structures, etc. Topography is characterized by slope, elevation, and aspect which all play varying factors on fire behavior and spread. The City of Atascadero is made up of the Santa Lucia Range to the west and the Salinas River to the east with rolling hills throughout the entire city.

The Santa Lucia Range that separates the city from the coast not only plays a role in the weather conditions that exist in Atascadero, can also be characterized by its steep slopes. Slope is defined as the change in elevation (rise) divided by the horizontal distance (run) and plays a major role in fire 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 3

- 9 -
January 2026
development. Steeper slopes allow for preheating of fuels ahead of the fire which enables much more rapid fire spread. Steep slopes and canyon alignments are conducive to channeling, deflecting, concentrating, or dispersing winds, and creating extremely erratic wildfire conditions, especially during wind-driven fire events.

Along with slope, aspect can play a major role in fire spread. Generally, southern aspects receive more solar radiation which makes them hotter and dryer. South facing slopes usually have light fuels and brush with low summer fuel moistures. North facing slopes see the least amount of sun and contain larger fuels with more moisture.

Fire History
The City of Atascadero is no stranger to wildland fires, though in recent years the fuel management programs have greatly reduced the number of ignitions and acreage burned. Fire history is an important factor in understanding the fire return intervals,
vulnerable areas, ignitions sources and fire
intensities. The topography, vegetation, and
climatic conditions associated with the City of
Atascadero combine to create a unique
situation capable of supporting wildfires. One of
the most notable fires in the city’s history is the
Highway 41 fire which occurred in August of
1994. The fire burned 50,729 acres and cost
millions to suppress. Fortunately, no homes
within the city limits were destroyed. While large fires can create significant damages due to their size, even smaller WUI fires in densely developed areas can be very damaging, especially with areas that have longer response times due to their geographic locations.

Fortunately, most of the vegetation fires that occur in Atascadero remain small due to quick suppression response and the fire prevention programs in place. A large percentage of the fires within the city limits occur in grass fuel types and can be quickly extinguished. Although the last major fire occurred in 1994, the City of Atascadero has the potential for another large, fast-moving fire to occur at any time.

Preparedness and Firefighting Capabilities
The City of Atascadero and Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services places a great deal of emphasis on maintaining a high level of preparedness on a daily basis. This is accomplished at every level of the department through thorough training, professional emergency response, and effective prevention programs. Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services is comprised of three divisions that work together to accomplish the mission of the department before, during, and after an emergency. Due to the relatively small size of the department, many personnel hold various responsibilities across the divisions.

Fire Administration
The administration division of Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services, which is made up of the Fire Chief, two Battalion Chiefs and an Administrative Assistant has many responsibilities that include budget, policies, and logistics. The administration is also responsible for managing automatic and mutual aid agreements that support the department in effectively managing all types of emergencies including 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 3

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wildland fires. The Operations Battalion Chief is also responsible for commanding major emergency incidents within the city.

Fire Operations
Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services Operations division makes up the majority of the department’s personnel. The Operations Battalion Chief is responsible for managing the operations division which is responsible for providing a professional level of response to a variety of emergencies including medical aids, fire suppression, rescue, and hazardous materials releases. Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services provides Advanced Life Support (ALS) medical response through the use of paramedics on each engine.

The operations division trains on a daily basis to be able to respond to these emergencies professionally, efficiently, and safely. Personnel within the operations division are also responsible for equipment and apparatus maintenance, investigation, public education, and fuel management.

Firefighting Capabilities
Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services is responsible for providing all fire protection and emergency response within the City of Atascadero. The department also has automatic and mutual aid agreements with surrounding agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Cal Fire, Templeton Fire and Emergency Services and the City of Paso Robles Department of Fire and Emergency Services. Atascadero is comprised of two staffed fire stations that are supplemented with
seasonal firefighters during fire season. Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services is an all-risk department and is
responsible for suppressing structural and wildland fires, performing technical rescues, providing emergency medical services, and responding to hazardous material releases.

Each engine is staffed with at least one paramedic to provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) on a daily basis. Personnel within the department also participate on both the County Hazardous Materials Response Team as well as the North County USAR team.

Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services has a variety of resources available for wildland fire responses.

