Atwater City Council
June 22, 2026

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 17 Figure 2-3 Critical Facilities at Risk of 1% Annual Flood Hazard

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 18 Insurance Coverage, Claims Paid, and Repetitive Losses
The City of Atwater joined the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on November 1, 1979. NFIP Insurance data indicates that as of July 2021, there were 14 flood insurance policies in force in the City with $4,018,000 of coverage. All of the policies are single family residential and located in the B, C, and X zone.

There has been 1 historical claim for flood losses totaling $1,740. According to the FEMA Community Information System accessed July 23, 2021, the City has no Repetitive Loss properties or Severe Repetitive Loss properties.

Future Development
The results of the sphere of influence and flood analysis are shown in Table 2-9 and Table 2-10. This indicates the risk to existing development that could be under the City’s jurisdiction if the area was annexed.

Table 2-9 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed to 1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard Property
Type
Improved
Parcel Count
Building
Count
Improved
Value
Estimated
Content
Value
Total Value Estimated
Loss Population
Agricultural 23 26 $2,212,362 $2,212,362 $4,424,724 $1,106,181 Exempt 2 3 $548,933 $548,933 $1,097,866 $274,467
Residential 47 51 $6,797,928 $3,398,964 $10,196,892 $2,549,223 169 Total 72 80 $9,559,223 $6,160,259 $15,719,482 $3,929,871 169 Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis, City of Atwater Table 2-10 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed to 0.5% Annual Chance Flood Hazard Property
Type
Improved
Parcel Count
Building
Count
Improved
Value
Estimated
Content
Value
Total Value Estimated
Loss Population
Residential 1 1 $81,844 $40,922 $122,766 $30,692 3
Total 1 1 $81,844 $40,922 $122,766 $30,692 3
Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis, City of Atwater

2.3.4 Wildfires
Both urban and wildland fires conditions exist in Merced County and its cities which increases the chances for damage to property, loss of life and/or injury. In most of Merced County, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal FIRE) ranks fuel loading as low. Fuels are mainly crops and grasses. In the southwest corner, there are some brush, pine, and grass fuels, which are ranked as moderate fuel hazards, primarily in the area west of Interstate 5. Figure 2-4 shows the fire threat areas in the city and Table 2-11 summarizes the values at risk and detail loss estimates.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 19 Table 2-11 Properties Exposed to Wildfire Threat Areas
Property
Type
Improved
Parcel
Count
Building
Count
High
Building
Count
Moderate
Building
Count Low
Total
Building
Count
Improved
Value
Estimated
Content
Value
Total Value
Commercial 7 0 3 6 9 $6,430,503 $6,430,503 $12,861,006
Exempt 8 0 5 3 8 $689,882 $689,882 $1,379,764
Residential 522 1 267 294 562 $151,511,124 $75,755,562 $227,266,686 Vacant Land 1 0 1 0 1 $15,000 $15,000 $30,000
Total 538 1 276 303 580 $158,646,509 $82,890,947 $241,537,456 Source: CAL FIRE, Merced County Assessor, Wood GIS analysis

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 20 Figure 2-1 Wildfire Threat Areas in City of Atwater

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 21 Table 2-12 shows the results of the critical facility analysis by fire threat area.

Table 2-12 Critical Facilities Exposed to Wildfire Threat Areas FEMA Lifeline Count
Moderate Wildfire Threat
Transportation 2
Low Wildfire Threat
Communications 1
Energy 2
Food, Water, Shelter 1
Safety and Security 1
Transportation 1
Total 9
Source: Merced County, HIFLD, CAL FIRE, FRAP, Wood GIS Analysis Figure 2-5 shows the fire responsibility areas in the City of Atwater. Based on the analysis there are 5 residential buildings located with the moderate hazard area, with a total value of $1,317,924. Two critical facilities, both categorized as Transportation Lifeline are located within the local responsibility moderate fire hazard area. Refer to Section 4 of the Base Plan for methodology and results of the countywide analysis.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 22 Figure 2-2 City of Atwater Fire Responsibility Areas

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 23 Future Development
The results of the sphere of influence and wildfire analysis are shown Table 2-13 and Table 2-14.

Table 2-13 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed Within Fire Severity Areas Property
Type
Improved
Parcel Count
Building
Count
Improved
Value
Estimated
Content
Value
Total
Value Population
SRA Moderate
Agricultural 2 2 $603,191 $603,191 $1,206,382
Residential 2 2 $208,515 $104,258 $312,773 7
Total 4 4 $811,706 $707,449 $1,519,155 7
Source: Merced County Assessor, CALFIRE, Wood analysis, City of Atwater Table 2-14 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed Within Fire Threat Areas Property
Type
Improved
Parcel
Count
Building
Count
High
Building
Count
Moderate
Building
Count
Low
Total
Building
Count
Improved
Value
Estimated
Content
Value
Total Value Population
Agricultural 55 1 25 50 76 $12,242,747 $12,242,747 $24,485,494 Commercial 4 0 3 2 5 $862,532 $862,532 $1,725,064
Exempt 5 0 2 4 6 $2,555,421 $2,555,421 $5,110,842
Residential 98 0 37 71 108 $14,729,881 $7,364,941 $22,094,822 359 Total 162 1 67 127 195 $30,390,581 $23,025,641 $53,416,222 359 Source: Merced County Assessor, CALFIRE, Wood analysis, City of Atwater 3 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 five sections:
regulatory mitigation capabilities, administrative and technical mitigation capabilities, fiscal mitigation capabilities, mitigation outreach and partnerships, and other mitigation efforts. To develop this capability assessment, the jurisdictional planning representatives reviewed a matrix of common mitigation activities to inventory which of these policies or programs and shared any updates or changes through the Atwater Data Collection Guide. The team then supplemented this inventory by reviewing additional existing policies, regulations, plans, and programs to determine if they contribute to reducing hazard-related losses.

During the plan update process, this inventory was reviewed by the jurisdictional planning representatives and Wood 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 programs as potential new mitigation strategies. The City of Atwater’s capabilities are summarized below.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 24

3.1 Regulatory Capability
The regulatory and planning capabilities table lists planning and land management tools typically used by local jurisdictions to implement hazard mitigation activities. The table below indicates those that are in place in the City of Atwater.

Table 3-1 City of Atwater —Regulatory and Planning Capabilities Regulatory Tool
(ordinances, codes, plans) Yes/No Comments
General Plan Yes Adopted July 24, 2000
Zoning ordinance Yes Chapter 17.01
Subdivision ordinance Yes Chapter 16.01
Growth management ordinance No
Floodplain ordinance Yes Floodplain Management Ordinance Chapter 16.14.010 Other special purpose ordinance
(stormwater, steep slope, wildfire)
No
Building code Yes The 2019 California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 1 (California Administrative Code)
Fire department ISO rating Yes Rating: 3
Erosion or sediment control program No
Stormwater management program Yes
Site plan review requirements Yes Chapter 17.12 – Zoning Ordinance, Administration and General Conditions
Capital improvements plan Yes
Economic development plan Yes Economic Development & Special Projects, Atwater Redevelopment Agency, General Plan
Local emergency operations plan Yes Updated in 2017
Other special plans No
Flood insurance study or other
engineering study for streams
Yes
Elevation certificates (for floodplain
development)
No
Other
City of Atwater General Plan, 2000 – The City of Atwater adopted its first General Plan in 1958. The most recent update began in 1992 and resulted in the adoption of the City of Atwater 2000 General Plan on July 24, 2000, with an anticipated horizon year of 2020. This General Plan defines the City’s goals, objectives and policies that guide the physical growth, use and development of land under the jurisdictional authority of the City.

The purpose of the Public Health and Safety Element is to reduce or eliminate long term risk to people and property from natural or human caused hazards. This element focuses on establishing policies and programs to protect the community from risks associated with seismic, geologic, flood, and fire hazards.

The Public Health and Safety Element is now expanded to include community health and community safety related issues that are more commonly associated with the built environment as affecting the health and safety of residents living within the City. The City of Atwater Public Health and Safety Element does not reference incorporation of the 2014 MJHMP. Integration of the 2014 MJHMP was not noted in any of the other City planning mechanisms.

City of Atwater Emergency Plan, 2017 – The Emergency Plan addresses the planned response to emergency situations associated with natural disasters, technological incidents, human caused events and

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 25 national security emergencies in or affecting the City of Atwater. The plan establishes the emergency management organization required to mitigate any significant emergency or disaster affecting the City; identifies the policies, responsibilities, and procedures required to protect the health and safety of communities, public and private property, and the environmental effects of natural, human caused and technological emergencies and disasters; and establishes the operational concepts and policies for disaster response and recovery.

City Fire Management Plan – The City of Atwater’s Fire Department provides fire protection and emergency medical response services within the City limits. The City of Atwater reorganized their Fire Department and entered into a Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) for the provision of fire protection services. CAL FIRE provides for the management of the fire department with a Fire Chief, Division Chief and Battalion Chiefs. The Fire Chief reports to the City Manager and to the elected City Council. The contract began in October 2008.

The CAL FIRE agreement provides daily staffing at fire stations, dispatch, management, incident command, training, investigation, and fire prevention activities. The City of Atwater’s Fire Management Plan is a product of the implementation of the State Fire Plan. The State Fire Plan provides an analysis procedure utilizing, in part, computer based geographical information data that is validated by experienced fire managers to assess fire fuel hazards and risks in order to design and implement mitigating activities. The Fire Management Plan provides background information, fuels and fire data, proposed projects, and individual Battalion reports outlining mitigating activities commonly carried out each year.

Emergency Services Ordinance, Chapter 2.44 – The declared purposes of this chapter are to provide for the preparation and carrying out of plans for the protection of persons and property within the City in the event of an emergency; the direction of the emergency organization; and the coordination of the emergency functions of the City with all other public agencies, corporations, organizations and affected private persons. The ordinance establishes the Operational Area Council and designates the membership of the council. The council’s powers include the development of emergency and mutual aid plans and agreements and the ordinances and resolutions as necessary to implement the Multi-Hazard Functional Plan and any other such plans and agreements.

California Fire Code Chapter 15.28.010 – The City of Atwater adopts by reference as its fire code, the California Fire Code, 2010 Edition, and including among Appendices, Appendix Chapter 4 (Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy); Appendix Chapter B (Fire Flow Requirements for Buildings); Appendix Chapter C (Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution); Appendix Chapter CC (Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution); Appendix D (Fire Apparatus Access Roads); Appendix F (Hazard Ranking); Appendix H (Hazardous Materials Management Plans and Hazardous Materials Inventory Statements); Appendix I (Fire Protection system-Noncompliance Conditions); and Appendix J (Emergency Responder Radio Coverage), based on the 2009 International Fire Code as published by the International Code Council (ICC) and as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission in the California Building Standards Code Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.

Floodplain Management Ordinance Chapter 16.14.010 – It is the purpose of this chapter to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions designed to:
● Protect human life and health;
● Minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects; ● Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;
● Minimize prolonged business interruptions;

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 26 ● Minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains; electric, telephone and sewer lines; and streets and bridges located in areas of special flood hazard; ● Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of areas of special flood hazard so as to minimize future blighted areas caused by flood damage; ● Ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is in an area of special flood hazard; and, ● Ensure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility for their actions.

3.2 Administrative and Technical Capability
The table below identifies City personnel with responsibilities for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in the City of Atwater. Many positions are full time and/or filled by the same person. A summary of technical resources follows.

Table 3-2 City of Atwater —Personnel Capabilities
Personnel Resources Yes/No Department/Position Comments Planner/engineer with knowledge of land
development/land management
practices
Yes
City Community
Development Department
Engineer/professional trained in
construction practices related to
buildings and/or infrastructure
Yes
City Community
Development Department
Planner/engineer/scientist with an
understanding of natural hazards Yes City Community Development Department Personnel skilled in GIS No
Full time building official Yes Chief Building Official Floodplain manager Yes City Community
Development Department
Emergency manager
Yes
City Administrator’s Office;
County Emergency Services
Manager
Grant writer Yes Administration
Other personnel
Yes
Multiple agencies and
departments with support
personnel expanding
capabilities for mitigation
GIS Data Resources
(Hazard areas, critical facilities, land use,
building footprints, etc.)
No
Warning Systems/Services
(Reverse 9-11, cable override, outdoor
warning signals)
No
Other
The City operates under a City Council/City Manager form of government. The City Council makes laws and sets policies, which are enforced and implemented by the City Manager, with the assistance of subordinate officers, department heads, and the City Clerk, City Treasurer and City Attorney. Municipal elections are held every two years in November of even-numbered years with City Council terms overlapping. The Mayor and two Council Members are elected at one election, and the other two Council Members, City Clerk and City Treasurer are elected at the next election.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 27 The City of Atwater provides water, sewer, and storm drainage, as well as police, fire, and general government services.

The Atwater Elementary School District serves school-aged children in grades kindergarten through eighth grade (K-8). There are six elementary schools (K-6), one junior high school (7-8), and one school serves kindergarten to eighth grade (K-8). High school education is provided by the Merced Union High School District which has eight comprehensive high schools and one continuation school. The City also offers opportunities for post-secondary education with satellite campuses for Merced College, UC Merced and other graduate schools.

3.3 Fiscal Capability
The following table identifies financial tools or resources that the City could potentially use to help fund mitigation activities. There are currently no specific funding sources for hazard mitigation.

Table 3-3 City of Atwater —Available Financial Tools and Resources Financial Resources Accessible/
Eligible to Use
Has This Been Used for
Mitigation in the Past? Comments
Community Development
Block Grants
Yes No
Capital improvements project
funding
Yes No
Authority to levy taxes for
specific purposes
Yes No Must be approved by voters
Fees for water, sewer, gas, or
electric services, new
development
Yes
No
Incur debt through general
obligation bonds
Yes No
Incur debt through special tax
bonds
Yes No Requires approval by two-thirds
of voters
Incur debt through private
activities
Yes No Do not have any in place
Federal Grant Programs
(Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program)
Yes
No
Various Departments

3.4 Outreach and Partnerships
The Merced County Office of Emergency Services provides education and outreach on Disaster Preparedness for all of the jurisdictions within the County. This education program is in coordination and partnerships with county and the cities’ departments with education programs including the Sheriff’s Office, Police Departments, Fire Departments, Agricultural Commissioner, and the Department of Public Health.

During the 2021 planning process the following outreach efforts were identified:
● Ongoing newsletter
● Fire Prevention School Programs
● Presence and use of social media

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 28 Education and outreach efforts, as well as emergency response planning, will need to address the needs of low-income residents and the large Spanish-speaking population. In past emergencies, volunteers have organized spontaneously to help those with mobility issues.

3.4.1 Planning Commission
The Planning Commission reviews development proposals for compliance with the General Plan and makes recommendations to the City Council on long range plans and maps for the City and plans for public improvements, plans and development plans for proposed for property within the City, and zoning and rezoning of property within the City. The Commission develops and maintains a long range comprehensive General Plan of the Atwater planning area.

3.4.2 The City Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee was established in April 1999. The purpose of the committee is to establish City Council liaison with the Public Works Department to facilitate communication in the interests of improving the overall delivery of public works services in the community.

The duties of the Committee are, but not limited to; the review and recommendation of issues related to the delivery of public works services and related engineering, water, sewer, government buildings, equipment maintenance, parks and parks facilities services. The Committee evaluates recommendations related to proposed programs, provides assistance and/or guidance to staff in the evaluation of policies, procedures, rules and regulations pertaining to the delivery of public works services and related engineering, water, sewer, government buildings, equipment maintenance, parks and parks facilities services; and assists staff with identifying and prioritizing activities related to the administration of the City’s public works services.

3.4.3 The City Public Safety Committee
The Public Safety Committee was established in February 1999. The purpose of the committee is to establish City Council liaison with the Police and Fire Departments to facilitate communication in the interests of improving the overall delivery of public safety services in the community.

The duties of the Committee are, but not limited to, the review and recommendation of issues related to the delivery of police and fire services and related public safety services; to evaluate recommendations related to proposed programs; to provide assistance and/or guidance to staff in the evaluation of policies, procedures, rules and regulations pertaining to the delivery of police and fire services and related public safety services; and to assist staff with identifying and prioritizing activities related to the administration of the City’s police and fire services.

3.5 Other Mitigation Efforts
In addition to the project identified in the City’s Mitigation Action plan the City of Atwater’s Fire Department conducts annual fire and life safety inspections for all businesses and Senate Bill 1205 occupancies (Apartments, Hotels, Assemblies and Schools). In addition, city-wide weed abatement is heavily enforced.

3.6 Opportunities for Enhancement
Based on the capabilities assessment, the City of Atwater has several existing mechanisms in place that already help to mitigate hazards. There are also opportunities for the City to expand or improve on their

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 29 policies, programs and fiscal capabilities and further protect the community. Future improvements may include providing training for staff members related to hazards or hazard mitigation grant funding in partnership with the County and Cal OES. Additional training opportunities will help to inform City staff members on how best to integrate hazard information and mitigation projects into their departments.

Continuing to train City staff on mitigation and the hazards that pose a risk to the City of Atwater will lead to more informed staff members who can better communicate this information to the public. 4 MITIGATION STRATEGY

4.1 Goals and Objectives
The City of Atwater adopts the hazard mitigation goals and objectives developed by the Planning Team and described in Section 5 Mitigation Strategy of the Basin Plan.

4.2 Continued Compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program The City has been an NFIP participating community since 1984. In addition to the mitigation actions identified herein the City will continue to comply with the NFIP. Floodplain management is under the purview of the Community Development Department City Engineer. 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 this development mitigated in accordance with the regulations. This will also include periodic reviews of the floodplain ordinance to ensure that it is clear and up to date and reflects new or revised flood hazard mapping.

4.3 Progress on 2014 Actions
During the 2021 planning process the City of Atwater Planning Team reviewed all the mitigation actions from the 2014 plan. Of their ten (10) mitigation actions from 2014, three (3) of the actions are continuing and are implemented annually, demonstrating ongoing progress and building the community’s resiliency to disasters. Five (5) were noted as being continuing not started and two (2) as deleted.

4.4 Mitigation Actions
The Planning Team for the City identified and prioritized the following mitigation actions based on risk assessments, goals, and objectives. Background information as well as information on how the action will be implemented and administered, such as ideas for implementation, responsible office, partners, potential funding, estimated cost, and timeline also are described.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 30 Table 4-1 City of Atwater Mitigation Action Plan
ID
Goal(s)
and
Lifelines
Hazard(s)
Mitigated Description/Background/Benefits Lead Agency and Partners Cost
Estimate
and
Potential
Funding
Priority Timeline Status/Implementation
Notes
1 1,7
NA
MultiHazard:

Earthquake,
Flood and
Levee
Failure,
Severe
Weather,
Wildfire
Countywide Public Education Program. A
natural hazards education and awareness
program in Merced County would be a
valuable tool for sharing information
with residents. Implementation ideas
include sharing information online and
conducting workshops. The county will
partner with special districts, the cities
and other entities to provide awareness
and education on hazards and steps to
mitigate.

OES / CEO's
Office
$100,000
Federal
Grants
High Ongoing Continue Not Started
2 1,2,4,6
NA
MultiHazard:

Earthquake,
Flood and
Levee
Failure,
Severe
Weather,
Wildfire
Integrate Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
into Safety Element of General Plan.

Recognizing the potential duplication of
effort over evaluation of the same issues,
efforts to update the Health and Safety
Element will be conducted in
coordination with the multi-hazard
mitigation plan and to also ensure
AB2140 Compliance. Integration and
coordination of both plans provides
General Plan policy direction for
development activity.

Community
Development
Agency
$5,000
General
Fund
Medium
Next
General
Plan
review
cycle
Continue In-Progress
3 1,7
Food,
Water,
Shelter
Earthquake
Non-structural Earthquake Mitigation
Outreach. Interiors of existing structures
can be retrofitted to reduce damage
from seismic events. Outreach will
include educating home and business
owners about structural and nonstructural retrofit techniques and how to seismically strengthen their homes and
businesses. Specific techniques include
Public Works
$100,000
Federal
Grants
Medium Ongoing Continue Not Started

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 31 ID
Goal(s)
and
Lifelines
Hazard(s)
Mitigated Description/Background/Benefits Lead Agency and Partners Cost
Estimate
and
Potential
Funding
Priority Timeline Status/Implementation
Notes
secure furnishings, storage cabinets and
utilities to prevent injuries and damages,
such as anchoring, installing lathes, using
flexible connections on gas and water
lines, and bracing propane tanks and
water heaters.
4 1,2
Food,
Water,
Shelter
Earthquake
Countywide Inventory for Unreinforced
Masonry Buildings - Use GIS a to map
and track URMs Countywide. An accurate
inventory of URM Buildings with
appropriate tracking will lessen time
during the recovery after an earthquake.

Public Works
$15,000 –
20,000
Federal
Grants
Medium 1 year Continue Not Started
5 1,2,6
Food,
Water,
Shelter
MultiHazard:

Earthquake,
Flood and
Levee
Failure,
Severe
Weather,
Wildfire
Periodically review building codes for
updates and enhancements and ensure
necessary capabilities for enforcement.

Building
Department
Staff time
Dept.

Budget
Medium
1 year
then
ongoing
Continue Not Started
6 3, 4
Food,
Water,
Shelter
Drought
Promote Water Conservation Program.

Drought is a serious issue that is faced in
California. Water awareness of all citizens
within the County is critical to the future
of our water supply. Reminders,
education and awareness will help keep
the conservation importance in the
forefront.

Public Works
$100,000
Federal
Grants
High Ongoing Continue In-Progress
7 3
Communi
cations,
Safety
Earthquake
Severe
WeatherDa
m Incidents
Atwater Police Department Emergency
Power Replacement Project. Replace and
install a new emergency power system to
protect the City of Atwater 911
Police
Department
$100,000 -
$1,000,000
FEMA
High 6 Months New in 2021

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 32 ID
Goal(s)
and
Lifelines
Hazard(s)
Mitigated Description/Background/Benefits Lead Agency and Partners Cost
Estimate
and
Potential
Funding
Priority Timeline Status/Implementation
Notes
and
Security
Communications Center and Police
Department from both a Public Safety
Power Shutoff and a long-term
interruption in utility service.

HMA
Grants
8 3
Safety
and
Security
Earthquake
Seismic Upgrade and Remodel of the
Atwater Police Department
Headquarters. The Atwater Police
Department is housed in a building that
is over 60 years old and not rated as an
essential services building. Its
construction consists of masonry block
walls that may be unreinforced.

Renovation would bring the building up
to standard and protect the
Department's ability to provide service.

Police
Department
$100,000 -
$1,000,000
FEMA
HMA
Grants
High 12-18
Months New in 2021
9 1,2,7
Food,
Water,
Shelter
Earthquake
Review hazards and awareness of
earthquakes in a public platform and
educate the public on helpful procedures
to mitigate losses and injuries. (i.e. duck
and cover, non-structural techniques,
inspection of structures for damage)
Police, Fire
and Buildings
General
Fund/CIP High
3-5 years
and then
ongoing
New in 2021
10 4, 7
Food,
Water,
Shelter
Agricultural
Pest and
Disease
Public education of current seasonal
threat using a public radio campaign
AG
Commissioner,
and Cities
Staff time
Dept.

Budget
Low 1-5 years New in 2021

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex A: City of Atwater
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 33 5 IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINTENANCE
Moving forward, the City will use the mitigation action table in the previous section to track progress on implementation of each project. Implementation of the plan overall is discussed in Section 6 in the Base Plan.

5.1 Incorporation into Existing Planning Mechanisms
The information contained within this plan, including results from the Vulnerability Assessment, and the Mitigation Strategy will be used by the City to help inform updates and the development of local plans, programs and policies. The Engineering Division may utilize the hazard information when implementing the City’s Community Investment Program and the Planning and Building Divisions may utilize the hazard information when reviewing a site plan or other type of development applications. The City will also incorporate this MJHMP into the Safety Element of their General Plan, as recommended by Assembly Bill (AB) 2140.

As noted in Section 6 of the Base Plan, the LPT representatives from Atwater will report on efforts to integrate the hazard mitigation plan into local plans, programs and policies and will report on these efforts at the annual LPT plan review meeting.

5.2 Monitoring, Evaluation and Updating the Plan
The City will follow the procedures to monitor, review, and update this plan in accordance with Merced County as outlined in Section 6 of the Base Plan. The city will continue to involve the public in mitigation, as described in Section 6.2.1 of the Base Plan. The Police Chief, Public Works/Community Development Director and Battalion Chief will be responsible for representing the City in the County LPT, and for coordination with City staff and departments during plan updates. The City realizes it is important to review the plan regularly and update it every five years in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act Requirements as well as other State of California requirements.

