Cupertino City Council
October 20, 2026

RESOLUTION NO._________

A RESOLUTION OF THE CUPERTINO CITY COUNCIL

ADOPTING A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT TO UPDATE THE HEALTH AND

SAFETY ELEMENT AND ASSOCIATED AMENDMENTS TO REFLECT THE

UPDATES TO THE HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT
SECTION I: PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Application No: GPA-2025-001
Applicant: City of Cupertino
Location: Citywide/Various locations
SECTION II: RECITALS
WHEREAS, pursuant to California Government Code Section 65300, each city and county in California must adopt a comprehensive, long-term general plan addressing the physical development of the county or city, and any land outside its boundaries which in the agency’s judgment bears relation to its planning; and
WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 65302 identifies seven mandatory elements which all city and county general plans must include (land use, circulation, conservation, open space, noise, safety and housing); and
WHEREAS, Cupertino General Plan: Community Vision 2015 – 2040 was adopted by the City Council in 2015 and has been amended from time to time as needed; and WHEREAS, Senate Bill (SB) 1241, codified in California Government Code Section 65302(g)(3), requires local agencies with land classified as State Responsibility Areas or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones to review and update their general plan safety element to address wildfire risks; and
WHEREAS, SB 379, codified in California Government Code Section 65302(g)(4), requires that local agencies update their general plan safety element to address climate adaptation and resiliency: and
WHEREAS, SB 99, codified in California Government Code Section 65302(g)(5) requires that local agencies update their general plan safety element to identify residential developments in any hazard area identified in the safety element that do not have at least two emergency evacuation routes; and
WHEREAS, AB 2684, codified in California Government Code Section 65302.16 requires that local agencies review and update the general plan safety element to address extreme heat as a hazard of concern; and
WHEREAS, Assembly Bill (AB) 747 and AB 1409, codified in California Government Code Section 65302.15 requires local agencies identify evacuation routes and their capacity, safety, and viability and evacuation locations under a range of emergency scenarios; and WHEREAS, SB 1035 and SB 379, requires that the City review the Safety Element and update it as needed upon updates to the Housing Element or Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, or at least once every eight years; and
WHEREAS, Cupertino’s Health and Safety element (“Safety Element”) is completely within Chapter 6 and Appendices D and E of Cupertino General Plan: Community Vision 2015-2040; and WHEREAS, the Safety Element integrates and incorporates by reference the current Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, including the City of Cupertino Annex, approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in accordance with California Government Code Sections 8685.9. 65302, and 65302.6; and WHEREAS, the Safety Element integrates and incorporates all required updates and amendments related to climate adaptation and resiliency, extreme heat concerns, evacuation route locations, capacity, safety and viability required pursuant to California Government Code Sections 65302(g)(4), 65302(g)(5), 65302.14 and 65302.16; and WHEREAS, there have been numerous opportunities for members of the public to participate in the development of the Safety Element update, including multiple Planning Commission, Public Safety Commission and City Council Study Sessions held on July 8, 2025, July 10, 2025, March 9, 2026, May 19, 2026, and July 7, 2026; and
WHEREAS, a public review draft of the Safety Element was published in February 2026, with an extended comment period through May 8, 2026; and
WHEREAS, on June 4, 2026, as provided in California Government Code Sections 65352 -- 65352.5, the City mailed a public notice to all California Native American tribes provided by the Native American Heritage Commission, and the City completed consultation with the Tamien Nation on August 28, 2026; and
WHEREAS, on July 14, 2026, notice was sent to the California Geological Survey and the California Office of Emergency Services in accordance with California Government Code Section 65302; and
WHEREAS, on August 21, 2026, the Safety Element was submitted to the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection in accordance with California Government Code Section 65302.5 and formally reviewed by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection on September 22, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the Safety Element was developed in consultation with emergency service providers and members of the public, was reviewed by CAL FIRE, the Board of Forestry, the California Geological Survey, and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services; and reflects best practices outlined in the State's General Plan Guidelines and Technical Advisories; and WHEREAS, the Safety Element Update project qualifies for a CEQA exemption under the common-sense exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), as it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the project may have a significant effect on the environment; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Government Code Section 65353(c) and Section 65091(a)(4), on September 17, 2026, the City published notice of the Planning Commission’s hearing on the proposed amendments to the Safety Element in the Cupertino Courier, a newspaper of general local circulation; and
WHEREAS, notices describing the Planning Commission's public hearing on the proposed amendments to the Safety Element were sent to each local agency expected to provide water, sewage, streets, roads, schools, and other essential facilities or services in Cupertino, whose ability to provide those facilities and services may be affected and to those entities listed in Government Code Section 65352; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing for careful consideration of all maps, facts, exhibits, correspondence, testimony, and other evidence submitted in this matter, and receipt of public testimony on the proposed amendments to the Safety Element at issue herein; and
WHEREAS, on September 22, 2026, the Planning Commission recommended on a 4-1 vote that the City Council adopt the General Plan Amendment (GPA-2025-001), in substantially similar form to the Resolution presented (Resolution No. ______) with amendments and associated votes listed below and that the Notice of Exemption has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3); and

1. Add new strategy in Policy 2.11: Prioritize evacuation capacity analysis for any roadway changes that reduce capacity in evacuation constrained corridors as identified in the October 2025 evacuation study Pass 3-2 (Noes: Lindskog; Fung)

2. Add sentence to “Local Emergency Response” Section: The primary responsibility of the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s office in Cupertino is the safety and security of the Cupertino community, which funds its operations. Pass 4-1 (No: Fung)

3. Amend policy HS-10.8 as follows: Prior to approving noise generating uses, including public or private recreational uses within or adjacent to established residential areas, ensure require the proposed noise generating use to prepare an acoustical analysis, which includes adequate identifies appropriate noise mitigation measures, including, but not limited to, posted rules and regulations which limit hours of operation, to meet the City’s adopted noise standards. Pass 4-1 (No: Fung)

4. Amend Policy HS-10.7: Reduction of Noise from Trucking Operations: Conduct interagency coordination with Santa Clara County: Work to carry out noise mitigation measures to diminish noise along Foothill and Stevens Creek Boulevards from the quarry and cement plant trucking operations. These measures include regulation of truck speed, the volume of truck activity, and trucking activity hours to avoid late evening, and early morning and the weekend. Alternatives to truck transport, specifically rail, are strongly encouraged when feasible. Pass 4-1 (No: Fung)
WHEREAS, on October 20, 2026, the Cupertino City Council conducted a duly noticed public hearing with careful consideration of all maps, facts, exhibits, correspondence, and testimony, and other evidence submitted in this matter; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Cupertino is the decision-making body for this Resolution.

SECTION III: RESOLUTIONS
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that, after careful consideration of the maps, facts, exhibits, testimony and other evidence submitted in this matter, and based on the preceding findings, the City Council hereby finds and determines the following:

1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated by reference into this action.

2. Adopts amendments to the General Plan (Application No. GPA-2025-001), including amendments to Chapter 7 (Health and Safety) and Appendices D (Community Noise Fundamentals), and E (Geologic and Seismic Hazards), and adoption of a new Appendix H (Health and Safety Background Report), as shown in Exhibits GPA-1 – GPA-4, which are incorporated herein by reference as part of this resolution; and

3. The Health and Safety Element is internally consistent with other elements of the Cupertino General Plan.

4. Authorizes the staff to make any grammatical, typographical, numbering, and formatting changes in the amended Chapters necessary to assist in production of the final published General Plan.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution is exempt per the common-sense exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because implementation of the proposed project would not have the potential to cause a significant effect on the environment. CEQA applies only to actions which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. In this circumstance, the proposed action is adoption of a program-level policy document that includes goals, policies, and strategies intended to minimize health and safety hazards and increase resilience in Cupertino. The proposed project establishes a framework for how to achieve its goals through policies and strategies to improve public health and safety by complying with new State laws, incorporating policies from other local and regional plans, and responding to community goals and priorities. The proposed project does not include land use or zoning changes that would result in direct or indirect growth or changes in building density and intensity. The proposed project would not implement provisions that would result in direct or indirect population growth and thus would not place additional demands on natural resources, public services, or infrastructure. In addition, the proposed project does not include any site-specific designs or proposals to develop specific projects, nor does it grant any entitlements for development projects. The foregoing determination is made by the City Council in its independent judgment.

PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Cupertino this ____day of _________, ____, by the following vote:

Members of the City Council
AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

SIGNED:
___________
Kitty Moore, Mayor
City of Cupertino
________________________
Date
ATTEST:
_____________
Lauren Sapudar, City Clerk
________________________
Date
▪
EXHIBIT GPA-1
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Introduction
Community health and public safety responsibilities evolve to address the community’s growth and changing needs. The City is committed to maintaining a high level of preparedness to protect the community from risks to life, property, and the environment associated with both natural and human-caused disasters and hazards. In the future, more emphasis will be placed on sustainable approachesto community health and safety, including crime and fire prevention through design, improved use of technology, management of hazardous materials, and improved disaster planning.

This Element includes goals, policies, and strategies that address the potential risks associated with these hazards, actions the City can take to reduce these risks, and ways the City and community can take more sustainable approaches for preventing or minimizing injuries to life and damages to property.

CONTENTS:

Introduction
Overview
Public Safety Issues
Looking Forward
Goals, Policies, and Strategies
Emergency Preparedness and Response Regional Coordination Emergency Preparedness and Response
Fire Hazards Fire Safety
Hazardous Waste and Materials Public Services
Electromagnetic Fields Seismic and Geologic Hazards
Seismic and Geologic Hazards Hazardous Materials
Flood and Inundation Hazards Flooding
Extreme Heat Extreme Heat
Climate Change Resilience Climate Change Resilience
Noise Noise
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 1

OVERVIEW

PURPOSE AND CONTENT
The Health and Safety Element includes the City’s goals, policies, and strategies to minimize health and safety hazards and increase resilience in Cupertino. Section 65302(g) of the California Government Code requires that the Health and Safety Element contain background information and policies to address multiple natural hazards, an analysis of vulnerabilities from climate change, policies to improve climate change resilience, and an assessment of residential areas with evacuation constraints. The health and safety issues in Cupertino include the following:
▪ Emergency preparedness and response
▪ Fire hazards
▪ Hazardous waste and materials
▪ Electromagnetic fields
▪ Seismic and geologic hazards
▪ Flood and inundation hazards
▪ Climate change resilience
▪ Noise
This element is supported by the Health and Safety Element Background Report (Appendix H), which provides detailed information for each of the health and safety issues.

RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LOCAL PLANS AND REGULATIONS
Cupertino General Plan’s Health and Safety Element is one of several plans that address community safety and related topics. Other City plans include the Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (Hazard Mitigation Plan), the Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan, the Cupertino Climate Action Plan, and various local regulations. The Health and Safety Element is consistent with these other plans and integrates them as appropriate to ensure that the City has a unified strategy to address public safety and resilience issues.

GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS
The Health and Safety Element provides policy direction and safety improvements that complement the intent and policies of other General Plan elements. How land uses are determined in areas prone to natural hazards, what regulations limit development in these areas, and how hazards are mitigated for existing development are all issues that tie the elements together. For instance, the Recreation, Parks, and Community Services Element must consider how hazards will affect the park and recreation infrastructure and facilities in Cupertino but also recognize that parks can provide strategies to reduce flood risks throughout the city. The Housing Element is also closely tied to the Health and Safety Element. Future potential development in the city must be protected from hazards and be able to adapt to climate change hazards to ensure homes and the people living in them remain safe. Health and Safety CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

Element policies, especially those concerning evacuation routes and critical facilities, must also be consistent with those of the Mobility Element. Interstate 280 and State Route 85 are Cupertino’s primary evacuation routes, supported by routes designated as arterials in the City’s Mobility Element.

SANTA CLARA COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN The 2023 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan assesses the risk of hazards and vulnerabilities from natural and human-caused hazards, including risk to people and facilities, and identifies short-term (five-year) mitigation actions to reduce or eliminate hazard risks. The Hazard Mitigation Plan includes a dedicated annex for the City of Cupertino, which discusses Cupertino’s characteristics and history, development trends, hazard mitigation capabilities, integration with other hazard mitigation planning efforts, and vulnerabilities of specific facilities and infrastructure. Santa Clara County led the preparation of the Hazard Mitigation Plan in collaboration with the City and other local agencies and special districts, in accordance with the federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s hazard mitigation assistance guidance. The City Council adopted the Cupertino annex on October 1, 2024. The current Hazard Mitigation Plan, including Cupertino’s annex, as certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is incorporated into this Health and Safety Element by reference, as permitted by California Government Code Section 65302.6. It is available online at:
https://www.cupertino.gov/emergencyplans.

SANTA CLARA COUNTY COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLAN
The 2023 Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan is a plan is to reduce fire hazards through increased information and education about wildfires, hazardous fuels reduction, actions to reduce structure ignitability, and other recommendations to assist emergency preparedness and firesuppression efforts. The Santa Clara County Fire Department (Fire Department) prepared and published this plan, in collaboration with the Community Wildfire Protection Plan Core Team, made up of representatives of Santa Clara County organizations, including the City. The Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan complements local agreements and existing plans for wildfire protection to coordinate efforts in determining appropriate fire management actions. The Community Wildfire Protection Plan is available online at: https://www.cupertino.gov/emergencyplans.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 3

CITY OF CUPERTINO CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
On August 16, 2022, the Cupertino City Council adopted the City’s Climate Action Plan 2.0 to address climate change challenges. Cupertino’s goal is to reduce the City’s greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by the year 2040. The Climate Action Plan describes a series of communitywide measures and actions that will aid the City in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet community goals. The Climate Action Plan includes topics such as energy, transportation, waste, water, plants and animals, and natural systems, as well as an adaptation chapter that is intended to help residents prepare for extreme weather events and the impacts of a changing climate. The Climate Action Plan is viewed as a strategic framework that will be re-evaluated regularly. The Climate Action Plan has targeted communitywide carbon neutrality by 2040 in line with the emergency climate declaration made by the City Council in 2018 and in support of State and international climate goals. The Climate Action Plan 2.0 is available online at: https://www.cupertino.gov/Your-City/Divisions/Environment-Sustainability/Climate-Action.

CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABILITY
Changes to the global climate system are expected to affect future occurrences of natural hazards in and around
Cupertino. Many hazards are projected to become more
frequent and intense in coming years and decades, and in some cases, these trends have already begun. According to California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment, Cupertino can expect to experience various changes from climaterelated hazard events.

Climate change is expected to lead to an increase in
wildfires in the surrounding area and across Santa Clara County due to hotter and drier conditions. Across the
region, more frequent and intense wildfires may also create poor air quality for Cupertino. Warmer temperatures are projected to cause an increase in extreme heat events. The number of extreme heat days, defined in Cupertino as a day when the high temperature is at least 93.2 degrees Fahrenheit (°F), is expected to rise from a historical annual average of 5 to 14 days by the middle of the century (2035 to 2064), and an average of 24 days by the end of the century (2070 to 2099).

Both droughts and floods are expected to become more frequent as rainfall is likely to occur in fewer, more intense storms. Climate change is expected to cause an increase in heavy rainfall, which may also contribute to an increased risk of landslides in the hills around Cupertino. Climate change can increase infection rates from various diseases because many of the animals that carry diseases are more active during warmer weather. Warmer temperatures earlier in the spring and later in the winter can cause these animals to be active for extended periods, increasing the time these diseases can be transmitted.

What is vulnerability?
Vulnerability is the degree to which
natural, built, and human systems
are susceptible to harm from
exposure to stresses associated with
environmental and social change
and from the absence of a capacity
to adapt.

Source: California Governor’s Office of
Emergency Services. 2020. California
Adaptation Planning Guide.
https://www.caloes.ca.gov/climate.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT
Under California law (California Government Code Section 65302[g]), the Health and Safety Element is required to include a vulnerability assessment of how people, buildings, infrastructure, and other key community assets may be affected by climate change. The City of Cupertino conducted a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment as part of preparation of the Health and Safety Element, which assessed how eight different climate-related hazards (air quality and smoke, drought, extreme heat, flooding, human health hazards, landslides, severe storms, and wildfire) may affect 45 different population groups and community assets. Each population or asset received a score of low, medium, or high vulnerability for each climate-related hazard. Cupertino’s Vulnerability Assessment is included in the Health and Safety Element Background Report, Appendix H of the City’s General Plan.

The Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment found that Cupertino’s populations and assets are most vulnerable to flooding, extreme heat, and wildfire. Overall, residents in Cupertino tend to be most vulnerable to extreme heat, human health hazards, and flooding, which directly affect health outcomes.

The most vulnerable population groups include those with chronic illness and/or disabilities, seniors living alone, households in poverty, and persons experiencing homelessness. Infrastructure and key services are also highly vulnerable, especially energy delivery and communication infrastructure, the transportation network and public transit services, and water and wastewater services, which can be disrupted by flooding that causes roadways to become impassable, extreme heat events that strain electricity transmission lines, and severe storms that cause Public Safety Power Shutoffs. To increase community resilience and help lower vulnerability, the Health and Safety Element includes goals, policies, and strategies, several of which are particular to the populations and assets identified to be highly vulnerable in the Vulnerability Assessment.

PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUES
The City’s commitment to public safety encompasses two broad areas of responsibility: (1) provide public safety services, including preparing a response for emergencies such as natural disasters or structure fires; and (2) plan for a safe environment in which the public is not exposed to unnecessary risks to life and property. There are multiple areas in which the City develops policies and strategies to address public safety issues as further described below.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE
Emergencies can severely impact the health of a community and a city or agency’s ability to provide needed services. Emergencies can include natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and wildfires, or other events such as infrastructure disruptions, security incidents, and hazardous spills.

Emergency preparedness includes activities that are undertaken before an emergency occurs so there is an effective and coordinated response. Emergency response accounts for actions taken after an emergency or disaster to minimize the negative effects, such as evacuation, emergency communication, CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 5 and coordinating first responders. Emergency preparedness and response require the integration of the following elements into each of the City’s functions: emergency planning, coordination, mitigation, training, and public education. The City, its contributing agencies, and the community are partners in ensuring that emergency planning is effectively implemented.

LOCAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE
The City of Cupertino’s Office of Emergency Management, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office West Valley Patrol Division, and Santa Clara County Fire Department conduct emergency preparedness activities in Cupertino.

City of Cupertino’s Office of Emergency Management
The City’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) works to mitigate risks and to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies affecting the city. OEM works with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and Santa Clara County Fire Department to conduct emergency response activities in Cupertino.

OEM coordinates several volunteer programs vital to the community’s preparedness and resilience. These programs include the Cupertino Citizen Corps, Block Leaders, and Neighborhood Watch. These initiatives engage residents in proactive measures to safeguard their neighborhoods, ensuring a robust community response in the face of emergencies. The OEM conducts regular community training sessions, equipping residents with essential disaster preparedness and response skills. For instance, the Cupertino Citizen Corps offers Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training courses, which prepare volunteers to assist during emergencies and provide CPR and first aid certification. The Block Leaders program also trains residents to organize and support their immediate community, fostering a network of informed and prepared individuals.

Citywide exercises are essential for the OEM, simulating disaster scenarios to help officials, first responders, and volunteers practice their response strategies. These exercises ensure everyone knows their roles and can act promptly during emergencies. The OEM collaborates closely with City departments and public safety agencies to provide a unified and coordinated response.

The OEM also focuses on planning and protocol development and drafting and updating emergency response plans that align with State and federal guidelines. These plans cover various hazards, including earthquakes, floods, and wildfires, ensuring swift and effective recovery after an emergency. The collaborative efforts with City departments and public safety agencies ensure comprehensive coverage and efficiency.

By fostering a culture of preparedness and community involvement and working closely with City departments and public safety agencies, the OEM plays a crucial role in safeguarding Cupertino's residents, infrastructure, and services from potential hazards.

Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, specifically the West Valley Patrol Division of the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, provides law enforcement services to the City of Cupertino in addition to the cities of CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

Saratoga and Los Altos Hills, and the western unincorporated county areas from Summit Road to Moffett Field. The West Valley Patrol Division provides progressive law enforcement services and works towards maintaining healthy community partnerships. The primary responsibility of the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office in Cupertino is the safety and security of the Cupertino community, which funds its operations.

The Sheriff's Office is integral to Cupertino's emergency response framework. In natural disasters, accidents, or other emergencies, the West Valley Division collaborates with the Office of Emergency Management and the Fire Department to coordinate evacuations and manage emergencies to deliver a swift, coordinated response.

The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office strives to maintain high standards for their response times to ensure that critical situations are addressed promptly, enhancing the safety and security of the community, as follows:
▪ Priority 1 incidents, which include emergencies requiring immediate response, the expected response time is within five minutes.
▪ Priority 2 incidents, which involve urgent but not life-threatening situations, have a target response time of under nine minutes.
▪ For Priority 3 incidents, which are non-emergency calls, the Sheriff's Office aims to respond within 20 minutes.

The Sheriff's Office also participates in public safety education programs, informing residents about crime prevention, personal safety, and emergency preparedness. Deputies routinely participate in community events across all cities in this endeavor.

Santa Clara County Fire Department
Firefighting and emergency medical services are provided to Cupertino by the Santa Clara County Fire Department through three fire stations:
▪ Cupertino Fire Station at 20215 Stevens Creek Boulevard ▪ Monta Vista Fire Station at 22620 Stevens Creek Boulevard ▪ Seven Springs Fire Station at 21000 Seven Springs Parkway Figure HS-1 shows the location of fire stations and their service areas in Cupertino.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 7 FIGURE HS-1

FIRE SERVICE
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

Santa Clara County Fire Department is a full service, all-risk, “all hazard” fire department that provides similar services to six other West Valley cities and adjacent unincorporated county areas. The Santa Clara County Fire Department is an internationally accredited agency through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International; therefore, frequently monitors and reviews multiple performance metrics to assure prompt and efficient delivery of firefighting resources to all emergencies based on risk. These metrics are compiled into the Department’s Community Risk Assessment -Standards of Cover document available on the Santa Clara County Fire Department website.

The current performance benchmark is when fire apparatus arrives on scene to an emergency incident is:
▪ Structure fire incidents, the first unit should arrive within 7 minutes, 40 seconds, 90 percent of the time.
▪ Emergency medical incidents and non-structure fires, the first unit should arrive within 8 minutes, 40 seconds, 90 percent of the time.

These times are from when the incident is acknowledged at the dispatch center, a unit(s) are dispatched, responds, and arrives on scene.

Increases in population density will lead to an increase in service demand and potentially traffic congestion. This will impact the Fire Department’s critical response times, and the Department may need to adjust or expand staffing levels and equipment in areas of high service demand in the future.

The Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Division provides comprehensive fire/life safety plan review for land development, new building construction, interior remodel projects, fire suppression, and fire alarm systems. The Division’s staff also perform construction inspections to ensure that completed projects conform to State and local fire safety regulations. In addition to conducting construction-related plan reviews and inspections, the Santa Clara County Fire Department provides annual occupancy and special event inspections, Defensible Space Inspections, and also offers community educational programs, such as those on Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and first aid certification.

The Fire Department also provides first response Advanced Life Support paramedic level services to Cupertino through an exclusive operating area agreement between the County of Santa Clara and Rural/Metro of California, Inc., d/b/a American Medical Response.

The Department maintains a Santa Clara County Emergency Medical Service Multi-Casualty Incident supply trailer for large-scale emergency medical incidents and is a participant in Master Mutual Aid in the event of major disasters. In the event of a wildfire or an emergency, the Fire Department can issue evacuation warnings or evacuation orders in coordination with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and Cupertino’s Office of Emergency Management.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 9

EMERGENCY PLANNING
The State of California requires all State, regional, and local agencies and utilities, including the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Santa Clara Valley Water District, to maintain their own emergency plans relating to the infrastructure they install and maintain. The City of Cupertino’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) coordinates citywide emergency planning and protocol development.

Additionally, State law requires cities to prepare an emergency plan to effectively respond to natural or human-caused disasters that threaten lives, the natural environment, or property. In the event of an emergency, the City would implement the Cupertino Emergency Operations Plan and rely on State, regional, and local agencies to implement their emergency operations plans, with the City supporting as needed.

The Cupertino Emergency Operations Plan establishes an organizational framework to enable the City to manage its emergency response activities and to coordinate with County, State, and federal agencies.

The Emergency Operations Plan was prepared in accordance with the National Incident Management System and is used in conjunction with the State Emergency Plan, the Santa Clara Operational Disaster Response and Recovery Area Interim Agreement, Santa Clara County Emergency Operations Plan, as well as plans and Standard Operating Procedures of contract agencies and special districts. The City reviews the Emergency Operations Plan annually and conducts periodic emergency disaster drills to ensure the plan is effective.

When an incident occurs anywhere in Cupertino, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and/or the Santa Clara County Fire Department will be the first to arrive at the scene, where they will implement the incident command system (ICS) and determine which agencies and resources need to be involved.

Support personnel, such as City staff, special districts, and volunteer groups, are trained to perform specific functions in ICS and the Emergency Operations Center.

The City maintains the Cupertino Alert, Warning, and Notification Program, which provides critical alerts and warnings to the public while sharing information among City departments and partner agencies before, during, and after an emergency. The Alert, Warning, and Notification Program is designed to help the City’s departments effectively coordinate information sharing and provide alerts, warnings, and notifications to the public before, during, and after any emergency or situation.

To reach as many people as possible with crucial information, the City’s emergency alert, warning, and notification plan includes several information methods, such as the Emergency Alert and Warning System (AlertSCC, Genasys Protect), Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), Cupertino.org, the City Channel (TV), Radio Cupertino, and social media sites such as Nextdoor, Facebook and X.

AlertSCC is capable of notifying anyone who lives or works in Cupertino that is impacted by, or is in danger of being impacted by, an emergency. Alerts are distributed through AlertSCC via voice or text messages to cell phones, home phones, personal digital assistants, laptops, desktop computers, and Teletypewriter/Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TTY/TDD) devices for the hearing impaired.

IPAWS, FEMA's national alert system, is an online tool enabling jurisdictions to send emergency alerts to CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

the public. It enables emergency officials to issue effective warnings during serious emergencies using the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio. The City also uses volunteers to disseminate public information about extreme weather events through an outreach program called Raising Awareness of Community Hazards.

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
The City’s Emergency Operations Centerislocated on the first floor of City Hall, with an alternative location in the Service Center on Mary Avenue. The staffing and duties of the Emergency Operations Center are actively managed through the City’s Emergency Operations Plan. Capabilities include emergency backup power, computer network and internet access, and telephone and radio communicationsto City and County sites. It should be noted that due to structural deficiencies at the existing City Hall location, there may be additional physical and seismic improvements required to City Hall building to ensure that it can continue to meet the requirements of an Emergency Operations Center.

Additional communication support is provided by volunteers from Cupertino Amateur Radio Emergency Service (CARES). CARES volunteers coordinate extensive citywide communications capabilities, including helping to connect neighbors, public safety officials,special districts, the City, and County departments.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS AND OTHER VOLUNTEERS
All City employees are designated Disaster Service Workers under Section 3100 of the California Government Code during declared emergencies. They may be required to remain at work as long as they are needed, and receive specific training in personal and home preparedness, First Aid, CPR, National Incident Management System, and Terrorism Awareness.

Volunteer groups also play an important role in the City’s Emergency Operations Plan. Citizen Corps members (CARES, CERT, and Medical Reserve Corps) continue to receive appropriate training and equipment to rapidly respond throughout the city and augment professional first responders.

Unregistered and untrained volunteers may be utilized and trained, as needed during a disaster.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION
With advanced warning, evacuation can effectively reduce injury and loss of life during a catastrophic event. Emergency evacuations can be triggered by a number of hazard events, especially wildfire and flooding, with the main goal of providing information to support residents and employees leaving a hazardous area in an orderly fashion. As shown in Figure HS-2, primary emergency access and evacuation routes include Interstate 280, which intersects the city from the northwest to the east along the northern portion of the city, State Route 85, which intersects the city from the north to southeast through the central portion of the city, and other local roadways that connect to these primary CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 11 evacuation routes. It is important to note that the recommended evacuation routes in any given situation will depend on the specifics of the emergency.

The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office manages evacuation events in Cupertino in coordination with the City’s Emergency Manager and Santa Clara County Fire Department. During an evacuation event the City and County Sheriff’s Office use the online Genasys Protect platform to identify evacuation zones and send out notifications to residents in those zones with evacuation warnings and/or orders. Evacuation orders and warnings are also sent out through AlertSCC emergency notification platform. There are 34 contiguous evacuation zones in the city. Maps of each zone are available through the City’s website:
www.cupertino.gov/evacuation.

California Government Code Section 65302(g)(5) requires cities to identify evacuation constrained residential parcels in hazard areas that do not have at least two emergency evacuation routes. Nearly all parcels in the city are in at least one hazard zone. Figure HS-3 shows residential parcels with evacuation constraints. This includes residential parcels located on a single access road and parcels in cul-de-sac neighborhoods with 10 parcels or more. As shown on Figure HS-3, evacuation constrained residential parcels in the western portion of Cupertino are also within Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The lack of multiple emergency access points limits roadway access for these properties, which may create difficulties if there is a need to evacuate.

California Government Code Section 65302.15 requires Safety Elements to identify evacuation routes and their capacity, safety, and viability and evacuation locations under a range of emergency scenarios.

In coordination with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and Santa Clara County Fire Department, the City conducted an Evacuation Route Capacity Assessment in October 2025 in compliance with Government Code Section 65302.15. The assessment evaluates the capacity, safety, and viability of evacuation routes and locations under three wildfire evacuation scenarios, assuming that evacuations would occur in the western portions of Cupertino:
▪ Scenario A: A wildfire evacuation in the Fall at 2:00pm and all roadways would be open. ▪ Scenario B: A wildfire were to occur after an earthquake, and evacuation would occur in the Summer at 6:00pm with road closures.
▪ Scenario C: A wildfire were to occur after an earthquake, and evacuation would occur in the Fall at 2:00pm with road closures.

Based on these three scenarios, the assessment defines the evacuation area, evacuation routes, and estimates vehicle trips. The assessment found that each scenario would have varying capacity and viability constraints due to the number of evacuees, type of evacuees, and potential road closures. It is important to note that emergency scenarios are often unpredictable, and it is anticipated that evacuees would vacate at a rate that closely resembles a bell curve from the time an evacuation order is issued.

The Evacuation Route Capacity Assessment is available for review on the City’s website:
https://cupertino.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8027889&GUID=ADBDFC27-7C0D-4E49-8A24- 538FC135D655&Options=&Search=#docaccess-43d31256e884721836b2ef28e7cc3786.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

FIGURE HS-2

POTENTIAL EVACUATION ROUTES
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 13 FIGURE HS-3

EVACUATION CONSTRAINED

RESIDENTIAL AREAS
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FIRE HAZARDS
Fire hazards include wildfires and urban fires. The combination of complex terrain, climate, vegetation, and development patterns contribute to an elevated risk of wildfire. Historically, the fire season extended from early summer through late fall of each year during the hotter, drier months, although it is increasingly a hazard that can occur year-round. Fire conditions arise from a combination of high temperatures, low moisture content in the air and plant matter, an accumulation of vegetation, and high winds.

Two types of fires are of concern to Cupertino: wildfires and structural fires.

WILDFIRES
Wildfires occur on mountains, hillsides, and grasslands. Fuel, weather, and topography are primary factors that affect how wildland fires spread. In and around Cupertino, grassland and woodland habitat provide highly flammable fuel that is
conducive to wildfires. Due to Cupertino’s geographic location, it is exposed to hazards from both wildland and urban fires.

There are approximately 16 square miles of hillsides included in and around the boundary of the city. These areas include State Responsibility Area (SRA) lands west of the city, such as Rancho San Antonio Open Space, Picchetti Ranch Open Space, Saratoga Creek County Park, and Sanborn County Park, as well as Local Responsibility Area (LRA) lands, including McClellan Ranch Preserve, Stevens Creek County Park, Fremont Older Open Space, residential neighborhoods along the western hillsides of the city, and the hillsides of Saratoga.

There is limited information on historic fires in the Cupertino area. However, there is no recorded history of wildfires within the city. The closest known wildfire was the Stevens Fire which occurred on August 30, 2007. This wildfire burned 151 acres in the dry brush-covered hills near Stevens Creek Canyon
southwest of Cupertino. In 2020, the CZU Lightning Complex fire burned near the western border of Santa Clara County and Cupertino. While this fire was outside of Santa Clara County, it caused severe smoke impacts for Cupertino and surrounding communities.

Changing climate conditions are expected to increase the fire risk in and around Cupertino. For instance, warmer temperatures brought on by climate change can exacerbate drought conditions and droughts Fire Hazard Severity Zones
and Responsibility Areas
CAL FIRE designates Fire Hazard
Severity Zones, which may be
designated Very High, High, or
Moderate. Several factors are
considered, including fire history,
existing and potential vegetation
fuel, flame length, blowing embers,
terrain, and weather patterns for
the area. CAL FIRE designates Fire
Hazard Severity Zones in two types
of areas depending on which level
of government is financially
responsible for fire protection.

Local Responsibility Areas:

Incorporated communities are
financially responsible for wildfire
protection.

State Responsibility Areas: CAL FIRE
and contracted counties are
financially responsible for wildfire
protection.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 – 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page SE-15 can kill or dry out plants, creating more fuel for wildfires. Increased winds can result in more erratic fire behavior, making fires harder to contain. Warmer temperatures are also expected to occur later in the year, extending the wildfire season, which is likely to begin earlier in the year and extend later than it has historically.

FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) establishes Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs) in both State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and Local Responsibility Areas (LRA), designating each as moderate, high, or very high severity. These zones evaluate hazard, instead of risk, and are based on fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors, such as areas where winds have been identified as a major cause of wildfire spread. Hazard is based on the physical conditions that create a likelihood and expected fire behavior over a 30 to 50-year period without considering hazard reduction measures such as home hardening, whether a wildfire has recently occurred, or fuel reduction efforts. The State identifies the Wildland-Urban Interface or WUI as the Moderate, High, and Very High FHSZs in State and Local Responsibility Areas. Development in the Very High FHSZs, and where applicable within Moderate or High FHSZs as determined by local fire code adoption, must comply with additional State and local requirements for building and site design, including the latest provisions of the California Building Code, California Residential Code, California Fire Code, and the California WildlandUrban Interface Code. Figure HS-4 shows the FHSZs in and around Cupertino.

In June 2025, the City adopted the Local Responsibility Area FHSZ map into Cupertino Municipal Code Chapter 16.74, Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area. During the review and adoption process, the City revised the State’s recommended Local Responsibility Area FHSZ to ensure that only one FHSZ applied to each applicable parcel. Where CAL FIRE identified multiple FHSZs on a single parcel, the City upgraded the designation to the higher of the zones, to ensure consistency in implementation of fire hazard reduction measures.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

FIGURE HS-4
FIRE HAZARD ty ZONES
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 – 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page SE-17 The City requires that all emergency roads be constructed in accordance with locally adopted Fire Code and Standards. It also requires a private emergency access connection between public streets in Lindy Canyon and Regnart Canyon areas. The County requires homes to provide individual private fire protection water supply tanks and hydrants since there is no water service to these areas. Figure HS-5 illustrates the water service areas in the city.

The urbanized portions of Cupertino are not in designated fire hazard severity zones. The city is served by well-managed all-hazard emergency response services with a robust fire prevention program.

Moreover, there is a strong code enforcement program, an adequate water supply, and a wellmaintained delivery system. State, regional, and local standards also ensure that new buildings and facilities adequately address issues of fire safety, access, evacuation, and firefighting requirements.

STRUCTURAL FIRES
Cupertino is also at risk from structural fires. Structural fires are often due to hazardous conditions, faulty wiring, mechanical equipment, or combustible construction materials in the built environment.

The absence of fire alarms and fire sprinkler systems often exacerbates the damage associated with a structural fire. Structural fires are largely caused by human accidents, although deliberate fires (arson) may cause some events. Older buildings lacking modern fire safety features may face greater risk of fire damage. To minimize fire damage and loss, the City’s Fire Code, based on California Code of Regulation Title 24, sets standards for building and construction. It requires adequate water supply for firefighting, and minimum street widths, among other things.

FIRE PROTECTION
Santa Clara County Fire Department provides fire protection in Cupertino through three fire stations (Cupertino, Monta Vista, and Seven Springs stations). All parts of Cupertino are in the service area for the Santa Clara County Fire Department, and no parts of Cupertino lack coverage for fire protection services. For existing commercial buildings, the Fire Department conducts periodic inspections to ensure compliance with the general and specific fire safety regulations for each occupancy type as specified in the adopted Fire and Building Codes. The Santa Clara County Fire Department also implements a hazardous brush inspection program for hillside areas within its jurisdictional boundaries, including inspections of hillside properties by fire crews beginning in early April each year.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 – 2040)

FIGURE HS-5

WATER SERVICE
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 19

HAZARDOUS WASTE AND MATERIALS
Hazardous materials are materials that pose a significant risk to public safety, or human and environmental health. Hazardous materials are a part of our everyday life in the form of batteries, light bulbs, and household chemicals such as pesticides, motor oil, cleaners, and paints. They are also used in many commercial and industrial operations. The use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials, including management of contaminated soils and groundwater, is regulated by federal, State, and local laws. A release or spill of bulk hazardous materials could result in fire, explosion, toxic cloud, or direct contamination of water, people, and property. The release or spill could involve a local site or many square miles, depending on its severity.

Santa Clara County Fire Department, County of Santa Clara Office of Emergency Management, and County of Santa Clara Hazardous Materials Compliance Division are responsible for hazardous materials accidents at all locations within the city. The City has adopted a Hazardous Materials Storage Ordinance that regulates the storage of these materials in solid, liquid, and gas forms. Several State agencies, which have jurisdiction over hazardous materials sites, oversee the monitoring of hazardous materials and waste facilities. Potential and known contamination sites are monitored and documented by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Figure HS-6 identifies potential sites within the city that may contain hazardous materials. The California Department of Toxic Substances Control typically acts as the lead agency for sites involving toxic substances and remediation, while the Regional Water Quality Control Board leads issues concerning water quality. Additionally, the County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health serves as the oversight agency for sites within the city. It is important to note that the City is not the lead agency for cleanup or mitigation of these sites under the California Environmental Quality Act.

A review of hazardous materials sites in Cupertino,
1 produced by the California Department of Toxic
Substances Control EnviroStor database indicates two active voluntary cleanup sites, a voluntary cleanup site requiring no further action, one certified school cleanup site, three closed hazardous waste sites, three inactive sites, and five sites referred to local or regional agencies. The two active cleanup sites are Cupertino Village Cleaners at 10989 North Wolfe Road and Delia's Cleaners at 7335 Bollinger Road. Neither site requires action by the City, as the California Department of Toxic Substances Control oversees hazardous waste cleanup efforts at these locations.

A review of leaking underground storage tanks in Cupertino, produced by the State Water Resources Control Board,2indicates 14 open cleanup program sites in the assessment, remediation, and long-term management phases. These sites can be accessed for further details via the following links:
▪ California Department of Toxic Substances Control EnviroStor database:
https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/map/
1 The City conducted a review of hazardous materials sites on December 26, 2025. 2 The City conducted a review of leaking underground storage tank sites on December 26, 2025.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 – 2040)

▪ State Water Resources Control Board GeoTracker database:
https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/map/
Since 1990, State law has required that hazardous waste be properly disposed of in approved hazardous waste treatment or disposal facilities. To accomplish this, new treatment methods and facilities have been developed and approved to pre-treat hazardous waste before its final disposal.

Under authority of the 1986 “Tanner” Bill (Assembly Bill 2948), Cupertino, along with 13 other cities in Santa Clara County, joined the County to develop a comprehensive and coordinated planning approach to hazardous waste disposal. In 1990, a countywide Household Hazardous Waste Program was created to provide residents with accessible options for safely disposing of hazardous materials, such as paints, batteries, and chemicals, thereby reducing environmental and public health risks. Cupertino residents may use the permanent drop-off location for household hazardous waste in San Jose or visit temporary events that occur throughout the year in neighboring jurisdictions.

ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
Electromagnetic fields (s) are a physical field produced by electrically charged objects, such as hightransmission power lines. The potential health effects of the very low-frequency electromagnetic fields surrounding power lines and electrical devices are the subject of ongoing research and a significant amount of public debate. The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health hasissued some cautionary advisories but stresses that the data is currently too limited to draw solid conclusions.

Currently, electromagnetic fieldsfrom transmission lines, electrical and wireless facilities, and appliances are regulated through federal and State requirements.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 21 FIGURE HS-6

POTENTIAL HAZARDOUS SITES
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 – 2040)

SEISMIC AND GEOLOGIC HAZARDS
Seismic and geologic hazards are risks caused by the movement of different parts of the earth’s crust or surface. Seismic hazards include earthquakes and hazardous events caused by them. Geologic hazards are other hazards involving land movements that are not linked to seismic activity and can inflict harm to people or property.

SEISMIC HAZARDS
Seismic activity occurs along boundaries in the earth’s crust, called faults. Pressure along the faults builds over time and is ultimately released, resulting in ground shaking commonly referred to as an earthquake. Earthquakes can also trigger other hazards, including surface rupture (cracks in the ground surface), liquefaction (causing loose soil to lose its strength), landslides, and subsidence (sinking of the ground surface).

Earthquakes
While Cupertino is at risk from many natural and human-caused hazards, the event with the greatest potential for loss of life or property and economic damage is an earthquake. This risk is true for most of the San Francisco Bay Area region, which has several active faults. Earthquake risk is very high in Santa Clara County, including the City of Cupertino, due to the presence of three major active faults3in the region, the Hayward Fault, Calaveras Fault, and San Andreas Fault. All of these faults have the potential for major earthquakes. General Plan Appendix E provides additional detail about seismic hazards, magnitude and occurrence, acceptable exposure risk, and technical investigations required based on acceptable risk.

Earthquakes are likely to continue to occur on an occasional basis. Most are expected to cause no substantive damage and may not even be felt by most people. Major earthquakes are rare but have occurred and remain a possibility in the region. The Hayward Fault is emerging as a significant hazard throughout the Bay Area due to its heightened likelihood of activity and its intersection with densely populated areas and critical infrastructure. In a worst-case scenario, a rupture on the Hayward Fault could extend through the Calaveras Fault to its junction with the San Andreas Fault. According to the Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast, there is a 14.3 percent probability of a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake occurring along the Hayward Fault by 2044. For the Calaveras Fault, the probability is 7.4 percent, while the San Andreas Fault has a 6.4 percent chance of experiencing a similar event in the same timeframe. Although infrequent, a major earthquake along any of the nearby faults could result in substantial casualties and damage, although the greatest risk in Cupertino is from the San Andreas Fault due to its proximity and high potential to cause a severe earthquake. A major earthquake along any of these faults could damage or destroy transportation infrastructure, such as Interstate 280, State Route 85, or bridges, limiting access in and out of the community. 3 Active faults are defined by their current movement and deformation and their potential to cause earthquakes or other types of ground deformation in the future.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 23 The San Andreas Fault, one of the longest and most active faultsin the world, is west of Cupertino. Two additional faults closely associated with the San Andreas Fault include the Sargent-Berrocal and Monta Vista-Shannon Fault systems that intersect the western portion of the city. There are no Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones in the city; the nearest Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone is along the San Andreas Fault, west of the city. Figure HS-7 shows the location of regional faults and Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones, which outlines the areas at risk for potential surface fault rupture.

Movement on the San Andreas Fault is predominantly right-lateral strike-slip, where the earth ruptures in a horizontal fashion, with the opposite sides of the fault moving to the right with respect to each other. Movement on the Sargent-Berrocal and Monta Vista-Shannon Faults is more variable in style.

Both faults are characterized by “thrust” faulting, where a significant amount of vertical “up-down” displacement occurs on an inclined plane, and one side of the fault is elevated (i.e., thrust over) the other side.

Other Seismic Hazards
In addition to the direct physical damage that can result from the motion of an earthquake, damage can result from liquefaction. Soils susceptible to liquefaction are typically found in low-lying, current, or former, floodplains. Portions of the city near the floodplains of Permanente Creek, Stevens Creek, Regnart Creek, and Calabazas Creek are likely to face liquefaction during an earthquake. Figure HS-8 shows the areas facing an elevated liquefaction risk in Cupertino, based on geological, geotechnical, and groundwater conditions.

Earthquake-induced landslides pose a significant risk due to the presence of landslide-prone areas in western Cupertino and proximity of earthquake faults. Ground shaking from seismic activity can cause rocks, debris, and hillside soils to loosen and fall downslope, harming facilities and infrastructure in its path. Sinkholes, which are depressions or holes in the ground that form when the surface collapses into an underground space, are also a hazard in Cupertino. Sinkholes can occur suddenly and can be very dangerous if they form underneath buildings, roads, or other structures.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 – 2040)

FIGURE HS--7

FAULT ZONES
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 25 FIGURE HS-8

LIQUEFACTION AREAS
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 – 2040)

GEOLOGIC HAZARDS
Geologic hazards in Cupertino include landslides and erosion. Landslides and rock falls may occur in sloped areas, especially areas with steep slopes, and usually in areas of loose and fragmented soil.

Landslides, rockfalls, and debris flows occur continuously on all slopes; some processes act very slowly, and others occur very suddenly, often with disastrous results. Landslides are often triggered by other natural hazards, such as earthquakes, heavy rain, floods, or wildfires, so landslide frequencies are often related to the frequency of these other hazards. Landslides have occurred on hillsides throughout the city and generally occur in winter during high rainfall years. Due to the hilly terrain, the southwestern portion of the city is in a very high landslide susceptibility class, as shown on Figure HS-9. Appendix E, Seismic and Geologic Hazards, further describes these landslide susceptibility areas, noting that they include all recognized landslide deposits and steep walls of Stevens Creek canyon, which have a moderate to high landslide potential under static or seismic conditions.

Climate change is expected to result in more precipitation extremes, including more frequent periods of heavy rainfall, which could cause an increase in the number of landslides or make landslides larger than normal. Increased wildfire frequency can also destabilize hillsides due to loss of vegetation and changed soil composition, which can contribute to greater runoff and erosion. Climate change will also cause more frequent and extreme droughts, which dries out soil. Accordingly, when precipitation occurs, the soil cannot absorb as much water, which creates higher levels of runoff, potentially leading to landslides and mudflows. The combination of a generally drier climate in the future, which will increase the chance of drought and wildfires, and the occasional extreme downpour, is, therefore, likely to cause more mudslides and landslides.

Cupertino is also susceptible to hazards related to erosion, or the geological process in which earthen materials are worn away and transported by natural forces such as water or wind, causing the soil to deteriorate. Eroded topsoil can be transported into streams and other waterways. Water erosion is the removal of soil by water and transportation of the eroded materials away from the point of removal.

The impact of soil erosion on water quality becomes significant, particularly as soil surface runoff increases. Highly erosive soil can damage roads, bridges, buildings, and other structures by causing foundational instability, erosion around supports, washouts during heavy rains, and increased maintenance costs. The shifting or loss of soil over time can undermine the structural integrity of these infrastructures, leading to potential failures and safety hazards.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 27 FIGURE HS-9

LANDSLIDE SUSCEPTIBILITY AREAS
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

FLOOD AND INUNDATION HAZARDS
Flooding is the rising and overflowing of water onto normally dry land. Floods are one of the most frequent natural hazards impacting Santa Clara County and among the costliest natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss nationwide, causing substantial damage to structures, landscapes, and utilities, as well as life-safety issues. Floods are surface hydrological hazards that can have a significant, and sometimes, long-lasting effect on a community. Floods can originate from various sources, including heavy rainstorms, landslides, or dam failure. Sediment deposits also increase flood risks because they clog the drainage system and may induce upstream flooding. Rain-related floods are the most common type of floods in Cupertino and usually occur during periods of extended heavy rainfall.

The watersheds in the Santa Cruz Mountain Range feed into four major streambeds that traverse the city: Permanente Creek, Stevens Creek, Regnart Creek, and Calabazas Creek. Stevens Creek and its streamside are among the natural elements that have the most influence on Cupertino’s character.

These creeks collect surface runoff and drain into channels leading to the San Francisco Bay. During heavy rainfall, these creeks create a potential flooding risk in the city as water levels may exceed the top of the creekbank. Historically, Cupertino has been at risk of flooding primarily during the winter and spring when stream systems swell with heavy rain. Occasionally, flash flooding from short-duration, high-intensity precipitation (often during atmospheric river events) may occur. In urban areas, flash flooding is an increasingly serious problem due to removal of vegetation and replacement of groundcover with impermeable surfaces such as roads, driveways, and parking lots. Other hazards connected with flooding and stormwater runoff include erosion, degradation of water quality, and loss of environmental resources.

Areas at an elevated risk of flooding are divided into 100- and 500-year flood zones. A 100-year flood zone has a 1-percent chance of experiencing a major flood in any given year, and a 500-year flood zone has a 0.2-percent chance of flooding in any given year. The 100-year floodplain in Cupertino is primarily along Permanente Creek, Stevens Creek, Regnart Creek, and Calabazas Creek. A majority of the city is within the 500-year floodplain. Figure HS-10 shows the 100- and 500-year flood zones in and around Cupertino. The City participates in the Community Rating System (CRS) program, which is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed minimum National Flood Insurance Program requirements. Flood insurance premium rates for property owners in the city may be discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from community actions meeting the three goals of the Community Rating System, which are to: (1) reduce flood damage to insurable property; (2) strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the National Flood Insurance Program; and (3) encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management. In 2025, after completion of a five-year review of the City’s floodplain management and flood risk reduction efforts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency improved the City’s CRS rating, from Class 7 to Class 6. Effective October 2025, property owners in Cupertino’s Special Flood Hazard Areas receive a 20 percent discount on flood insurance premiums, and property owners outside the Special CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 29 Flood Hazard Areas and within the City limits receive a 10 percent discount due to the improved CRS rating.

The City and the Santa Clara Valley Water District are actively involved in programsto minimize the risk of flooding. The City developed an approach to land use for the non-urbanized floodplain of Stevens Creek south of Stevens Creek Boulevard in the Land Use Element. This ensures the preservation of the 100-year floodplain and the protection of the riparian corridor along this portion of Stevens Creek. The City and the Water District also developed a flood management program for the floodplain of Stevens Creek between Interstate 280 and Stevens Creek Boulevard while preserving the natural environment of Stevens Creek. Structural improvements, while not preferred, may be necessary to protect properties from a 100-year flood event.