Personnel resources include a fire chief, battalion chiefs, captains, engineers, firefighters and seasonal firefighters during fire season. Many of the department personnel are qualified as single resources to respond to large wildland fire incidents. The department also has fire investigators available for response. Equipment available for wildland response includes Type I engines, and Type III engines as well as a 4WD ambulance. Atascadero resources are available to respond to all wildland fires within the county and beyond. Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services also has a ladder truck available for response to commercial and multifamily structure fires in the county.

Fire Prevention
The prevention division is made up of one Community Risk Reduction Battalion Chief and is supplemented by on duty operations personnel. The Community Risk Reduction Battalion Chief also serves as the Fire Marshal for the City of Atascadero. The duties of the prevention division include building inspections, and fire investigation. The Battalion Chief works closely with other members of the administration as well as the operations division to help achieve the mission of the department. Other 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 3

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common projects include fire break construction and fire fuel reduction activities that lessen the risk of wildfire to communities and evacuation routes.

The Community Risk Reduction Battalion Chief and the fire prevention division uses the following codes to ensure the community is made safer:

City Fire Codes
Atascadero has adopted the 2025 California Building Code (CBC), 2025 California Fire Code (CFC), and the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code as ordinances for the city. These codes address many issues that affect the safety of the citizens of the city with regards to wildland fire. Many of the codes have to do with reducing structural ignitability to enhance the probability of a structure surviving a passing wildfire. Some of the issues addressed include building materials, access for incoming fire resources as well as evacuating residences, and water requirements per household and community. The City of Atascadero has also added modifications to tailor to the community served. Atascadero has also chosen to adopt the fire hazard severity zones as determined by Cal Fire within the city. The City Fire Code can be found within the Municipal Code online.

General Plan
The City of Atascadero General Plan is the basis for which all development decisions are made.

The plan details land use, open space requirements, safety goals, and housing needs, as well as many other community specific elements. The General Plan can be found on the City of Atascadero planning website.

Atascadero Municipal Code
The City of Atascadero Municipal Code outlines specific codes and ordinances used by the city.

The city’s fire code is also contained with the Municipal Code. Modifications to the state codes including apparatus access and address numbering are addressed within the city’s fire code found under the public safety title (Title 4-7). The removal of vegetation surrounding structures and roadways can be found under the Health and Sanitation portion (6-13) of the code.

Weed Abatement Policy
The weed abatement policy in Atascadero addresses defensible space around buildings and roads within the city. Each year, the fire prevention captain identifies structures that are not in compliance with Title 6-13 of the Municipal code and a notice is sent to the landowner. If the landowner fails to comply with the code by a set date, the city has the property mowed and bills the landowner for the services rendered. The weed abatement program addresses light flashy fuels and helps to ensure less ignitions, slower rates of spread, and more defensible space around structures.

In addition to the weed abatement policy, the city has three voluntary fuel reduction programs for the public to participate in that help to reduce the danger of wildland fires. 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 3

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Chipping Program
Each year the City of Atascadero Fire Department applies for a grant to provide a free chipping service to the constituents of the city. The chipping program is aimed at high fire hazard areas within to city and is designed to allow homeowners to reduce the fuel load on their property without having to haul the material away. The free service is generally provided between the months of January-April and is dependent on grant funding.

Fire Hazard Reduction Burning
The City of Atascadero allows fire hazard reduction burning within the city limits to aid homeowners in reducing the fuel loading on their properties without having to obtain special permits. Generally, burning is only encouraged on those lots greater than one acre and certain other requirements need to be met prior to a landowner conducting a burn (Requirements can be found via the city website). Fuel reduction burning is the quickest and most effective way for homeowners to reduce the amount of flammable vegetation on their property. Burn days are generally allowed between the months of January-April and the burn day status can be found by visiting the city website.

Residential Consultation Program
Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services offers a Residential Consultation Program to assist homeowners in “hardening” their homes in the event of a wildland fire. The program is grant funded and focuses on educating residents on how to increase the survivability of their home if a wildland fire were to occur in the city. The program focuses on landscape level fuel reduction, fire resistant landscaping and home improvements that can be done. The program runs from March through June of each year.

Public Education
Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services has a variety of public education programs and events that are used to aid in the prevention effort. Public education is one of the most important and cost-effective ways to help reduce wildland fires. The department provides education at numerous city events, in schools, as well as on the city website. By educating the public, departments allow their citizens to be more prepared for wildland fires as well as to be more aware of how to prevent wildland fires.