2021 Merced County Hazard Mitigation Plan
Annex B: City of Dos Palos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 1 1 CITY OF DOS PALOS

1.1 Community Profile

1.1.1 Mitigation Planning History and 2021 Process
This annex was created during the development of the 2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) update. This is the first jurisdictional mitigation annex for the City of Dos Palos.

The City’s Local Planning Team (LPT) hold the responsibility for the development, implementation and maintenance of this annex. Members are listed in Appendix A. More details on the planning process followed and how the jurisdictions and stakeholders participated can be found in Section 3 Planning Process of the Base Plan, along with how the public was involved during the 2021 update.

1.1.2 Geography and Climate
The City of Dos Palos is situated 23 miles south-southwest of the City of Merced, the county seat.

California State Route 33 bisects the City of Dos Palos, as shown in Figure 1-1. According to the United States Census Bureau, Dos Palos has a total area of 1.3 square miles. The climate in the City of Dos Palos cycles through a cool rainy winter season and a dry summer season. Summers are hot and dry, and winters are cool and wet, with most of the year’s rain falling from late October through early April.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 2 Figure 1-1 Dos Palos Planning Area

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 3

1.1.3 History
The area was first named “Dos Palos” during the 1820s by explorer Gabriel Moraga due to the location of two large, isolated poplar trees. This became a boundary marker for the “Rancho Sanjon de Santa Rita” Mexican Land Grant. In 1891 Bernhard Marks, a former school principal, convinced Henry “Cattle King” Miller to develop a small town they named “Dos Palos Colony”. By 1892 forty pioneer families had been brought west but were unable to find a good source of water causing many to leave. Miller, after being convinced by Marks, established a new town two miles away named Colony Center. In 1906 Dos Palos Colony was renamed South Dos Palos and Colony Center was renamed Dos Palos. The City of Dos Palos was incorporated in 1935.

1.1.4 Economy
Estimates of select economic characteristics for the City of Dos Palos are shown in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1 City of Dos Palos Economic Characteristics, 2015-2019 Characteristic City of Dos Palos
Families below Poverty Level (%) 12.6%
All People below Poverty Level (%) 14.7%
Median Family Income $55,932
Median Household Income $56,716
Per Capita Income $21,488
Population in Labor Force 62.2%
Population Employed* 54.9%
Unemployment** 11.7%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/
*Excludes armed forces. **Does not reflect unemployment numbers due to COVID-19 Pandemic The tables below show the labor force breakdown by occupations and industry based on estimates from the 2015-2019 five-year American Community Survey.

Table 1-2 City of Dos Palos Employment by Industry, 2015-2019 Occupation # Employed % Employed
Educational services, and health care and social assistance 389 18.0% Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 335 15.5% Manufacturing 267 12.3%
Retail trade 244 11.3%
Construction 237 10.9%
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 194 9.0%
Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services
102 4.7%
Other services, except public administration 97 4.5%
Public administration 83 3.8%
Information 75 3.5%
Wholesale trade 68 3.1%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 62 2.9% Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services
13 0.6%

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 4 Occupation # Employed % Employed
Total 2,166 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces Table 1-3 City of Dos Palos Employment by Occupation, 2015-2019 Occupation # Employed % Employed
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations 635 29.3% Production, transportation, and material moving occupations 479 22.1% Management, business, science, and arts occupations 399 18.4% Sales and office occupations 360 16.6%
Service occupations 293 13.5%
Total 2,166 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces

1.1.5 Population
In May 2020, the State Department of Finance released preliminary population data for the state demographic report, the estimates did not include potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the report the City of Dos Palos has a population of 5,546 persons as of January 1, 2020, and experienced a 0.1% loss previous year, leaving the population statically the same. Select demographic and social characteristics for the City of Dos Palos from the 2015-2019 American Community Survey and the California Department of Finance, are shown in Table 1-4.

Table 1-4 City of Dos Palos Demographic and Social Characteristics, 2015-2019 Characteristic City of Dos Palos
Gender/Age
Male 49.3%
Female 50.7%
Median age (years) 30
Under 5 years 10.2%
Under 18 years 30.2%
65 years and over 12.9%
Race/Ethnicity
White 19.9%
Asian 0.6%
Black or African American 1.6%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 72.4%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0.0%
Some other race 0.0%
Two or more races 5.5%
Education*
% High school graduate or higher 67.7%
% with Bachelor’s Degree or Higher 11.3%
Social Vulnerability
% with Disability 8.9%

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 5 Characteristic City of Dos Palos
% Language other than English spoken at
home 50.4%
% Speak English less than "Very Well" 26%
% of households with a computer with internet
use

82.5%
% of households with no vehicle available 1.8%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/
* Population 25 years and over
The following table with information from the American Community Survey 5-year estimates (2015-2019) is related to housing occupancy in the City of Dos Palos Table 1-5 City of Dos Palos Housing Occupancy and Units, 2015-2019 Housing Characteristic Estimate Percentage
Housing Occupancy
Total Housing Units 1,545 100%
Units Occupied 1,516 98.1%
Vacant 29 1.9%
Housing Units
1-unit detached 1,447 93.7%
1-unit attached 13 0.8%
2 units 12 0.8%
3 or 4 units 43 2.8%
5-9 units 30 1.9%
10-19 units 0 0.0%
20 or more units 0 0.0%
Mobile Home 0 0.0%
Boat, RV, van etc. 0 0%
Housing Tenure
Owner Occupied 959 63.3%
Renter Occupied 557 36.7%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/

1.1.6 Development Trends
The City of Dos Palos experienced a slight decrease in 1-year population estimates from 2019 to 2020.

There was also a decrease (-9%) in the number of housing units developed in the City from 1,700 in 2010 to 1,545 in 2019. The overall risk to hazards has not increased since the 2014 planning process.

The Sphere of Influence (SOI), shown in Figure 1-1, are areas the City plans to grow into and potentially slated for future development. Understanding the potential hazard exposure in the area can help to mitigate the impacts of events before development occurs in those areas. During this plan update process a parcel analysis was conducted using the SOI and overlaid with available hazard risk layers to determine where future development may be at risk of natural hazard events. Table 1-6 is the summary of the SOI total exposure for the City of Dos Palos.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 6 Table 1-6 Sphere of Influence Total Exposure Summary
Property Type Improved
Parcel Count
Building
Count
Improved
Value
Estimated
Content
Value
Total Value
Agricultural 30 35 $2,921,905 $2,921,905 $5,843,810
Commercial 16 22 $918,610 $918,610 $1,837,220
Exempt 22 99 $1,000,971 $1,000,971 $2,001,942
Industrial 5 7 $3,212,705 $4,819,058 $8,031,763
Mixed Use 2 2 $3,360 $1,680 $5,040
Residential 462 515 $45,083,220 $22,541,610 $67,624,830 Vacant Land 8 8 $44,493 $44,493 $88,986
Total 545 688 $53,185,264 $32,248,327 $85,433,591
Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis, City of Dos Palos During the 2021 planning process, the LPT noted receiving approval for a grant that will fund the construction of a new Water Treatment facility to support future development. Once the new facility is completed and operational it will support the development of residential and commercial projects. 2 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND SUMMARY
The City of Dos Palos 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 2-1). There are no hazards that are unique to Dos Palos. 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 Assessment Section.

Table 2-1 City of Dos Palos — Significant Hazards
Hazard Geographic Area
Probability of
Future
Occurrence
Magnitude/
Severity
Overall
Significance
Drought Extensive Likely Critical Medium
Earthquake Extensive Occasional Critical Medium
Wildfire Significant Highly Likely Negligible 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.

Unlikely: Less than 1% chance of occurrence in next 100 years or has a recurrence interval of greater than every 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
Significance
Low: minimal potential impact
Medium: moderate potential impact
High: widespread potential impact

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 7

2.1 Vulnerability Assessment
The intent of this section is to assess Dos Palos’ vulnerability that is separate from that of the planning area as a whole, which has already been assessed in Section 4 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment in the Base Plan. This vulnerability assessment analyzes the population, property, and other assets at risk to hazards ranked of 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 a combination of County and jurisdiction specific information collected during the 2021 update. A Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Guide and associated worksheets was distributed to each participating municipality to complete during update process in 2021. 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 4-2). However, the hazard summary rankings for each jurisdictional annex may vary due to specific hazard risk and vulnerabilities unique to that jurisdiction. The information in this annex helps 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 Dos Palos’ Planning Team member input from the Data Collection Guide and the risk assessment developed during the planning process (see Section 4 of the Base Plan), which included a more detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis with best available data.

The hazard summaries in Table 2-1 above reflect the hazards that could potentially affect City. The discussion of vulnerability for each of the following hazards is located in Section 2.3 Estimating Potential Losses. Based on this analysis, the priority hazards (Medium Significance) for mitigation are identified below:
● Drought
● Earthquake
● Wildfire
Drought is not addressed in this vulnerability assessment as the exposure is similar to the overall County exposure, and the potential for losses are difficult to quantify specific to the City of Dos Palos.

Other Hazards
Hazards assigned a significance rating of Low, and which do not differ significantly from the County ranking (e.g., Low vs. High) are not addressed further in this plan and are not assessed individually for specific vulnerabilities in this section. In the City of Dos Palos, those hazards include: dam incidents, drought, flood, severe weather (extreme heat, dense fog, heavy rain, high wind/tornado), subsidence, hazardous materials incidents, cyber attacks, agricultural pests and disease, and pandemics. The City does not have any special flood hazard areas (1% annual chance flood risk zones) mapped by the NFIP. While some areas of the City have drainage issues due to flat terrain and high groundwater tables, flood is considered a low significance hazard.

Additionally, the City’s committee members decided to rate landslides as Not Applicable (N/A) to the planning area due to a lack of exposure, vulnerability, and no probability of occurrence.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 8

2.2 Assets at Risk
This section considers Dos Palos’ assets at risk, including values at risk, critical facilities and infrastructure, historic assets, economic assets and growth and development trends.

2.2.1 Values at Risk
The following data on property exposure is derived from the Merced County 2020 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. The most significant limitation is created by Proposition 13. Instead of adjusting property values annually, the values are not adjusted or assessed at fair market value until a property transfer occurs. As a result, overall value information is likely low and does not reflect current market value of properties. It is also 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 and is not included in the values below. Table 2-2 shows the exposure of properties (e.g., the values at risk) broken down by property type for the City Dos Palos.

Table 2-2 City of Dos Palos Property Exposure by Type
Property Type
Parcel
Count
Building
Count
Improved
Value Content Value Total Value
Commercial 104 154 $16,913,918 $16,913,918 $33,827,836
Exempt 39 94 $1,962,673 $1,962,673 $3,925,346
Industrial 9 9 $1,043,139 $1,564,709 $2,607,848
Mixed Use 5 5 $104,170 $104,170 $208,340
Residential 1,611 1,733 $182,105,228 $91,052,614 $273,157,842 Vacant Land 6 6 $40,429 $40,429 $80,858
Total 1,774 2,001 $202,169,557 $111,638,513 $313,808,070 Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis

2.2.2 Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
For the purposes of this plan, a critical facility is defined as one that is essential in providing utility or direction either during the response to an emergency or during the recovery operation. FEMA sorts critical facilities into seven lifeline categories as shown in Figure 4-1 in the Base Plan.

Table 2-3 shows a summary of the critical facilities analysis and Figure 2-2 shows the location of each critical facility within the City.

Table 2-3 City of Dos Palos Critical Facilities, by Lifeline FEMA Lifeline Count
Communications 1
Safety and Security 7
Total 8
Source: HIFLD, City of Dos Palos, Wood analysis

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 9 Figure 2-2 Dos Palos Critical Facilities, by FEMA Lifeline

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 10

2.2.3 Historic, Cultural and Natural Resources
According to the State of California Office of Historic Preservation, there are no historic properties listed on the National or State Historic Register. Refer to Section 4 of the Base Plan for a list of historic properties in Merced County.

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. The San Luis National Wildlife Refuge and Grassland Wildlife Management Area are located west of the City of Dos Palos. The Wildlife Refuge encompasses 26,800 acres of wetlands, riparian forests, natives grasslands and vernal pools. The Grassland Wildlife Management areas supports seasonally flooded marshlands, semi-permanent marshes and native grasslands. Both the Refuge and Wildlife Management Areas are located in flood hazard areas and benefits the surrounding area by absorbing floodwaters and recharging aquifers.

2.3 Estimating Potential Losses

2.3.1 Earthquake
The City of Dos Palos and surrounding areas historical earthquake activity is below California’s state average. No known faults are located in the Dos Palos area. The nearest known fault is the Ortigalita Fault located in the western portion of the City and the only fault line within Merced County. The City of Dos Palos Local Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) also lists the following faults that may impact Dos Palos. ● Central Valley Coast Range Bling Thrust Fault – Located parallel to Interstate 5. Considered active, but not completely mappable at the surface. Responsible for the 1983 Coalinga Earthquake. Maximum magnitude measured was 6.8 Mw.
● Calaveras Fault – Active fault located near Hollister and 16 miles west of Pacheco Pass. Maximum magnitude measured was 6.2 Mw.
● Greenville Fault – Active fault located 30 miles northwest of Pacheco Pass and crosses near Livermore.

Maximum magnitude measured was 6.9 Mw.
● San Andreas Fault – Largest and most active fault in the State. Located 24 miles west of Pacheco Pass.

Earthquake will be long duration but distant ground motion for the City of Dos Palos. Maximum magnitude measured was 7.9 Mw.

There is no record of any seismic activity originating within the city; however, the County of Merced has been shaken by earthquakes originating elsewhere. There is documented evidence of six earthquakes that shook the area, those of 1872, 1906, 1952, 1966, 1984, and 1989. The LPT added a 3.4 magnitude earthquake occurred on March 31, 2016, with the epicenter 21 miles south-southwest of Los Banos. This was not considered a significant earthquake.

No damaging earthquakes greater than M 6.0 have been recorded in the City of Dos Palos or Merced County in over 200 years, though several have been very close. The most recent large earthquake near Merced County was 16 miles east north-east of King City at a magnitude of 5.3 on October 20, 2012.

Several aftershocks followed the main earthquake, including a M3.1 aftershock. This quake was preceded by two earthquakes located approximately 100 miles from Merced County, the 1982 New Idria earthquake (M5.4) and the 1983 Coalinga quake (M6.5). There was low-level ground shaking reported.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 11 Based on the earthquake shaking potential mapped for Merced County and the City of Dos Palos, due to the proximity to the San Andreas Fault, and the history of shaking with no surface rupture, means the probability of damaging seismic ground shaking in the City of Dos Palos is considered as occasional.

Other hazards associated with earthquake activity, such as lateral spreading, surface cracking or differential setting, are considered unlikely to occur, although no studies have been conducted to determine the likelihood of these hazards.

2.3.2 Wildfires
Both urban and wildland fires conditions exist in Merced County and its cities which increases the chances for damage to property, loss of life and/or injury. In most of Merced County, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal FIRE) ranks fuel loading as low. Fuels are mainly crops and grasses. In the southwest corner, there are some brush, pine, and grass fuels, which are ranked as moderate fuel hazards, primarily in the area west of Interstate 5. The LPT noted the agricultural land within and around Dos Palos is vulnerable especially during dry seasons and could cause significant impacts on the local economy if a significant fire was to happen. Figure 2-3 shows the fire threat areas near the city; the majority of the risk is to west of the city within the grassland area. Based on the analysis there are no parcels or critical facilities within the fire threat areas. Figure 2-4 shows the fire responsibility areas in the City of Dos Palos.

Refer to Section 4 of the Base Plan for methodology and results of the countywide analysis.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 12 Figure 2-3 Wildfire Threat Areas in City of Dos Palos

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 13 Figure 2-4 City of Dos Palos Fire Responsibility Areas

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 14 3 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 five sections:
regulatory mitigation capabilities, administrative and technical mitigation capabilities, fiscal mitigation capabilities, mitigation outreach and partnerships, and other mitigation efforts. To develop this capability assessment, the jurisdictional planning representatives reviewed a matrix of common mitigation activities to inventory which of these policies or programs and shared information through the Dos Palos Data Collection Guide. The team then supplemented this inventory by reviewing additional existing policies, regulations, plans, and programs to determine if they contribute to reducing hazard-related losses.

During the plan update process, this inventory was reviewed by the jurisdictional planning representatives and Wood 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 programs as potential new mitigation strategies. The City of Dos Palos’ capabilities are summarized below.

3.1 Regulatory Capability
The regulatory and planning capabilities table lists planning and land management tools typically used by local jurisdictions to implement hazard mitigation activities. The table below indicates those that are in place in the City of Dos Palos.

Table 3-1 City of Dos Palos —Regulatory and Planning Capabilities Regulatory Tool
(ordinances, codes, plans) Yes/No Comments
General Plan Yes Adopted May 20, 1990
Zoning ordinance Yes
Subdivision ordinance Yes
Growth management ordinance Yes
Floodplain ordinance Yes
Other special purpose ordinance
(stormwater, steep slope, wildfire) No
Building code Yes
Fire department ISO rating Yes
Erosion or sediment control program No
Stormwater management program Yes
Site plan review requirements Yes
Capital improvements plan Yes
Economic development plan Yes
Local emergency operations plan Yes
Other special plans No
Flood insurance study or other
engineering study for streams Yes
Elevation certificates (for floodplain
development) No
Other

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 15 City of Dos Palos General Plan – The City of Dos Palos’ most recent General Plan was adopted May 20, 1991. This General Plan defines the City’s goals, objectives and policies that guide the physical growth, use and development of land under the jurisdictional authority of the City.

The goal of the Safety Element is to protect Dos Palos residents from unreasonable risk and reduce the impacts of natural hazards to the community (Dos Palos 1991). This element focuses on establishing policies and programs to protect the community from risks associated with seismic activity, subsidence, flooding, and fire and hazardous materials incidents. The Safety Element also identifies evacuation routes and peak load water supply requirements.

The City of Dos Palos Safety Element does not reference incorporation of the 2014 MJHMP. However, the City did not participate in the 2014 MJHMP; this is the first jurisdictional mitigation annex for the City of Dos Palos.

City of Dos Palos Emergency Plan, 2003 – The Emergency Plan addresses the planned response to emergency situations associated with natural disasters, technological incidents, human caused events and national security emergencies in or affecting the City of Dos Palos. The plan establishes the emergency management organization required to mitigate any significant emergency or disaster affecting the City; identifies the policies, responsibilities, and procedures required to protect the health and safety of communities, public and private property, and the environmental effects of natural, human caused and technological emergencies and disasters; and establishes the operational concepts and policies for disaster response and recovery.

National Flood Insurance Coverage, Claims Paid, and Repetitive Losses The City of Dos Palos joined the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on May 25, 1978. The City does not have any special flood hazard areas (1% annual chance flood risk zones) mapped by the NFIP. NFIP Insurance data indicates that as of July 2021, there were 3 flood insurance policies in force in the City with $553,000 of coverage. All of the policies are single family residential and located in the B, C, and X zone.

There has been 1 historical claim for flood losses totaling $1,740. According to the FEMA Community Information System accessed July 27, 2021, the City has no Repetitive Loss properties or Severe Repetitive Loss properties as defined by FEMA.

3.2 Administrative and Technical Capability
The table below identifies city personnel with responsibilities for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in the City of Dos Palos. Many positions are full time and/or filled by the same person. A summary of technical resources follows.

Table 3-2 City of Dos Palos —Personnel Capabilities
Personnel Resources Yes/No Department/Position Comments Planner/engineer with knowledge of land
development/land management
practices
Yes City Engineer
Engineer/professional trained in
construction practices related to
buildings and/or infrastructure
Yes City Engineer
Planner/engineer/scientist with an
understanding of natural hazards Yes City Engineer
Personnel skilled in GIS Yes GIS Coordinator

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 16 Personnel Resources Yes/No Department/Position Comments Full time building official No City has a part time building official on staff
Floodplain manager Yes
Emergency manager No
Grant writer Yes Department Heads
Other personnel
GIS Data Resources
(Hazard areas, critical facilities, land use,
building footprints, etc.)
Yes
Warning Systems/Services
(Reverse 9-11, cable override, outdoor
warning signals)
Yes
Everbridge. Merced
County Emergency Alert
System
Other

3.3 Fiscal Capability
The following table identifies financial tools or resources that the City could potentially use to help fund mitigation activities. There are currently no specific funding sources for hazard mitigation.

Table 3-3 City of Dos Palos —Available Financial Tools and Resources Financial Resources
Accessible/
Eligible to Use
Has This Been Used for
Mitigation in the Past? Comments
Community Development
Block Grants
Yes No
Capital improvements project
funding
Yes No Council approval needed to
establish CIP
Authority to levy taxes for
specific purposes
Yes No Council/Public approval needed
Fees for water, sewer, gas, or
electric services, new
development
Yes No
Incur debt through general
obligation bonds
No No
Incur debt through special tax
bonds
Yes No
Incur debt through private
activities
Yes No
Federal Grant Programs
(Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program)
No* No *City will have eligibility to apply
for these funds after the FEMA
approval and local adoption of
this LHMP.

3.4 Outreach and Partnerships
The Merced County Office of Emergency Services provides education and outreach on Disaster Preparedness for all of the jurisdictions within the County. This education program is in coordination and partnerships with county and the cities’ departments with education programs including the Sheriff’s Office, Police Departments, Fire Departments, Agricultural Commissioner, and the Department of Public Health.

The City of Dos Palos has an ongoing water conservation program, first established in 2016 during statewide drought conditions, to mitigate the impacts of future drought events. The program sets specific

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 17 days and times for watering to reduce the frequency of water usage spikes and increase the water available for fire suppression.

3.4.1 Planning Commission
The Planning Commission reviews development proposals for compliance with the General Plan and makes recommendations to the City Council on long range plans and maps for the City and plans for public improvements, plans and development plans for proposed for property within the City, and zoning and rezoning of property within the City. The Commission develops and maintains a long range comprehensive General Plan of the Dos Palos planning area.

3.5 Opportunities for Enhancement
Based on the capabilities assessment, the City of Dos Palos has several existing mechanisms in place that already help to mitigate hazards. There are also opportunities for the city to expand or improve on their policies, programs and fiscal capabilities and further protect the community. Future improvements may include providing training for staff members related to hazards or hazard mitigation grant funding in partnership with the County and Cal OES. Additional training opportunities will help to inform City staff members on how best to integrate hazard information and mitigation projects into their departments.

Continuing to train City staff on mitigation and the hazards that pose a risk to the City of Dos Palos will lead to more informed staff members who can better communicate this information to the public. In addition, the LPT noted increasing communication and partnerships with regional entities in inspecting buildings for the need to retrofit to meeting earthquake standards. 4 MITIGATION STRATEGY

4.1 Goals and Objectives
The City of Dos Palos adopts the hazard mitigation goals and objectives developed by the Planning Team and described in Section 5 Mitigation Strategy of the Basin Plan.

4.2 Continued Compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program The City has been an NFIP participating community since 1978. In addition to the mitigation actions identified herein the City will continue to comply with the NFIP. Floodplain management is under the purview of the Department City Engineer. 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 this development mitigated in accordance with the regulations. This will also include periodic reviews of the floodplain ordinance to ensure that it is clear and up to date and reflects new or revised flood hazard mapping.

4.3 Mitigation Actions
The Planning Team for the City identified and prioritized the following mitigation actions based on risk assessments, goals, and objectives. Background information as well as information on how the action will be implemented and administered, such as ideas for implementation, responsible office, partners, potential funding, estimated cost, and timeline also are described.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 18 Table 4-1 City of Dos Palos Mitigation Action Plan
ID
Goal(s)
and
Lifelines
Hazard(s)
Mitigated
Description/Background/
Benefits
Lead
Agency
and
Partners
Cost
Estimate
and
Potential
Funding
Priority Timeline Status/Implementation
Notes
1 1
Communi
cations
Earthquake,
Wildfire
Radio upgrade for police department.

Replace outdated mobile radios with
dual-band radios that have the capability
to communicate with the Merced County
Sheriff’s Office. If approved, radios could
be purchased immediately. They are vital
for communication during multijurisdiction hazardous events. This could potentially save lives. Currently, there is
no ability to cross-communicate.

Police Dept.

County
Sheriff
$50,000,
Grants Medium 3 -6 Months New in 2021
2 1,2,3
Food,
Water,
Shelter
Drought,
Earthquake,
Wildfire
Construction of new water treatment
plant with resiliency upgrades. Replace
existing water treatment plant, which is
over 50 years old and cannot keep up
with the ever-growing demand for water
in the area. Currently in the process of
receiving grant money from the State for
construction. The new plant will double
the amount of water treated from 2-2.5
million gallons per day to approximately
4 million gallons per day and provide
resiliency to drought. This will also
increase available water for firefighting.