Although heavy precipitation events are a regular feature in California, atmospheric rivers, which are narrow corridors of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere and capable of transporting large amounts of water vapor that condenses and falls as intense precipitation, have caused major flooding in recent years. In winter and spring of 2023, a series of atmospheric rivers impacted the Bay Area, resulting in significant rainfall and widespread flooding across the San Francisco Bay Area.

While climate change may not change average precipitation levels significantly, scientists expect that it will cause more years with extreme precipitation events. This means that more years are likely to see intense storm systems that drop substantial volumes of precipitation over a short period and cause flooding. Because of this, floods are expected to happen more often in Cupertino, and climate change may expand the parts of the city that are considered prone to flooding.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

FIGURE HS-10

FLOOD HAZARD ZONES
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DAM AND PIPELINE FAILURE
A dam failure is an uncontrolled release of water from a reservoir through a dam because of structural failures or deficiencies. Pipeline failures are a similar uncontrolled release from a water pipeline or aqueduct. The primary danger from dam or pipeline failure is the high-velocity flooding downstream of the dam and the limited warning times that can be given for evacuation.

Dam or pipeline failures can range from minor to catastrophic, potentially harming human life and property downstream from the failure. In addition, ecosystems and habitats can be destroyed by fastmoving floodwaters, debris, and sedimentation from the inundation. Failures are rare but not unprecedented; they can be caused by overtopping, foundation defects, piping and seepage failures, or conduit and valve failures. Many dam or pipeline failures are the secondary result of other natural disasters, such as earthquakes, landslides, and extreme storms.

The largest body of water in the area is the Stevens Creek Reservoir. Stevens Creek Reservoir meets current dam safety standards and the probability of its failure is minimal. The Stevens Creek Reservoir, owned by the Santa Clara Valley Water District, is outside of city limits, immediately to the southwest, as shown in Figure HS-11. In the event of a dam failure at the Stevens Creek Reservoir, land surrounding Stevens Creek would flood, including residential areas adjacent to Stevens Creek and a portion of Interstate 280.

The Santa Clara Valley Water District has a comprehensive Dam Safety Program, which includes proactive inspection of upgrades and improving its dams and water supply structures as needed and in consultation with regulatory agencies. Engineers monitor dams using instruments, monthly visual inspections, and periodic dam safety reviews to prevent loss of life, personal injury, and property damage from the failure of dams. The safety of each dam is re-evaluated with advances in geotechnical, structural, and earthquake engineering and for evidence of seepage or ongoing ground movement.

The potential for a dam failure in Cupertino is likely to remain a risk in future years, although the probability of such events is expected to remain very low.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

FIGURE HS-11

DAM INUNDATION AREAS
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EXTREME HEAT
According to the California Extreme Heat Action Plan, extreme heat days are defined as temperatures exceeding 98 percent of historical highs, and these events are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. Extended periods of extreme heat, known as heat waves, threaten community safety and raise energy costs. An extreme heat day in Cupertino is one where the maximum temperature rises above 93.2 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes extreme heat as a substantial public health concern. Seniors, persons with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities, persons experiencing homelessness, outdoor workers, low-resourced people of color, immigrant/linguistically isolated communities, and households in poverty are the most vulnerable to extreme heat.

According to the U.S. Census, approximately 66 percent of all housing in the city was built prior to 1980, some of which are unlikely to have air conditioning and may lack effective insulation to regulate indoor temperatures. During extreme heat days, temperatures in poorly insulated homes may reach unhealthy temperatures. Therefore, people living in these homes, especially vulnerable populations, are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses from extreme heat events.

Very high temperatures can also harm plants and animals that are not well adapted to these events, including natural ecosystems. Extreme heat can increase water temperature in lakes, streams, creeks, and other water bodies, especially during drought conditions when water levels are lower.

The warmer temperatures brought on by climate change are likely to cause an increase in extreme heat events locally. Depending on the location and emissions levels, the State’s Cal-Adapt database indicates the number of extreme heat days is expected to rise from a historical annual average of 5 to 14 days by the middle of the century (2035 to 2064), and an average of 24 days by the end of the century (2070 to 2099).

CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCE
Climate change is the long-term shift in average weather patterns globally, characterized by significant alterations in temperature and precipitation patterns over extended periods. As global temperatures continue to rise, communities experience more frequent and intense natural hazards, including heatwaves, storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires. These events often occur simultaneously, creating cascading effects that can amplify impacts to Cupertino. Climate change hazards affecting Cupertino include poor air quality, drought, extreme heat, flooding, landslides, severe weather, and wildfire. When multiple climate hazards occur simultaneously, such as droughts amplifying wildfire risk, or extreme heat exacerbating water shortages, the impacts on the Cupertino community, infrastructure, and natural systems can be particularly severe. These changes will continue to affect the frequency, intensity, and distribution of hazards throughout the city in the coming decades.

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AIR QUALITY
Air quality refers to the condition of the air within our surroundings, particularly regarding its cleanliness and the presence of pollutants. Air quality is determined by the composition of gases and particles in the atmosphere, and it is a critical aspect of environmental health. Air pollution comes from both mobile sources (e.g., cars, trucks, airplanes) and stationary sources (e.g., agricultural and industrial uses). Cupertino is highly susceptible to poor air quality due to major highways and quarry activity adjacent to the city. Wind patterns and geographical features move air pollution from other areas, such as the San Joaquin Valley, and trap pollution in the Santa Clara Valley. From 2015 to 2019, Cupertino experienced 31 days where ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels exceeded State standards.

Because of Cupertino’s proximity to major highways, quarry activity, and Santa Clara Valley’s geographical features, air quality will continue to be a concern.

Increasing statewide fire frequency can create recurring air quality degradation events, leading to respiratory health effects. Wildfire smoke consists of a mix of gases and fine particulate matter from burning vegetation and materials. The pollutant of most concern from wildfire smoke is PM2.5, which is damaging to human health because of its ability to deeply penetrate lung tissue and affect the heart and circulatory system. Although wildfire smoke presents a health risk to everyone, sensitive groups, such as children (particularly younger children), older adults, people with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular disease, and low-resourced persons may experience more severe acute and chronic symptoms from exposure to wildfire smoke.

In many regions of the United States, climate-driven changes in weather conditions, including temperature and precipitation, are expected to increase ground-level ozone and particulate matter, such as windblown dust from droughts or smoke from wildfires. Increased frequency of wildfires will release greater amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants into the air and drier conditions increase airborne dust. Possible changes in wind patterns may also trap a greater amount of air pollutants in the Santa Clara Valley, increasing exposure to air pollution.

DROUGHT
A drought is an extended period when precipitation levels are well below normal. Drought may affect domestic water supply, energy production, public health, and wildlife, or contribute to wildfire. Like most of California and the western United States, Cupertino chronically experiences drought cycles.

The U.S. Drought Monitor recognizes a five-point scale for drought events:
▪ D0 (abnormally dry)
▪ D1 (moderate drought)
▪ D2 (severe drought)
▪ D3 (extreme drought)
▪ D4 (exceptional drought)
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 35 According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the most intensive drought in recent years occurred during most of 2014, when all of Santa Clara County was classified as “extreme” drought. More recently, in 2022, from January through the end of the year, the county was also classified as being in “severe” drought. As of July 2024, Santa Clara County, including Cupertino, was not classified as drought. During severe drought conditions, water shortages are common, and water restrictions may be imposed to meet essential community needs. The Santa Clara Valley Water District’s 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan contains actions to implement and enforce regulations and restrictions for managing a water shortage when it declares a water shortage emergency under the authority of the California Water Code.

Cupertino’s water supply comes from local and imported water. Local rainfall and runoff flow into reservoirs for storage and blend with imported water. Approximately 50 percent of Santa Clara County’s water supply comes from hundreds of miles away – first as snow or rain in the Sierra Nevada range of northern and eastern California, then as water in rivers that flow into the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta or directly to water conveyance systems. Imported water is brought into the county through the complex infrastructure of the State Water Project, the federal Central Valley Project, and San Francisco’s Hetch-Hetchy system.

Although droughts are a regular feature of California’s climate, scientists expect climate change will lead to more frequent and intense droughts statewide. Reduced winter precipitation levels and warmer temperatures have greatly decreased the size of the Sierra Nevada snowpack (the volume of accumulated snow), making less fresh water available for communities throughout California, including the imported water supply for Cupertino. A continued decline in the Sierra Nevada snowpack volume is expected, which may lead to lower volumes of available imported water.

SEVERE WEATHER
Severe weather is generally any destructive weather event, but it usually occurs in Cupertino as localized storms that bring heavy rain, hail, thunderstorms, and strong winds. Severe weather is usually caused by intense storm systems, although types of strong winds can occur without a storm. Severe weather often produces high winds and lightning that can damage structures and cause power outages. Lightning from these storms can ignite wildfires and structure fires that can cause damage to buildings and endanger people.

A relatively common weather pattern that brings southwest winds and heavy rain to California is often referred to as an atmospheric river. High winds, often accompanying severe storms, can cause significant property damage, threaten public safety, and have adverse economic impacts, including business closures and widespread power loss. These winds may occur as part of a seasonal climate pattern or in relation to other severe weather events, such as thunderstorms.

Electricity utilities throughout California, including PG&E, have begun to occasionally “de-energize,” or turn off the electricity for power lines that run through areas with an elevated fire risk. Public Safety CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

Power Shutoff (PSPS) events are intended to reduce the risk of power lines sparking or being damaged and starting a wildfire. A PSPS event may occur at any time of the year, particularly during high wind events and dry conditions, and may be limited to specific communities or affect broad swaths of the state. While PSPS events have been smaller and less frequent recently, these events still pose a risk to PG&E customers across Santa Clara County, including Cupertino.

Climate change is expected to cause an increase in intense rainfall and strong storm systems, such as atmospheric rivers. This increase means that Cupertino could see more intense weather resulting from these storms in the coming years and decades, although such an increase may not affect all forms of severe weather. Heavy rainfall can increase the frequency and severity of other hazards, including flooding and landslides.

HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS
Human health hazards are bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other organisms that can cause diseases and illness in people. Some of these diseases may cause only mild inconvenience, but others are potentially life-threatening. These diseases are often carried by animals, such as mice and rats, ticks, and mosquitoes. Warmer temperatures and high precipitation levels can lead to increased populations of these disease-carrying animals, creating a greater risk of disease and increased rates of infection.

Populations most vulnerable to human health hazards are those who spend a disproportionate amount of time outdoors (such as outdoor workers or persons experiencing homelessness), those with fragile immune systems or existing illnesses (which may include persons with chronic illnesses and seniors), and those who may live in sub-standard housing or not have access to health insurance and medical care (households in poverty, low-resourced people of color, immigrant/linguistically isolated communities, and cost-burdened/low-income/overcrowded households). While many vector-carrying organisms thrive in warm and wet environments, regional climate trends toward hotter and drier conditions may reduce some vector populations, such as mosquitoes, in certain areas. However, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, including periods of heavy rainfall and flooding, can still create episodic conditions conducive to vector breeding, particularly during cooler seasons. As a result, the overall risk of human health hazards may still increase, especially for already vulnerable populations.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 37 NOISE
The noise environment is an accumulation of many different sources, ranging from human voices to major noise sources, such as freeway traffic. The degree to which noise becomes an annoyance depends on a variety of factors, including noise level, duration, time of day, background sounds, and surrounding land uses, including proximity to more sensitive populations.

COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS
The three elements of community noise are noise level, noise spectrum, and variation in noise level with time. Noise level is measured in decibels (dB). Noise is composed of various frequencies within a noise spectrum that defines the character of the noise. Since human hearing is more sensitive to the higher speech frequencies, the A-weighted frequency network is applied, in accordance with national and international standards, to adjust the measured noise level to more closely relate to human perception of loudness.

Noise environments have different characteristics that vary with duration and time of day; for instance, a freeway may emit a fairly constant noise level for long periods while an airport may emit many shortterm high-level noise events punctuated by extended periods of quiet. To provide a standard measure for community noise exposure that takesinto account the time-varying characteristics, the State of California adopted the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) as the standard metric. The CNEL is a 24-hour energy average metric that penalizes evening and nighttime noise and provides a uniform measure for time-varying noise environments.

NOISE ENVIRONMENT
The noise environment can generally be divided into two categories: transportation-related and nontransportation-related noise. Traffic noise isthe greatest contributorto noise pollution in Cupertino and one ofthe most difficult to controlthrough local efforts. Two majorfreeways(Interstate 280 and State Route 85) and four major corridors (Stevens Creek Boulevard, De Anza Boulevard, Homestead Road, and Foothill Boulevard) cross Cupertino. These roadways are used not only by local residents and employees, but also by commuters to destinations beyond Cupertino. Heavy-duty trucking operations to and from the Heidelberg Cement Plant and Stevens Creek Quarry in the western foothills near Stevens Creek Boulevard and Foothill Boulevard are also significant transportation-related noise contributors.

Cupertino receives some aircraft noise from facilities in the region, including San Jose International Airport, Moffett Federal Airfield, and Palo Alto Airport; however, the Cupertino city limit does not fall within the identified noise contours of any of these airports. One railroad line passes through the Monta Vista neighborhood and connects with the Heidelberg Cement Plant.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

Non-transportation noise varies from stationary equipment (e.g., air conditioning units) to construction activity. Regulation to minimize excessive noise from non- transportation sources includes compliance with the City’s noise standards that limit certain noise-generating activities during evening and early morning, when ambient noise levels tend to be lower. Advancements in technology to muffle sound also reduce noise from construction equipment and stationary equipment such as compressors and generators.

LAND USE COMPATIBILITY
The Cupertino Municipal Code, Title 10, outlines the maximum noise levels on receiving properties based on land use types (Figure HS-12). Land use decisions and the development review process play a large role in minimizing noise impacts on sensitive land uses. Noise compatibility may be achieved by not locating conflicting land uses adjacent to one another and incorporating buffers and noise control techniques, including increased building setbacks, installation and maintenance of landscaping, building transitions, site design, and building construction techniques. Selection of the appropriate noise control techniques varies depending on the level of noise that needs to be reduced as well as the location of the intended noise-generating land use and the character of its surrounding uses.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

FIGURE HS-12 LAND USE

COMPATIBILITY FOR COMMUNITY

NOISE ENVIRONMENTS
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CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

LOOKING FORWARD
As Cupertino’sresident and employee population grows,the City must identify ways to ensure public safety and support the community’s high quality of life. Innovative site design and construction techniques are needed to reduce noise in developments near major corridors and where uses are mixed to ensure compatibility. The following are ways the City will address key challenges and opportunities facing Cupertino:

1. NOISE
As State, regional, and local policies encourage mixed-use development near corridors, the City should look to ways to reduce noise impacts on residences near and in such developments through site design, landscaping, and construction techniques. Additionally,the City should review locations and site design for sensitive uses, including schools, childcare facilities, and hospitalsto ensure that they are not negatively impacted by noise.

2. PROJECT DESIGN AND OPERATIONS
Measures such as project and building design, emergency access, operations, and maintenance of property, can help developments promote public safety and fire safety. Such measures will also allow the providers to maintain a high service level, while accommodating future growth.

3. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
The City and service providers should enhance community participation through new and existing programs such as neighborhood watch, emergency preparedness, and school programs.

4. SHARED RESOURCES
The City can enhance emergency, fire safety, and public safety services by coordinating programs with service providers and neighboring cities through shared services, mutual aid, and agreements.

5. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS
Measures related to emergency access, first responder training and operations, and evacuation and emergency preparedness public education and awareness can help minimize harm and protect community safety.

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CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 43

GOALS, POLICIES, AND STRATEGIES
GOALHS-1
Reduce hazard risks through regional
coordination and mitigation planning

REGIONAL COORDINATION
The City seeks to coordinate its local requirements and emergency planning efforts with federal, State, and regional resources to ensure a consistent, integrated, and efficient approach to emergency planning.

POLICY HS-1.1: REGIONAL

HAZARD RISK REDUCTION

PLANNING
Coordinate with Santa Clara
County and local agencies to
implement the MultiJurisdictional Hazard Mitigation
Plan for Santa Clara County.

STRATEGIES:

HS-1.1.1. Monitoring and
Budgeting.

Monitor and evaluate the success
of the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard
Mitigation Plan, including local
strategies provided in the
Cupertino Annex. Working with
Santa Clara County, ensure that
strategies are prioritized and
implemented through the Capital
Improvement Program and
provide adequate budget for
ongoing programs and
department operations.

HS-1.1.2. Hazard Mitigation
Incorporation.

Ensure that mitigation actions
identified in the MultiJurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan are being incorporated into
upcoming City-sponsored
projects, where appropriate.

HS-1.1.3. Hazard Mitigation Plan
Amendments and Updates.

Support Santa Clara County in its
role as the lead agency that
prepares and updates the Local
Hazard Mitigation Plan.

POLICY HS-1.2: HAZARD

MITIGATION PLAN

INCORPORATION
Incorporate the Santa Clara
County Multi-Jurisdictional
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Hazard Mitigation Plan and the
City of Cupertino Annex, as
approved by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency,
into this Health and Safety
Element by reference, as
permitted by California
Government Code Section
65302.6.