School Programs (K-12)
Each year, Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services visits the communities' schools and presents kids with an opportunity to learn about life safety, and fire prevention. Preventing wildfires is one of the main topics of these presentations. Generally, this program takes place in October during fire prevention week.

Special Events
Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services participates in a
number of community events in an effort to further reach the community about fire prevention. Fire personnel are available to talk to children and adults alike at events such as children’s 03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 3

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day in the park, open house, the Colony Days Parade as well as numerous other events held within the city.

Internet and Printed Material
The Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services website contains a variety of educational materials that are readily available and updated frequently. With the internet now being the quickest and most popular way to obtain information, the city has placed most of printed educational material online for public use. Each fire station within the city also contains printed educational material available to the public. The Fire Safe Council of San Luis Obispo County has provided great brochures such as Living With Fire, and Ready! Set! Go! that provides the public with information on home preparation and evacuation planning.

Section II: Collaboration
Community / Agencies / Fire Safe Councils / Firewise Communities As a key component of the Healthy Forest Restoration Act (HFRA) of 2003, a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) serves as a mechanism for community input and identification of areas presenting high fire risk as well as identification of fire hazards and potential projects intended to mitigate such risk. This Plan integrates the community-focused approach of the CWPP process and is intended to provide the community a forum for identifying assets and communities at risk from wildfire, which may include people, property, natural resources, cultural values, economic interests, and infrastructure. The identification of these assets or communities by the community strongly influences the potential wildfire hazard mitigation projects identified in this Plan.

The location and size of San Luis Obispo County dictate that local fire resources must be used effectively since these resources are limited, and additional resources could be several hours away. The diversity of available resources and fire-related problems mandate the cooperative use of fire service resources.

Cooperative assistance is provided on reciprocal contributions without charge and may be provided in two forms:
• Automatic Aid: a predetermined immediate joint response as a means to provide effective fire protection
• Mutual Aid: responses to supplement the resources of any fire agency during a period of actual or potential need, including move-up and cover assignments. Mutual Aid is dependent on recognition that equipment and resources are expected to be provided only when dispatch of the resources will not unduly jeopardize local capabilities.

This San Luis Obispo County Fire Services Mutual Aid Plan intends to provide the following:
• Upon demand, provide the cost-effective use of the emergency resources of all jurisdictions • Achieve a balance over the long run between providing and receiving entities • Eliminate complex financial and legal agreements
• Address all mutual aid responses and station coverage assignments required of the fire service, including but not limited to the following:
o Fire and Rescue
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o Hazardous Materials
o Natural and Human-caused Disasters
o EMS/Mass Casualty Incidents
The following fire departments, districts, and agencies currently engage in Automatic/Mutual Aid agreements in San Luis Obispo County:
• Atascadero Fire Department
• Atascadero State Hospital Fire
Department
• Avila Beach Fire Department
• CAL FIRE San Luis Obispo
• Camp Roberts Fire Department
• Cambria Fire Protection District
• Five Cities Fire Authority
• Morro Bay Fire Department
• Paso Robles Fire Department
• Pismo Beach Fire Department
• Santa Barbara County Fire Department
• South Bay Fire Protection District
• San Luis Obispo County Fire
• San Luis Obispo City Fire Department
• San Miguel Fire Protection District
• Santa Margarita Fire Protection District
• Templeton Fire Protection District
• U.S. Forest Service (Los Padres National
Forest)
The California Master Cooperative Wildland Fire Management and Stafford Act Response Agreement (CFMA) requires an Annual Operating Plan to coordinate wildfire response efforts between State and Federal Agencies.

For San Luis Obispo County, the Central Coast Operating Plan (CCOP) represents an agreement between CAL FIRE, BLM, USFS, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and provides the participating agencies with the guidelines and information necessary to properly execute the terms of the Agreement. The CCOP identifies fire protection elements, special management considerations, fire protection organization, maps, operational procedures, fire prevention activities, general procedures, and a list of relevant agency contacts.

Section III: Values
Critical Infrastructure
Critical infrastructure can be defined as the basic physical structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society and includes transportation routes, transmission lines, communications facilities, etc. Many of these structures can be damaged by a passing wildfire and can greatly affect the community and the day to day lives of the people who reside within the city. Atascadero is home to a number of critical infrastructures including:
• PG&E High Power Transmission Lines
• PG&E Electrical Distribution Lines
• PG&E Substation
• Telecommunication Lines
• Communications Sites (Public Safety Radio and Cellular) • Highway 41
• Highway 101
• Recreational Hiking Trails
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15 January 2026
• Water Pumping Stations
• Water Storage Tanks
• Sewer Pumping Stations
• Natural Gas Lines
Fire Risk vs. Fire Hazard
The concept of fire risk vs. fire hazard can be confusing and these terms are often used interchangeably.