Seismic mitigation measures will be
incorporated into the upgraded
treatment plant to reduce potential for
damage and provide continuity of
services.

Dept. of
Utilities
South Dos
Palos and
Midway
$11
Million
Grant
funding
from the
State of
California
High 2-3 years New in 2021

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex B: City of Dos Palos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 19 5 IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINTENANCE
Moving forward, the city will use the mitigation action table in the previous section to track progress on implementation of each project. Implementation of the plan overall is discussed in Section 6 in the Base Plan.

5.1 Incorporation into Existing Planning Mechanisms
The information contained within this plan, including results from the Vulnerability Assessment, and the Mitigation Strategy will be used by the City to help inform updates and the development of local plans, programs and policies. The City will incorporate this MJHMP into the Safety Element of their General Plan, as recommended by Assembly Bill (AB) 2140.

As noted in Section 6 of the Base Plan, the LPT representatives from Dos Palos will report on efforts to integrate the hazard mitigation plan into local plans, programs and policies and will report on these efforts at the annual LPT plan review meeting.

5.2 Monitoring, Evaluation and Updating the Plan
The City will follow the procedures to monitor, review, and update this plan in accordance with Merced County as outlined in Section 6 of the Base Plan. The City will continue to involve the public in mitigation, as described in Section 6.2.1 of the Base Plan. The Police Chief or his/her designee will be responsible for representing the city in the County HMPT, and for coordination with City staff and departments during plan updates. The City realizes it is important to review the plan regularly and update it every five years in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act Requirements as well as other State of California requirements.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 1 1 CITY OF GUSTINE

1.1 Community Profile

1.1.1 Mitigation Planning History and 2021 Process
This annex was created during the development of the 2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) update. This is the first Jurisdictional Mitigation Annex for the City of Gustine.

The City’s Local Planning Team (LPT) held the responsibility for implementation and maintenance of the plan. Members are listed in Appendix A. More details on the planning process follow and how the jurisdictions, service districts and stakeholders participated can be found in Section 3 Planning Process of the Base Plan, along with how the public was involved during the 2021 update.

1.1.2 Geography and Climate
The City of Gustine is situated 29 miles west of the City of Merced, the county seat, and borders Stanislaus County. The city is located at the intersection of State Route 33 and State Route 140 and near the intersection of Interstate 5 and State Route 140. According to the United States Census Bureau, Gustine has a total area of 1.6 square miles. The city is a continuously evolving community immersed in tradition with a history of food, farming and manufacturing in California.

The climate in the City of Gustine cycles through a cool rainy winter season and a dry summer season.

Summers are hot and dry, and winters are cool and wet, with most of the year’s rain falling from late October through early April.

1.1.3 History
The City of Gustine was established in the 1900s as a Southern Pacific Railroad station. The first post office was opened in 1907 and the city was incorporated in 1915. In 1970 Gustine became the first city in California to set up a 9-1-1 system.

1.1.4 Economy
Estimates of select economic characteristics for the City of Gustine are shown in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1 City of Gustine Economic Characteristics, 2015-2019 Characteristic City of Gustine
Families below Poverty Level (%) 8.5%
All People below Poverty Level (%) 12.7%
Median Family Income $62,521
Median Household Income $53,667
Per Capita Income $30,742
Population in Labor Force 2,718
Population Employed* 50.2%
Unemployment Rate** 11.6%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/
*Excludes armed forces. **Does not reflect unemployment numbers due to COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 2 The tables below show the labor force breakdown by occupations and industry based on estimates from the 2015-2019 five-year American Community Survey.

Table 1-2 City of Gustine Employment by Industry, 2015-2019 Industry # Employed % Employed
Educational services, and health care and social assistance 432 18.0% Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 410 17.1% Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services
323 13.4%
Retail trade 292 12.1%
Manufacturing 214 8.9%
Construction 185 7.7%
Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services
128 5.3%
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 121 5.0%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 102 4.2% Public administration 76 3.2%
Other services, except public administration 74 3.1%
Wholesale trade 47 2.0%
Total 2,404 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ Table 1-3 City of Gustine Employment by Occupation, 2015-2019 Occupation # Employed % Employed
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations 606 25.2% Service occupations 537 22.3%
Management, business, science, and arts occupations 527 21.9% Production, transportation, and material moving occupations 392 16.3% Sales and office occupations 342 14.2%
Total 2,404 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/

1.1.5 Population
In May 2020, the State Department of Finance released preliminary population data for the state demographic report, the estimates did not include potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the report the City of Gustine has a population of 5,875 persons as of January 1, 2020, and experience a

0.1% gain previous year, leaving the population statically the same. Select demographic and social characteristics for the City of Gustine from the 2015-2019 American Community Survey and the California Department of Finance, are shown in Table 1-4.

Table 1-4 City of Gustine Demographic and Social Characteristics, 2015-2019 Characteristic City of Gustine
Gender/Age
Male 49.7%
Female 50.3%
Median age (years) 40.4

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 3 Characteristic City of Gustine
Under 5 years 3.4%
Under 18 years 19.9%
65 years and over 14.4%
Race/Ethnicity
White 44.8%
Asian 0.2%
Black or African American 0.0%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0.6%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 54.1%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0.0%
Some other race 0.0%
Two or more races 0.3%
Education*
% High school graduate or higher 76.7%
% with Bachelor’s Degree or Higher 12.5%
Social Vulnerability
% with Disability 17.8%
% Language other than English spoken at
home 41.6%
% Speak English less than "Very Well" 24.8%
% of households with a computer with
internet use 76.9%
% of households with no vehicle available 8.6%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/
* Population 25 years and over
The following table with information from the American Community Survey 5-year estimates (2015-2019) is related to housing occupancy in the City of Gustine.

Table 1-5 City of Gustine Housing Occupancy and Units, 2015-2019 Housing Characteristic Estimate Percentage
Housing Occupancy
Total Housing Units 2,249 100%
Units Occupied 2,054 91.3%
Vacant 195 8.7%
Housing Units
1-unit detached 1,831 81.4%
1-unit attached 0 0.0%
2 units 75 3.3%
3 or 4 units 22 1.0%
5-9 units 89 4.0%
10-19 units 46 2.0%
20 or more units 19 0.8%
Mobile Home 167 7.4%
Boat, RV, van etc. 0 0%

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 4 Housing Characteristic Estimate Percentage
Housing Tenure
Owner Occupied 1,261 61.4%
Renter Occupied 793 38.6%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/

1.1.6 Development Trends
During the 2021 planning process the Planning Team noted that since the 2014 LHMP the City has annexed land for future development. The LPT noted the following annexation:
● 153 acres for residential development
● 40 acres west of the city for residential development (estimated 200 homes) ● 50 acres east of city for residential development
Between 2010 and 2019 the City experienced an 8% increase of total housing units. Increases in population also increases exposure to severe weather-related hazards and pandemics/epidemics, as well as earthquakes. This growth also puts more demands on water resources and can increase vulnerability to drought.

The Sphere of Influence (SOI) shown in Figure 2-1 are areas each City plans to grow into and potentially slated for future development. Understanding the potential hazard exposure in the area can help to mitigate the impacts of events before development occurs in those areas. During this plan update process parcel analysis was conducted using the SOI and overlaid with available hazard risk layers to determine where future development may be at risk of natural hazard events. Table 1-6 is the summary of the SOI total exposure for the City of Gustine.

Table 1-6 Sphere of Influence Total Exposure Summary
Property Type Improved
Parcel Count
Building
Count
Improved
Value
Estimated
Content
Value
Total Value
Agricultural 71 98 $12,899,778 $12,899,778 $25,799,556
Commercial 3 3 $1,695,408 $1,695,408 $3,390,816
Exempt 3 3 $0 $0 $0
Residential 20 22 $2,410,194 $1,205,097 $3,615,291
Total 97 126 $17,005,380 $15,800,283 $32,805,663
Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 5 2 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND SUMMARY
The City of Gustine Planning Team 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 2-1). There are no hazards that are unique to Gustine. 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 Assessment Section.

Table 2-1 City of Gustine —Hazard Profiles
Hazard Geographic Area
Probability of
Future
Occurrence
Magnitude/
Severity
Overall
Significance
Drought Extensive Likely Limited Medium
Earthquake Significant Likely Catastrophic Medium
Flood and Levee Failure Significant Occasional Critical 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.

Unlikely: Less than 1% chance of occurrence in next 100 years or has a recurrence interval of greater than every 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
Significance
Low: minimal potential impact
Medium: moderate potential impact
High: widespread potential impact

2.1 Vulnerability Assessment
The intent of this section is to assess Gustine vulnerability that is separate from that of the planning area as a whole, which has already been assessed in Section 4 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment in the Base Plan. This vulnerability assessment analyzes the population, property, and other assets at risk to hazards ranked of 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 a combination of County and jurisdiction specific information collected during the 2021 update. A Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Guide and associated worksheets was distributed to each participating municipality or special district to complete during update process in 2021. 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 4-2). However, the hazard summary rankings for each jurisdictional annex may vary due to specific hazard risk and vulnerabilities unique to that jurisdiction. The information in this annex helps differentiate the jurisdiction’s risk and vulnerabilities from that of the overall County.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 6 Note: The hazard “Significance” reflects overall ranking for each hazard and is based on the City of Gustine’s Planning Team member input from the Data Collection Guide and the risk assessment developed during the planning process (see Section 4 of the Base Plan), which included a more detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis with best available data.

The hazard summaries in Table 2-1 above reflect the hazards that could potentially affect City. The discussion of vulnerability for each of the following hazards is located in Section 2.3 Estimating Potential Losses. Based on this analysis, the priority hazards (Medium Significance) for mitigation are identified below:
● Drought
● Earthquake
● Flood and Levee Failure
●
While dam incidents and wildfire are rated as low, there are areas of risk near the city’s SOI where development is likely to occur in the future. For this reason dam incidents and wildfire hazards are covered in the vulnerability assessment. Drought is not addressed in this vulnerability assessment as the exposure is similar to the overall County exposure, and the potential for losses are difficult to quantify specific to the City of Gustine.

Other Hazards
Hazards assigned a significance rating of Low or do not differ significantly from the county overall risk are not addressed further in this plan and are not assessed individually for specific vulnerabilities in this section. In the City of Gustine, those hazards include: severe weather (extreme heat, dense fog, heavy rain, high wind/tornado) subsidence, hazardous materials incidents, cyber attacks, agricultural pests and disease, and pandemics. As previously noted, dam incidents and wildfire hazards are also addressed.

Additionally, the City’s committee members decided to rate landslides as Not Applicable (N/A) to the planning area due to a lack of exposure, vulnerability, and no probability of occurrence.

Wildfire is profiled in the vulnerability assessment to address wildfire threat in the City’s SOI but was rated a low priority hazard given the City consists of urban areas and because there are few mapped moderate and low wildfire threat zones.

2.2 Assets at Risk
This section considers Gustine’s assets at risk, including values at risk, critical facilities and infrastructure, historic assets, economic assets and growth and development trends.

2.2.1 Values at Risk
The following data on property exposure is derived from the Merced County 2020 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. The most significant limitation is created by Proposition 13. Instead of adjusting property values annually, the values are not adjusted or assessed at fair market value until a property transfer occurs. As a result, overall value information is likely low and does not reflect current market value of properties. It is also 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 and is not included in the values below. Table 2-2 shows the exposure of properties broken down by property type for the City Gustine.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 7 Table 2-2 City of Gustine Property Exposure by Type
Property Type
Parcel
Count
Building
Count
Improved
Value Content Value Total Value
Agricultural 3 3 $249,806 $249,806 $499,612
Commercial 86 212 $13,841,697 $13,841,697 $27,683,394
Exempt 21 22 $1,947,230 $1,947,230 $3,894,460
Industrial 8 8 $21,456,333 $32,184,500 $53,640,833
Mixed Use 3 3 $55,055 $55,055 $110,110
Residential 1,749 1,857 $252,615,603 $126,307,802 $378,923,405 Vacant Land 4 4 $180,379 $180,379 $360,758
Total 1,874 2,109 $290,346,103 $174,766,468 $465,112,571 Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis

2.2.2 Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
For the purposes of this plan, a critical facility is defined as one that is essential in providing utility or direction either during the response to an emergency or during the recovery operation. FEMA groups critical facilities into seven lifeline categories as shown in Figure 4-1 in the Base Plan.

Table 2-4 shows a summary of the critical facilities analysis. In addition to the summary listed in the table below, the LPT also include the following assets:

Table 2-3 City of Gustine Community Assets
Name of Asset Type* Replacement Value
Saputo Dairy Foods EI $25,000,000
Pusateri Nut Company EI $15,000,000
Dollar General EI $10,000,000
Gustine City Hall VF $10,000,000
Gustine Police Dept. EI $10,000,000
Gustine Airport VF $20,000,000
Gustine Fire Dept. EI $20,000,000
Gustine Public Works HM $20,000,000
Gustine Wastewater
Treatment HM/EI $30,000,000
Water Well 1 VF $10,000,000
Water Well 1 VF $10,000,000
Water Well 1 VF $10,000,000
Water Well 1 VF $10,000,000
Water Well 1 VF $10,000,000
Water Well 1 VF $10,000,000
Water Well 1 VF $10,000,000
City Water Lines VF $50,000,000
Water Tank/Tower VF $5,000,000
Sewer Lines VF $50,000,000
Schmidt Park NA $20,000,000
Miller Park NA $10,000,000
CEF Jamero Park NA $10,000,000

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 8 Name of Asset Type* Replacement Value
Burelli Ranch Park NA $10,000,000
Gustine High School VF $25,000,000
Gustine Middle School VF $20,000,000
Gustine Elementary
School VF $20,000,000
Source: Gustine LPT
*EI: Essential Infrastructure; VI: Vulnerable Facilities; HM: Hazardous Materials Facilities; NA: Natural Assets Table 2-4 City of Gustine Critical Facilities, by Lifeline FEMA Lifeline Count
Communications 6
Food, Water, Shelter 2
Hazardous Material 1
Safety and Security 8
Total 20
Source: HIFLD, City of Gustine, Wood analysis

2.2.3 Historic, Cultural and Natural Resources
The following historical resource is listed as a California Point of Interest by the State of California Office of Preservation:
● Merced County Justice Courthouse Building
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. The San Luis National Wildlife Refuge and Grassland Wildlife Management Area are located east of the City of Gustine. The Wildlife Refuge encompasses 26,800 acres of wetlands, riparian forests, natives grasslands and vernal pools. The Grassland Wildlife Management areas supports seasonally flooded marshlands, semi-permanent marshes and native grasslands. Both the Refuge and Wildlife Management Areas are located in flood hazard areas and benefits the surrounding area by absorbing floodwaters and recharging aquifers.

2.3 Estimating Potential Losses

2.3.1 Dam Incidents
Protection from flood hazards created by dam failures is critical to the safety and well- being of Gustine residents. A dam vulnerability assessment was completed during the 2021 update, following the methodology described in Section 4 of the Base Plan. The analysis found the Gustine is outside the inundation areas of the Don Pedro and New Exchequer dams but the Gustine Municipal Airport in the eastern portion of the city is on the edge of the New Exchequer dam inundation area (see Figure 2-1).

Not represented on the inundation map is risk from the San Luis Dam. Best available data was used during the 2021 plan update, but complete inundation data was not available for the San Luis or Los Banos Dams due to the information being considered sensitive and restricted, per communication with

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 9 OES and the dam owners. According to the Emergency Action Plan for this dam a failure could result in flooding in Gustine to a depth range of 2-10 ft in less than 10 hours. For this reason, dam incidents were assessed in this annex, but not considered a low priority hazard for the City.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 10 Figure 2-1 City of Gustine Dam Inundation Areas (excluding San Luis Dam)

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 11

2.3.2 Earthquake
The City of Gustine and surrounding areas historical earthquake activity is below California’s state average.

No known faults are located in the Gustine area. The nearest known fault is the Ortigalita Fault the only fault line within Merced County. According to the City’s General Plan Safety Element, Gustine is unlikely to be the epicenter of an earthquake event but will likely experience shaking from an event. New development in the city is required to comply with current building standards for seismic safety.

There is no record of any seismic activity originating within the city; however, the County of Merced has been shaken by earthquakes originating elsewhere. There is documented evidence of six earthquakes that shook the area, those of 1872, 1906, 1952, 1966, 1984, and 1989.

No damaging earthquakes greater than M 6.0 have been recorded in the City of Gustine or Merced County in over 200 years, though several have been very close. The most recent large earthquake near Merced County was 16 miles east north-east of King City at a magnitude of 5.3 on October 20, 2012.

Several aftershocks followed the main earthquake, including a M3.1 aftershock. This quake was preceded by two earthquakes located approximately 100 miles from Merced County, the 1982 New Idria earthquake (M5.4) and the 1983 Coalinga quake (M6.5). There was low level ground shaking and low local magnitude reported.

Based on the earthquake shaking potential mapped for Merced County and the City of Gustine, due to the proximity to the San Andreas Fault, and the history of shaking with no surface rupture, means the probability of damaging seismic ground shaking in the City of Gustine is considered as occasional. Other hazards associated with earthquake activity, such as lateral spreading, surface cracking or differential setting, are considered unlikely to occur, although no studies have been conducted to determine the likelihood of these hazards.

2.3.3 Flood and Levee Failure
The City of Gustine lies outside the 100-year and 500-year floodplain as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). While not within a floodplain, the eastern portion of the City and the City’s SOI (shown in Figure 2-2), where the Gustine Municipal Airport is located, is on the edge of the 100-year or 1% annual flood chance hazard. Figure 2-3 shows the critical facilities proximity to 1% annual flood chance. As shown, 14 critical facilities were identified as being located in a floodplain.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 12 Figure 2-2 City of Gustine Flood Hazard

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 13 Figure 2-3 Critical Facilities and FEMA Flood Hazards

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 14

2.3.4 Wildfires
Weather components, such as temperature, relative humidity, wind, and lightning, also affect the potential for wildfire. High temperatures and low relative humidity dry out the fuels that feed the wildfire creating a situation where fuel will more readily ignite and burn more intensely. Both urban and wildland fires conditions exist in Merced County and its cities which increases the chances for damage to property, loss of life and/or injury. In most of Merced County, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal FIRE) ranks fuel loading as low.

Figure 2-4 shows the fire threat areas within and near the city. The fire threat areas mainly consistent of low and moderate areas. The Municipal Airport and SOI on the eastern portion of the city limits has the most concentration of moderate threat areas and has a small area of high threat. Based on the analysis there are no parcels or critical facilities within the fire threat areas. Table 2-5 summarizes the values at risk and detail loss estimates within the fire threat areas.

Table 2-5 Properties Exposed to Wildfire Threat Areas
Source: CAL FIRE, Merced County Assessor, Wood GIS analysis Analysis on critical facilities located within fire threat areas was also completed. The results are summarized in Table 2-6.

Table 2-6 Critical Facilities Exposed to Wildfire Threat Areas FEMA Lifeline Count
Moderate Wildfire Threat
Safety and Security 1
Low Wildfire Threat
Safety and Security 1
Transportation 1
Total 3
Source: Merced County, HIFLD, CAL FIRE, FRAP, Wood GIS Analysis Property
Type
Improved
Parcel
Count
Building
Count
Moderate
Building
Count
Low
Total
Building
Count
Improved
Value
Estimated
Content
Value
Total Value Population
Agricultural 1 0 1 1 $92,402 $92,402 $184,804
Commercial 1 0 8 8 $1,612,681 $1,612,681 $3,225,362
Exempt 4 3 1 4 $0 $0 $0
Residential 141 54 87 141 $24,399,015 $12,199,508 $36,598,523 399 Total 147 57 97 154 $26,104,098 $13,904,591 $40,008,689 399

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 15 Figure 2-1 Wildfire Threat Areas in City of Gustine

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 16 Figure 2-5 shows the fire responsibility areas in the City of Gustine and Table 2-7 summarizes the results from the GIS analysis. No critical facilities were identified as being located within the local responsibility fire hazard area. Refer to Section 4 of the Base Plan for methodology and results of the countywide analysis.

Table 2-7 City of Gustine Properties within Fire Responsibility Areas Property
Type
Improved
Parcel
Count
SRA
Moderate
Building
Count
Total
Building
Count
Improved
Value
Estimated
Content
Value
Total Value Population
Exempt 2 2 2 $0 $0 $0
Residential 15 15 15 $3,806,609 $1,903,305 $5,709,914 42 Total 17 17 17 $3,806,609 $1,903,305 $5,709,914 42
Source: CAL FIRE, Merced County Assessor, Wood GIS analysis

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 17 Figure 2-2 City of Gustine Fire Responsibility Areas

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 18 Future Development
The results of the SOI and wildfire analysis is shown in Table 2-8 and Table 2-9.

Table 2-8 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed Within Fire Severity Areas Property
Type
Improved
Parcel Count
Building
Count
Improved
Value
Estimated
Content
Value
Total
Value Population
SRA Moderate
Commercial 1 1 $74,452 $74,452 $148,904
Residential 1 2 $142,860 $71,430 $214,290 7
Total 2 3 $217,312 $145,882 $363,194 7
Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis
Table 2-9 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed Within Fire Threat Areas Property
Type
Improved
Parcel
Count
Building
Count
Moderate
Building
Count
Low
Total
Building
Count
Improved
Value
Estimated
Content
Value
Total Value Population
Agricultural 23 3 27 30 $4,591,318 $4,591,318 $9,182,636 Commercial 2 1 1 2 $1,672,979 $1,672,979 $3,345,958
Exempt 2 0 2 2 $0 $0 $0
Residential 8 1 9 10 $1,263,255 $631,628 $1,894,883 33
Total 35 5 39 44 $7,527,552 $6,895,925 $14,423,477 33
Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 19 3 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 five sections:
regulatory mitigation capabilities, administrative and technical mitigation capabilities, fiscal mitigation capabilities, mitigation outreach and partnerships, and other mitigation efforts. To develop this capability assessment, the jurisdictional planning representatives reviewed a matrix of common mitigation activities to inventory which of these policies or programs and shared any updates or changes through the Gustine Data Collection Guide. The team then supplemented this inventory by reviewing additional existing policies, regulations, plans, and programs to determine if they contribute to reducing hazard-related losses.

During the plan update process, this inventory was reviewed by the jurisdictional planning representatives and Wood 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 programs as potential new mitigation strategies. The City of Gustine’s capabilities are summarized below.

3.1 Regulatory Capability
The regulatory and planning capabilities table lists planning and land management tools typically used by local jurisdictions to implement hazard mitigation activities. The table below indicates those that are in place in the City of Gustine.

Table 3-1 City of Gustine —Regulatory and Planning Capabilities Regulatory Tool
(ordinances, codes, plans) Yes/No Comments
General Plan Yes
Zoning ordinance Yes
Subdivision ordinance Yes
Growth management ordinance No
Floodplain ordinance No
Other special purpose ordinance
(stormwater, steep slope, wildfire) No
Building code Yes
Fire department ISO rating Yes
Erosion or sediment control program No
Stormwater management program Yes
Site plan review requirements Yes
Capital improvements plan Yes
Economic development plan Yes
Local emergency operations plan Yes
Other special plans No
Flood insurance study or other
engineering study for streams No
Elevation certificates (for floodplain
development) No
Other

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 20 City of Gustine General Plan, 2002 – The General Plan defines the City’s goals, objectives and policies that guide the physical growth, use and development of land under the jurisdictional authority of the City.

The purpose of the Safety Element (Section 9) is to reduce or eliminate long term risk to people and property from natural or human caused hazards. This element focuses on establishing policies and programs to protect the community from risks associated with seismic and geologic, dam failure, canals and drainage ponds, flooding, hazardous materials, aquatic insects, and urban and wildland fire hazards.

The City of Gustine General Plan Safety Element does not reference incorporation of the 2014 MJHMP, as this is the first Mitigation Annex for the City.

National Flood Insurance Program – The City of Gustine is not a participant in the NFIP and has been sanctioned since December 2, 2009. This means that residents are not able to obtain flood insurance from the NFIP. The City has minimal flood risk and the effective FEMA flood hazard mapping does not show any Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or 1% annual chance flooding within city limits, except for a small area near the airport. This has been the reason for not joining the NFIP, but as part of this plan update the City will revisit the cost and benefit of joining, including working with CA DWR and FEMA to understand the implications of the sanction designation.

3.2 Administrative and Technical Capability
The table below identifies city personnel with responsibilities for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in the City of Gustine. Many positions are full time and/or filled by the same person. A summary of technical resources follows.