POLICY HS-1.3: PUBLIC AGENCY

COOPERATION
Continue to cooperate with other
public agencies to ensure
adequate medical and other
emergency services, including
assessing and projecting future
emergency service needs and
maintaining clear communication
protocols among jurisdictions and
regional agencies to support
unified decision-making, real-time
information sharing, and
coordinated emergency response.

STRATEGIES:

HS-1.3.1: Multiagency
Emergency Response.

Coordinate with local and State
emergency management agencies
using the Standardized Emergency
Management System (SEMS) and
National Incident Management
System (NIMS) to facilitate
multiagency emergency response.

HS-1.3.2: Inter-jurisdictional
Coordination.

Maintain inter-jurisdictional
cooperation and coordination,
including mutual aid agreements
with fire protection and
suppression agencies in Santa
Clara County.

HS-1.3.3: Coordinated Disaster
Response.

Continue to maintain agreements
with other local, State, and
federal agencies to ensure
coordinated emergency and
disaster response.

HS-1.3.4: New Facilities.

Coordinate with Santa Clara
County Fire Department and
Santa Clara County Sheriff's
Department through capital
improvement planning to
establish fire and sheriff stations
to serve Cupertino. New additions
to public safety infrastructure will
be determined by evaluating
increased localized demand and
proposed growth. Evaluate
whether a combined facility is
possible to reduce infrastructure
costs and/or improve operational
efficiency, when a need is
determined.

POLICY HS-1.4: REGIONAL

COORDINATION FOR FIRE

PREVENTION
Coordinate wildland fire
prevention efforts with adjacent
jurisdictions. Work with the
County and the Midpeninsula
Open Space District to implement
measures to reduce fire hazards,
continuing efforts in fuel
management, and considering the
use of “green” fire break uses for
open space lands.

POLICY HS-1.5: REGIONAL

COORDINATION FOR FLOOD

CONTROL
Consult with the Santa Clara
Valley Water District as well as
surrounding jurisdictions
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 45 regarding regional approaches to
the planning, construction,
operation, and maintenance of
drainage and flood-control
facilities.

POLICY HS-1.6: COORDINATION

FOR ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY
Coordinate with California Water
Service and San José Water on
effective management of water
infrastructure systems.

POLICY HS-1.7: COORDINATION

FOR ADEQUATE WASTEWATER

CAPACITY
Coordinate with the Cupertino
Sanitary District and San JoséSanta Clara Regional Wastewater Facility to ensure wastewater
infrastructure is effectively serving
existing customers and has
adequate capacity to provide for
new demands on the
infrastructure system.

POLICY HS-1.8: SEA LEVEL RISE

PROTECTION
Ensure all areas in Cupertino are
adequately protected from the
anticipated effects ofsea level
rise.

STRATEGIES:

HS-1.8.1. Monitor Rising Sea
Level.

Regularly coordinate with
regional, State, and federal
agencies on rising sea levels in
the San Francisco Bay and major
tributaries to determine if
additional adaptation strategies
should be implemented to
address flooding hazards. This
includes monitoring for updates
to the Federal Emergency
Management Agency’s flood map
to identify areas in the city
susceptible to sea level rise,
addressing changes to State and
regional sea and bay level rise
estimates, and coordinating with
adjacent municipalities on flood
control improvements as
appropriate.

HS-1.8.2. Flood Insurance Rate
Maps.

Provide to the public, as available,
up-to-date Flood Insurance Rate
Maps (FIRM) that identify rising
sea levels and changing flood
conditions.

POLICY HS-1.9: PFAS

CONTAMINATION
Coordinate with Valley Water and
the San Francisco Bay Regional
Water Quality Control Board to
monitor groundwater
contamination, including for PFAS.

STRATEGY:

HS-1.9.1. PFAS and
Environmental Review.

Ensure that environmental review
analyzes and discloses all
groundwater contaminants with
established thresholds under
federal and state regulations, as
required by law.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 46 GOAL HS-2
Ensure a high level of emergency
preparedness for natural and humancaused disasters

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE
The City seeksto focus on planning and education to prepare and enlist the community in the management of disasters and emergencies.

POLICY HS-2.1: BUILDING AND FIRE

CODE COMPLIANCE
Ensure that all new development and
redevelopment complies with the
most current version of the California
Building Code, California Fire Code,
California Wildland-Urban Interface
Code, and applicable local ordinances
and standards to ensure improved
public safety.

POLICY HS-2.2: PROMOTE EMERGENCY

PREPAREDNESS
Distribute multi-hazard emergency
preparedness information for all
threats identified in the City’s
Emergency Operations Plan.

Information will be provided through
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR),
First Aid and Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT) training,
lectures and seminars on emergency
preparedness, publication of monthly
safety articles in the Cupertino Scene,
posting of information on the City’s
Emergency Preparedness website, and
coordination of video and printed
information at the library. Efforts will
be made to provide information in
multiple formats to accommodate
persons of all abilities.

POLICY HS-2.3: EMERGENCY

OPERATIONS AND TRAINING
Ensure City staff are trained on their
functions/responsibilities in the
Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
and in disaster preparedness, first aid,
and CPR, as applicable.

STRATEGIES:

HS-2.3.1: Emergency Operations
Center (EOC).

Complete functional, resilient, and
seismic upgradesto the EOC facility at
City Hall and Torre Annex to Essential
Facility Standards, adopt a fully funded
Capital Improvement Program, and
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 47 budget, as applicable, as an urgent
priority.

HS-2.3.2: City Employee Training.

Conduct regular emergency training
exercises and participate in regional
training exercises to ensure that
employees are adequately trained in
emergency response and recovery
operations.

POLICY HS-2.4: VOLUNTEER GROUPS
Continue to encourage the ongoing
use of volunteer groups, such as
Cupertino Emergency Response Team
(CERT), to augment the City’s
emergency services, and clearly define
responsibilities during a local
emergency.

STRATEGIES:

HS-2.4.1: Cupertino Citizen Corps.

Continue to support the Cupertino
Amateur Radio Emergency Services
(CARES), Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT), and Medical
Reserve Corps (MRC) programs to
ensure the development of
neighborhood-based emergency
preparedness throughout the city.

Encourage ongoing cooperation with
CERTs in other cities.

HS-2.4.2: Community Groups.

Continue pre-disaster agreements with
appropriate community groups to
provide specified post-disaster
assistance, through the Emergency
Services Manager, and with the advice
of the City Attorney.

HS-2.4.3: American Red Cross.

Continue to implement the American
Red Cross agreements under the
direction of the Office of Emergency
Management during a disaster.

HS-2.4.4: Emergency Shelter
Providers.

Continue the agreements with
designated emergency sheltersitesto
provide space for emergency supply
containers.

HS-2.4.5: Community Areas for
Refuge and Keep-safes (ARKs).

Maintain and expand the availability of
City ARKs through Block Leadership
and volunteer efforts to adopt an ARK.

HS-2.4.6: Amateur Radio Operators.

Continue to support training and
cooperation between the City and
Cupertino Amateur Radio Emergency
Service (CARES) to prepare for
emergency communications needs.

HS-2.4.7: Block Leader Awareness.

Expand support for and awareness of
the Block Leader program, including
ensuring residents are aware of
emergency contacts including how to
contact their block leader.

HS-2.4.8: Block Leader
Communication.

Conduct annual outreach to Block
Leaders regarding evacuation
procedures and where to find
information in the event of an
emergency to communicate to their
blocks.

POLICY HS-2.5: EMERGENCY PUBLIC

INFORMATION
Maintain Cupertino’s Alert, Warning,
and Notification (AWN) Program to be
used during emergency situations.

The City maintains storage
containers, called ARKs,
strategically located
around the City that
contain emergency
response supplies used by
Community Emergency
Response Teams, Medical
Reserve Corps, and
Cupertino Amateur Radio
Emergency Service.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

STRATEGIES:

HS-2.5.1: Communication Methods.

Use Cupertino TV channel, Cupertino
Radio 1670 AM, AlertSCC, the City’s
website, City social media accounts,
and other communication methods to
transmit information to the public in
multiple formats and languages
appropriate to the demographics of
Cupertino.

HS-2.5.2: Public Information Office.

Activate the Joint Information System
in coordination with the Sheriff and the
Fire Department to provide accurate
information to the public as needed.

POLICY HS-2.6: FIRE PREVENTION AND

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Promote fire prevention and
emergency preparedness through Cityinitiated public education programs, the City Channel, the City’s website,
the Cupertino Scene, and other social
media platforms.

POLICY HS-2.7: HAZARD

PREPAREDNESS
Ensure that members of the
community are adequately prepared
for potential hazard scenarios,
including geologic and seismic hazards,
wildfire hazards, flooding hazards,
extreme heat, poor air quality, and
hazardous materials releases. Leverage
the Neighborhood Block Program to
advertise and incorporate its members
into training efforts to expand
outreach and engagement.

STRATEGIES:

HS-2.7.1: Emergency Preparedness.

Publish and promote emergency
preparedness tips, activities, and drills
for the community. Use the City social
media accounts and the website to
provide safety tips and actively assist
in neighborhood drills and safety
exercises to increase participation and
build community support.

HS-2.7.2: Neighborhood Response
Groups.

Encourage participation in
Community Emergency Response
Team (CERT) training by neighborhood
groups and community-based
organizations.

HS-2.7.3: Vulnerable Populations.

As part of communitywide efforts,
actively cooperate with State agencies
that oversee facilities for persons with
disabilities and those with access and
functional needs to ensure the
facilities conform to health and safety
requirements, including emergency
planning, training, response exercises,
and employee education.

HS-2.7.4: Multilingual Emergency
Information.

Prepare emergency preparedness
materials in English, Spanish, and
other languages commonly spoken in
the community and distribute to
appropriate foreign language
populations.

HS-2.7.5: Critical Needs for
Vulnerable Populations During
Emergencies.

Coordinate with local service
organizations and regional public
sector partners on response for food
and other critical needs access to
vulnerable populations including
home-bound seniors and other
mobility-limited residents living alone.

HS-2.7.6: Overlapping Hazards and
Sensitive Populations.

Identify areas of overlapping hazards
on sensitive populations, as data
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 49 becomes available, in future
Vulnerability Assessments and
prioritize capital improvement,
development regulations and other
city projects to increase resilience such
areas.

POLICY HS-2.8: EDUCATIONAL AND

OUTREACH MATERIALS
Support education and expanded
awareness by residents and business
of hazard preparedness and response
activities, such as vegetation
management and defensible space,
evacuation routes, home resilience
retrofits, and emergency evacuation
procedures.

STRATEGY:

HS-2.8.1: Distribution of Hazard
Preparedness Information.

Distribute relevant community
educational and engagement materials
broadly through in-person and virtual
means, including the school districts,
the Senior Center, City facilities, and
the Cupertino Scene.

POLICY HS-2.9: POOR AIR QUALITY

EVENT ASSISTANCE
Work with local agencies and
community-based organizations to
provide resources to help residents
respond to poor air quality events
(e.g., transportation to resilience
centers and supply free N95 masks).

POLICY HS-2.10: DISASTER MEDICAL

RESPONSE
Continue to coordinate with the
appropriate County agencies and local
emergency medical clinics to ensure
preparedness and provide disaster
medical response.

STRATEGY:

HS-2.10.1: Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with
Emergency Medical Clinics.

Work with Santa Clara County to
develop an MOU with local emergency
clinics to provide services in the event
of an emergency. The County’s role
and involvement in emergencies
should be considered in development
of the MOU.

POLICY HS-2.11: EVACUATION ROUTES
Ensure that evacuation routes into and
out of the city have adequate capacity,
safety, and viability in the event of an
emergency. Ensure evacuation route
designations are reviewed and
updated, as needed.

STRATEGIES:

HS-2.11.1: Evacuation Route
Coordination.

Continue to coordinate with
emergency responders, the County,
and Caltrans to ensure evacuation
routes are designed and maintained to
remain accessible during emergency
evacuations and to ensure changes to
roadways continue to maintain
adequate emergency ingress and
egress.

HS-2.11.2: High-Hazard Day Parking
Management.

In coordination with the Santa Clara
County Sheriff’s Office and Santa Clara
County Fire Department, update the
Emergency Operations Plan to
establish a master list of streets with
parking restrictions on designated
evacuation corridors during Red Flag
Warnings and other high-hazard days
Red Flag Warnings
A red flag warning is issued
by the National Weather
Service before and during
fire weather conditions.

These conditions include
strong winds, low
humidity, and warm
temperatures, increasing
the risk of wildfires starting
and spreading quickly.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

to preserve lane width, sight distance,
and emergency access.

HS-2.11.3: Managed Traffic Control
During Evacuations.

Coordinate with the Santa Clara
County Fire Department, Santa Clara
County Sheriff’s Office, and Caltrans to
implement managed traffic control
measures during evacuations,
including turn restrictions, signal
timing adjustments, lane conversions,
and route or ramp closures as needed
to maximize outbound flow from
evacuation areas.

HS-2.11.4: Dynamic Traffic
Assignment:

Conduct a citywide dynamic traffic
assignment evacuation study, with
each update of the Health and Safety
Element, no less than every 8 years,
modeling time-to-safety conditions
under multiple evacuation scenarios
given current land uses and projected
future buildout. The study shall
evaluate the benefits of different
proposed supply-side and demandside policies to improve the effectiveness of evacuations.

HS-2.11.5: Infrastructure
Prioritization.

Prioritize infrastructure improvements
on roadways that serve as a single
point of ingress and egress for
residential areas, particularly in a High
or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone
or in an area with a slope of at least 30
percent.

POLICY HS-2.12: EVACUATION

AWARENESS
Ensure the public is aware of
evacuation zones, evacuation routes,
and how to access emergency alerts
and evacuation orders. Annually
provide information to members of
the public about evacuation concerns
for all relevant hazards, including
designated evacuation routes and
evacuation plan details, through
multiple formats and in multiple
languages, including via the Cupertino
Scene and other means of
communication.

STRATEGIES:

HS-2.12.1: Evacuation Mapping
Availability.

Ensure easy-to-use evacuation maps,
with identifiable neighborhood names,
major intersections and landmarks, are
prepared and made available digitally.

HS-2.12.2: Evacuation Planning
Coordination.

Coordinate with schools, parks and
open space areas, golf courses, and
other community facilities on
evacuation plans, including staging and
traffic control protocols.

POLICY HS-2.13: INGRESS AND EGRESS

STANDARDS FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT
Require new subdivisions or multiple
unit developments of five or more lots
or units to have at least two ingress
and egress routes, if they are located
in at least one of these areas:
• An area with evacuation
constraints, as shown in Figure HS3, Evacuation-Constrained Residential Areas
• A High or Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zone, as shown in Figure
HS-4, Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
• An area with a slope of 30 percent
or more.

Encourage new subdivisions or
multiple unit developments of five or
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 51 more lots or units not located in an
area identified in this policy to have at
least two ingress and egress routes.

POLICY HS-2.14: INGRESS AND EGRESS

FOR EXISTING DEVELOPMENT
Encourage existing developments of
five or more units in areas of
evacuation constraints, as shown in
Figure HS-3, Evacuation-Constrained
Residential Areas, to provide
secondary means of ingress and
egress.

POLICY HS-2.15: EMERGENCY ACCESS
Ensure compliant emergency access is
provided for all new hillside
development.

STRATEGIES:

HS-2.15.1: Roadway Design.

Create an all-weather emergency road
system to serve hillside and wildfireprone areas.

HS-2.15.2: Hillside Access Routes.

Require new hillside development to
have frequent grade breaks in access
routes, which must comply with
applicable fire access and egress
standards, to ensure a timely response
from fire personnel.

POLICY HS-2.16: EVACUATION ROUTE

ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENT
Require new subdivisions or
developments of five or more lots or
units to prepare, and to submit to the
City for review, an evacuation route
assessment, if they are located in at
least one of these areas:
• An area with evacuation
constraints, as shown in Figure HS3, Evacuation-Constrained Residential Areas
• A High or Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zone, as shown in Figure
HS-4, Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
• An area with a slope of 30 percent
or more.

STRATEGY:

HS-2.16.1: Mitigate Evacuation
Constraints.

Projects that conduct an evacuation
review assessment which determines
that the project would add evacuation
demand shall identify feasible
measures to avoid, reduce, or offset
added evacuation constraints.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

Goal HS-3
Protect the community from hazards
associated with wildland and urban fires

FIRE SAFETY
The City seeks to provide direction to the Santa Clara County Fire Department on ways to better protect the community from natural and human-caused fire disasters, and to implement local policies to improve building and site design.

POLICY HS-3.1: EARLY PROJECT
REVIEW
Involve the Santa Clara County Fire
Department in the early design stage
of all development projects to ensure
input and modifications as needed.

POLICY HS-3.2: FIRE RESPONSE TIMES
Ensure Santa Clara County Fire
Department maintains required
response time standards for
emergency response in Cupertino.