The purpose of this Plan is to reduce the fire ‘risk’ within the City of Atascadero by using strategies and tactics that will reduce or eliminate one or more fire ‘hazards’. Examples of fire hazards include dense stands of decadent brush, faulty wiring, broken vehicle exhaust systems, and homes that are not built in accordance with fire code requirements. The fire risk (vulnerability) of a given area constantly rises and falls depending on conditions within the fire environment. Successful implementation of this Plan will result in the meaningful reduction of the fire risk in strategic portions of the City through identification and abatement of important fire hazards.

Section IV: Plan Recommendations and Goals

Education
The goal of the Education section is to prepare response organizations, communities, the public, and policy makers regarding appropriate community actions and interactions to reduce the unwanted impacts of fires in the wildland urban interface.

Strategic Policy Benefits of the Project to the Community Category Timeline ID Educate residents
how to achieve
WUI code
compliance in
retrofits
• Gives residents detailed and specific
tools that they can use to improve
preparedness
• Mitigates against potential fire impact
in the community
• Reduces wasteful spending of time
and money
Education 5 years ED 1
Targeted wildfire
information
workshop and
education materials
• Educate residents on the fire danger
within the city
• Deliver a clear and consistent
message regarding the impacts of
wildfire on the community
• Educate residents on non-specific
ways to improve homes and
property’s prior to a wildfire
Education Biannually ED 2
Increase
signage/replace or
augment existing
signage.
• Protect communities and
infrastructure by raising awareness of
local citizens and those traveling in
the area about actions that can
prevent fire.

Education 2 years ED 3
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16 January 2026
Identify and
establish multiple
evacuation routes
that provide safe
and efficient exits
from the
community,
prioritizing roads
with adequate
width, gentle
slopes, and minimal
congestion points.

Communicate
evacuation plans to
residents through
public education.
• Protect residents, community, pets,
and infrastructure through increased
awareness
Education 2 years ED 4

Fuel
The goal of the Fuel section is to mitigate the unwanted impacts of wildfires on communities through proper vegetation management techniques that reduce hazardous fuels and the resulting wildfire intensity.

Strategic Policy Benefits of the Project to the Community Category Timeline ID Develop list of fuel
management projects within
the city and in conjunction
with surrounding jurisdictions
• Reduces fuel loading
• Reduces fire risk in the community
• Mitigates potential fire impact in the
city
• Improves hazard mitigation and
planning capabilities
Fuel 2 years FL 1
Implement a roadside
vegetation clearance program
that ensures a minimum 10-
foot clearance on both sides
of the roadway and a 14-foot
vertical clearance to
accommodate emergency
vehicles. Prioritize clearing
along primary evacuation
routes, steep or winding
roads, and areas with dense
vegetation. Regularly
maintain and inspect cleared
zones to reduce fire hazards
and improve road accessibility
• Mitigates against potential fire
impact in the community
• Reduced fire risk in the community
• Improves access and egress for
community
Fuel 2 years FL 2
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17 January 2026
Encourage the use of
residential pile burning for
clearing vegetation by
advising residents to place
piles at a safe distance
from structures and
neighboring properties.

Recommend controlling
pile size to prevent
excessive fire spread.

Provide guidance on
appropriate burn times,
weather conditions, and
safe practices, and
establish local permitting
systems to regulate and
oversee the burning
process.
• Reduces fuel loading on individual
parcels
• Decreased greenhouse gas emissions
from wildfire
• Cost effective for
community
Fuel Annually FL 3
Develop list of fuel treatment
methodologies with cost per
acre/day/ (other metric) that
can be used for hazardous
fuel treatment
• Reduces fuel loading
• Reduced fire risk in the community
• Mitigates against potential fire
impact in the community
• Eliminates wasteful spending.
• Improves hazard mitigation and
planning capabilities
Fuel 1 year FL 4
Develop, find funding and
implementation of Fuels Crew
to tackle city, local and reginal
fuels projects
• Projects completed and maintained
in-house
• Extra work force for storm and fire
incidents
• Cost efficiency
• Quality assurance
Fuel 1-10 years FL 5
Develop financially and
environmentally sustainable
programs that support parcellevel Defensible Space
creation by prioritizing
properties in high-risk wildfire
zones, areas with steep slopes,
and locations with dense
vegetation near structures.