Table 3-2 City of Gustine —Personnel Capabilities
Personnel Resources Yes/No Department/Position Comments Planner/engineer with knowledge of land
development/land management
practices
Yes Contract Planner
Engineer/professional trained in
construction practices related to
buildings and/or infrastructure
Yes Contract Engineer
Planner/engineer/scientist with an
understanding of natural hazards Yes Contract Planner/Engineer Personnel skilled in GIS Yes Contract Planner/Engineer
Full time building official No
Floodplain manager Yes Public Works Director
Emergency manager Yes Chief of Police
Grant writer Yes Contract
Other personnel
GIS Data Resources
(Hazard areas, critical facilities, land use,
building footprints, etc.)
Yes Contract Planner
Warning Systems/Services
(Reverse 9-11, cable override, outdoor
warning signals)
Yes
Contract Dispatch with
Livingston Police
Department
Code Red
Other

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 21

3.3 Fiscal Capability
The following table identifies financial tools or resources that the City could potentially use to help fund mitigation activities. There are currently no specific funding sources for hazard mitigation.

Table 3-3 City of Gustine —Available Financial Tools and Resources Financial Resources Accessible/
Eligible to Use
Has This Been Used for
Mitigation in the Past? Comments
Community Development
Block Grants Yes No
Capital improvements project
funding Yes No
Authority to levy taxes for
specific purposes Yes No
Fees for water, sewer, gas, or
electric services, new
development
Yes No
Incur debt through general
obligation bonds Yes No
Incur debt through special tax
bonds Yes No
Incur debt through private
activities No No
Federal Grant Programs (e.g.

Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program)
Yes Yes
The City has used funding to
install pumps at the airport to
mitigate flooding hazards.

3.4 Outreach and Partnerships
The Merced County Office of Emergency Services provides education and outreach on Disaster Preparedness for all of the jurisdictions within the County. This education program is in coordination and partnerships with county and the cities’ departments with education programs including the Sheriff’s Office, Police Departments, Fire Departments, Agricultural Commissioner, and the Department of Public Health
The Gustine Planning Team notes the following ongoing outreach efforts in the city:
● Outreach specific to responsible water use
● School Resource office conducts earthquake and fire safety seminars ● City flyers on disaster preparedness

3.4.1 Planning Commission
The Planning Commission reviews development proposals for compliance with the General Plan and makes recommendations to the City Council on long range plans and maps for the City and plans for public improvements, plans and development plans for proposed for property within the City, and zoning and rezoning of property within the City. The Commission develops and maintains a long range comprehensive General Plan of the Gustine planning area.

3.5 Opportunities for Enhancement
Based on the capabilities assessment, the City of Gustine has several existing mechanisms in place that already help to mitigate hazards. There are also opportunities for the city to expand or improve on their

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 22 policies, programs and fiscal capabilities and further protect the community. Future improvements may include providing training for staff members related to hazards or hazard mitigation grant funding in partnership with the County and Cal OES. Additional training opportunities will help to inform City staff members on how best to integrate hazard information and mitigation projects into their departments.

Continuing to train City staff on mitigation and the hazards that pose a risk to the City of Gustine will lead to more informed staff members who can better communicate this information to the public.

In addition, the LPT noted City staff will review current equipment inventory to determine best practices in equipment needed to mitigate hazards. After inventory, City staff will recommend the purchase of equipment needed.
4 MITIGATION STRATEGY

4.1 Goals and Objectives
The City of Gustine adopts the hazard mitigation goals and objectives developed by the Planning Team and described in Section 5 Mitigation Strategy of the Basin Plan.

4.2 Mitigation Actions
The Planning Team for the City identified and prioritized the following mitigation actions based on risk assessments, goals, and objectives. Background information as well as information on how the action will be implemented and administered, such as ideas for implementation, responsible office, partners, potential funding, estimated cost, and timeline also are described.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 23 Table 4-1 City of Gustine Mitigation Action Plan
ID
Goal(s)
and
Lifelines
Hazard(s)
Mitigated
Description/Background/
Benefits
Lead Agency
and Partners
Cost
Estimate and
Potential
Funding
Priority Timeline Status/Implementation
Notes
1 1,2,3
Safety
and
Security
Flood and
Levee
Failure
Develop and enhance storm-water
drainage improvements to reduce
frequent flooding. Projects may
involve upgrade gutter and
drainage systems, basins, trunk
lines, auxiliary pipes and
interconnections. For example,
connect a drain pipe loop around
the city and install street drainage
gutters in the downtown area
Public Works,
Development
Services
$100,000-
$1,500,000
Grants,
General Fund
High 36-48
Months New in 2021
2 2,3
Safety
and
Security
Earthquake
Perform building specific seismic
vulnerability assessment of Cityowned critical facilities (building and infrastructure such as water
towers and airplane hangars)
constructed prior to 1980 and take
action to upgrade or retrofit as
needed.

Public Works,
Development
Services
$500,000-
$1,500,000
Grants,
General Fund
Medium 36-48
Months New in 2021
3 2,3,4
Food,
Water,
Shelter
Drought
Investigate Drought Monitoring,
Risk, and Management Options.

Develop and implement a water
conservation plan that seeks to
reduce the nonessential use of
water to conserve county water
supplies. The conservation plan
would establish mandatory water
restrictions within Merced County
to discourage waste. Lastly,
incorporate treatment of recycled
water for potable consumption.

To reduce the likelihood of
drought impacts occurring again
in the future, develop drought
Public Works
County and
all
jurisdictions
$500,000-
$100,000,000
Grants,
General Fund
High 48-60
Months New in 2021

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 24 ID
Goal(s)
and
Lifelines
Hazard(s)
Mitigated
Description/Background/
Benefits
Lead Agency
and Partners
Cost
Estimate and
Potential
Funding
Priority Timeline Status/Implementation
Notes
plans that outline proactive
strategies that can be
implemented before, during, and
after drought to increase societal
and environmental resiliency and
enhance drought response and
recovery capabilities.
4 2,3,4
Food,
Water,
Shelter
Flood and
Levee
Failure
Explore cost/benefit of joining the
NFIP and gain an understanding
of the sanction designation
through further discussions with
Ca DWR and FEMA.

Public Works,
Development
Services
Staff time Low 2022 New in 2021

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex C: City of Gustine
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan | 2021-2026 Update Page 25 5 IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINTENANCE
Moving forward, the city will use the mitigation action table in the previous section to track progress on implementation of each project. Implementation of the plan overall is discussed in Section 6 in the Base Plan.

5.1 Incorporation into Existing Planning Mechanisms
The information contained within this plan, including results from the Vulnerability Assessment, and the Mitigation Strategy will be used by the City to help inform updates and the development of local plans, programs and policies. The City will incorporate this MJHMP into the Safety Element of their General Plan, as recommended by Assembly Bill (AB) 2140.

As noted in Section 6 of the Base Plan, the LPT representatives from Gustine will report on efforts to integrate the hazard mitigation plan into local plans, programs and policies and will report on these efforts at the annual LPT plan review meeting.

5.2 Monitoring, Evaluation and Updating the Plan
The City will follow the procedures to monitor, review, and update this plan in accordance with Merced County as outlined in Section 6 of the Base Plan. The City will continue to involve the public in mitigation, as described in Section 6.2.1 of the Base Plan. The City Manager will be responsible for representing the city in the County LPT, and for coordination with City staff and departments during plan updates. The City realizes it is important to review the plan regularly and update it every five years in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act Requirements as well as other State of California requirements.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 1 1 CITY OF LIVINGSTON

1.1 Community Profile

1.1.1 Mitigation Planning History and 2021 Process
This annex was updated during the development of the 2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) update. This Jurisdictional Annex builds upon the previous version of Livingston Annex as part of the 2014 Merced County MJHMP. A review of jurisdictional priorities found no significant changes in priorities since the last update.

The City’s Local Planning Team (LPT) held the responsibility for implementation and maintenance of the plan. Members are listed in Appendix A. More details on the planning process followed and how the jurisdictions, service districts and stakeholders participated can be found in Section 3 Planning Process of the Base Plan, along with how the public was involved during the 2021 update.

1.1.2 Geography and Climate
The City of Livingston in Merced County is situated approximately 14 miles northwest of the City of Merced, the county seat. Livingston is one of the smaller cities in the County of Merced and is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, 70 miles northwest of Fresno. Livingston is located in the center of California, about two hours from the cities of San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento and Yosemite National Park. Monterey and San Jose are accessible in one and a half hours and within one hour of San Joaquin’s Valley’s major cities of Stockton and Fresno. The City is located in the western portion of the County with Highway 99 running through the city limits. According to the United States Census Bureau, Livingston is a total area of 3.7 square miles and has an elevation of 131 feet above sea level. Much of this area is farmland that has been annexed either pre-emptively, or in anticipation of future growth. The actual City of Livingston is much smaller.

The climate in the City of Livingston cycles through a cool rainy winter season and a dry summer season as does much of Merced County. Livingston lies in the fertile San Joaquin Valley. Like the rest of the valley, it has long, dry summers and depends on irrigation water. The winters are mild, alternating between fog, rain, and sun, with occasional frost. This makes for long growing seasons, with a low risk of mold, storms, drought or other bad weather interfering with crops.

The following climate information is from the Southwest Climate and Environmental Information Collaborative (SCENIC) and the climate data station located in Los Banos, which is the closest station to Livingston. The annual average precipitation for the City of Livingston is 8.8 inches with the most precipitation, on average, occurring in January. The warmest month of the year on average is July, with an average high temperature of 96°F. The highest recorded temperature was 114°F in June 1950. On average, the coolest month of the year is December. The lowest recorded temperature was 14°F in December 1990. On average, there are 95 days per year where the maximum temperature exceeds 90°F and 24 days per year where the minimum temperature falls below 32°F.

1.1.3 City History
The town was originally named after Dr. David Livingstone, a British explorer of Africa who was an international celebrity in the late 1800’s. The first acknowledged settler of Livingston in 1862 was David

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 2 Baldwin Chedester, a wagon master of a wagon train from Iowa. He supplied food and produce to the railroad gangs building the railroad. Edward Olds, an ex-member of the railway gang, set up a saloon and clothing store on the banks of the Merced River in November 1871. The only other existing building was a grain warehouse built in 1868 by William Little who owned 2,500 acres of land for grain and grazing.

Development into a town site was stimulated by railway gang workers, gold seekers, and farmers. Before there was a town, there was only the railway station of Cressey named after the pioneer family who owned 7,500 acres. The City of Livingston was incorporated on September 11, 1922 under the laws of the State of California.

Although the town’s original streets were laid out when the railroad arrived in the 1870’s, real growth in the town began when irrigation water became available in the early 1900’s. Like its neighbors Turlock, Hilmar, and Atwater, much of the settlement was accomplished through the colony system. Land speculators bought large tracts of land and then subdivided them and sold the subdivisions to farmers on credit. In 1872, the town lost the election as the new county seat to Merced by 200 votes. In 1873, in a petition for a new post office, the final letter "E" was inadvertently deleted, and the town officially became Livingston. Livingston experienced a period of slow growth until land speculators and promoters such as the Hunter Land Company and land hungry families from as far away as Iowa began to admire the area.

By 1909, because water was on the land through the process of irrigation, Livingston was able to achieve a period of steady growth. Livingston was incorporated in 1922 with Charles Daman as its first mayor.

1.1.4 Economy
The top industries in the City are related to manufacturing, educational services and health care and social assistance, and agriculture. Livingston’s economy is intertwined with the economy of Merced County.

Merced County is one of the most productive agricultural areas in the State with over $3 billion worth of agricultural products generated in 2019. Agriculture will continue to be economically important to Livingston as well. The main agricultural products produced in the Livingston area include:
● Chickens and Turkeys - The Foster Farms poultry company headquarters and main processing plant are located in Livingston. The chicken ranches import most of their feed from other parts of the United States. The tallest building in the area is the Foster Farms grain elevator located in Delhi, right outside the Livingston City limits
● Dairy - Merced County is the second largest dairy producer in California, right behind Tulare County.

The Joseph Gallo Dairy, just outside Livingston, has the single largest dairy herd in the United States.

Neighboring towns (especially Hilmar) have many more dairy cattle. According to statistics from the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Merced County had 305 operating dairies in 2006, down from the 327 dairies in 2005 and 335 dairies in 2000. While the number of diaries has gone down, the number of milk cows increased by 4,000 during that 12-month period. Dairy farmers and industry experts say recent increases in feed costs, tightened environmental regulations and growing pressure to sell land for development are among the factors that could be pushing some dairies to close.
● Grapes - Joseph Gallo, Ernest and Julio Gallo, the Arkelian family, and many family farmers grow grapes for wine, the table and raisin-making. Ernest and Julio Gallo have a major grape pressing operation near Livingston.
● Sweet Potatoes - Ninety percent of the sweet potatoes grown west of the Rockies are grown and packed in Livingston, Delhi and Atwater. The sweet potatoes benefit from the sandy soil in the area. ● Other Crops - Other crops grown in the Livingston area include barley, wheat, corn, soybeans, onions, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, melons, peaches and alfalfa. Most of the peach orchards have been replaced by almonds. The alfalfa, soybeans and corn are grown to support the dairies.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 3 Table 1-1 and Table 1-2 show how the City of Livingston’s labor force breaks down by occupation and industry based on estimates from the 2015-2019 5-year American Community Survey.

Table 1-1 City of Livingston Employment by Occupation, 2015-2019 ACS 5-Year Estimates Occupation # Employed % Employed
Management, business, science, and arts occupations 1,205 18.4% Service occupations 982 15.0%
Sales and office occupations 1,413 21.6%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations 1,149 17.5% Production, transportation, and material moving occupations 1,803 27.5% Total 6,552 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces
Table 1-2 City of Livingston Employment by Industry Sector, 2015-2019 ACS 5-Year Estimates Industry # Employed % Employed
Manufacturing 1,369 20.9%
Educational services, and health care and social assistance 1,244 19.0% Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 777 11.9% Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 561 8.6%
Retail trade 559 8.5%
Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services
473 7.2%
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services 470 7.2% Construction 345 5.3%
Wholesale trade 310 4.7%
Other services, except public administration 191 2.9%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 157 2.4% Public administration 96 1.5%
Information 0 0.0%
Total 6,552 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ Estimates of select economic characteristics for the City of Livingston are shown in Table 1-3.

Table 1-3 City of Livingston Economic Characteristics, 2015-2019 ACS 5-Year Estimates Characteristic % Employed
Families below Poverty Level (%) 15.4%
All People below Poverty Level (%) 16.4%
Median Family Income $58,268
Median Household Income $54,886
Per Capita Income $18,238
Population in Labor Force 7,068
Population Employed* 6,552
Unemployment Rate 4.9%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 4

1.1.5 Population
The total estimated City population in 2019 was 14,228 up 35.9% from 10,473 people counted during the previous census in 2010. Select demographic and social characteristics for the City of Livingston are summarized in the tables below based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, 5-Year Estimates, 2015-2019.

Table 1-4 City of Livingston Demographic and Social Characteristics, 2015-2019 ACS 5-Year Estimates
Characteristic
Gender/Age
Male 6,772
Female 7,456
Median age (years) 29.9
Under 5 years 1,132
Under 18 years 4,269
65 years and over 1,519
Race/Ethnicity
White 3,596
Asian 3,033
Black or African American 17
American Indian/Alaska Native 151
Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 10,456
Education
% High school graduate or higher 57.40%
Disability Status
% of Population 5 years and over with a
disability

11.80%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ Table 1-5 Housing Occupancy and Units
Housing Characteristic Estimate Percentage
Housing Occupancy
Total Housing Units 3,699 100%
Units Occupied 3,607 97.5%
Vacant 92 2.5%
Housing Units
1-unit detached 3,078 83.2%
1-unit attached 54 1.5%
2 units 107 2.9%
3 or 4 units 28 0.8%
5-9 units 172 4.6%
10-19 units 31 0.8%
20 or more units 72 1.9%
Mobile Home 157 4.2%
Boat, RV, van etc. 0 0.0%
Housing Tenure
Owner Occupied 1,922 53.3%
Renter Occupied 1,685 46.7%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 5

1.1.6 Development Trends
Livingston has long been recognized for its friendly small-town atmosphere, which is a valued characteristic that is desirable to maintain. In order to maintain a sustainable community, it must find a way to attract a variety of industries, local and region serving commercial development, and provide housing opportunities that will appeal to all demographic categories ranging from university students and faculty to retirees and young families. In order to achieve these objectives, the General Plan focuses on a number of basic themes that are reflected in goals and policies.

Although agriculture will continue to play a major role in the community, Livingston is a community in transition and transformation, driven by new commercial and residential developments. Livingston’s two major interchanges on Highway 99 will be the major economic development drivers in the future. An additional interchange at Sultana Drive has recently been completed and will eventually be in the City.

Over the last several years, additional businesses have located along the freeway.

The goals of the City of Livingston, as stated in the 2025 General Plan, include the following:
● Protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents; ● Ensure development that preserves the community character and is in harmony with the City’s unique small-town environment;
● Deliver high quality, responsive City services in an efficient and effective manner; ● Develop and encourage a culturally diverse community; and, ● Promote an economically diversified commercial and industrial economy to ensure the future financial stability of the City.

Livingston began the process of updating their General Plan in March 2020. The General Plan provides the opportunity for additional residents, commercial retail, commercial services, and public services in areas at build-out. There are plans light industrial, manufacturing, and other services that will increase employment opportunities uses as well.

City of Livingston Goals for Future
● Promote the development of a wholesome and attractive City resulting from orderly development and preservation of its natural beauty.
● Provide a wide array of business outreach, innovation and competitiveness support services and resources to new and expanding businesses to stimulate job and investment growth. ● Provide a clear, clean and open visual image of the community that reflects the highest standards of design for public and private commercial, residential, institutional and industrial development. ● Attract and support globally competitive companies; Livingston will expand employer access to local workforce development resources that develop workers with necessary technical and job-ready skills. ● Establish a Business Education Initiative that brings business, government, and education together to form partnerships to ensure future prosperity for students and young people by creating a full range of unique, results oriented programs to address the needs of business and students. ● Promote buildings and public infrastructure development that are practical, aesthetically pleasing and in harmony with the environment and surrounding landscape. ● Provide an atmosphere in which people can live in good health, move safely about the community (even at night) and feel confident that they and their property are protected from criminal harm, flood and other natural hazards and man-made disasters.

In terms of changes in development since the 2014 planning process, the City of Livingston experienced a 11% increase in total housing units between 2010 and 2019. Of the total housing units 83% are singlefamily homes. This is the greatest increase of total housing units during this time period in Merced

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 6 County. Additionally, according the 2040 General Plan Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook, the majority of new housing development over the last eight years (or since approximately 2010) was constructed between 2017 and 2019. Some of these new residential developments are located north and northeast of the City. Overall, the increases in development and population also increases exposure to severe weather-related hazards and pandemics/epidemics, as well as earthquakes. This growth also puts more demands on water resources and can increase vulnerability to drought. 2 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND SUMMARY
Although the City of Livingston is located in an area where there are few obvious hazards, potential hazards do exist. The main objective of hazard identification is to document potential hazards that must be considered when making decisions on the location, type, and density of development. The official Planning Team for the City of Livingston identified hazards that affect the City and developed hazard profiles based upon the risk assessment, past events, and their potential impacts to the community. 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 Assessment Section for the significant hazards that have unique impacts on Livingston, where applicable.

Table 2-1 City of Livingston —Hazard Profiles
Hazard Geographic Area Probability of
Future
Occurrence
Magnitude/Se
verity
Overall
Significance
Dam Incident Limited Occasional Limited Medium
Drought Extensive Likely Limited Medium
Earthquake Limited Occasional Limited Medium
Flood and Levee Failure Limited Occasional Negligible Medium Severe Weather: Heavy Rain Extensive Highly Likely Critical High 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.

Unlikely: Less than 1% chance of occurrence in
next 100 years or has a recurrence interval of
greater than every 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 Significance
Low: minimal potential impact
Medium: moderate potential impact
High: widespread potential impact
Source: Planning Team

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 7

2.1 Vulnerability Assessment
The intent of this section is to assess Livingston’s vulnerability separate from that of the planning area as a whole, which has already been assessed in the Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment in the Base Plan.

This vulnerability assessment analyzes the population, property, and other assets at risk to hazards ranked of 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 a combination of the previous LHMP for the City and County and jurisdiction specific information collected during the 2021 update. A Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Guide and associated worksheets was distributed to each participating municipality or special district to complete during update process in 2021. 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 due to specific hazard risk and vulnerabilities unique to that jurisdiction. The information in this annex helps 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’s Planning Team member input from the Data Collection Guide and the risk assessment developed during the planning process (see Chapter 4 of the Base Plan), which included a more detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis with best available data.

The hazard summaries in Table 2-1 above reflect the hazards that could potentially affect City. The discussion of vulnerability for each of the following hazards is located in Section 2.3 Estimating Potential Losses. The priority hazards of Medium or High significance for the City of Livingston are identified below.
● Dam Incidents
● Drought
● Earthquake
● Flood and Levee Failure
● Severe Weather: Heavy Rain
Drought and severe weather hazards are not addressed in this vulnerability assessment as the exposure is similar to the overall County exposure, and the potential for losses are difficult to quantify specific to the City of Livingston.

2.1.1 Other Hazards
Hazards assigned a significance rating of Low and those which do not differ significantly from the County ranking (e.g., Low vs. High) are not addressed further in this plan and are not assessed individually for specific vulnerabilities in this section. In the City of Livingston, those hazards include subsidence, hazardous materials incidents, cyber-attacks, agricultural pests and disease, pandemics, and wildfire.

Additionally, the City’s LPT decided to rate landslides as Not Applicable (N/A) to the planning area due to a lack of exposure, vulnerability, and no probability of occurrence.

Wildfire is profiled in the vulnerability assessment to address wildfire threat in the City’s SOI but was rated a low priority hazard given the City consists of urban areas and because there are few mapped moderate and low wildfire threat zones.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 8

2.2 Assets at Risk
This section considers the City of Livingston’s assets at risk, including values at risk, critical facilities and infrastructure, historic assets, economic assets and growth and development trends.

2.2.1 Values at Risk
The following data on property exposure is derived from the Merced County 2020 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. The most significant limitation is created by Proposition 13. Instead of adjusting property values annually, the values are not adjusted or assessed at fair market value until a property transfer occurs. As a result, overall value information is likely low and does not reflect current market value of properties. It is also 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 and is not included in the values below. Table 2-2 shows the exposure of properties (e.g., the values at risk) broken down by property type for the City of Livingston.

Table 2-2 Property Exposure for the City of Livingston by Property Types Property Type Improved
Parcel Count
Building Count Improved
Value
Estimated
Content Value
Total Value
Agricultural 8 9 $713,550 $713,550 $1,427,100
Commercial 82 235 $75,954,862 $75,954,862 $151,909,724
Exempt 48 114 $8,331,817 $8,331,817 $16,663,634
Industrial 19 33 $103,753,191 $155,629,787 $259,382,978 Mixed Use 3 4 $53,004 $53,004 $106,008
Residential 3,177 3,605 $519,238,129 $259,619,065 $778,857,194 Vacant Land 7 7 $142,582 $142,582 $285,164
Total 3,344 4,007 $708,187,135 $500,444,666 $1,208,631,801 Source: Wood GIS analysis, Merced County Assessor’s Office

2.2.2 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. FEMA sorts critical facilities into seven lifeline categories as shown in Figure 4-1 in the Base Plan.

A summary of critical facilities by FEMA Lifeline Category in Livingston is listed in Table 2-7.

Table 2-3 City of Livingston Critical Facilities by FEMA Lifeline Category FEMA Lifeline Number of Facilities
Communications 6
Energy 1
Food, Water, Shelter 3
Hazardous Material 3
Safety and Security 14
Transportation 5
Total 32
Source: HIFLD

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 9 A more detailed list of select critical facilities identified by the planning team from the 2014 Merced County HMP can be found in Table 2-8 below. This table lists the critical facilities and other community assets identified by the Planning Team as important to protect in the event of a disaster. Within the City of Livingston, the following are considered critical facilities:
● Livingston Fire Department Stations.
● Livingston Police Department building.
● Livingston City Hall.
● Water supply lines and wells.
● Wastewater treatment plant, pumping stations, and trunk lines. ● Major electrical transmission lines and substations.
● Major communication lines and microwave transmission facilities.

Critical facilities also include major roadways which may serve as principal evacuation routes.

Table 2-4 City of Livingston Community Assets
Description of Facility Square
Footage
Replacement
Value ($) *
Contents
Value ($) *
Livingston Fire House 3,016 211,257 43,732
Branch Library 3,044 371,275 71,376
Veteran’s Memorial 3,400 220,693 0
City Hall
Livingston Community Center Community Center
Recreation Center
Corp Yard
Public Works
Equipment Barbeque 7,547 3,280
Storage 0 5,658 4,841
City Office Buildings 3 locations 7,750 0 303,452
Parks and Recreation
Source: Livingston Planning Team 2014 Merced County HMP *Note: all dollar values are from the 2014 plan after being adjusted for inflation to 2021 values.