STRATEGIES:

HS-3.2.1: Response Time Standards.

Work with Santa Clara County Fire
Department to establish citywide
response time standards, accounting
for time for call, turnout time, travel
time, and on scene time for both fire
and emergency medical response.

POLICY HS-3.3: ADEQUATE FIRE

PROTECTION
In coordination with the Santa Clara
County Fire Department, require that
new development be located where
fire and emergency services have
sufficient capacity to meet project
needs and require that the developer
provide infrastructure or equipment
necessary, proportional to the
project's fire service demand, to
maintain adequate fire protection to
comply with critical response time
standards, proportional to the
project's fire service demand.

Increased population density and new
building types will impact fire life
safety, capacity of water supply, traffic
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 53 flow, and will contribute to greater
demand on public safety resources.

STRATEGIES:

HS-3.3.1: Development Review for
Adequate Service.

Review development projects, in
coordination with the Santa Clara
County Fire Department, to evaluate
fire response times and ensure
adequate service to new development.

Evaluation should consider both onsite and off-site conditions that may affect emergency response, including
roadway width, access to water supply,
and visibility of street signage. When
development projects do not meet fire
response times, require that project
applicants provide infrastructure,
equipment, or improvements
necessary to ensure adequate fire
protection and compliance with critical
response time standards.

HS-3.3.2: City Fire Code.

To the extent feasible, conduct
periodic fire safety inspections to
ensure compliance with adopted
codes.

POLICY HS-3.4: NEW DEVELOPMENT IN

FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES
Ensure new developments in
designated Fire Hazard Severity Zones
(see Figure HS-4) comply with the
City’s Municipal Code and applicable
State codes, including the California
Building Code, California Fire Code,
California Wildland-Urban Interface
Code, and California Fire Safe
Regulations, or equivalent standards.

Applications for proposed
development must include a site plan,
planting plan, irrigation plan, plan for
management and long-term
maintenance of defensible space,
water supply source and access, as
required by State or City codes and
regulations.

STRATEGY:

HS-3.4.1: Review in Moderate Fire
Hazard Severity Zones.

In the event, the California Fire,
Wildland-Urban Interface, and Building
Codes require the implementation of
different building standards in the
Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zones,
ensure these are included in all permit
plans prior to issuance of the first
permits whether ministerial and
discretionary.

POLICY HS-3.5: LAND USE AND ZONING

CHANGES, AND DEVELOPMENT IN HIGH

AND VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD

SEVERITY ZONES
Avoid land use and zoning changes
which increase residential density or
intensity of existing land use, new
subdivisions or multiple unit
developments of five or more lots or
units in the High and Very High Fire
Hazard Severity Zone, except as
required by State law, in order to
protect public safety, reduce wildfire
risks, and enhance emergency
response capabilities.

POLICY HS-3.6: LAND USE AND ZONING

CHANGES AND DEVELOPMENT IN

SPECIFIC VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD

SEVERITY ZONES
Prohibit new subdivisions, multiple
unit developments, or land use and
zoning changes that would increase
residential density or intensity of the
existing land use in the Very High Fire
Hazard Severity Zone, as shown in
Figure HS-4, if located in at least one
of these areas, except as such
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

developments may be required by
State law:
• Properties with primary access from
private roads
• An area with a slope of 30 percent
or more.

POLICY 3.7: FIRE-RESISTANT

MATERIALS
Ensure improvements and new
structures within a High or Very High
Fire Hazard Severity Zone comply with
the California Building Code, California
Fire Code, California Wildland-Urban
Interface Code, and California Fire Safe
Regulations, or equivalent standards,
to ensure fire-resistant roof coverings
and exterior building materials. The
Chief Building Official shall enforce
these standards in alignment with
Health and Safety Code Section
13143.4, making necessary findings as
required.

STRATEGY:

HS-3.7.1: Wildfire Assistance
Program.

Explore establishing a wildfire financial
assistance program to help property
owners enact and maintain wildfire
home hardening and defensible space
features and practices on their
properties, prioritizing providing
assistance to properties that do not
yet conform to current standards.

POLICY 3.8: FIRE PROTECTION PLANS
Require fire protection plans for all
new development projects in the High
and Very High Fire Hazard Severity
Zone, including plans for long-term,
comprehensive, fuel reduction and
management. The fire protection plan
shall be consistent with California Fire
Code, Chapter 49.

POLICY HS-3.9: ACCESS FOR FIRE AND

EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT
Require proposed new development
to provide adequate access for fire and
emergency vehicles and equipment
that meets or exceeds applicable State
and local standards. Developments
must also comply with the applicable
provisions of the California Fire Code
to ensure fire safety measures,
including emergency access, fire
protection systems, and defensible
space requirements, align with
statewide fire prevention standards.

STRATEGIES:

HS-3.9.1: Fire Hazards Response
Support
Support measures that help
firefighting crews and emergency
response teams respond to fire
hazards or work under low-visibility
conditions, such as high-visibility
signage for streets and building
addresses that meet or exceed the
standards in the California Fire Safe
Regulations (Title 14 of the California
Code of Regulations, Division 1.5,
Chapter 7, Articles 2 and 3, Sections
1273 and 1274).

HS-3.9.2: New Hillside Roads
Ensure new access roads proposed
with new development are designed
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 55 to meet State Minimum Fire Safe
Regulations, California Fire Code, and
City Municipal Code standards and
constructed prior to the issuance of
final occupancy for any new
development.

HS-3.9.3: Hillside Road Upgrades.

Require new hillside development to
upgrade existing access roads to meet
State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations,
California Fire Code, and City
Municipal Code standards.

HS-3.9.4: Hillside Road Maintenance
Agreements Required.

Require recordation of maintenance
agreements which run with the land,
prior to final occupancy, stipulating
that private hillside road maintenance
is the responsibility of the property
owner or, in the event of a shared
access road, the shared responsibility
of the property owners with shared
access to the roadway. These
standards include road standards for
evacuation and emergency vehicle
access, vegetation management, and
other requirements of the California
Fire Safe Regulations.

POLICY HS-3.10: PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL

ELECTRIC SECURITY GATES
Discourage the use of private
residential electric security gates and
selectively permit them only if they do
not act as a barrier to emergency
personnel.

STRATEGIES:

HS-3.10.1: Location.

Strongly discourage electric gates in
high fire and very high fire hazard
zones. Allow electric gates only in
locations permitted by the Municipal
Code. Require a fence exception for
electric security gatesin areas as
outlined in the Municipal Code.

HS-3.10.2: Access to Gates.

Where electric security gates are
allowed,require the installation of an
approved key switch to enable vehicle
access by the Fire Department.

POLICY HS-3.11: EXTENSION OF WATER

SERVICE
Require new subdivisions and
development within High and Very
High Fire Hazard Severity Zones to
obtain a water service extension letter,
to include fire flow capacity, from
water service providers prior to
receiving development permit
approval to ensure adequate water
services for both fire protection and
daily use.

POLICY HS-3.12: LONG-TERM WATER
SUPPLY
Ensure long-term water supply for fire
suppression and maintaining fireflows.

POLICY HS-3.13: COORDINATION OF

LONG-TERM WATER SUPPLY
Coordinate with water utility providers
and the Santa Clara County Fire
Department to anticipate future
locations and keep water supply
systems in pace with growth and
firefighting service needs.

STRATEGIES:

HS-3.13.1: Adequate Water Service.

Identify and improve areas lacking
adequate water service for firefighting,
including capacity for peak load under
a reasonable worst-case wildland fire
scenario determined by the Santa
Clara County Fire Department.

HS-3.13.2: Sufficient Water Flow.

Work with San Jose Water, California
Water Service, and Santa Clara County
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

Fire Department to ensure that fire
hydrants are adequately distributed
throughout Cupertino and have
sufficient water flow.

POLICY HS-3.14 FIRE SAFE ROADWAYS
Require existing non-conforming
public and private roadways in Fire
Hazard Severity Zones to comply with
current fire safety regulations required
for new subdivisions and
development.

STRATEGY:

HS-3.14.1: City Roadways Repair and
Maintenance.

Prepare and implement plans to repair
and maintain City-owned roadways as
needed to meet current standards.

HS-3.14.2: Private Roadways Repair
and Maintenance.

Require private property owners to
prepare and implement plans to
update, repair, and maintain their
existing privately-owned roadways to
meet current local and State
standards, given the absence of other
site constraints. At time of
development review, ensure
maintenance agreements are recorded
running with the land to ensure that
street maintenance is the
responsibility of the private property
owner, or in the case of a shared
roadway, the shared responsibility of
the private property owners with
shared access. These standards include
road standards for evacuation and
emergency vehicle access, vegetation
management, and other requirements
of the California Fire Safe Regulations,
Title 14 of the California Code of
Regulations, Division 1.5, Chapter 7.

POLICY HS-3.15: VEGETATION

MANAGEMENT
Collaborate with Santa Clara County
Fire Department to provide fuel
reduction, defensible space, and
vegetation management.

STRATEGIES:

HS-3.15.1: Roadside Vegetation
Management.

Collaborate with Santa Clara County
Fire Department to provide public and
private roadside fuel reduction,
defensible space, and vegetation
management, particularly along
evacuation routes.

HS-3.15.2: Defensible Space.

Require all existing and new properties
in the Fire Hazard Severity Zones to
establish and maintain defensible
space and vegetation management
around dwellings and inhabited
structures, in accordance with City and
State standards.

POLICY HS-3.16: FIRE-RESISTANT

LANDSCAPING
Promote the use of fire-resistant
landscaping in public and private
developments. In High and Very High
Fire Severity Zones, fire-resistant
landscaping shall be required.

POLICY HS-3.17: FUEL BREAKS AND

EMERGENCY ACCESS ROUTES
Coordinate with CAL FIRE, Santa Clara
County Fire Department, and private
property owners to maintain existing
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 57 fuel breaks and emergency access
routes for effective fire suppression.

POLICY HS-3.18: RECOVERY AND

REDEVELOPMENT AFTER A LARGE FIRE
Develop and update programs as
needed that ensure recovery and
redevelopment after a large fire and
that reduce future vulnerabilities to
fire hazard risks through site
preparation, redevelopment layout
design, fire-resistant landscape
planning, and home hardening
building design and materials.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

Goal HS-4
Ensure high levels of community safety with
police servicesthat meet the community’s
needs

PUBLIC SAFETY
The City seeks to support public safety through improved police services and better site design.

POLICY HS-4.1: NEIGHBORHOOD

AWARENESS PROGRAMS
Continue to support the Neighborhood
Watch Program, Block Leader Program,
and other similar programs intended
to help neighborhoods prevent crime
through social interaction.

POLICY HS-4.2: CRIME PREVENTION

THROUGH BUILDING AND SITE DESIGN
Consider appropriate design
techniques to reduce crime and
vandalism when designing public
spaces and reviewing development
proposals.

STRATEGIES:

HS-4.2.1: Perimeter Roads for Parks.

Encircle neighborhood parks with a
public road to provide visual
accessibility whenever possible.

HS-4.2.2: Development Review.

Continue to request County Sheriff
review and comment on new
development to ensure new
development provides appropriate
security and public safety measures.

POLICY HS-4.3: FISCAL IMPACTS
Require that new development
accounts for fiscal impactsto the
County Sheriff, Santa Clara County Fire,
and City of Cupertino when approving
various land use mixes.

POLICY HS-4.4: LAW ENFORCEMENT

RESPONSE TIMES
Ensure that law enforcement
emergency response times
consistently meet the standards of the
Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.

STRATEGY:

HS-4.4.1: Response Time Review.

Include requirements to conduct
regular reviews of response time data
for police service to identify trends,
patterns, and areas for improvement in
contracts for Sheriff services.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 59 GOAL HS-5
Reduce risks associated with geologic and seismic
hazards

SEISMIC AND GEOLOGIC HAZARDS
The City seeks to ensure community safety in areas with potential seismic and geologic hazards by implementing best construction and engineering practices and education.

POLICY HS-5.1: SEISMIC AND GEOLOGIC

REVIEW PROCESS
Evaluate new development proposals
and subdivisions within mapped
seismic and geologic hazard zones
using a formal seismic/geologic review
process. Use General Plan Appendix E
to determine the level of review
required.

STRATEGIES:

HS-5.1.1: Geotechnical and
Structural Analysis.

Require any site with a slope exceeding
10 percent to reference the Landslide
Hazard Potential Zone maps of the
State of California for all required
geotechnical and structural analysis.

HS-5.1.2: Residential Upgrades.

Require that any residential facility
that is being increased more than 50
percent assessed value or physical size,
conform to all provisions of the current
building and residential codes
throughout the entire structure.

Owners of residential buildings with
known structural defects, such as
unreinforced garage openings, “soft
first story” construction, unbolted
foundations, or inadequate sheer walls
are encouraged to take steps to
remedy the problem and bring their
buildings up to the current building
and residential codes.

HS-5.1.3: Geologic Review.

Continue to implement and update
geologic review procedures for
geologic reports required by General
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

Plan Appendix E through the
development review process.

POLICY HS-5.2: PUBLIC EDUCATION ON

SEISMIC SAFETY
Reinforce the existing public education
programs to help residents minimize
hazards resulting from earthquakes.

STRATEGIES:

HS-5.2.1: Covenant on Seismic Risk.

Require developers to record a
covenant to disclose risks to future
residents in all fault zones and inform
them that more information is in City
Hall records. This requirement is in
addition to the State requirement that
information on the geological report is
recorded on the face of subdivision
maps.

POLICY HS-5.3: HILLSIDE GRADING
Establish standards and procedures to
limit grading on hillside properties,
particularly those that change natural
flows or flatten existing slopes. Restrict
the extent and timing of hillside
grading operationsto Aprilthrough
October, except as otherwise allowed
by the City. Require performance
bonds during the remaining time to
guarantee the repair of any erosion
damage. Require planting of graded
slopes as soon as practical after
grading is complete.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 61 GOAL HS-6
Protect people and property from the risks
associated with hazardous materials and
exposure to electromagnetic fields

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
The City is committed to protecting its citizens from hazardous materials through improved disposal practices, better site design, and more public education.

POLICY HS-6.1: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

STORAGE AND DISPOSAL
Require the properstorage and
disposal of hazardous materials to
preventleakage, potential explosions,
fire, or the release of harmful fumes as
required by the Santa Clara County
Fire Department and/or the Santa
Clary County Department of
Environmental Health. Maintain
information channels to the residential
and business communities about the
illegality and danger of dumping
hazardous material and waste in the
storm drain system or in creeks.

POLICY HS-6.2: PROXIMITY OF

RESIDENTS TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Assess future residents’ exposure to
hazardous materials when new
residential development or sensitive
populations are proposed in existing
industrial and manufacturing areas.

Do not allow residential development
or sensitive populations (such as
childcare uses or elder care) if such
hazardous conditions cannot be
mitigated to an acceptable level of risk.

STRATEGIES:

HS-6.2.1: Environmental Site
Assessment (ESA) required.

Establish and maintain requirements
for environmental site assessment
report review in conjunction with
development. Continue to implement
requirements in the Municipal Code to
ensure environmental site assessment
is completed prior to project approval,
including, but not limited to, projects
proposed on former industrial sites or
others where there is a possibility of
contamination.

HS-6.2.2: Soil Remediation required.

Ensure that conditions of approval are
incorporated to require soil
remediation with the appropriate
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

regulatory agency with any ministerial
or discretionary project approvals.

Continue to implement the
requirement that soil remediation be
conducted prior to issuance of any
permits involving ground/soil
disturbing activity.

HS-6.2.3: Other Hazardous Materials
Review required.

If there is sufficient evidence about the
presence or storage of hazardous
materials in properties within 500 feet
of property on which new residential
or uses for sensitive populations are
proposed, review by the authority
controlling the presence of the
hazardous materials is required to
ensure that any requirements from
that authority are included in any
approvals, whether ministerial or
discretionary.

HS-6.2.4: Hazardous Materials
Storage.

Continue to enforce current federal,
State, County, and local standards and
regulations related to hazardous
materials storage.

POLICY HS-6.3: RADIOFREQUENCY

STUDIES
Continue to require radiofrequency
studies for wireless developments
during the development review
process to confirm that projects meet
federal and State standards.

POLICY HS-6.4: EDUCATIONAL

PROGRAMS
Continue to encourage residents and
businesses to use non- and lesshazardous products, especially less toxic pest control products, to slow the
generation of and reduce hazardous
waste requiring disposal through the
countywide program.

POLICY HS-6.5: HAZARDOUS WASTE

DISPOSALS
Continue to support and facilitate a
convenient opportunity to properly
dispose of hazardous waste for
residences and businesses.

STRATEGIES:

HS-6.5.1: Partner on Hazardous
Waste Collection and Disposal.

Continue to explore efficient,
economical, and convenient ways to
offer Household Hazardous Waste and
electronic waste collection for
residentsin partnership with the solid
waste contractor or the County.

HS-6.5.2: Educational Materials.

Publish educational materials about
the Household Hazardous Waste
program in the Cupertino Scene, City
website, and brochures that are
distributed throughout the
community.