Implement cost-sharing or
grant programs to assist
homeowners and promote
eco-friendly vegetation
management practices that
minimize soil erosion and
protect native plant species.
• Will ensure that defensible space
actions are sustained in all
communities
• Reduces fuel loading
• Mitigates against potential fire
impact in the community
Fuel Annually FL 6
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18 January 2026

Planning
The goal of the Planning section is to mitigate the unwanted impacts of wildfires on communities through community planning (including new resilient community design, retrofitting existing communities, and community recovery from the impact of fire), response planning, evacuation planning, and preparedness planning for responders, communities, individuals, and animals and livestock.

Strategic Policy Benefits of the Project to the Community Category Timeline ID Make CWPP
(Community Wildfire
Protection Plan)
format compliant with
Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan
(LHMP)
• Creates universal understanding of current
hazard conditions in the community
• Improves hazard mitigation and planning
capabilities
• Cost-effective
• Access to additional grant funding.

Planning
Every 5
years PL 1
CWPP to serve as
Wildfire component
of LHMP and General
Plan element
amendments
• Improves hazard mitigation and planning
capabilities
• Reduces workload
• Saves time for City staff
• Cost-effective
• Allows for new grant funding opportunities
Planning 1 year PL 2
Ensure project
sustainability
• Cost-effective
• Reduced fire risk in the community
• Improves hazard mitigation and planning
capabilities
Planning Annually PL 3
Form Community Risk
Reduction workgroup
to assist with project
work
• Improves hazard mitigation and planning
capabilities
• Cost effective
• Mitigates potential fire impact in the city
• Improves parcel level consultation ability
Planning 1 year PL 4
Partner with local groups and
agencies to incorporate and
increase the number trail
systems into fire defense
systems
• Mitigates against potential fire
impact in the community
• Increases emergency access
• Improves hazard mitigation and
planning capabilities
Fuel 5 years FL 7
Increase and encourage the
use of prescribed burning
• Increase in fuel reduction
• Mitigates against potential fire
impact in the community
• Reduced fire risk in the community
• Reduces wasteful spending
• Replicates naturally occurring fire
event
Fuel 3 years FL8
Encourage the use of grazing
animals on private parcels and
public open space
• Reduced fire risk in areas where
grazing occurs at a minimal cost to
the community
• Mitigates against potential fire
impact in the community
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
Fuel Annually FL 9
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19 January 2026
Improve partnerships
across jurisdictional
boundaries
• Improves hazard mitigation and planning
capabilities
• Mitigates potential fire impact in city and
surrounding communities
• Increases response capabilities across
jurisdictions
Planning Annually PL 5
Add improved
evacuation alert
system
• Protect residents, community, pets, and
infrastructure through increased awareness Planning 5 years PL 6 Update vegetation
inventory study
• Improves hazard mitigation and planning
capabilities
• Mitigates potential fire impact in the city
Planning 3 years PL 7
Achieve Firewise
Community
Recognition
• Improves hazard mitigation and planning
capabilities
• Reduced fire risk in the community
• Mitigates against potential fire impact in the
community
Planning 5 Years PL 8

Ignition Resistance
The goal of the Ignition Resistance section is to eliminate or mitigate structural ignitions from radiant heat, flame contact, or embers from wildland urban interface fires.

Strategic Policy Benefits of the Project to the Community Category Timeline ID Identify and triage
structures within the
designated WUI and
encourage residents
to retrofit to meet
current WUI code
• Increased safety for residents, firefighters,
and first responders
• Reduced fire risk in the community
• Mitigates against potential fire impact in
the community
Ignition
Resistance Annually IR 1
Adopt current CA Fire
Code, CA Fire Code
and WUI-specific
codes
• Enhanced ignition resistance minimizes the
likelihood of structures igniting during
wildfires, decreasing property loss.
• Safer communities with reduced fire spread
potential protects residents, firefighters,
and first responders.
• Encourages innovation in fire-resistant
technologies and infrastructure design.