2.2.3 Historic, Cultural, and Natural Resources
There are no locations located in Livingston which are recorded by the National Register of Historic Places, however there could be many locations throughout the City which hold cultural significance for the residents of Livingston. 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.

2.3 Estimating Potential Losses

2.3.1 Dam Incidents
Protection from flood hazards created by dam failures is critical to the safety and wellbeing of Livingston residents. Dam failures can result from a number of natural or man-made causes, such as earthquakes, erosion, improper siting, improper maintenance, rapidly rising flood waters, and structural/design flaws.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 10 The ability to provide warning for potential victims of flooding from dam failure is influenced by the type of dam constructed, the frequency of inspections for structural integrity, the flood wave arrival time, the ability to notify persons downstream and their need to evacuate. Aside from loss of life, damage to property and displacement of people, hydroelectric facilities on dams that fail would suffer damage. This could have an impact on life support systems in communities outside the immediate hazard areas. A failure of one of the dams operated by the Merced Irrigation District (MID) that generate electricity could affect supply to the CAADC site, within which the Castle Medical Center is located. Should more of the City choose MID as its electricity supplier and distributor, those customers would likewise be affected.

Figure 2-1 depicts potential dam failure inundation areas that would affect Livingston. Failure of the Don Pedro or McSwain dams would affect the northwestern portions of the City. Potential failure of the New Exchequer dam would result in complete inundation of the City. Representatives from the Army Corps of Engineers have stated that a dam inundation area map is currently not available for Castle Reservoir. Table 2-5 through Table 2-7 summarize Livingston’s exposure to dam inundation.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 11 Figure 2-1 Livingston Dam Inundation

2021 Merced County Hazard Mitigation Plan
Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 12 Table 2-5 New Exchequer Dam Inundation
Property Type Improved Parcel County Building Count Population Agricultural 8 9
Commercial 79 231
Exempt 48 113
Industrial 19 33
Mixed Use 3 4 16
Residential 3,176 3,604 14,200
Vacant Land 7 7
Total 3,340 4,001 14,216
Source: California DSOS, National Inventory of Dams, Merced County Assessor’s Office Table 2-6 Don Pedro Dam Inundation
Property Type Improved Parcel County Building Count
Agricultural 1 1
Total 1 1
Source: California DSOS, National Inventory of Dams, Merced County Assessor’s Office Table 2-7 McSwain Dam Inundation
Property Type Improved Parcel County Building Count
Agricultural 1 1
Total 1 1
Source: California DSOS, National Inventory of Dams, Merced County Assessor’s Office

2.3.1.1 Future Development
The results of the SOI and dam analysis are shown in Table 2-8 through Table 2-10.

Table 2-8 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed to New Exchequer Inundation Property Type Improved Parcel County Building Count Population Agricultural 17 20
Commercial 2 12
Exempt 1 1
Industrial 3 5
Mixed Use 1 1 3
Residential 35 44 146
Total 59 83 149
Source: California DSOS, National Inventory of Dams, Merced County Assessor’s Office Table 2-9 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed to Don Pedro Inundation Property Type Improved Parcel County Building Count
Agricultural 1 3
Total 1 3
Source: California DSOS, National Inventory of Dams, Merced County Assessor’s Office

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 13 Table 2-10 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed to McSwain Inundation Property Type Improved Parcel County Building Count
Agricultural 1 1
Total 1 1
Source: California DS

2.3.2 Earthquakes
The City of Livingston’s distance to fault zones in the region, including the Ortigalita, Calaveras, San Andreas and Hayward Faults, places it within ‘Maximum Expectable Earthquake Intensity Zone III’ where ‘High Severity, Most Probable Damage’ could result should an earthquake occur in the region. There is no record of any seismic activity originating within the City; however, the City of Livingston has been shaken by earthquakes originating elsewhere. There is documented evidence of six earthquakes that shook the area, those of 1872, 1906, 1952, 1966, 1984, and 1989. Major damage occurred in Livingston in 1906, with minor damage recorded throughout the county from other occurrences.

No damaging earthquakes greater than M6.0 has been recorded in the City of Livingston or Merced County in over 200 years, though several have been very close. The most recent large earthquake near Merced County, and the City of Livingston, was 16 miles east north-east of King City at a magnitude of 5.3 on October 20, 2012. Several aftershocks followed the main earthquake, including a M3.1 aftershock.

This quake was preceded by two earthquakes located approximately 100 miles from Merced County, the 1982 New Idria earthquake (M5.4) and the 1983 Coalinga quake (M6.5). There was low level ground shaking and low local magnitude reported.

Based on the earthquake shaking potential mapped for the City of Livingston, the proximity to the San Andreas Fault and the history of shaking but no surface rupture, the probability of damaging seismic ground shaking in the City of Livingston is considered as likely. Other hazards associated with earthquake activity, such as lateral spreading, surface cracking or differential setting, are considered unlikely to occur, although no studies have been conducted to determine the likelihood of these hazards.

2.3.3 Flood and Levee Failure
The primary types of flood events in Merced County that may impact the City of Livingston are riverine and urban. Regardless of the type of flood, the cause is often the result of severe weather and excessive rainfall, either in the flood area, upstream, or from winter snowmelt.

Most of the Northwest corner of Livingston lies within the 100-year floodplain designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The area in the northern portion of the city limits falls in the 100-year floodplain. The City of Livingston participates in the National Flood Program. Figure 2-2 and Figure 2-3 reflect the flood potential impact areas in and around the City of Livingston based on the 100- year floodplain. The hazard potential for future flooding is likely.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 14 Figure 2-2 City of Livingston 100-Year Floodplain

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 15 Figure 2-3 City of Livingston 200-Year Flood USACE Comprehensive Study

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 16 Table 2-11 City of Livingston FEMA 1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard, by Property Type Property
Type
Improved
Parcel
Count
Building
Count
Improved
Value
Estimated
Content
Value
Total Value Estimated
Loss Population
Agricultural 1 1 $7,441 $7,441 $14,882 $3,721
Total 1 1 $7,441 $7,441 $14,882 $3,721 0
Source: Merced County Assessor’s Office; National Flood Hazard Layer Effective 12/2/2008; FEMA; Wood analysis Based on this analysis, the City of Livingston has 1 improved parcel located within the 100-year floodplain for a total value of over $14,882. No parcels were found to be located in within the 500-year floodplain.

2.3.3.1 Critical Facilities at Risk
Critical facilities are those community components that are most needed to withstand the impacts of disaster as previously described. There are critical facilities located within the City of Livingston which are also in the floodplain, as shown in Figure 2-4. The impact to the wider community could be great if these facilities are damaged or destroyed during a flood event.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 17 Figure 2-4 Critical Facilities at Risk of 1% Annual Flood Hazard

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 18

2.3.3.2 Insurance Coverage, Claims Paid, and Repetitive Losses The City of Livingston joined the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on May 25, 1978. NFIP Insurance data indicates that as of July 2021, there were 4 flood insurance policies in force in the City with $665,000 of coverage. All of the policies are single family residential and located in the B, C, and X zone.

There have been no historical claims for flood losses in Livingston. According to the FEMA Community Information System accessed July 23, 2021, the City has no Repetitive Loss properties or Severe Repetitive Loss properties.

2.3.3.3 Future Development
The results of the SOI and flood analysis are shown in Table 2-12.

Table 2-12 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed to 1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard Property
Type
Improved
Parcel Count
Building
Count
Improved
Value
Estimated
Content
Value
Total Value Estimated
Loss Population
Agricultural 1 1 $103,862 $103,862 $207,724 $51,931
Total 1 1 $103,862 $103,862 $207,724 $51,931 0
Source: Merced County Assessor’s Office; National Flood Hazard Layer Effective 12/2/2008; FEMA; Wood analysis

2.3.4 Wildfire
Weather components, such as temperature, relative humidity, wind, and lightning, also affect the potential for wildfire. High temperatures and low relative humidity dry out the fuels that feed the wildfire creating a situation where fuel will more readily ignite and burn more intensely. Both urban and wildland fires conditions exist in Merced County and its cities which increases the chances for damage to property, loss of life and/or injury. In most of Merced County, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) ranks fuel loading as low. Fuels are mainly crops and grasses. In the southwest corner, there are some brush, pine, and grass fuels, which are ranked as moderate fuel hazards, primarily in the area west of Interstate 5.

There have not been any state or federal disaster declarations in the City of Livingston or Merced County related to wildfire in the past. The LPT noted that although there are many fire starts, the fuels are “flashy” and fires are usually quickly put out. Properties in the City vulnerable to wildfire threat areas are summarized in Table 2-13.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 19 Table 2-5 Properties Exposed to Wildfire Threat Areas
Property
Type
Improved
Parcel
Count
Building
Count
Very High
Building
Count
High
Building
Count
Moderate
Building
Count
Low
Total
Building
Count
Improved
Value
Estimated
Content Value Total Value Population
Agricultural 3 0 0 1 2 3 $206,335 $206,335 $412,670
Commercial 8 0 0 1 10 11 $24,166,802 $24,166,802 $48,333,604 Exempt 4 0 0 2 2 4 $1,970,108 $1,970,108 $3,940,216
Industrial 6 0 0 1 18 19 $8,724,473 $13,086,710 $21,811,183 Mixed Use 1 0 0 0 1 1 $40,000 $40,000 $80,000 4
Residential 191 0 0 54 137 191 $56,115,683 $28,057,842 $84,173,525 753 Vacant
Land
1 0 0 0 1 1 $85,000 $85,000 $170,000
Total 214 0 0 59 171 230 $91,308,401 $67,612,796 $158,921,197 756 Source: CAL FIRE, Merced County Assessor, Wood GIS analysis

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 20 Figure 2-1 Wildfire Threat Areas in City of Livingston

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 21 Table 2-14 shows the results of the critical facility analysis by fire threat area.

Table 2-6 Critical Facilities Exposed to Wildfire Threat Areas FEMA Lifeline Count
Low Wildfire Threat
Communications 2
Total 2
Source: Merced County, HIFLD, CAL FIRE, FRAP, Wood GIS Analysis Figure 2-6 shows the fire responsibility areas in the City of Livingston. Refer to Section 4 of the Base Plan for methodology and results of the countywide analysis.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 22 Figure 2-2 City of Livingston Fire Responsibility Areas

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 23

2.3.4.1 Future Development
The results of the SOI and wildfire analysis are shown Table 2-15 and Table 2-16.

Table 2-7 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed Within Fire Threat Areas Property
Type
Improved
Parcel
Count
Building
Count
High
Building
Count
Moderate
Building
Count
Low
Total
Building
Count
Improved
Value
Estimated
Content
Value
Total Value Population
Agricultural 4 0 3 3 6 $748,751 $748,751 $1,497,502
Commercial 1 0 0 2 2 $3,485,270 $3,485,270 $6,970,540
Industrial 2 0 0 4 4 $595,669 $893,504 $1,489,173
Residential 3 0 0 3 3 $286,779 $143,390 $430,169 10
Total 10 0 3 12 15 $5,116,469 $5,270,914 $10,387,383 10 Source: CAL FIRE, Merced County Assessor, Wood GIS analysis 3 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 five sections:
regulatory mitigation capabilities, administrative and technical mitigation capabilities, fiscal mitigation capabilities, mitigation outreach and partnerships, and other mitigation efforts. To develop this capability assessment, the jurisdictional planning representatives reviewed a matrix of common mitigation activities to inventory which of these policies or programs and shared any updates or changes through the Livingston Data Collection Guide. The team then supplemented this inventory by reviewing additional existing policies, regulations, plans, and programs to determine if they contribute to reducing hazardrelated losses.

During the plan update process, this inventory was reviewed by the jurisdictional planning representatives and Wood 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 programs as potential new mitigation strategies. The City of Livingston’s capabilities are summarized below.

3.1 Regulatory Capability
The regulatory and planning capabilities table lists planning and land management tools typically used by local jurisdictions to implement hazard mitigation activities. The table below indicates those that are in place in the City of Livingston.

Figure 3-1 City of Livingston —Regulatory and Planning Capabilities Regulatory Tool Yes/No Comments
General Plan Y 1999 General Plan, Safety Element (geologic/seismic hazards, structural hazards, wildland and urban fire hazards, flooding, dam failure inundation, noise). The City
announced the update the City’s General Plan in March
2020. The Livingston 2040 General Plan Update is expected to take two years to develop. The updated plan can

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 24 Regulatory Tool Yes/No Comments
incorporate the 2021 – 2026 Merced County MJHMP and
City of Livingston Annex by reference.

Zoning ordinance Y Title 5, Zoning Regulations
Subdivision ordinance Y Title 6, Subdivision Regulations Growth management ordinance N
Floodplain ordinance Y Title 4, Building Regulations, Chapter 5 Floodplain Management
Other special purpose ordinance
(stormwater, steep slope, wildfire)
Y Title 9, Public Ways and Property, Chapter 12, Urban
Stormwater Quality Management
Building code Y Title 4, Building Regulations, Title 7, Fire Regulations and Department of Public Safety
Fire department ISO rating Y ISO Rating 4
Erosion or sediment control
program
Y Title 4, Building Regulations, Chapter 6, Grading, Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Title 9, Public Ways and Property, Chapter 12, Urban
Stormwater Quality Management
Stormwater management program Y Title 9, Public Ways and Property, Chapter 12, Urban Stormwater Quality Management
Storm Water Management Program (FY 2006-2007) (MS4)
(Water Quality Order No. 2003-0005-DWQ)
Storm Drainage Master Plan (No Date)
Joint program with the Merced Irrigation District (MID); MID owns and operates several canals around the City (e.g., Arena and Livingston Canals) that offer stormwater
drainage capabilities for stormwater originating in City.

Site plan review requirements Y Title 5, Zoning Regulations, Chapter 5.6.7, Site Plan and Design Review
Capital improvements plan Y Capital Improvements summarized in the City’s 2021-2022 Budget (e.g., police department dispatch upgrade, diesel sweeper, road improvements [Winton Parkway Widening,
Hammatt Road Overpass], Wells 8 & 9)
2007 Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Site Plan
Economic development plan N
Local emergency operations plan N The City follows the County’s emergency response procedures and the Merced County 2007 Emergency
Operations Plan.

Other special plans Y 2007 Water Distribution System Master Plan 2015 Urban Water Management Plan
Flood insurance study or other
engineering study for streams
Y Flood Insurance Study (December 2, 2008)
Elevation certificates (for floodplain
development)
Y Title 4, Building Regulations, Chapter 5 Floodplain
Management, Section 4.5.5.1, Standards of Construction
(Elevation and Floodproofing verification is provided by the Floodplain Administrator)
Other
Source: Planning Team; City of Livingston Website
City of Livingston General Plan (1999) - The City of Livingston approved its General Plan revision in December 1999. The City is currently preparing the Livingston 2040 General Plan, which is anticipated to

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 25 be completed by 2022. This General Plan defines the City’s goals, objectives and policies that guide the physical growth, use and development of land under the jurisdictional authority of the City.

The purpose of the Safety Element is to reduce or eliminate long term risk to people and property from natural or human caused hazards. This element focuses on establishing policies and programs to protect the community from risks associated with emergency planning, fire protection, law enforcement, and flooding. The Safety Element is being expanded in the 2040 General Plan to cover additional natural hazards and safety related issues that are more commonly associated with the built environment as affecting the health and safety of residents living within the City. These include geologic and seismic hazards, flooding, wildfire, drought, noise, hazardous materials, and future hazard trends that may occur in the City related to climate change (e.g., extended drought, more high heat days, more frequent wildfires). The City of Livingston Safety Element does not reference incorporation of the 2014 MJHMP.

Also, integration of the 2014 MJHMP was not noted in any of the other City planning mechanisms.

However, the City is currently updating their General Plan and can incorporate the 2021 MJHMP by reference in the Safety Element.

Livingston Fire Department – The City of Livingston Fire Department is managed through a contractual agreement with the County. The agreement consists of staffing for one CALFIRE full time position and 15 volunteer members in the City. The Department consists of one station, owned by the County, and this station serves residential, commercial, and industrial structures.

Disaster Preparation and Response Management and Coordination Ordinance, Title 1, Administration Chapter 20 - The declared purposes of this chapter are to provide for the preparation and carrying out of plans for the protection of persons and property within the City in the event of an emergency; the direction of the emergency organization; and the coordination of the emergency functions of the City with all other public agencies, corporations, organizations and affected private persons. The council’s powers include the development of emergency and mutual aid plans and agreements and the ordinances and resolutions as necessary to implement the City’s Emergency Plan and any other such plans and agreements.

Fire Regulations and Department of Public Safety, Title 7, Chapter 2 – This chapter establishes a department of public safety for the City. It directs the City’s Fire Marshal with the responsibility for enforcement of the building standards adopted by the state fire marshal as published in the California Building Code (CBC) relating to fire and panic safety, such as plan reviews and inspections for buildings in regards to the building permit. It also requires the Fire Marshal to assess conformity with the Health And Safety Code, California Fire Code, National Fire Protection Standards, Title 19 and Title 24 California Code of Regulations and other state regulations within the scope of the California state Fire Marshal's office.

Floodplain Management Ordinance Title 4, Chapter 5 - It is the purpose of this chapter to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions designed to:
● Protect human life and health;
● Minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects; ● Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;
● Minimize prolonged business interruptions;
● Minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains; electric, telephone and sewer lines; and streets and bridges located in areas of special flood hazard; ● Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of areas of special flood hazard so as to minimize future blighted areas caused by flood damage; ● Ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is in an area of special flood hazard; and,

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 26 ● Ensure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility for their actions.

3.2 Administrative and Technical Capability
The table below identifies City personnel with responsibilities for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in the City of Livingston. Many positions are full time and/or filled by the same person. A summary of technical resources follows.

Table 3-1 City of Livingston —Personnel Capabilities
Personnel Resources Yes/No Department/Position
Planner/engineer with knowledge of land
development/land management practices
Y Community Development, Planning Division,
Engineer/professional trained in construction
practices related to buildings and/or
infrastructure
Y Community Development, Engineering Division
Public Works Department, Engineering Division
Planner/engineer/scientist with an
understanding of natural hazards
Y Community Development, Engineering Division
Personnel skilled in GIS N
Full time building official Y Community Development, Building Division, Building Inspector, Building Technician
Floodplain manager Y Community Development, Building Division, Floodplain Administrator
Emergency manager Y Police Department, Police Chief is Designated Emergency Manager
Grant writer N
Other personnel N
GIS Data Resources (Hazard areas, critical
facilities, land use, building footprints, etc.)
N
Warning Systems/Services (Reverse 9-11, cable
override, outdoor warning signals)
N
Other
Source: City of Livingston Website; Planning Team; OES
Merced County has a full-time GIS coordinator who assists the cities and districts in the county with GIS data needs. Merced County, in conjunction the cities of Merced, Atwater, Los Banos, Livingston, Gustine, Dos Palos, emergency fire, law enforcement, health, and Emergency Medical Service agencies, launched the Emergency Notification System (ENS) – a technical capability service allowing residents throughout the entire county to be alerted of an emergency or an important community alert in their area. The improved Merced County Emergency Notification System (ENS) will allow residents throughout the county alternate ways of being contacted during an emergency, such as cell phones, business phones, home phones, emails, text messages or hearing-impaired receiving devices. More importantly, individuals can choose how they will be notified and in what preference order. When an emergency message is issued about a potential safety hazard or concern, messages will be sent to all standard voice and text communication devices registered in the system, including home phones, cell phones, e-mail, and more.

Residents and businesses with listed telephone numbers are already included in the system. Those residents having only a cell phone or wanting to be contacted through different methods can provide the information using the registration link at www.co.merced.ca.us/alert.

The City has a Council/Manager form of government. Under this municipal governmental form, the citizens elect four members of the City Council for four-year overlapping terms and a Mayor (who is also

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 27 considered a City Council Member) for a two-year term. City Council members choose the mayor pro tempore from among themselves. The City Manager is appointed by the five-member City Council by majority vote and serves at the “pleasure” of the governing body. He/she acts as the City’s Chief Executive Officer as well as its Budget and Financial Officer.

3.3 Fiscal Capability
The following table identifies financial tools or resources that the City could potentially use to help fund mitigation activities. There are currently no specific funding sources for hazard mitigation.

Table 3-2 City of Livingston —Available Financial Tools and Resources Financial Resources Accessible/
Eligible to Use
Has this been used for mitigation in the past?
Community Development Block Grants Yes No
Capital improvements project funding Yes No
Authority to levy taxes for specific
purposes
Yes No
Fees for water, sewer, gas, or electric
services, new development
Yes No
Incur debt through general obligation
bonds
Yes No
Incur debt through special tax bonds Yes No
Incur debt through private activities Yes No
Federal Grant Programs (Hazard
Mitigation Grant Program)
Yes Yes
Source: Planning Team

3.4 Outreach and Partnerships
The Merced County Office of Emergency Services provides education and outreach on Disaster Preparedness for all of the jurisdictions within the County. This education program is in coordination and partnerships with county and the cities’ departments with education programs including the Sheriff’s Office, Police Departments, Fire Departments, Agricultural Commissioner, and the Department of Public Health.

3.4.1 Planning Commission
The Planning Commission performs the duties described in the present or any future zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations of the City’s Municipal Code. This includes any similar ordinance, statute, rule or regulation of the State, County or this City pertaining to the districting, zoning or dividing the city into districts or zones and regulating the construction of improvements, the use, division or minor subdivision of property within the City. The City Council provides the Planning Commission with its directions and assigns tasks. The Planning Commission is charged with the responsibility of studying the needs of the City in which they advise and recommend to the City Council concerning the establishment, modifications and change of zones or districts, and designations of the uses to which property contained therein may be prohibited, restricted, and regulated and other duties as may be delegated by the City Council.

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3.4.2 Former Livingston Redevelopment Agency
The Former Livingston Redevelopment Agency is a blended component unit of the City of Livingston, although technically it is a separate government unit under California law. It was established in 1985 pursuant to the Community Redevelopment Law of the California Health and Safety Code to eliminate urban blight and administer the City’s redevelopment activities and projects. California’s Community Redevelopment Law (Chapter 710, Statutes of 1951) was enacted by the California Legislature with the objective of redeveloping those areas found in many communities that have suffered from unsafe, unfit, deteriorated, and economically dislocated properties. Members of the City Council sit on the Livingston Redevelopment Agency Board.

3.4.3 Community Development Department
The Community Development Department oversees all development within the City of Livingston. This includes the overall design of the City as well as specific commercial, residential, and industrial site plans, building designs, community aesthetics, and property maintenance. The Community Development Department is divided into four divisions or departments: Building Division, Engineering, Division, Housing Division, and the Planning Division. They also oversee Planning Commission, which acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council on land use and development issues.

3.5 Other Mitigation Efforts
The City of Livingston Human Resources and Risk Management Division is responsible for all personnel functions of the City. This Division is also responsible for the City’s risk management and the City’s liability insurance, property insurance, and other insurance programs that relate to natural hazards and property protections.

3.6 Opportunities for Enhancement
Based on the capabilities assessment, the City of Livingston has several existing mechanisms in place that already help to mitigate hazards. There are also opportunities for the City to expand or improve on their policies, programs and fiscal capabilities and further protect the community. Future improvements may include providing training for staff members related to hazards or hazard mitigation grant funding in partnership with the County and Cal OES. Additional training opportunities will help to inform City staff members on how best to integrate hazard information and mitigation projects into their departments.

Continuing to train City staff on mitigation and the hazards that pose a risk to the City of Livingston will lead to more informed staff members who can better communicate this information to the public. 4 MITIGATION STRATEGY

4.1 Goals and Objectives
The City of Livingston adopts the hazard mitigation goals and objectives developed by the Planning Team and described in Section 5 Mitigation Strategy of the Base Plan.

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4.2 Continued Compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program The City has been an NFIP participating community since 1978. In addition to the mitigation actions identified herein the City will continue to comply with the NFIP. Floodplain management is under the purview of the Community Development Department and City Engineer (Floodplain Administrator) within the Engineering Division. 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 this development mitigated in accordance with the regulations. This will also include periodic reviews of the floodplain ordinance to ensure that it is clear and up to date and reflects new or revised flood hazard mapping.

4.3 Progress on 2014 Mitigation Actions
During the 2021 planning process the City of Livingston Planning Team reviewed all the mitigation actions from the 2014 plan. Of their eight (8) mitigation actions from 2014, six (6) of the actions are continuing, and two (2) actions in-progress demonstrating ongoing progress and building the community’s resiliency to hazards. One new action was identified in 2021.