POLICY HS-6.6: RADIOFREQUENCY

AWARENESS AND TRANSPARENCY
Continue to address public concerns
about radiofrequency exposure and
promote science-based awareness by
educating residents, ensuring
regulatory compliance, and fostering
transparency through effective
community outreach and
communication led by the Technology,
Information, and Communications
Commission (TICC) as needed.

CHAPTER 7 c: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 63 GOAL HS-7
Protect people and property from risks
associated with floods

FLOODING
The City seeks to ensure community protection from floods through the design of projects, municipal operations, and public education.

POLICY HS-7.1: EVACUATION MAP
Maintain an evacuation map forthe
flood hazard areasin Cupertino on the
City’s website.

POLICY HS-7.2: EMERGENCY RESPONSE

TO DAM FAILURE
Ensure that Cupertino is prepared to
respond to a potential dam failure.

STRATEGIES:

HS-7.2.1: Emergency and Evacuation
Plan.

Coordinate with the Santa Clara Valley
Water District to maintain and update
the Stevens Creek Dam Failure Plan,
including an alert, warning, and
notification system and appropriate
signage.

HS-7.2.2: Inter-agency Cooperation.

Continue to coordinate dam-related
evacuation plans and alert/notification
systems with the City of Sunnyvale,
the Santa Clara Valley Water District,
and Santa Clara County to ensure that
traffic management between the
agencies facilitates life safety. Work
with other neighboring citiesto
enhance communication and
coordination during a dam-related
emergency.

POLICY HS-7.3: EXISTING NONRESIDENTIAL USES IN THE FLOODPLAIN Allow commercial and recreational
uses that are now exclusively within
the floodplain to remain in their
present use or to be used for
agriculture or open space, provided
the use does not conflict with federal,
State, or regional requirements.

POLICY HS-7.4: CONSTRUCTION IN

FLOODPLAINS
Continue to implement land use,
zoning, and building and residential
code regulations limiting new
construction in the already urbanized
flood hazard areas recognized by the
Federal Flood Insurance Administrator.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

STRATEGIES:

HS-7.4.1: Dwellings in Floodplains.

Prohibit new residential development
or subdivisions in the 100-year
floodplain or regulatory floodway
which increases the density or
intensity of the existing land use.

Regulate all types of redevelopment
in floodplains to prevent increased
density. This includes discouraging fill
materials and obstructions that may
increase flood potential or modify the
natural riparian corridors.

HS-7.4.2: Description of Flood Zone
Regulation.

Continue to maintain and update a
map of potential flood hazard areas
and a description of flood zone
regulations on the City’s website.

HS-7.4.3: National Flood Insurance
Program Community Rating System.

Continue to participate in the National
Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Community Rating System (CRS).

HS-7.4.4 Land Uses in Floodplains.

Encourage the development of
compatible open space/recreational
uses in regulatory floodways and the
100-year floodplain that are consistent
with the provisions of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency for
floodway uses.

HS-7.4.5 Update Flood Damage
Prevention Ordinance.

Review and update Municipal Code
Section 16.52, Prevention of Flood
Damage, to maintain compliance with
the National Flood Insurance Program
and ensure development standards
consider changes to the floodplain due
to climate change.

POLICY HS-7.5: STABILITY OF EXISTING

WATER STORAGE FACILITIES
Ensure the structural integrity of water
storage facilities.

STRATEGY:

HS-7.5.1: Coordination with Other
Agencies.

Work closely with the San Jose Water
and owners of other water storage
facilities to develop and implement a
program to monitor the stability of all
existing water storage facilities and
related improvements, such as
distribution lines, connections, and
other system- components.

POLICY HS-7.6: REDUCE FLOOD RISK
Reduce flood risk by maintaining
effective stormwater drainage
systems, regulating construction, and
updating stormwater infrastructure
design requirements, and retrofitting
storm drainage systems as needed.

CHAPTER 7 c: HEALT H AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

GOAL HS-8
Increase resilience of the community to
extreme heat

EXTREME HEAT
The City seeks to maintain community health and well-being in the face of increased extreme heat events and higher average temperatures.

POLICY HS-8.1: EXTREME HEAT
Recognize extreme heat as a
significant hazard in Cupertino,
integrating extreme heat into
emergency preparedness and
response procedures.

STRATEGIES:

HS-8.1.1: Heat Action Plan.

Develop a citywide Heat Action Plan,
as an annex to the Emergency
Operations Plan, which would
include the identification of cooling
centers to provide sufficient
coverage for the entire community,
in coordination with emergency
service and utility providers, the
minimum hours and thresholds for
cooling center operations, and
transportation options to cooling
centers.

HS-8.1.2: Extreme Heat Vulnerable
Neighborhoods.

Identify neighborhoods most at risk
from extreme heat and prioritize
extreme heat support and resources
for these locations and for
communities recognized as uniquely
vulnerable to extreme heat in the
Vulnerability Assessment.

HS-8.1.3: Extreme Heat Protection
for Outdoor Workers.

Continue to work with labor and
business groups to ensure education
and enforcement of State and
federal standards for extreme heat.

Support industry partnerships to
strengthen extreme heat resilience.

POLICY HS-8.2: EXTREME HEAT

MITIGATION
Review public projects and new nonresidential and multi-family projects for opportunities to reduce their
contribution to the urban heat island
effect through site design, building
materials, landscaping, or other
project features that provide shading
and cooling onsite, and continue to
support City led and community-
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 based efforts to increase shade and
provide cooling citywide.

STRATEGIES:

HS-8.2.1: Shading and HeatMitigating Materials.

Coordinate with the Santa Clara
Valley Transportation Authority to
increase shading and heat-mitigating
materials on pedestrian walkways
and at transit stops, including the
planting and maintenance of trees
for shade.

HS-8.2.2: Enhanced Shading for
New Non-residential and Multifamily Development.

Require new developments to
enhance shading on properties by
planting trees and installing shade
structures and other cooling/shading
features, including active cooling in
high-use public hubs and corridors.

HS-8.2.3: Enhanced Shading for
Existing Non-residential and Multifamily Development.

Require the inclusion of vegetation
and shade trees and/or shade
structures in existing non-residential
and multi-family residential parking
lots, to reduce the urban heat island
effect, where one or more of the
following occur:
▪ A change of use is proposed, or
▪ More than 25 percent of the site
is being modified, or
▪ A new parking lot is proposed, or
▪ An existing parking lot is
substantially retrofitted in
compliance with the Municipal
Code.

HS-8.2.4: Enhanced Shading for
Existing Parking Lots.

Encourage the inclusion of
vegetation and trees and/or shade
structures in existing parking lots.

HS-8.2.5: Artificial Turf.

Assess public and environmental
health impacts and environmental
resource use associated with the
installation and use of synthetic or
artificial turf on City owned or
managed property.

POLICY HS-8.3: RESILIENT URBAN
FOREST
Increase carbon sequestration by
expanding and enhancing the urban
tree canopy and green space,
prioritizing equitable distribution,
climate-resilient design, and longterm ecosystem health.

STRATEGIES:

HS-8.3.1 Urban Forest
Management Plan.

Develop an Urban Forest
Management Plan (UFMP) that
identifies the framework and
strategy for expanding the tree
canopy in Cupertino. Ensure the
sustainability of the urban forest
(including all existing and new trees)
by including tree maintenance and
protection, attention to safety,
resident engagement, and the
planting of native and climateappropriate trees.

HS-8.3.2: Tree Replacement
Adopt and maintain regulations to
protect trees, including but not
limited to public trees. Ensure trees
protected are climate appropriate.

Ensure any trees that may be
removed to accommodate new
houses are replaced at a minimum
ratio of 2:1. Consider amending the
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 67 Protected Tree Ordinance of the
Municipal Code to require a
minimum of two replacement trees
for any tree removal.

Refer to the Climate Action Plan and
General Plan Environmental
Resources Element for additional
strategies in support of the urban
forest and tree planting, including
Strategies ES-2.1.5, ES-5.1.1, and ES5.1.2
CHAPTER 7 c: HEALT H AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

GOAL HS-9
Increase community resilience to climate
change hazards

CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCE
The City seeks to ensure that the community adapts to the impacts of climate change through sustainable practices, innovative design techniques, public outreach and education, and agency collaboration.

POLICY HS-9.1: EQUITABLY LOCATED

RESILIENCE CENTERS
Establish one or more community
resilience centers in Cupertino. Ensure
that resilience centers are not in areas
at risk from hazard impacts to the
extent possible, are equitably located,
offer refuge from extreme heat and
extreme weather events as well as
poor air quality and disasters, and are
equipped with renewable energy
generation and backup power
supplies. Such facilities should be in
easily accessible locations and
available to all community members.

STRATEGY:

HS-9.1.1: Evacuation Shelter
Planning and Siting.

Update the Emergency Operations
Plan to identify and maintain a
network of temporary evacuation
shelters and community refuge sites
outside the Fire Hazard Severity Zones
to reduce travel demand on primary
evacuation corridors.

POLICY HS-9.2: RESILIENCE CENTER

TRANSIT SERVICES
Work with transit, dial-a-ride, and
paratransit service providers to
provide transit services to and from
community resilience centers for
seniors, people with disabilities, and
residents with access and functional
needs.

POLICY HS-9.3: SUSTAINABLE WATER

SUPPLIES
Maintain a sustainable, long-term
water supply to meet community
needs with consideration of the effects
of more frequent and severe drought
events. Work with water providers to
implement extensive water
conservation measures and ensure
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 69 sustainable water supplies, including
for fire suppression needs.

STRATEGY:

HS-9.3.1: Water Conservation.

Promote water conservation measures
in all public and private development,
in landscaping and potable water use.

HS-9.3.2: Dual-plumbing Water
Systems.

Adopt an ordinance for installation of
dual-plumbing water systems that
utilize greywater for irrigation at new
residential construction.

HS-9.3.3: Water Conservation
Outreach and Education.

Continue to work with water providers
to support their water conservation
and water efficiency rebate programs
as directed by Environmental
Resources Policy ES-7.9. Additionally,
ensure that information about water
conservation and rebate programs is
targeted to households with low- or
fixed incomes, older adults, persons
with disabilities who have access
needs, historically underserved
communities, and to youth via schools.

POLICY HS-9.4: SUSTAINABLE, ENERGYEFFICIENT, AND ENVIRONMENTALLY

REGENERATIVE FEATURES
Encourage new developments and
existing property owners to
incorporate sustainable, energyefficient, and environmentally regenerative features into their
facilities, landscapes, and structures to
reduce energy demands and improve
on-site resilience. Support financing
efforts to increase community access
to these features.

STRATEGIES:

HS-9.4.1: Decarbonization.

Continue to encourage carbon free
appliances in new and existing
buildings to the extent allowed by
State and federal law. This could
include adopting amendments to the
Building Code to increase energy
efficiency standards beyond the State’s
requirements to the extent feasible by
the law and educating residents and
businesses about health and air quality
benefits of carbon free appliances.

HS-9.4.2: Permeable Pavement.

Require permeable pavement (not
installed on any impervious materials)
in areas used for surface parking
and/or driveways, such as driveways in
single family homes and in at least 25
percent of open parking spaces in
other types of projects.

POLICY HS-9.5: DROUGHT-TOLERANT

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
Promote the use of drought‐tolerant
green infrastructure, including
landscaped areas, as part of cooling
strategies in public and private spaces.

STRATEGIES:

HS-9.5.1: Drought-tolerant Green
Infrastructure in Public Projects.

Identify opportunities for and install
green infrastructure in conjunction
with street improvement projects and
other capital improvement projects.

HS-9.5.2: Drought-tolerant Green
Infrastructure in Private projects.

Identify opportunities for and
encourage the installation of green
infrastructure in conjunction with
private development.

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 POLICY HS-9.6: NATURAL RESOURCES

AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Encourage public and private projects
to use natural resources and naturebased solutions to absorb the impacts of climate-related hazards and
associated natural hazards, as feasible.

POLICY HS-9.7: SEVERE WEATHER

RESILIENCY
Increase the resiliency of City-owned
structures to severe weather events,
including high wind events, and
support homeowners and business
owners to increase the resilience of
their buildings and properties through
retrofits, weatherization, and other
improvements.

POLICY HS 9.8: NATURE-BASED

SOLUTIONS
Where feasible, encourage the use of
nature-based solutions, existing
natural features, and/or ecosystem
processes, or the restoration thereof,
when considering alternatives for the
conservation, preservation, or
sustainable management of open
space. This may include, but is not
limited to, aquatic or terrestrial
vegetated open space, systems and
practices that use or mimic natural
processes, and other engineered
systems, to provide clean water,
conserve ecosystem values and
functions, and provide a wide array of
benefits to people and wildlife.

Environmentally
regenerative features refer
to design or operational
features of buildings,
infrastructure, and systems
that help to restore, renew,
or regenerate the natural
environment. Examples
include green roofs and
living walls, permeable
pavement, on-site
renewable energy
generation, rainwater
harvesting and reuse, or
use of low-impact materials
and construction
techniques.

CHAPTER 7 c: HEALT H AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 71 GOAL HS-10
Minimize noise impacts on the community and
maintain a compatible noise environment for
existing and future land use
NOISE
The City seeks to ensure that the community continues to enjoy a high quality of life through reduced noise pollution, effective project design, and noise management operations.

POLICY HS-10.1: LAND USE DECISION

EVALUATION
Use the Land Use Compatibility for
Community Noise Environments
chart, the Future Noise Contour Map
(see Figure D-1 in Appendix D), and
the City Municipal Code to evaluate
land use decisions.

POLICY HS-10.2: BUILDING AND SITE
DESIGN
Minimize noise impactsthrough
appropriate building and site design.

STRATEGIES:

HS-10.2.1: Commercial Delivery
Areas.

Locate delivery areas for new
commercial and industrial
developments away from existing or
planned homes.

HS-10.2.2: Noise Control
Techniques.

Require analysis and implementation
of techniques to control the effects
of noise from industrial equipment
and processes for projects near
residential uses. Ensure that new
development, including multi-family
residential and non-residential
development, complies with the
applicable interior noise standards
established in the Building Code, to
the satisfaction of the Building
Official. Prior to issuance of any
certificates of occupancy, require
post-construction monitoring or
reporting by an acoustical engineer
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

certifying that the project meets the
applicable interior noise standards.

HS-10.2.3: Sound Wall
Requirements.

Exercise discretion in requiring
sound walls to be sure that all other
measures of noise control have
been explored before permitting or
installation of a sound wall, and, if
the installation is permitted, ensure
the sound wall is architecturally
enhanced with veneer or other
decorative cladding, maintained at
the expense of the sponsors of the
sound wall or, if a landscape screen
is permitted, that the landscaping is
continuously maintained and
replaced as necessary to ensure a
green screen, maintained at the
expense of the sponsors of the
sound wall. Sound walls should be
designed and landscaped to fit into
the environment.

POLICY HS-10.3: CONSTRUCTION AND

MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES
Regulate construction and
maintenance activities. Establish and
enforce reasonable allowable
periods of the day, during weekdays,
weekends, and holidays for
construction activities. Require
construction contractors to use the
best available technology to minimize
excessive noise and vibration from
construction equipment such as pile
drivers, jack hammers, and vibratory
rollers. Implement the noise
requirements of the Municipal Code
in Titles 10 and 17.

POLICY HS-10.4: FREEWAY DESIGN

AND NEIGHBORHOOD NOISE
Ensure that roads and development
along State Route 85 and Interstate
280 are designed and improved in a
way that minimizes neighborhood
noise, including the installation of
rubberized asphalt paving. Support
the use of rubberized asphalt on
freeways and streets that are not in
the City’s jurisdiction but are within
the City’s Sphere of Influence.

Coordinate with appropriate
agencies on projects to implement
this requirement.

STRATEGIES:

HS-10.4.1: Freeway Sound Walls.

Support the evaluation and
installation of freeway sound walls
where needed to reduce noise
impacts on adjacent neighborhoods.

This includes considering support
for: (1) new sound walls along
freeway segments where none
currently exist; and (2) evaluating
whether existing sound walls provide
adequate noise attenuation for
nearby residents.

HS-10.4.2: Freeway Sound Wall
Sponsorship.

Establish a process for
neighborhoods affected by freeway
noise to request City sponsorship of
an application to the appropriate
agency for further analysis, study,
and potential installation of a sound
wall. If studies by the appropriate
agency determine that freeway
sound wall installation is
geometrically infeasible, the agency
should consider alternative noise
buffers, including sound fences,
acoustic panels, vegetation, or other
feasible treatments.

HS-10.4.3: Noise Impact Analysis.

Continue to coordinate with Caltrans
and VTA on freeway projects within
or adjacent to Cupertino, including
interchange projects, to ensure that
required environmental review
CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) Health and Safety Element Public Hearing Draft | October 2026 Page 73 evaluates potential noise impacts
and identifies feasible mitigation
measures, as applicable.

POLICY HS-10.5: NEIGHBORHOODS
Review residents’ needs for
convenience and safety and prioritize
them overthe convenient movement
of commute or through traffic,
where practical.