Ignition
Resistance Biennial IR2
Adopt and enforce
defensible space
standards
• Improves hazard mitigation and planning
capabilities
• Reduced fire risk in the community
• Mitigates against potential fire impact in
the community
Ignition
Resistance 3 years IR 3
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20 January 2026
Establish land use
policies that would
require significant
defensible space
measures for high-risk
developments with
the WUI
• Safer communities with reduced fire spread
potential protects residents, firefighters,
and first responders.
• Enhanced ignition resistance minimizes the
likelihood of structures igniting during
wildfires, decreasing property loss.
• Balancing development with ecological
considerations ensures sustainable living in
fore-prone areas.

Ignition
Resistance 3 years IF4
Continue to enforce
weed abatement
policy
• Improves hazard mitigation and planning
capabilities
• Reduced fire risk in the community
• Mitigates against potential fire impact in
the community
Ignition
Resistance Annually IR 5
Continue to grow
Firewise Community
Recognition
• Improves hazard mitigation and planning
capabilities
• Reduced fire risk in the community
• Mitigates against potential fire impact in
the community
• Empowers communities to actively
participate in wildfire preparedness
Ignition
Resistance Annually IR 6
Develop preferred
contractor list and
educate them for
Firewise landscaping
and ignition
resistance retrofitting
• Reduced fire risk in the community
• Mitigates against potential fire impact in
the community
Ignition
Resistance 4 years IR 7
Assess and improve
accessibility to
individual residences
• Inform homeowners about the importance
of keeping driveways accessible to fire
trucks and emergency responders
• Mitigates against potential fire impact in
the community
• Increases safety of residents
Ignition
Resistance 5 years IR 8
Public education and
outreach to educate
residents about home
hardening and
mitigation measures
• Safer communities with reduced fire spread
potential protects residents, firefighters, and
first responders.
• Enhanced ignition resistance minimizes the
likelihood of structures igniting during wildfires,
decreasing property loss.
• Empowers communities to actively participate
in wildfire preparedness
Ignition
Resistance Annually IR9

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21 January 2026
Response
The goal of the Response section is to mitigate the unwanted impacts of wildfires on life, property and resources by having an efficient and effective response that includes properly trained personnel, appropriate equipment, and a community prepared to take appropriate action or evacuation.

Strategic Policy Benefits of the Project to the Community Category Timeline ID Identify Safe Refuge
Areas and make them
known to the public
• Increases emergency access
• Mitigates against potential fire impact in
the community
• Improves hazard mitigation and planning
capabilities
• Improves safety of residents
Response 2 years RS 1
Utilize evacuation
applications to update
public during wildland
fires
• Increases emergency access
• Mitigates against potential fire impact in
the community
• Improves hazard mitigation and planning
capabilities
• Improves safety of residents
Response Continuous RS 2
Identify escape routes
for residents
• Increases emergency access
• Mitigates against potential fire impact in
the community
• Improves hazard mitigation and planning
capabilities
• Improves safety of residents
Response 2 years RS 3
Update and distribute
WUI preplans to
surrounding
jurisdictions and
residents
• Increases emergency access
• Mitigates against potential fire impact in
the community
• Improves hazard mitigation and planning
capabilities
• Improves safety of residents
Response 2 years RS 4
Implement program
to replace existing
house number
markers with
reflective markers
that meet consistent
standard
• Improves fire response times and assists
out-of-town responders who are not
familiar with the local area, especially at
night
Response 5 years RS 5
Improve roadside
clearance in all areas
of the city
• Increases emergency access
• Mitigates against potential fire impact in
the community
• Improves hazard mitigation and planning
capabilities
• Improves safety of residents
Response Continuous RS 6
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22 January 2026
Develop a
coordinated approach
between fire
jurisdictions and
water supply agencies
to identify needed
improvements to the
water distribution
system.
• Improve fire-fighting response if water is
more readily available or closest locations
could be identified on a GIS map on a
tablet/computer.

Response 3 years RS 7
Integrate CAD system
with surrounding
agencies
• Improve fire-fighting response with better
GIS capabilities
• Improve ability to place incoming resources
in a timely manner
• Increases safety of residents
• Mitigates against potential fire impact in
the community
Response 5 years RS 8
Integrate Tablet
Command county
wide
• Improve fire-fighting response with better
GIS capabilities
• Improve ability to place incoming resources
in a timely manner
• Increases safety of residents
• Mitigates against potential fire impact in
the community
Response 3 years RS 9
03/24/26 | Item H2 | Attachment 3