4.4 Mitigation Actions
The Planning Team for the City identified and prioritized the following mitigation actions based on risk assessments, goals, and objectives. Background information as well as information on how the action will be implemented and administered, such as ideas for implementation, responsible office, partners, potential funding, estimated cost, and timeline also are described.

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Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 30 Table 4-1 City of Livingston Mitigation Action Plan
ID
Goal(s)
and
Lifelines
Hazard(s)
Mitigated
Description/Background/
Benefits
Lead Agency
and Partners
Cost Estimate
and Potential
Funding
Priority Timeline Status/Implementation
Notes
1 1,7
Safety
and
Security
MultiHazard:

Dam
Incident,
Earthquake,
Flood and
Levee
Failure
Severe
Weather,
Wildfire
Participation in Countywide Public
Education Program. A natural
hazards education and awareness
program in Merced County would
be a valuable tool for sharing
information with residents.

Implementation ideas include
sharing information online and
conducting workshops. The
county will partner with special
districts, the cities and other
entities to provide awareness and
education on hazards and steps to
mitigate.

OES / CEO's
Office
$100,000
Federal Grants High Ongoing Continue Not Started
2 1,2,4,6
Safety
and
Security
MultiHazard:

Earthquake,
Flood and
Levee
Failure,
Severe
Weather,
Wildfire
Integrate Local Hazard Mitigation
Plan into Safety Element of
General Plan. Recognizing the
potential duplication of effort over
evaluation of the same issues,
efforts to update the Health and
Safety Element will be conducted
in coordination with the multihazard mitigation plan and to also ensure AB2140 Compliance.

Integration and coordination of
both plans provides General Plan
policy direction for development
activity.

Community
Development
Agency
$5,000 General
Fund Medium
Next
General
Plan
review
cycle
Continue Not Started
3 1,7
Safety
and
Security
Earthquake
Non-structural Earthquake
Mitigation Outreach. Existing
structures can be retrofitted to
better withstand damage from
seismic events. Outreach will
include educating home and
Public Works $100,000
Federal Grants Medium Ongoing Continue Not Started

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex D: City of Livingston
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 31 ID
Goal(s)
and
Lifelines
Hazard(s)
Mitigated
Description/Background/
Benefits
Lead Agency
and Partners
Cost Estimate
and Potential
Funding
Priority Timeline Status/Implementation
Notes
business owners about structural
and non-structural retrofit
techniques and how to seismically
strengthen their homes and
businesses. Specific techniques
include secure furnishings, storage
cabinets and utilities to prevent
injuries and damages, such as
anchoring, installing lathes, using
flexible connections on gas and
water lines, and bracing propane
tanks and water heaters.
4 1,2
Safety
and
Security
Earthquake
Countywide Inventory for
Unreinforced Masonry Buildings -
Use GIS a to map and track URMs
Countywide. An accurate
inventory of URM Buildings with
appropriate tracking will lessen
time during the recovery after an
EQ.

Public Works
$15,000 –
20,000 Federal
Grants
Medium 1 year
Continue Not Started
5 1,2,6
Food,
Water,
Shelter
MultiHazard:

Earthquake,
Flood and
Levee
Failure,
Severe
Weather,
Wildfire
Periodically review building codes
for updates and enhancements
and ensure necessary capabilities
for enforcement.

Building
Department
Staff time Dept.

Budget Medium
1 year
then
ongoing
Continue Not Started
6 1,2,7
Safety
and
Security
Flood and
Levee
Failure
Flood Insurance Promotion. City
staff will promote benefits of flood
insurance.

Planning
Department
Staff Time Dept.

Budget High Ongoing Continue Not Started

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Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 32 ID
Goal(s)
and
Lifelines
Hazard(s)
Mitigated
Description/Background/
Benefits
Lead Agency
and Partners
Cost Estimate
and Potential
Funding
Priority Timeline Status/Implementation
Notes
7 1,4,7
Safety
and
Security
Severe
Weather
Severe Weather Preparedness
Campaign. This project would add
to and enhance the existing,
campaigns that share information
on Severe Weather Hazards: Fog,
Freeze, Location of Warming
Centers, Heat Related Illness, All
Hazards Preparedness
information, etc.; The county will
work with special districts, the
cities and other entities.

Livingston
Fire
Department
$100,000
Federal Grants High Ongoing Continue In-Progress
8 1,2,4,5,7
Food,
Water,
Shelter
Drought
Promote Water Conservation
Program. Drought is a serious
issue that is faced in California.

Water awareness of all citizens
within the City and the County is
critical to the future of our water
supply. Reminders, education and
awareness will help keep the
conservation importance in the
forefront.

Public Works $100,000
Federal Grants High Ongoing Continue In-Progress
9 1,2,3
Food,
Water,
Shelter
Flood and
Levee
Failure
Upgrade of storm sewer lift
station/SCADA. Upgrade motors,
pumps, electrical panel and have
SCADA system connected to
mitigate potential for urban
stormwater flooding.

Public Works
$250,000,
Federal Grant

FEMA HMA
Grant
High 6 months
– 1 year New in 2021

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Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 33 5 IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINTENANCE
Moving forward, the City will use the mitigation action table in the previous section to track progress on implementation of each project. Implementation of the plan overall is discussed in Section 6 in the Base Plan.

5.1 Incorporation into Existing Planning Mechanisms
The information contained within this plan, including results from the Vulnerability Assessment, and the Mitigation Strategy will be used by the City to help inform updates and the development of local plans, programs and policies. The Engineering Division may utilize the hazard information when implementing the City’s Community Investment Program and the Planning and Building Divisions may utilize the hazard information when reviewing a site plan or other type of development applications. The City will also incorporate this MJHMP into the Safety Element of their Livingston 2040 General Plan, as recommended by Assembly Bill (AB) 2140.

As noted in Section 6 of the Base Plan, the HMPT representatives from the City will report on efforts to integrate the hazard mitigation plan into local plans, programs and policies and will report on these efforts at the annual HMPT plan review meeting.

5.2 Monitoring, Evaluation, and Updating the Plan
The City will follow the procedures to monitor, review, and update this plan in accordance with Merced County as outlined in Section 6 of the Base Plan. The City will continue to involve the public in mitigation, as described in Section 6.2.1 of the Base Plan. The Public Works Department lead will be responsible for representing the city in the County HMPT, and for coordination with City staff and departments during plan updates. The City realizes it is important to review the plan regularly and update it every five years in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act Requirements as well as other State of California requirements.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 1 1 CITY OF LOS BANOS

1.1 Community Profile

1.1.1 Mitigation Planning History and 2021 Process
This annex was updated during the development of the 2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) update. This Jurisdictional Annex builds upon the previous version of Los Banos Annex as part of the 2014 MJHMP. A review of jurisdictional priorities found no significant changes in priorities since the last update.

The City’s Local Planning Team (LPT) held the responsibility for implementation and maintenance of the plan. Members are listed in Appendix A. More details on the planning process follow and how the jurisdictions, service districts and stakeholders participated can be found in Section 3 Planning Process of the Base Plan, along with how the public was involved during the 2021 update.

1.1.2 Geography and Climate
The City of Los Banos in Merced County is situated 12 miles southwest of the City of Merced, the county seat. Los Banos is one of the larger cities in the County of Merced and is in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, 70 miles northwest of Fresno. Los Banos is in the center of California, about two hours from the cities of San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, and Yosemite National Park. Monterey and San Jose are accessible in one and a half hours and within one hour of San Joaquin’s Valley’s major cities of Stockton and Fresno. The City is located in the western portion of the County west of Highway 165 and just north of Highway 152. Some have called Los Banos "The Crossroads" because State Highways 33, 152, and 165 pass through the City; Interstate 5 skirts its western boundaries and it’s an easy 30 minute drive to Highway 99. According to the United States Census Bureau, Los Banos has a total area of 10.12 square miles – 98.78% of it is land and 1.22% is water with an elevation of 118 feet above sea level.

The climate in the City of Los Banos is characterized by summers which are hot and dry and cool, wet winters, with most of the year’s rain falling from late December through March.

The annual average precipitation for the City of Los Banos is 9.1 inches with the most precipitation, on average, occurring in January. The warmest month of the year on average is July. The highest recorded temperature was 112°F in 2006. On average, the coolest month of the year is January. The lowest recorded temperature was 13°F in 2007.

1.1.3 History
The name “Los Banos” came from a Franciscan monk’s missionary trips to the valley from Mission San Juan Bautista back in the early 1800’s. On the route from San Juan Bautista, Padre Felipe Arroyo de la Cuesta discovered pools of water in the rocks at the summit of the mountains in a little creek bed that flowed down into the San Joaquin Valley. At these baths or pools he camped overnight with his band of friendly Indians from the Mission. Reports of these baths led to the local ranchers naming the creek "El Arroyo de Los Banos del Padre Arroyo." The name of those spring baths became "Los Banos Crick." In 1873 a pioneer to the area named Gus Kreyenhagen ran a trading post near Los Banos Creek. The Post Office Department decided to establish a Post Office at the trading post and named it after the creek, hence the name “Los Banos.” Henry Miller arrived in San Francisco in 1850 with $6.00 in his pocket. After working as a butcher, he became aware of the need for a better grade of cattle than that which was available at that time in California. He came to the San Joaquin Valley and began his land acquisitions and

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 2 cattle empire. He acquired land on both sides of the San Joaquin River ultimately owning that land for a distance of 120 miles. In 1871 he formed the San Joaquin and Kings River Canal and Irrigation Company.

He is credited with being the first to introduce the crops of cotton, rice and alfalfa to the valley.

Agriculture remains the number one industry in and around Los Banos and this is due mainly to the early success of Henry Miller. He owned over 3,000,000 acres of land, stretching through Idaho, Oregon, Nevada and California. In Los Banos, Miller brought the railroad to town, constructed a bank, company store and many other building improvements. In addition, he planned and developed housing areas for local citizens and enhanced the quality of life in many ways. Miller created the May Day celebration, which still is observed in Los Banos, as a way of thanking his employees for their hard work and dedication. By the age of 89, when Henry Miller died in 1916, he had given millions of dollars to numerous worthy causes. Today the City of Los Banos is proud to honor his vision and legacy.

1.1.4 Economy
The City of Los Banos’ vision is to be a family-oriented community that maintains its small-town atmosphere while accommodating growth. Traditionally, the City of Los Banos has attracted agricultural‐ based industries and has relied on these types of industries for employment.

Through a collaborative effort of the County of Merced, cities of Atwater, Dos Palos, Gustine, Livingston, Los Banos, Merced, and Merced County, the Merced County Economic Development Team, prepared a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) adopted in May 2014. The Merced County Economic Development Team developed a strategic plan which engaged the county, cities, and other organizations in Merced County in developing an economic development strategic action plan with priority activities and projects. The adopted CEDS met the requirements of the Economic Development Administration (EDA) requirements and aligned with the goals and objectives adopted in the City of Los Banos General Plan.

Estimates of select economic characteristics for the City of Los Banos are shown in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1 City of Los Banos Economic Characteristics, 2015-2019 Characteristic City of Los Banos
Families below Poverty Level (%) 15.3%
All People below Poverty Level (%) 18.0%
Median Family Income $70,204
Median Household Income $62,874
Per Capita Income $22,880
Population in Labor Force 62.7%
Population Employed* 54.3%
Unemployment** 13.3%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces. **Does not reflect unemployment numbers due to COVID-19 Pandemic The most common industries within a five-mile radius of Los Banos are educational services and health care with a combined average of 15.7 percent of workers, closely followed by retail trade with 15.5% of workers. Many other industries include construction, arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services, and manufacturing. The tables below show the labor force breakdown by occupations and industry based on estimates from the 2015-2019 five-year American Community Survey.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 3 Table 1-2 City of Los Banos Employment by Industry, 2015-2019 Occupation # Employed % Employed
Educational services, and health care and social assistance 2,290 15.70% Retail trade 2,271 15.50%
Construction 2,003 13.70%
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services
1,569 10.70%
Manufacturing 1,509 10.30%
Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services
1,174 8.00%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 1,104 7.60% Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 937 6.40% Other services, except public administration 591 4.00%
Public administration 533 3.60%
Wholesale trade 302 2.10%
Information 199 1.40%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 139 1.00% Total 14,621 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces
Table 1-3 City of Los Banos Employment by Occupation, 2015-2019 Occupation # Employed % Employed
Sales and office occupations 3,349 22.90%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations 3,118 21.30% Service occupations 2,855 19.50%
Production, transportation, and material moving occupations 2,756 18.80% Management, business, science, and arts occupations 2,543 17.40% Total 14,621 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces

1.1.5 Population
In May 2020, the State Department of Finance released preliminary population data for the state demographic report, the estimates did not include potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the report the City of Los Banos has a population of 41,923 persons as of January 1, 2020 and gained 636 residents from the previous year. Select demographic and social characteristics for the City of Los Banos from the 2015-2019 American Community Survey and the California Department of Finance, are shown in Table 1-4.

Table 1-4 City of Los Banos Demographic and Social Characteristics, 2015-2019 Characteristic City of Los Banos
Gender/Age
Male 50.0%
Female 50.0%
Median age (years) 30.1

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 4 Characteristic City of Los Banos
Under 5 years 8.9%
Under 18 years 34.6%
65 years and over 9.5%
Race/Ethnicity
White 20.2%
Asian 2.7%
Black or African American 2.4%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0.4%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 71.7%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0.8%
Some other race 0.0%
Two or more races 1.7%
Education*
% High school graduate or higher 69.7%
% with Bachelor’s Degree or Higher 10.5%
Social Vulnerability
% with Disability 11.1%
% Language other than English spoken at
home 55.6%
% Speak English less than "Very Well" 32.0%
% of households with a computer with
internet use 79.4%
% of households with no vehicle available 5.4%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ * Population 25 years and over
The following table with information from the American Community Survey 5-year estimates (2015-2019) is related to housing occupancy in the City of Los Banos.

Table 1-5 City of Los Banos Housing Occupancy and Units, 2015-2019 Housing Characteristic Estimate Percentage
Housing Occupancy
Total Housing Units 11,293 100%
Units Occupied 10,777 95.4%
Vacant 516 4.6%
Housing Units
1-unit detached 9638 85.3%
1-unit attached 306 2.7%
2 units 141 1.2%
3 or 4 units 372 3.3%
5-9 units 275 2.4%
10-19 units 109 1.0%
20 or more units 139 1.2%
Mobile Home 278 2.5%
Boat, RV, van etc. 35 0.3%

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 5 Housing Characteristic Estimate Percentage
Housing Tenure
Owner Occupied 6121 56.8%
Renter Occupied 4656 43.2%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/

1.1.6 Development Trends
Los Banos has long been recognized for its friendly small-town atmosphere, which is a valued characteristic that is desirable to maintain. The 2030 General Plan defines one overarching vision for the city: to be a vibrant, safe, and attractive city with community character and an improved economy, new job opportunities, affordable housing, improved public services and facilities, an excellent circulation system, and a superb quality of life. In order to achieve this objective, the General Plan focuses on a number of basic themes that each contain goals and policies to help achieve the vision. The themes as stated in the General Plan, include the following:
● Economic Development
● Land Use
● Circulation
● Parks, Open Space, and Resources
● Noise
● Safety
● Public Facilities and Utilities
Following the adoption of the General Plan, a population projection was prepared by the Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG). MCAG projections cover the entire 30-year period from 2010 to 2040. The projections for Los Banos were augmented by growth rates used in the Environmental Impact Report for the University of California Site Selection, to account for the anticipated population increase generated by UC Merced, located at Lake Yosemite north of Merced. Based on MCAG’s projections, the City of Los Banos is expected to grow from its 1998 Department of Finance (DOF) estimated population of 21,992 to a population of 59,900 in 2040.

The following table summarizes the land uses at build‐out of the General Plan. The General Plan provides the opportunity for up to 17,000 additional residents in areas at build-out. There are plans for new jobs in commercial retail, commercial services, light industrial, manufacturing, public services, and other employment uses as well.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 6 Figure 1-1 Development Under the General Plan (Acres)
Build-out estimates are not official growth projections and do not represent City policy. Actual population, square footage, or number of dwelling units could be lower or higher than these estimates based on a number of factors. Buildout may vary overall or within individual land use designations due to:
● The need to preserve the agricultural base, grazing lands, and other types of open space; ● Infrastructure availability, including transportation facilities, public services, and facilities; ● The need to limit development due to flood risk, fire risk, geologic and soils constraints, presence of habitat and biological resources, and presence of other important natural resources; and ● Other factors, as described in the General Plan, community plans, specific plans, and City codes and ordinances.

The City has also developed estimates of average density and intensity to use in calculating 2030 General Plan buildout land use. The City has based buildout estimates on past recorded development activity, recent development plan submittals, regional and statewide population and employment growth forecasts, and other factors. These estimates help the city in anticipating, guiding, and absorbing the

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 7 pressures of future growth in the coming decades. The city is currently in the process of an update to the General Plan looking out to 2040, with a target of plan adoption in 2021.

In terms of development since the 2014 MJHMP, the City experienced a slight decrease (-1%) in total housing units. As noted in Table 1-5 above, 85% of the total housing units in City are single family homes.

The overall risk to hazards has not increased or changed since the 2014 plan. 2 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND SUMMARY
The City of Los Banos Planning Team identified the hazards that affect the city and summarized their frequency of occurrence, spatial extent, potential magnitude, and overall significance specific to their community (see Table 2-1). There are no hazards that are unique to Los Banos. 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 Assessment Section.

Table 2-1 City of Los Banos —Hazard Profiles
Hazard Geographic Area
Probability of
Future
Occurrence
Magnitude/
Severity
Overall
Significance
Drought Extensive Likely Limited Medium
Earthquake Significant Likely Significant Medium
Flood and Levee Failure Limited Likely Limited Medium
Severe Weather Limited Highly Likely Limited Medium
Wildfire Significant Highly Likely Negligible 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.

Unlikely: Less than 1% chance of occurrence in
next 100 years or has a recurrence interval of
greater than every 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 Significance
Low: minimal potential impact
Medium: moderate potential impact
High: widespread potential impact

2.1 Vulnerability Assessment
The intent of this section is to assess Los Banos’ vulnerability that is separate from that of the planning area as a whole, which has already been assessed in Section 4 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment in the Base Plan. This vulnerability assessment analyzes the population, property, and other assets at risk to hazards ranked of medium or high significance that may vary from other parts of the planning area.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 8 The information to support the hazard identification and risk assessment was based on a combination of the previous LHMP for the City and County and jurisdiction specific information collected during the 2021 update. A Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Guide and associated worksheets was distributed to each participating municipality or special district to complete during the update process in 2021. 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 4-2). However, the hazard summary rankings for each jurisdictional annex may vary due to specific hazard risk and vulnerabilities unique to that jurisdiction. The information in this annex helps 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 Los Banos Planning Team member input from the Data Collection Guide and the risk assessment developed during the planning process (see Section 4 of the Base Plan), which included a more detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis with best available data.

The hazard summaries in Table 2-1 above reflect significant hazards that could potentially affect City. The discussion of vulnerability for each of the following hazards is located in Section 2.3 Estimating Potential Losses, but only hazards are profiled where there was specific data available. Those hazards of Medium or High significance for the City of Los Banos are identified below. ● Drought
● Earthquake
● Flood and Levee Failure
● Severe Weather
● Wildfire
Drought and severe weather hazards are not addressed in this vulnerability assessment as the exposure is similar to the overall County exposure, and the potential for losses are difficult to quantify specific to the City of Los Banos.

Other Hazards
Hazards assigned a significance rating of Low and those which do not differ significantly from the County ranking (e.g., Low vs. High) are not addressed further in this plan and are not assessed individually for specific vulnerabilities in this section. In the City of Los Banos, those hazards include: dam incidents,subsidence, hazardous materials incidents, cyber-attacks, agricultural pests and disease, and pandemics. Drought and severe weather are hazards of medium significance in the City, but the specific vulnerabilities for the City of Los Banos do not differ significantly from the County, and as noted above it is therefore not addressed further in this annex.

Additionally, the City’s committee members decided to rate landslides as Not Applicable (N/A) to the planning area due to a lack of exposure, vulnerability, and no probability of occurrence.

2.2 Assets at Risk
This section considers Los Banos’ assets at risk, including values at risk, critical facilities and infrastructure, historic assets, economic assets and growth and development trends.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 9

2.2.1 Values at Risk
The following data on property exposure is derived from the Merced County 2020 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. The most significant limitation is created by Proposition 13. Instead of adjusting property values annually, the values are not adjusted or assessed at fair market value until a property transfer occurs. As a result, overall value information is likely low and does not reflect current market value of properties. It is also 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 and is not included in the values below. Table 2-2 shows the exposure of properties (e.g., the values at risk) broken down by property type for the City of Los Banos.

Table 2-2 City of Los Banos Property Exposure by Type
Property Type
Parcel
Count Improved Value Content Value Total Value
Agricultural 6 $519,029 $519,029 $1,038,058
Commercial 441 $287,223,390 $287,223,390 $574,446,780
Exempt 189 $15,571,378 $15,571,378 $31,142,756
Industrial 23 $29,327,893 $43,991,840 $73,319,733
Mixed Use 9 $175,156 $175,156 $350,312
Residential 11,554 $2,158,859,942 $1,079,429,971 $3,238,289,913 Vacant Land 31 $530,525 $530,525 $1,061,050
Total 12,253 $2,492,207,313 $1,427,441,289 $3,919,648,602 Source: Merced County Assessor, Wood analysis

2.2.2 Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
For the purposes of this plan, a critical facility is defined as one that is essential in providing utility or direction either during the response to an emergency or during the recovery operation. FEMA sorts critical facilities into seven lifeline categories as shown in Figure 4-1 in the Base Plan.

Table 2-3 shows a summary of the critical facilities analysis. critical facilities and other community assets as important to protect in the event of a disaster. Within the City of Los Banos, the following are considered critical facilities:
● Los Banos Fire Department Stations.
● Los Banos Police Department building.
● Los Banos City Hall.
● Water supply lines and wells.
● Wastewater treatment plant, pumping stations, and trunk lines. ● Major electrical transmission lines and substations.
● Major communication lines and microwave transmission facilities.

Critical facilities also include major roadways which may serve as principal evacuation routes. The table that follows lists the critical facilities and other community assets identified by the county’s Planning Team as important to protect in the event of a disaster.

Table 2-3 City of Los Banos—Critical Facilities and Community Assets Description of Facility
Square
Footage
(sq. ft.)
Replacement
Value ($)
Contents
Value ($)
Los Banos City Hall 10,119 1,108,353 554,424

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 10 Description of Facility
Square
Footage
(sq. ft.)
Replacement
Value ($)
Contents
Value ($)
Los Banos Police Department Police Station, Police Annex – Station, Activities League
12,849 1,826,731 1,454,537
Fire Department Fire Station #1 and #2, Storage
Building
15,343 1,932,729 425,849
Miller & Lux Building Office Building 7,726 2,172,403 27,744 Airport – 1000 Airport Rd. Office & Lounge (Port. Ofc), Hangar Bldg & Hangars #2, #3,
and #4, Animal Shelter (Port.

Ofc), Kennel, Pilot Lounge
23,783 1,237,971 42,617
Child Development Center 10,000 1,744,209 10,624
Los Banos Community Center Community Center 2,300 12,006,050 261,531 Recreation Center 3,000 215,514
Scripps College 2,790 323,687 5,051
Corp Yard Garage, Office Building, Vehicle
Storage
8,172 199,070 147,710
Public Works Garage, Water Tanks (2) 15,420 2,426,281 825,593 Pump Stations (1,2,4-9), Pump
Building (Sewer Plant-Loc 21),
Booster Pump
11,403 1,943,014 0
Wastewater Treatment, Storage
(2)
2,400 28,188,043 112,381
Equipment Light Poles, Light Poles with
Cameras, Communication
Tower, Access Gates,
Contractor’s Equipment, H.

Miller Bronze Statue
0 2,506,173 0
Single Family Homes (3) 3781 298,795 0
City Office Buildings 3 Locations 2810 261,628 2,763
Parks and Recreation Baseball Field Lights/Towers,
Restroom, Announcer Booth,
Concession Stand, Maintenance
Shed
3580 357,900 16,147
Private Parking Garage 16,807
Lab 70 8,713 12,506
Source: Los Banos Planning Team

2.2.3 Historic, Cultural and Natural Resources
The following historical resources are located in the City of Los Banos:
● Bank of Los Banos Building – National Register (listed 8/24/1979) ● Church of St. Joseph – National Register (listed 7/8/2004) ● San Luis Gonzaga Archeological District – National Register (listed 5/7/1973) 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. Nearby to the City are the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge and Grassland Wildlife Management Area are located to the east. The Wildlife Refuge encompasses 26,800 acres of wetlands,

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 11 riparian forests, natives grasslands and vernal pools. The Grassland Wildlife Management areas supports seasonally flooded marshlands, semi-permanent marshes and native grasslands. Both the Refuge and Wildlife Management Areas are located in flood hazard areas and benefits the surrounding area by absorbing floodwaters and recharging aquifers.

2.3 Estimating Potential Losses

2.3.1 Earthquake
The City of Los Banos’ distance to fault zones in the region, including the Ortigalita, Calaveras, San Andreas and Hayward Faults, places it within ‘Maximum Expectable Earthquake Intensity Zone III’ where ‘High Severity, Most Probable Damage’ could result should an earthquake occur in the region. There is no record of any seismic activity originating within the City; however, the Los Banos area has been shaken by earthquakes originating elsewhere. There is documented evidence of six earthquakes that shook the area, those of 1872, 1906, 1952, 1966, 1984, and 1989. Major damage occurred in Los Banos in 1906, with minor damage recorded throughout the county from other occurrences.

No damaging earthquakes greater than M6.0 have been recorded in the City of Los Banos or Merced County in over 200 years, though several have been very close. The most recent large earthquake near Merced County, and the City of Los Banos, was 16 miles east north-east of King City with a magnitude of

5.3 on October 20, 2012. Several aftershocks followed the main earthquake, including a M3.1 aftershock.

This quake was preceded by two earthquakes located approximately 100 miles from Merced County, the 1982 New Idria earthquake (M5.4) and the 1983 Coalinga quake (M6.5). There was low level ground shaking and low local magnitude reported.

Based on the earthquake shaking potential mapped for the City of Los Banos, the proximity to the San Andreas Fault and the history of shaking but no surface rupture, the probability of damaging seismic ground shaking in the City of Los Banos is considered as likely. Other hazards associated with earthquake activity, such as lateral spreading, surface cracking, or differential setting, are considered unlikely to occur, although no studies have been conducted to determine the likelihood of these hazards.

2.3.2 Flood and Levee Failure
The primary types of flood events in Merced County that may impact the City of Los Banos are riverine and urban. Regardless of the type of flood, the cause is often the result of severe weather and excessive rainfall, either in the flood area, upstream, or from winter snowmelt. Failed dams can create floods that are catastrophic to life and property as a result of the tremendous energy of the released water.

Most of Los Banos lies outside the 100-year floodplain designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Several smaller areas in the southeastern portion of the city limits fall short of being in the 100-year floodplain as well as some small areas to the north of the city limits. The City of Los Banos participates in the National Flood Program; however, the FEMA Flood Insurance Study (Number 06047CV000C) reports ‘Merced County includes the Cities of Dos Palos and Los Banos, which do not contain any Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) and are non-flood prone.’ The following page reflects the flood potential impact areas around the City of Los Banos, with the 100-Year and 200-Year floodplains illustrated in Figure 2-1 and Figure 2-2 respectively. Available history, data, and surveys by FEMA, indicates the City of Los Banos is not in the floodplain and would rarely have the hazard potential for future flooding.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 12 Figure 2-1 City of Los Banos 100-Year Floodplain

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 13 Figure 2-2 City of Los Banos 200-Year Flood USACE Comprehensive Study

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 14 Based on the analysis conducted, the City of Los Banos has no improved parcels located within the 100- year floodplain or 200-year floodplain. No parcels were found to be located within the 500-year floodplain.

Critical Facilities at Risk
Critical facilities are those community components that are most needed to withstand the impacts of disaster as previously described. There are no critical facilities located within the City of Los Banos which are also in the floodplain, although there are some within the general vicinity of Los Banos which are exposed to flood hazards as shown in Figure 2-3. The impact to the wider community could be great if these facilities are damaged or destroyed during a flood event.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 15 Figure 2-3 Critical Facilities at Risk of 1% Annual Flood Hazard

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 16 Insurance Coverage, Claims Paid, and Repetitive Losses
The City of Los Banos joined the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on February 3, 1998. NFIP Insurance data indicates that as of July 2021, there were 16 flood insurance policies in force in the City with $5,180,000 of coverage. All of the policies are single family residential and located in the B, C, and X zone.

There has been no historical claims for flood losses in Los Banos. According to the FEMA Community Information System accessed July 23, 2021, the City has no Repetitive Loss properties or Severe Repetitive Loss properties.

2.3.3 Wildfires
Weather components, such as temperature, relative humidity, wind, and lightning, also affect the potential for wildfire. High temperatures and low relative humidity dry out the fuels that feed the wildfire creating a situation where fuel will more readily ignite and burn more intensely. Both urban and wildland fire conditions exist in Merced County and its cities which increases the chances for damage to property, loss of life and/or injury. In most of Merced County, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) ranks fuel loading as low. Fuels are mainly crops and grasses. In the southwest corner, there are some brush, pine, and grass fuels, which are ranked as moderate fuel hazards, primarily in the area west of Interstate 5.

There have not been any state or federal disaster declarations in the City of Los Banos or Merced County related to wildfire in the past. The LPT noted that although there are many fire starts, the fuels are “flashy” and fires are usually quickly put out. Table 2-4 below summarizes the counts, values, and property types of improved parcels exposed to various wildfire hazards, as well as an estimated exposed population.

Figure 2-5 shows the wildfire threat areas in Los Banos.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 17 Table 2-4 Properties Exposed to Wildfire Threat Areas
Property
Type
Improved
Parcel
Count
Building
Count
Very High
Building
Count
High
Building
Count
Moderate
Building
Count
Low
Total
Building
Count
Improved
Value
Estimated
Content Value Total Value Population
Agricultural 2 0 0 1 2 3 $110,505 $110,505 $221,010
Commercial 11 0 0 1 16 17 $28,779,969 $28,779,969 $57,559,938 Exempt 13 0 0 3 10 13 $699,902 $699,902 $1,399,804
Mixed Use 1 0 0 0 1 1 $19,283 $19,283 $38,566 4
Residential 1,138 0 2 193 947 1,142 $298,688,139 $149,344,070 $448,032,209 4,111 Total 1,165 0 2 198 976 1,176 $328,297,798 $178,953,729 $507,251,527 4,115 Source: CAL FIRE, Merced County Assessor, Wood GIS analysis

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 18 Figure 2-4 Wildfire Threat Areas in City of Los Banos

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 19 Table 2-5 shows the results of the critical facility analysis by fire threat area.

Table 2-5 Critical Facilities Exposed to Wildfire Threat Areas FEMA Lifeline Count
Low Wildfire Threat
Food, Water, Shelter 1
Safety and Security 2
Total 3
Source: Merced County, HIFLD, CAL FIRE, FRAP, Wood GIS Analysis Figure 2-6 shows the fire responsibility areas in the City of Los Banos. Based on the analysis there is 1 commercial building located with the moderate hazard area, with a total value of $1,478,268. Two critical facilities, one categorized as a Transportation Lifeline and the other a Food, Water, and Shelter Lifeline, are located within the local responsibility moderate fire hazard area. Refer to Section 4 of the Base Plan for methodology and results of the countywide analysis.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 20 Figure 2-5 City of Los Banos Fire Responsibility Areas

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 21 Future Development
The results of the SOI and wildfire analysis are shown Table 2-6 and Table 2-7.

Table 2-6 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed Within Fire Severity Areas Property
Type
Improved
Parcel
Count
Building
Count Improved Value Estimated Content Value Total Value Population SRA Moderate
Residential 3 3 $487,205 $243,603 $730,808 10
Total 3 3 $487,205 $243,603 $730,808 10
Source: CAL FIRE, Merced County Assessor, Wood GIS analysis

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 22 Table 2-7 Sphere of Influence Areas Exposed Within Fire Threat Areas Property Type
Improved
Parcel
Count
Building
Count
High
Building
Count
Moderate
Building
Count
Low
Total Building
Count
Improved
Value
Estimated Content
Value Total Value Population
Agricultural 21 0 8 29 37 $4,341,319 $4,341,319 $8,682,638 Commercial 4 0 1 4 5 $306,394 $306,394 $612,788
Exempt 4 0 1 3 4 $0 $0 $0
Industrial 2 0 1 1 2 $1,575,000 $2,362,500 $3,937,500
Residential 34 1 8 37 46 $4,092,501 $2,046,251 $6,138,752 153 Vacant Land 1 0 0 1 1 $16,236 $16,236 $32,472
Total 66 1 19 75 95 $10,331,450 $9,072,700 $19,404,150 153 Source: CAL FIRE, Merced County Assessor, Wood GIS analysis

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 23 3 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 five sections:
regulatory mitigation capabilities, administrative and technical mitigation capabilities, fiscal mitigation capabilities, mitigation outreach and partnerships, and other mitigation efforts. To develop this capability assessment, the jurisdictional planning representatives reviewed a matrix of common mitigation activities to inventory which of these policies or programs and shared any updates or changes through the Los Banos Data Collection Guide. The team then supplemented this inventory by reviewing additional existing policies, regulations, plans, and programs to determine if they contribute to reducing hazard-related losses.

During the plan update process, this inventory was reviewed by the jurisdictional planning representatives and Wood 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 programs as potential new mitigation strategies. The City of Los Banos’ capabilities are summarized below.

3.1 Regulatory Capability
The regulatory and planning capabilities table lists planning and land management tools typically used by local jurisdictions to implement hazard mitigation activities. The table below indicates those that are in place in the City of Los Banos.

Table 3-1 City of Los Banos – Regulatory and Planning Capabilities Regulatory Tool
(ordinances, codes, plans) Yes/No Comments
General Plan Yes Approved July 15, 2009, currently working on update to be completed by 2021
Zoning ordinance Yes Chapter 3 – Municipal Code
Subdivision ordinance Yes Chapter 2 – Municipal Code
Growth management ordinance
Floodplain ordinance Yes Title 9, Section 4 – Municipal Code Other special purpose ordinance
(stormwater, steep slope, wildfire)
Yes Storm Water Pollution Plan
Building code Yes The 2019 California Code of Regulations, Title 24 Part 1 (California Administrative Code)
Fire department ISO rating Yes Rating 3
Erosion or sediment control program Yes Landscape Improvement Standards Stormwater management program Yes MS4 Permit
Site plan review requirements Yes Title 9, Section 4 – Municipal Code Capital improvements plan Yes 2022-2026
Economic development plan Yes Economic Development Strategic Plan, December 2012

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 24 Regulatory Tool
(ordinances, codes, plans) Yes/No Comments
Local emergency operations plan Yes 2015
Other special plans Yes Storm Water Pollution Plan
Flood insurance study or other
engineering study for streams
N/A
Elevation certificates (for floodplain
development)
N/A
Other
City of Los Banos General Plan, 2009 – The City of Los Banos approved its General Plan revision in July 2009, with an anticipated horizon year of 2030. This General Plan defines the City’s goals, objectives and policies that guide the physical growth, use and development of land under the jurisdictional authority of the City.

The purpose of the Public Health and Safety Element is to reduce or eliminate long term risk to people and property from natural or human caused hazards. This element focuses on establishing policies and programs to protect the community from risks associated with seismic, geologic, flood, and fire hazards.

The Public Health and Safety Element is now expanded to include community health and community safety related issues that are more commonly associated with the built environment as affecting the health and safety of residents living within the City. As noted above, the city is currently in the process of updating the General Plan through the year 2040.

The City of Los Banos Public Health and Safety Element does not reference incorporation of the 2014 MJHMP. Also, integration of the 2014 MJHMP was not noted in any of the other City planning mechanisms. However, the City can now incorporate the 2021 Merced County MJHMP by reference as part of their General Plan update process.

City of Los Banos Emergency Plan, 2015 – The Emergency Plan addresses the planned response to emergency situations associated with natural disasters, technological incidents, human caused events and national security emergencies in or affecting the City of Los Banos. The plan establishes the emergency management organization required to mitigate any significant emergency or disaster affecting the City; identifies the policies, responsibilities, and procedures required to protect the health and safety of communities, public and private property, and the environmental effects of natural, human caused and technological emergencies and disasters; and establishes the operational concepts and policies for disaster response and recovery.

City Fire Management Plan – The City of Los Banos Fire Department is a full-service department providing fire protection, fire suppression, inspections, public education, fire responders for medical aids, and all types of technical rescue operations. The department operates four (4) front line engines, one reserve engine, one OES engine, one ladder truck, two rescue units, water tender, and other service vehicles. The goals of the Los Banos Fire Department and Volunteer Fire Department are:
● To continue to provide cost effective fire protection and emergency services to the citizens of Los Banos;
● To improve operational efficiency and accountability, to continue moving in a positive direction providing the best possible service to the community;
● To continue to foster the Volunteer Fire Department providing training, comradery and pride in their department; and
● To support the goals, objectives and mission of the City of Los Banos.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 25 The primary mission of the Los Banos Fire Department and Volunteer Fire Department is to protect life and property for the citizens of the City of Los Banos from the effect of fires, medical emergencies, vehicle accidents, exposure to hazardous materials, earthquakes, floods, disasters and dangerous conditions. The life safety and property protection mission is accomplished through a wide range of programs which include fire protection, fire prevention, planning, fire prevention education, fire inspections, code enforcement, fire suppression, and training. The Los Banos Fire Department also provides mutual aid for fire/rescue and EMS services to other local agencies in Merced County, and participates in the statewide Master Mutual Aid plan.

Emergency Services Ordinance, Title 4, Chapter 2 – The declared purposes of this chapter are to provide for the preparation and carrying out of plans for the protection of persons and property within the City in the event of an emergency; the direction of the emergency organization; and the coordination of the emergency functions of the City with all other public agencies, corporations, organizations and affected private persons. The council’s powers include the development of emergency and mutual aid plans and agreements and the ordinances and resolutions as necessary to implement the Multi-Hazard Functional Plan and any other such plans and agreements.

California Fire Code – Title 4, Chapter 3 – For the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire, hazardous materials or explosion, that certain Code known as the 2013 California Fire Code (Part 9 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), as published by the International Code Council, together with all appendices and subsequent additions and editions thereto, one copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk for public record and inspection, is hereby adopted by reference and made a part of this chapter as though set forth in this chapter in full, subject, however, to the amendments, additions, and deletions set forth in this chapter, and said Code shall be known as the Fire Prevention Code of the City of Los Banos. (§ 1, Ord. 1066, eff.

February 1, 2008, as amended by § 1, Ord. 1099, eff. August 20, 2011, and § 1, Ord. 1117, eff. March 19, 2014)
Floodplain Management Ordinance Chapter 9-Sec.4-9.12 – It is the purpose of this chapter to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions designed to:
● Protect human life and health;
● Minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects; ● Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;
● Minimize prolonged business interruptions;
● Minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains; electric, telephone and sewer lines; and streets and bridges located in areas of special flood hazard; ● Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of areas of special flood hazard so as to minimize future blighted areas caused by flood damage; ● Ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is in an area of special flood hazard; and, ● Ensure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility for their actions.

3.2 Administrative and Technical Capability
The table below identifies city personnel with responsibilities for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in the City of Los Banos. Many positions are full time and/or filled by the same person. A summary of technical resources follows.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 26 Table 3-2 City of Los Banos – Personnel Capabilities
Personnel Resources Yes/No Department/Position Comments Planner/engineer with knowledge of land
development/land management
practices
Yes Planning and Economic
Development Director
Engineer/professional trained in
construction practices related to
buildings and/or infrastructure
Yes City Building Department
Building Official
Planner/engineer/scientist with an
understanding of natural hazards
Yes City Engineer, Public Works
Personnel skilled in GIS Yes Planning and Economic
Director
Full time building official Yes Building Department
Floodplain manager Yes Public Works Department –
Public Works Director
Emergency manager Yes City Administrator; City Fire
Chief
Grant writer Yes Administration
Other personnel Yes Many other agencies and
departments within the City
support personnel
capabilities to carry out
hazard mitigation activities
GIS Data Resources
(Hazard areas, critical facilities, land use,
building footprints, etc.)
Other
The City of Los Banos operates under a City Council/City Manager form of government. The City Council (4 members) makes laws and sets policies which are enforced and implemented by the City Manager, with the assistance of subordinate officers, department heads, and the City Clerk, City Treasurer and City Attorney. Municipal elections are held every two years in November of even-numbered years with City Council terms overlapping. The Mayor and two Council Members are elected at one election, and the other two Council Members, City Clerk and City Treasurer are elected at the next election. The City of Los Banos provides water, sewer, and storm drainage, as well as police, fire, and general government services.

The City of Los Banos has one school district which serves the students of the City and surrounding area.

The Los Banos Unified School District has eight elementary schools (K-6), five charter schools, three parochial schools, one junior high school, a continuation high school, an adult school, two high school campuses, and a media center. Los Banos has a Community College, and is minutes away from UC Merced.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 27

3.3 Fiscal Capability
The following table identifies financial tools or resources that the City could potentially use to help fund mitigation activities. There are currently no specific funding sources for hazard mitigation.

Table 3-3 City of Los Banos – Available Financial Tools and Resources Financial Resources Accessible/
Eligible to Use
Has This Been Used for
Mitigation in the Past? Comments
Community Development
Block Grants
Yes
Capital improvements project
funding
Yes
Authority to levy taxes for
specific purposes
Yes Must be approved by voters
Fees for water, sewer, gas, or
electric services, new
development
Yes Services provided through cities
districts and levied through
property assessments adopted
development impact fees for Fire /
Police / water / waste water.

Incur debt through general
obligation bonds
Yes
Incur debt through special tax
bonds
Yes Requires approval through twothirds voters
Incur debt through private
activities
Yes Do not have any in place
Federal Grant Programs
(Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program)
Yes Various Departments

3.4 Outreach and Partnerships
The Merced County Office of Emergency Services provides education and outreach on Disaster Preparedness for all of the jurisdictions within the County. This education program is in coordination and partnerships with county and the cities’ departments with education programs including the Sheriff’s Office, Police Departments, Fire Departments, Agricultural Commissioner, and the Department of Public Health.

During the 2021 planning process the following outreach efforts were identified:
● Ongoing newsletter
● Fire Prevention School Programs
● Presence and use of social media
Education and outreach efforts, as well as emergency response planning, will need to address the needs of low-income residents and the large Spanish-speaking population. In past emergencies, volunteers have organized spontaneously to help those with mobility issues.

3.4.1 Planning Commission
The Planning Commission performs the duties described in the present or any future zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations of the City’s Municipal Code. This includes any similar ordinance, statute, rule or regulation of the State, County or this City pertaining to the districting, zoning or dividing the city into districts or zones and regulating the construction of improvements, the use, division or minor subdivision of property within the City. The City Council provides the Planning Commission with its directions and

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 28 assigns tasks. The Planning Commission is charged with the responsibility of studying the needs of the City in which they advise and recommend to the City Council concerning the establishment, modifications and change of zones or districts, and designations of the uses to which property contained therein may be prohibited, restricted, and regulated and other duties as may be delegated by the City Council.

3.4.2 The Economic Development Advisory Committee
The Los Banos Economic Development Advisory Commission (EDAC) was formed to assist the City of Los Banos in an advisory capacity. Cities throughout the State of California have Economic Development Advisory Commissions that meet monthly and provide ideas and support for economic projects within each jurisdiction’s redevelopment area.

3.4.3 Traffic Safety Committee
The City of Los Banos has established a Traffic Safety Committee as outlined in Los Banos Municipal Code Section 4-5.05. It was established in 1992. Members include representatives from the Public Works Department, Community & Economic Development Department, Police Department, Fire Department, and Planning Commission. This Committee has the duty of initiating or reviewing all proposals or requests for establishment, modification, elimination, or removal of all traffic control signs, signals, markings, speed zones, prohibited or restricted parking zones, or other such related matters, which fall under the lawful discretionary control of the City.

3.5 Other Mitigation Efforts
In addition to the project identified in the City’s Mitigation Action plan, the City of Los Banos’ Fire Department conducts annual fire and life safety inspections for all businesses and SB 1205 occupancies (Apartments, Hotels, Assemblies and Schools). The Los Banos Fire Department also provides mutual aid for fire/rescue and EMS services to other local agencies in Merced County and participates in the statewide Master Mutual Aid plan.

3.6 Opportunities for Enhancement
Based on the capabilities assessment, the City of Los Banos has several existing mechanisms in place that already help to mitigate hazards. There are also opportunities for the city to expand or improve on their policies, programs and fiscal capabilities and further protect the community. Future improvements may include providing training for staff members related to hazards or hazard mitigation grant funding in partnership with the County and Cal OES. Additional training opportunities will help to inform City staff members on how best to integrate hazard information and mitigation projects into their departments.

Continuing to train City staff on mitigation and the hazards that pose a risk to the City of Los Banos will lead to more informed staff members who can better communicate this information to the public. The City is also enhancing their residential inspection program that identifies unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings in the downtown area. These annual inspections help the City identify and mitigate seismic risk associated with this construction method of construction. 4 MITIGATION STRATEGY

4.1 Goals and Objectives
The City of Los Banos adopts the hazard mitigation goals and objectives developed by the Planning Team and described in Section 5 Mitigation Strategy of the Basin Plan.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 29

4.2 Continued Compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program The city has been an NFIP participating community since 1998. In addition to the mitigation actions identified herein the City will continue to comply with the NFIP. Floodplain management is under the purview of the Director of the Public Works Department. 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 this development mitigated in accordance with the regulations. This will also include periodic reviews of the floodplain ordinance to ensure that it is clear and up to date and reflects new or revised flood hazard mapping.

4.3 Progress on 2014 Actions
During the 2021 planning process the City of Los Banos Planning Team reviewed all the mitigation actions from the 2014 plan. Of their ten (10) mitigation actions from 2014, eight (8) of the actions are continuing and are implemented annually, demonstrating ongoing progress and building the community’s resiliency to disasters. Two (2) actions were deleted that were more county-focused. Seven (7) new actions were added in 2021.

4.4 Mitigation Actions
The Planning Team for the City identified and prioritized the following mitigation actions based on risk assessments, goals, and objectives. Background information as well as information on how the action will be implemented and administered, such as ideas for implementation, responsible office, partners, potential funding, estimated cost, and timeline also are described.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 30 Table 4-1 City of Los Banos Mitigation Action Plan
ID Goal(s) Hazard(s)
Mitigated
Description/Background/
Benefits
Lead Agency
and Partners
Cost
Estimate
Potential
Funding Priority Timeline Status/Implementation Notes
1 1,2,3
MultiHazard:

Earthquake,
Flood and
Levee
Failure,
Severe
Weather,
Wildfire
Participate in Countywide Public
Education Program. A natural
hazards education and awareness
program in Merced County would
be a valuable tool for sharing
information with residents.

Implementation ideas include
sharing information online and
conducting workshops. The county
will partner with special districts,
the cities and other entities to
provide awareness and education
on hazards and steps to mitigate.

OES / CEO's
Office $100,000 Federal Grants High Annually Continue – in progress 2 1,2,3
MultiHazard:

Earthquake,
Flood and
Levee
Failure,
Severe
Weather,
Wildfire
Integrate Local Hazard Mitigation
Plan into Safety Element of General
Plan. Recognizing the potential
duplication of effort over
evaluation of the same issues,
efforts to update the Health and
Safety Element will be conducted in
coordination with the multi-hazard
mitigation plan and to also ensure
AB2140 Compliance. Integration
and coordination of both plans
provides General Plan policy
direction for development activity.

Potential loss reductions in the
$1000s as any new development
within the county will be
considered within the context of
the county’s Health and Safety
Element.

Community
Development
Agency
$5,000 General
Fund Medium 1 to 3 years Continue – in progress
3 1,2,3 Earthquake
Non-structural Earthquake
Mitigation Outreach. Existing Public Works $100,000 Federal Grants Medium 1 to 3 years Continue – in progress

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 31 ID Goal(s) Hazard(s)
Mitigated
Description/Background/
Benefits
Lead Agency
and Partners
Cost
Estimate
Potential
Funding Priority Timeline Status/Implementation Notes
structures can be retrofitted to
better withstand damage from
seismic events. Outreach will
include educating home and
business owners about structural
and non-structural retrofit
techniques and how to seismically
strengthen their homes and
businesses. Specific techniques
include secure furnishings, storage
cabinets and utilities to prevent
injuries and damages, such as
anchoring, installing lathes, using
flexible connections on gas and
water lines, and bracing propane
tanks and water heaters.
4 1,3 Earthquake
Participate in countywide Inventory
for Unreinforced Masonry Buildings
- Use GIS a to map and track URMs
Countywide. An accurate inventory
of URM Buildings with appropriate
tracking will lessen time during the
recovery after an EQ.

Public Works $15,000 –
20,000
Federal
Grants Medium 1 year Continue – in progress
5 1,3
MultiHazard:

Earthquake,
Flood and
Levee
Failure,Seve
re Weather,
Wildfire
Periodically review building codes
for updates and enhancements and
ensure necessary capabilities for
enforcement.

Building
Department Staff time Dept. Budget Medium
1 year with
all CBC
updates
Continue – in progress
6 1,2,3 Severe
Weather
Participate in Severe Weather
Preparedness Campaign. This
project would add to and enhance
the existing, campaigns that share
information on Severe Weather
Fire
Department
$100,000 Federal
Grants High Annually Continue – in progress

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 32 ID Goal(s) Hazard(s)
Mitigated
Description/Background/
Benefits
Lead Agency
and Partners
Cost
Estimate
Potential
Funding Priority Timeline Status/Implementation Notes
Hazards: Fog, Freeze, Location of
Warming Centers, Heat Related
Illness, All Hazards Preparedness
information, etc.; The county will
work with special districts, the cities
and other entities.
7 1,2,3 Drought
Promote Water Conservation
Program. Drought is a serious issue
that is faced in California. Water
awareness of all citizens within the
County is critical to the future of
our water supply. Reminders,
education and awareness will help
keep the conservation importance
in the forefront.

Public Works $100,000 Federal
Grants High Annually Continue – in progress
8 1, 2 Wildfire
Implement and Monitor Weed
Abatement Program to Reduce
Wildfire Fuels
Fire
Department $15,000 General Fund High Annually New in 2021 9 3
Flood and
Levee
Failure,
Earthquake,
Wildfire
Prepare Emergency Plan for Critical
Infrastructure
Public Works
$25,000 General
Fund High 3 to 5 years New in 2021
10 3
Earthquake Perform Building-Specific Seismic
Vulnerability Assessment of City
Owned Critical Facilities
Building
Department/
Public Works/
Economic
Development
$50,000 General
Fund High 3 to 5 years New in 2021
11 2, 3
Flood Continue to Update Storm Water
System Master Plan to Identify
Potential Flood Mitigation Projects
Public Works
$100,000 Federal
Funds Medium 3 to 5 years New in 2021
12 1
Flood,
Earthquake,
Wildfire
Prepare a Shelter, and Emergency
Provision Plan to Ensure Adequate
Space and Supplies
Fire
Department $100,000 Federal
Funds Medium 3 to 5 years New in 2021

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 33 ID Goal(s) Hazard(s)
Mitigated
Description/Background/
Benefits
Lead Agency
and Partners
Cost
Estimate
Potential
Funding Priority Timeline Status/Implementation Notes
13 1
Severe
Weather
Prepare Weather Preparedness
Program (Extreme Heat and Cold)
Fire
Department $25,000 General
Fund Medium 1 year New in 2021
14 3
Drought Promote Water Conservation
Program with continued updates to
Urban Water Management Plan
Public Works
$50,000 General
Fund High 3 to 5 years New in 2021
15 1, 2
Earthquake
Flood and
Levee
Failure,
Wildfire
Rental Home Inspections to ensure
fire and life safety.

Fire
Department/
Community
Economic
Development
$100,000 General
Fund High 3 to 5 years New in 2021

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex E: City of Los Banos
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 34 5 IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINTENANCE
Moving forward, the city will use the mitigation action table in the previous section to track progress on implementation of each project. Implementation of the plan overall is discussed in Section 6 in the Base Plan.

5.1 Incorporation into Existing Planning Mechanisms
The information contained within this plan, including results from the Vulnerability Assessment, and the Mitigation Strategy will be used by the City to help inform updates and the development of local plans, programs and policies. The Engineering Division may utilize the hazard information when implementing the City’s Community Investment Program and the Planning and Economic Department s may utilize the hazard information when reviewing a site plan or other type of development applications. The City’s Public Works Department would integrate key flood and stormwater projects outlined in the MJHMP in the most recent Capital Improvement Program. The City is also currently undergoing a General Plan update; during this planning process they City’s Planning and Economic Development Department will incorporate the 2021 MJHMP into the Safety Element of their General Plan, as recommended by Assembly Bill (AB) 2140.

As noted in Section 6 of the Base Plan, the HMPT representatives from Los Banos will report on efforts to integrate the hazard mitigation plan into local plans, programs and policies and will report on these efforts at the annual HMPT plan review meeting.

5.2 Monitoring, Evaluation and Updating the Plan
The City will follow the procedures to monitor, review, and update this plan in accordance with Merced County as outlined in Section 6 of the Base Plan. The city will continue to involve the public in mitigation, as described in Section 6.2.1 of the Base Plan. The Los Banos Fire Department, Fire Chief will be responsible for representing the city in the County HMPT, and for coordination with City staff and departments during plan updates. The City realizes it is important to review the plan regularly and update it every five years in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act Requirements as well as other State of California requirements.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 1 1 CITY OF MERCED

1.1 Community Profile

1.1.1 Mitigation Planning History and 2021 Process
This annex was created during the development of the 2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) update. This Jurisdictional Annex builds upon the City of Merced’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), which was prepared as a stand-alone plan in 2015, separate from the 2014 Merced County MJHMP. A review of jurisdictional priorities found no significant changes in priorities since the previous plan.

The City’s Local Planning Team (LPT) held the responsibility for implementation and maintenance of the plan. Members are listed in Appendix A. More details on the planning process follow and how the jurisdictions and stakeholders participated can be found in Section 3 Planning Process of the Base Plan, along with how the public was involved during the 2021 update.

1.1.2 Geography and Climate
The City of Merced is located in Merced County and in the heart of San Joaquin Valley approximately 100 miles south of Sacramento and 55 miles north of Fresno and Bakersfield. Merced is the county seat and also one of the larger cities in the County of Merced and is known as the “Gateway to Yosemite” because the City has served as a stopping place for visitors on their way to Yosemite National Park, which is approximately two hours away or approximately 80 miles to the east. The City is located in the eastern portion of the County at the intersection of Highway 99 and State Highway 140. According to the United States Census Bureau, Merced has a total area of 25 square miles – almost all of which consists of land with an elevation of 171 feet above sea level. The City is home to the University of California, Merced (UCMerced) with educational opportunities, commercial centers and agribusiness, a revitalized downtown with annual events and a live-stage theater, and a community and diversified industry with a history of food, farming and manufacturing.

The northern part of the City is characterized by rolling terrain and the southern part is relatively flat. The northern, western, and eastern portions of the City contain creeks and canals, including Bear Creek, Black Rascal Creek Fahrens Creek, and Cottonwood Creek. Lake Yosemite and UC-Merced are located approximately two miles to the north and east of downtown. Climate in the City of Merced cycles through a cool rainy winter season and a dry summer season. Summers are hot and dry, and winters are cool and wet, with most of the year’s rain falling from late October through early April.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 2 Figure 1-1 City of Merced Planning Area Map

Source: City of Merced 2012 (Amended 2015)

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 3

1.1.3 History
The City of Merced’s history dates back to the 1870’s when the City developed along the banks of Bear Creek and growth was driven by the Central Pacific Railroad. In 1871, Charles H. Huffman was locating town sites along the new railroad, and like other San Joaquin Valley communities, the major railroad transportation corridor helped lay out the City’s grid along the alignment of the new railroad line. As a result, the older parts of Merced between Bear Creek and the Central Pacific Railroad line are along a southeast/northwest trending angle (City of Merced 2015).

The City initially grew in 1872 with the sale of lots and within a few months several buildings were constructed with the El Capitan Hotels serving as the primary entry point into the City. The City served as an entry point to the gold mining industry until Yosemite Valley became recognized and Merced became recognized as an important gateway to the national park. Around this same time the Merced County seat of government was relocated from Snelling to Merced and a new county courthouse was developed in the downtown.

The City of Merced’s commercial and industrial districts were established by 1875 with hotels, stables, small stores, warehouses, and industrial buildings behind the railroad tracks. Merced also had three distinctive residential districts within a few years, a street light system, and a water system, and in 1889 the City incorporated and by 1890 the City reached a population of 2,009 (City of Merced 2015).

Transportation continued to have a major impact on the City of Merced when the San Francisco and San Joaquin Valley Railroad established a right-of-way through the City. After the turn of the century, growth and development slowed and residential development was limited to large 10 to 20 acre lots with large homes to the east of the City. The Yosemite Valley Railroad was constructed between 1905 and 1907 and located off the end of Main Street in the present day Westgate Shopping Center, which brought new jobs to the City, a demand for goods and services, and a surge of commercial and residential development that took place prior to World War I. Around the 1920’s Merced’s residential districts expanded to the west near the Yosemite Valley railroad tracks and by the 1930’s the population increased to 7,066. The opening of the Yosemite Highway (Highway 140) in 1926, the City further expanded with the increase in vehicle traffic and automotive-related businesses.

Merced continued to grow through the 1940s with the nearby airports and Merced Air Field (Castle Air Force Base). After World War II, the City expanded again and began developing their first zoning ordinance and redevelopment projects. By 1960, the City grew to 20,000 people and the Merced Junior College was established, the Merced Mall opened, and new single-family residential expanded. Soon after, the City adopted their first general plan in 1968, which foresaw the need for the University of California campus in the Valley. The 1960’s also brought the construction of Highway 99, which divided downtown Merced into three distinct subareas: north Merced, central Merced, and south Merced, south of Highway

99. The City’s population reached 37,000 by 1980 and an urban growth boundary was established that directed growth to the north and south to avoid prime agricultural lands and areas subject to high flood levels to the City’s east and west.

Again, the City grew through the 1980s and 1990s with residential construction and the population reached 55,608 (City of Merced 2015). It was not until the recession in 1990 that slowed the growth of the preceding decade. Around the same time, the City completed growth studies and directed growth to occur primarily north of northeast around Lake Yosemite. In 1995, the Lake Yosemite area was selected as the site for the present day UC-Merced campus and approximately 10 years later the campus opened in 2005. The City grew again after the second economic recession and by 2010 annexed another 3,800 acres of new residential, commercial, and industrial land, opened another hospital, and grew to a population of approximately 80,865.

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 4 The City of Merced had steady economic growth in the following decade following the 2008 Recession, but in the initial years the City’s downtown suffered as it lost retail and real estate value. This was a result of both the recession and the closure of the Castle Air Force Base in 1995 (Collins 2020). The City recovered with continuing development and primarily from the expansion of the UC-Merced campus – the fastest growing public research university in the Country. The expansion of the university and the redevelopment in the City was largely accomplished through a public-private redevelopment effort to double the UC-Merced campus by 2020 (known as Merced 2020).

The expansion of the UC-Merced campus resulted in a positive impact on the City, and this is visible with the development of a Downtown Center across from the City Hall that has moved hundreds of jobs into the City. The City has also focused on revitalization of the downtown through key redevelopment projects at historic downtown landmarks: the Tioga Apartments, the Manzier Theatre, and the EL Capitan Hotel (Klein 2018). According to the City, the building industry did not slow down during the ongoing (2020- 2021) pandemic but continued to complete development projects through 2020 and into 2021. There were 1,974,217 square feet of construction added in 2020, and 600,000 square feet more than 2019 (City of Merced 2021). The total number of building permits was 3,727, and in 2020, the City processed the most single-family dwelling permits (723) and multi-family building permits (20) completed in the last decade. There were also 389 multi-family units added last year (City of Merced 2021). This growth has resulted in jobs, additional income, and new housing and businesses in the City.

1.1.4 Economy
The City of Merced’s vision is to increase employment opportunities for its citizens, promote a diverse and balanced economy, preserve the City’s economic base, support high-quality industrial areas and research and development parks, and provide access to commercial services to create a distinguished downtown.

Merced’s growth and increase in industry and retail businesses has added substantial retail and office space, new industrial buildings, new business parks, the UC-Merced campus, and a new hospital. The economic recession impacted the City and around this time, unemployment rates rose and many businesses and industries left the City, and house prices at the end of 2009 fell to 1998 levels. While the economy has traditionally relied on agribusiness and the presence of Castle Air Force Base, over the past twenty years, the economy has diversified with the presence of UC-Merced and new educational and hospital jobs, printing services, warehousing, and packaging industries.

Estimates of select economic characteristics for the City of Merced are shown in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1 City of Merced Economic Characteristics, 2015-2019 Characteristic City of Merced
Families below Poverty Level (%) 18.5%
All People below Poverty Level (%) 29.3%
Median Family Income $45,232
Median Household Income $45,232
Per Capita Income $20,488
Population in Labor Force 59.6%
Population Employed* 90.1%
Unemployment** 9.7%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/
*Excludes armed forces. **Does not reflect unemployment numbers due to COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 5 The most common industries within a five-mile radius of Merced are agribusiness, followed by educational services and health care. Other industries include printing, distribution, boat manufacturing, food processing, and packaging materials. Merced is the home of two major grocery distribution centers (i.e., SaveMart and McLane Pacific), Malibu Boats, Safeway food processing, and various printing companies. The City is also home to various non-manufacturing employers, including the County of Merced, Merced City School District, AT&T Call Center, Merced Union High School District, Merced College, UC-Merced, City of Merced, and numerous large retailers, such as Walmart, Costco, Home Depot, Lowes, Target, Sears, and JC Penney. The tables below show the labor force breakdown by occupations and industry based on estimates from the 2015-2019 five-year American Community Survey.

Table 1-2 City of Merced Employment by Industry, 2015-2019 Occupation # Employed % Employed
Educational services, and health care and social assistance 8,161 23% Retail trade 4,103 12%
Manufacturing 2,972 8%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 4,028 11.3% Construction 2,145 6%
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services
5,171 15%
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 1,558 4%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 1,070 3% Public administration 2,318 7%
Other services, except public administration 839 2%
Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services
2,029 6%
Wholesale trade 775 2%
Information 355 1%
Total 35,524 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces
Table 1-3 City of Merced Employment by Occupation, 2015-2019 Occupation # Employed % Employed
Management, business, science, and arts occupations 7,904 22% Service occupations 7,690 22%
Sales and office occupations 8,698 25%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations 6,070 17% Production, transportation, and material moving occupations 5,162 14% Total 35,524 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ *Excludes armed forces

1.1.5 Population
In May 2020, the State Department of Finance released preliminary population data for the state demographic report, the estimates did not include potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the report the City of Merced has a population of 90,071 persons as of January 1, 2021, and gained

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 6 2,710 residents from the previous year, leaving the population slightly higher. Select demographic and social characteristics for the City of Merced from the 2015-2019 American Community Survey and the California Department of Finance, are shown in Table 1-4.

Table 1-4 City of Merced Demographic and Social Characteristics, 2015-2019 Characteristic City of Atwater
Gender/Age
Male 49.5%
Female 50.5%
Median age (years) 30.1
Under 5 years 6.9%
Under 18 years 27.9%
65 years and over 9.1%
Race/Ethnicity
White 23%
Asian 14.4%
Black or African American 5.0%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1.4%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 57.8%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0.0%
Some other race 0.0%
Two or more races 2.6%
Education*
% High school graduate or higher 73.6%
% with Bachelor’s Degree or Higher 14.6%
Social Vulnerability
% with Disability 13.8%
% Language other than English spoken at
home 53.0%
% Speak English less than "Very Well" 17.5%
% of households with a computer with
internet use 93.2%
% of households with no vehicle available 6.9%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/
* Population 25 years and over
The following table with information from the American Community Survey 5-year estimates (2015-2019) is related to housing occupancy in the City of Merced.

Table 1-5 City of Merced Housing Occupancy and Units, 2015-2019 Housing Characteristic Estimate Percentage
Housing Occupancy
Total Housing Units 26,025 100%
Units Occupied 25,005 96.1%
Vacant 1,020 3.9%

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 7 Housing Characteristic Estimate Percentage
Housing Units
1-unit detached 17,384 66.8%
1-unit attached 694 2.7%
2 units 807 3.1%
3 or 4 units 2,617 10.1%
5-9 units 1,876 7.2%
10-19 units 578 2.2%
20 or more units 1,448 5.6%
Mobile Home 621 2.4%
Boat, RV, van etc. 0 0%
Housing Tenure
Owner Occupied 11,192 44.8%
Renter Occupied 13,813 55.2%
Source: CA Department of Finance U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/

1.1.6 Development Trends
Merced has long been recognized for its small-town feeling, surrounded by agricultural and open space land, parks and historic structures, tree-lined streets, and the creek side bikeways. In order to maintain a sustainable community, it must find a way to attract a variety of industries, local and region serving commercial development, and provide housing opportunities that will appeal to all demographic categories ranging from university students and faculty to retirees and young families. In order to achieve these objectives, the General Plan focuses on a number of basic themes that are reflected in goals and policies. Parts of the City of Merced have grown since the Merced Vision 2030 General Plan, which relied on various assumptions and anticipated future conditions within Merced’s growth area, also known as the City’s Specific Urban Development Plan (SUDP)/Sphere of Influence (SOI). The previous growth considerations focused on the expansion of the vicinity around Lake Yosemite along with a future University community, limiting growth in the unincorporated areas surrounding the City, and setting aside commercial areas to support future employment.

Following the adoption of the Merced Vision 2030 General Plan in 2012, a population projection was prepared by the Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG). MCAG projections cover the entire 20-year General Plan period. The projections for Merced, among other cities in Merced County were augmented by growth rates used in the Environmental Impact Report for the UC Merced 2020 Long Range Development Plan (LRDP) to account for the anticipated population increase generated by UC Merced, located at Lake Yosemite north of Merced. Based on MCAG’s projections, the City of Merced was expected to grow to 103,000 by 2030. In comparison, the General Plan took into account the new UCMerced campus and revised MCAG growth projections, which subsequently reduced the population projections for 2030 but added the projections for the City, UC-Merced campus, University Community, and the County to account for additional land that may be useful throughout the life of the plan and to accommodate up to 40 years of potential development. Under this scenario, the City of Merced was expected to grow to 137,400 by 2030 and 152,100 by 2035.

Table 1.6 below summarizes the population projections for the City of Merced, UC-Merced campus and University Community, and combination of the City and the UC-Merced development. It is important to note these projections are based on population forecasts completed in 2010 and may now be an

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 8 underestimate of potential growth projections for the City of Merced and UC-Merced/University community.

Table 1-6 City of Merced Population Projections, 2010-2035 Year City of Merced UC Merced/ University
Community
Merced + UC
Merced/Univ.

Community
County of Merced Percentage of County
(Merced & UC)
2010 81,500 1,900 83,400 260,000 32.1%
2015 91,500 4,700 96,200 287,000 33.5%
2020 107,600 9,400 117,000 331,000 35.3%
2025 121,800 15,600 137,400 372,000 36.9%
2030 137,400 22,500 159,900 417,500 38.3%
2035 152,100 31,300 183,400 465,500 39.4%
Sources: City of Merced 2012; MCAG 2010
The General Plan plans for new jobs in commercial retail, commercial services, light industrial, manufacturing, public services, and other employment uses. It also plans for growth through buildout estimates or the expansion of the urban limit line (i.e., SUDP/SOI). According to the City’s Draft EIR for the Merced Vision 2030 General Plan, approximately 33,463 acres of land will be available in the SUDP/SOI for proposed land uses. This includes 2,414 acres for agriculture, 9,947 acres for single-family residential, 1,027 acres for multi-family residential, 1,052 acres for office uses, 4,099 acres for industrial uses, 747 acres for business park use, 1,965 acres for commercial, 1,107 acres for open space, 1,740 acres for schools, and 1,014 acres for other lands. Build out estimates and designated land uses are not official growth projections and do not represent City policy and actual population, square footage, or number of dwelling units could be lower or higher than these estimates based on a number of factors. Build out may vary overall or within individual land use designations due to:
● The need to preserve the agricultural base, grazing lands, and other types of open space; ● Infrastructure availability, including the provision of transportation facilities, public services, and facilities;
● The need to limit development due to flood risk, fire risk, geologic and soils constraints, presence of habitat and biological resources, and presence of other important natural resources; and ● Other factors, as described in the General Plan, community plans, specific plans, and City codes and ordinances.

The major goals of the previous general plan update were to expand the SUDP/SOI to accommodate growth and the rural residential centers east of the City and the UC-Merced campus, preserve prime agricultural land around the City, continue the predominantly north-south growth pattern, plan for the area around UC-Merced, and locate higher densities along the transit corridors.

There are numerous recent development projects that have been approved or that are in progress in the City according to the City of Merced Tentative Subdivision Activity List (May 2021), including several road and infrastructure capital improvement projects, such as the R Street Crossings at Fahrens Creek, Mission Avenue Interchange, Parsons Avenue Reconstruction, Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades, and the Fahrens Creek Bridge upgrade. The most recent tentative development projects approved include various subdivision activity projects within the City that range from 2 to 520-acre tentative subdivision projects for residential developments (e.g., Crossing at River Oaks, Moraga, Mission Ranch, Stoneridge South, etc.).

These projects are proposed mostly along the north and south end of the City, with the two larger projects, the Crossing and River Oaks and Moraga located to the east of the City (City of Merced 2018).

The projects that were approved and some of those that are now under construction since the 2015 LHMP include 20 to 44 acre subdivisions consisting of 100 to 240 lot developments. The most recent projects

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 9 underway as of 2020 are located along the north end of the City (i.e., Palisades, Mansionette Commercial Development) and the south end of the City (i.e., Mission Ranch Phase 2). The City is also considering one 70-acre annexation project, which involves an off-campus student housing and retail project associated with UC-Merced campus.

Any increases in development and population increases exposure to hazards including severe weatherrelated hazards and pandemics/epidemics, as well as earthquakes. Increases in growth also puts more demands on water resources and can increase vulnerability to drought.

The areas located in the Sphere of Influence (SOI) shown in Figure 1-1 are areas each City plans to grow into and potentially slated for future development. Understanding the potential hazard exposure in these area can help to mitigate the impacts of events before development occurs in those areas. During this plan update process parcel analysis was conducted using the SOI and overlaid with available hazard risk layers to determine where future development may be at risk of natural hazard events. The results of the analysis have been integrated into the applicable hazard sections: dam, flood and wildfire. Table 1-6 is the summary of the SOI total exposure for the City of Merced.

Table 1-6 Sphere of Influence Total Exposure Summary
Property Type Improved
Parcel Count
Building
Count
Improved
Value
Estimated
Content
Value
Total Value
Agricultural 190 256 $20,956,556 $20,956,556 $41,913,112 Commercial 64 97 $16,870,315 $16,870,315 $33,740,630
Exempt 36 50 $18,162,288 $18,162,288 $36,324,576
Industrial 32 62 $22,790,175 $34,185,263 $56,975,438
Mixed Use 10 11 $280,289 $140,145 $420,434
Residential 2,180 2,403 $475,376,520 $237,688,260 $713,064,780 Vacant 16 17 $66,594 $66,594 $133,188
Total 2,528 2,896 $554,502,737 $328,069,420 $882,572,157 Source: Wood Analysis 2021
2 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND SUMMARY
The City of Merced Planning Team 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 2-1). There are no hazards that are unique to Merced. 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 Assessment Section.

Table 2-1 City of Merced —Hazard Profiles
Hazard Geographic Area
Probability of
Future
Occurrence
Magnitude/
Severity
Overall
Significance
Dam Incidents Extensive Occasional Catastrophic High
Earthquake Extensive Occasional Critical Medium
Flood and Levee Failure Significant Likely Critical High

2021 Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex F: City of Merced
Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update | 2021–2026 Page 10 Severe Weather: Extreme
Temperatures/Extreme Heat
Extensive Highly Likely Critical Medium
Wildfire Limited Highly Likely Negligible 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.

Unlikely: Less than 1% chance of occurrence in
next 100 years or has a recurrence interval of
greater than every 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 Significance
Low: minimal potential impact
Medium: moderate potential impact
High: widespread potential impact

2.1 Vulnerability Assessment
The intent of this section is to assess Merced’s vulnerability that is separate from that of the planning area as a whole, which has already been assessed in Section 4 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment in the Base Plan. This vulnerability assessment analyzes the population, property, and other assets at risk to hazards ranked of 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 a combination of the previous LHMP for the City and County and jurisdiction-specific information collected during the 2021 update. A LHMP Update Guide and associated worksheets was distributed to each participating municipality or special district to complete during update process in 2021. 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 4-2). However, the hazard summary rankings for each jurisdictional annex may vary due to specific hazard risk and vulnerabilities unique to that jurisdiction. The information in this annex helps 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 Merced’s Planning Team member input from the Data Collection Guide and the risk assessment developed during the planning process (see Section 4 of the Base Plan), which included a more detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis with best available data.

The hazard summaries in Table 2-1 above reflect the hazards that could potentially affect City. The discussion of vulnerability for each of the following hazards is located in Section 2.3 Estimating Potential Losses. Based on this analysis, the priority hazards (Medium and High Significance) for the City of Merced are identified below.