POLICY HS-10.6: TRAFFIC-CALMING

SOLUTIONS TO STREET NOISE
Evaluate solutionsto discourage
through traffic in neighborhoods
through enhanced paving and
modified street design.

STRATEGY:

HS-10.6.1: Local Improvement.

Modify street design to minimize
noise impact to neighbors.

POLICY HS-10.7: REDUCTION OF

NOISE FROM TRUCKING OPERATIONS
Conduct interagency coordination
with Santa Clara County to carry out
noise mitigation measures to
diminish noise along Foothill and
Stevens Creek Boulevards from the
quarry and cement plant trucking
operations. These measures include
regulation of truck speed, the
volume of truck activity, and trucking
activity hours to avoid late evening,
early morning, and the weekend.

Alternatives to truck transport,
specifically rail, are strongly
encouraged when feasible.

STRATEGIES:

HS-10.7.1: Restrictions in the
County’s Use Permit.

Coordinate with the County to
restrict the number of trucks, their
speed, and noise levels along Foothill
and Stevens Creek Boulevards, to the
extent allowed in the Use Permit.

Ensure thatrestrictions are
monitored and enforced by the
County.

HS-10.7.2: Road Improvements to
Reduce Truck Impacts.

Consider road improvementssuch as
medians, landscaping, noise
attenuating asphalt, and other
methodsto reduce quarry truck
impacts.

HS-10.7.3: Street Signage.

Consider whether restrictions on the
movement of quarry related trucks
between certain quiet hours on
thoroughfares, such as Stevens
Creek Boulevard and Foothill
Boulevard can be implemented and
install signage to help enforce
adopted regulations.

POLICY HS-10.8: NOISE GENERATING
USES
Prior to approving noise generating
uses, including public or private
recreational uses, within or adjacent
to established residential areas,
require the proposed noise
generating use to prepare an
acoustical analysis which identifies
appropriate noise mitigation
measures, including, but not limited
to, posted rules and regulations
which limit hours of operation, to
meet the City’s adopted noise
standards.

POLICY HS-10.9: NOISE GENERATING

GARDEN EQUIPMENT
Continue to implement and maintain
Municipal Code standards regulating
noise-generating garden equipment,
including lawn mowers, leaf blowers,
and similar equipment.
community noise
fundamentals D appendix d:

CONTENTS:

D-2 Background
D-2 Frequency Weighing
D-3 Noise Exposure
D-4 Subjective Response to Noise
D-5 Noise Measurements
D-8 Principle Noise Sources In Cupertino
On-Road Vehicles
Train Noise
Heliports
Aircraft Noise
Stationary Source Noise
Hanson Permanente Quarry
Constructions Noise
Public Facility Noise
D-12 Future Noise Contours
EXHIBIT - GPA-2
APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

BACKGROUND
Three aspects of community noise are important in determining subjective response:
• Level (i.e., magnitude or loudness) of the sound;
• The frequency composition or spectrum of the sound; and • The variation in sound level with time.

Airborne sound is a rapid fluctuation of air pressure and local air velocity. Sound levels are measured and expressed in decibels (dB) with 0 dB roughly equal to the threshold of hearing.

The frequency of a sound is a measure of the pressure fluctuations per second measured in units of hertz (Hz). Most sounds do not consist of a single frequency, but are comprised of a broad band of frequencies differing in level. The characterization of sound level magnitude with respect to frequency is the sound spectrum. A sound spectrum is often described in octave bands that divide the audible human frequency range (i.e., from 20 to 20,000 Hz) into ten segments.

FREQUENCY WEIGHTING
Many rating methods exist to analyze sound of different spectra. The simplest method is generally used so that measurements may be made and noise impacts readily assessed using basic acoustical instrumentation. This method evaluates all frequencies by using a single weighting filter that progressively de-emphasizes frequency components below 1000 Hz and above 5000 Hz.

This frequency weighting reflects the relative decreased human sensitivity to low frequencies and to extreme high frequencies. This weighting is called A-weighting and is applied by an electrical filter in all U.S. and international standard sound level meters.

D-2
APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) D-3

NOISE EXPOSURE
Noise exposure is a measure of noise over a period of time, whereas noise level is a single value at an instant in time. Although a single sound level may adequately describe community noise at any instant in time, community noise levels vary continuously. Most community noise is produced by many distant noise sources that produce a relatively steady background noise having no identifiable source. These distant sources change gradually throughout the day and include traffic, wind in trees, and distant industrial activities. Superimposed on this slowly varying background is a succession of identifiable noise events of brief duration. These include nearby activities such as single vehicle passbys or aircraft flyovers, which cause the community noise level to vary from instant to instant.

A single number called the equivalent sound level or Leq is used to describe noise varying over a period of time. The Leq is the average noise exposure level over a period of time (i.e., the total sound energy divided by the duration). It is the constant sound level, which would contain the same acoustic energy as the varying sound level, during the same time period. The Leq is useful in describing noise over a period of time with a single numerical value.

In determining the daily measure of community noise, it is important to account for the difference in human response to daytime and nighttime noise. During the nighttime, exterior background noise levels are generally lower than in the daytime. Most household noise also decreases at night, and exterior noise intrusions become more noticeable. People are more sensitive to noise at night than during other periods of the day.

To account for human sensitivity to nighttime noise, the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) is the adopted standard in California. CNEL values are typically computed by energy summation of hourly noise level values, with the proper adjustment applied for the period of evening or night. The CNEL is computed by assessing a 5-dB penalty for evening (i.e., 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm) noise and a 10-dB penalty for nighttime (i.e., 10:00 pm to 7:00 am) noise. Noise exposure measures such as Leq and CNEL are A-weighted, with units expressed in decibels (i.e., dB).

APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

SUBJECTIVE RESPONSE TO NOISE
The effects of noise on people can be classified into three general categories:

1. Subjective effects of annoyance, nuisance, dissatisfaction.

2. Interference with activities such as speech, sleep, and learning.

3. Physiological effects such as anxiety or hearing loss.

The sound levels associated with community noise usually produce effects only in the first two categories. No universal measure for the subjective effects of noise has been developed, nor does a measure exist for the corresponding human reactions from noise annoyance. This is primarily due to the wide variation in individual attitude regarding the noise source(s).

An important factor in assessing a person’s subjective reaction is to compare the new noise environment to the existing noise environment. In general, the more a new noise exceeds the existing, the less acceptable it is. Therefore, a new noise source will be judged more annoying in a quiet area than it would be in a noisier location.

Knowledge of the following relationships is helpful in understanding how changes in noise and noise exposure are perceived.
• Except under special conditions, a change in sound level of 1 dB cannot be perceived.
• Outside of the laboratory, a 3-dB change is considered a just-noticeable difference.
• A change in level of at least 5 dB is required before any noticeable change in community response would be expected.
• A 10-dB change is subjectively heard as an approximate doubling in loudness and almost always causes an adverse community response.

D-4
APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) D-5

NOISE MEASUREMENTS
Existing ambient noise levels were measured at 15 sites around Cupertino to document representative noise levels at a variety of locations. These locations are shown on Figure D-1. Short-term noise level measurements were taken at 13 locations for a minimum period of 15 minutes during the daytime on Tuesday, April 22 and Wednesday, April 23, 2014, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Short-term noise measurements serve as a snapshot of noise levels at a particular time and location, offering a sense of how other, similar locations might experience noise during comparable times of day. Long-term noise level measurements were taken at two locations for a period of 24 hours between April 22 and 23, 2014.

Long-term noise level measurements serve to provide a broader picture of how noise levels vary over the course of a full day, helping to put the shortterm measurements in a broader temporal context. Both long- and short-term measurements serve to indicate where excessive noise may be an existing or future issue for existing or new land uses.

As shown in Table D-1, noise levels at the short-term measurement locations ranged from a minimum of 58.4 dBA Leq at Location 4 to a maximum of 71.4 dBA Leq at Location 3, with an average Leq of 66.2 dBA, and the majority locations falling between 65 and 70 dBA Leq. Noise levels tended to be higher adjacent to major roadways and freeway, where high volumes of traffic were the dominant source of noise.

Noise levels were measured using a Larson-Davis Model 820 sound level meter, which satisfies the American National Standards Institute for Type 1 general environmental noise measurement instrumentation. The sound level meter and microphone were mounted on a tripod 5 feet above the ground and equipped with a windscreen during all short-term measurements. For long-term measurements, the microphone and windscreen were attached to available objects, at a height between four and six feet, as dictated by conditions in the field.

The sound level meters were programmed to record noise levels with the “slow” time constant and using the “A” weighting filter network. Meteorological conditions during the measurement periods were favorable and were noted APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) to be representative of typical conditions for the season. Generally, conditions included clear to partly cloudy skies, daytime temperatures of approximately 57 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and less than 5 to 10 mile-per-hour winds, with occasional higher gusts noted at certain sites. The short- and longterm noise measurement locations are described below. Table D-1 summarizes the results of both the short- and long-term noise monitoring.

Table D-1 Noise Monitoring Summary
Location Duration Noise Level
ST-1 15 minutes 68.9 dBA Leq
ST-2 15 minutes 68.8 dBA Leq
ST-3 15 minutes 71.4 dBA Leq
ST-4 15 minutes 58.4 dBA Leq
ST-5 15 minutes 67.4 dBA Leq
ST-6 15 minutes 61.6 dBA Leq
ST-7 15 minutes 67.9 dBA Leq
ST-8 15 minutes 68.0 dBA Leq
ST-9 15 minutes 67.6 dBA Leq
ST-10 15 minutes 58.5 dBA Leq
ST-11 15 minutes 70.9 dBA Leq
ST-12 15 minutes 64.2 dBA Leq
ST-13 15 minutes 67.3 dBA Leq
LT-1 24 hours 69.1 dBA Ldn
LT-2 24 hours 72.3 dBA Ldn
D-6
APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

GF GF GF
GF
GF
GF
GF
GF
GF GF
GF
GF GF
GF
GF
City of Sunnyvale
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City of San Jose
City of
Santa Clara
Santa Clara
County
City of
Los Altos
Santa
Clara
County Monta Vista
Recreation
Center/Park
Linda
Vista Park
Deep Cliff
Golf Course
McClellan
Ranch
Preserve
Blackberry
Farm Park
Somerset
Square
Park
Varian
Park Memorial
Park
Three
Oaks
Park
Hoover
Park
Jollyman
Park
Cali
Mill
Plaza
Library
Field
Wilson
Park
Creekside
Park
Portal
Park
Sterling
Barnhart
Park
Franco
Park

S BLANEY AVE N BLANEY AVE

RAINBOW DR

BOLLINGER RD

N STELLING RD

BUBB RD

N TANTAU AVE

S DE ANZA BLVD

BLANEY AVE

N FOOTHILL BLVD

S STELLING RD

HOMESTEAD RD

PRUNERIDGE AVE

MILLER AVE

STEVENS CREEK BLVD

S TANTA U AVE

GRANT RD

N DE ANZA BLVD

PROSPECT RD

MCCLELLAN RD

N WOLFE RD S WOLFE RD
LT-2 ST-1 LT-1
ST-2
ST-3
ST-4
ST-5
ST-6
ST-7 ST-8
ST-9
ST-10 ST-11
ST-12
ST-13
GF Long-term Noise Monitoring Location
GF Short-term Noise Monitoring Location
Parks
City Boundary
NOISE

CITY OF CUPERTINO

GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE, AND ASSOCIATED REZONING PROJECT Figure 4.10-1
Noise Monitoring Locations
Source: City of Cupertino, 2013; MIG, Inc, 2014; PlaceWorks, 2014; ESRI, 2010. 0 0.25 0.5 1
Miles
FIGURE D-1

NOISE MONITORING LOCATIONS
D-7
APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) The sound level meters were programmed to record noise levels with the “slow” time constant and using the “A” weighting filter network. Meteorological conditions during the measurement periods were favorable and were noted to be representative of typical conditions for the season. Generally, conditions included clear to partly cloudy skies, daytime temperatures of approximately 57 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and less than 5 to 10 mile-per-hour winds, with occasional higher gusts noted at certain sites. The short- and longterm noise measurement locations are described below.

PRINCIPAL NOISE SOURCES IN CUPERTINO

ON-ROAD VEHICLES
Freeways that traverse Cupertino include I-280, which runs along and near the City’s northern boundary, and SR 85, which roughly bisects the geographic area of Cupertino, running from northwest to southeast. In addition to these highways, major roadways running north to south through or adjacent to Cupertino include Foothill Boulevard, Bubb Road, Stelling Road, De Anza Boulevard, Blaney Avenue, Wolfe Road/Miller Avenue, and the Lawrence Expressway, just beyond the eastern edge of the City. Major east-west roadways include Stevens Creek Boulevard, McClellan Road, Bollinger Road, Rainbow Drive, and lastly, Homestead Road and Prospect Road, which run along the northern and southern boundaries of the city, respectively. Together, these highways and streets comprise the major roads in the City of Cupertino.

TRAIN NOISE
Cupertino does not host any passenger rail lines and has only one, seldomused freight railway. This freight right-of-way is a Union Pacific rail line, which now exclusively serves the Hanson Permanente quarry and cement plant. As described in the General Plan for the City of Cupertino, this railway presently operates at very low frequencies, with approximately three train trips in each direction per week, usually during the daytime or early evening. Therefore, this railway contributes only very minimally to the noise environment of Cupertino.

D-8
APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) D-9

HELIPORTS
There are no heliports located within the City of Cupertino listed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The nearest heliport is located approximately 3.4 miles to the east of Cupertino at the County Medical Center in San Jose. Another nearby heliport is located at McCandless Towers in Sunnyvale, 3.6 miles to the northeast of Cupertino. There are no additional heliports within five miles of Cupertino.

AIRCRAFT NOISE
There are no public or private airports or airstrips in Cupertino. At the nearest points within city boundaries, Cupertino is located approximately 4.0 miles to the southwest of the San Jose International Airport. The Santa Clara County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) has adopted a Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) for areas surrounding San Jose International Airport.

The city is not located within any protected airspace zones defined by the ALUC.

Cupertino is located approximately 4.4 miles to the south of Moffett Federal Airfield, 8.4 miles to the southeast of the Palo Alto Airport, 24 miles to the southeast of San Francisco International Airport, and 27 miles to the southeast of Oakland International Airport. Additional small airports in the vicinity include the San Carlos Airport, 17 miles to the northwest, Hayward Executive Airport, 23 miles to the north-northwest, and the Half Moon Bay airport, 26 miles to the northwest.

Although Cupertino does receive some noise from aircraft using these facilities, the Cupertino City Boundary does not fall within the airport land use planning areas/airport influence areas, runway protection zones, or the identified noise contours of any airport.

STATIONARY SOURCE NOISE
Stationary sources of noise may occur from all types of land uses. Cupertino is mostly developed with residential, commercial, mixed-use, institutional, and some light industrial/research and development uses. Commercial uses can generate noise from HVAC systems, loading docks, trash compactors, and other sources. Industrial uses may generate noise from HVAC systems, loading docks, and machinery required for manufacturing or other industrial processes. Noise APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) generated by commercial uses is generally short and intermittent. Industrial uses may generate noise on a more continual basis, or intermittently, depending on the processes and types of machinery involved. In addition to on-site mechanical equipment, which generates stationary noise, warehousing and industrial land uses generate substantial truck traffic that results in additional sources of noise on local roadways in the vicinity of industrial operations.

For Cupertino, the city’s limited industrial areas are primarily located in four areas of the city, the Monta Vista Special Center, the Bubb Road Special Center, the North De Anza Special Center, and the North Vallco Park Special Center (as referenced in the existing General Plan). These industrial areas are characterized by a mix of light industrial, office, and research and development uses; with the exception of the Monta Vista Special Center and the North De Anza Special Center, these areas are usually separated from sensitive uses, such as residences, by either major roads or some degree of buffering. These uses have the potential to generate noise impacts upon nearby sensitive receptors located at the edges of these areas. Such impacts would vary depending on the specific uses, with truck deliveries, HVAC, and other mechanical equipment being the primary sources of noise. The separation of residences by streets or other buffering serves to decrease the noise perceived by these receptors and, in the case of major roads, the noise from the roads was generally observed to exceed that from the industrial uses. Residential neighborhoods in Cupertino with a notable potential to receive substantial industrial noise include portions of the Monta Vista Village Neighborhood (primarily in the vicinity of the area surrounding Bubb Road between Stevens Creek Boulevard and McClellan Road), as well as residential areas bordering the North De Anza Special Center. It should be noted, however, that although these areas allow for light industrial uses, offices and research and development comprise the majority of existing land uses in these areas.

HANSON PERMANENTE QUARRY
The Hanson Permanente Quarry and cement plant are located to the west of Cupertino, outside of the city boundary. The quarry and cement plant are owned and operated by Lehigh Hanson and are under the jurisdiction of the County of Santa Clara. The nearest sensitive receptors to the quarry and cement plant D-10
APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) D-11
(within the city boundary) are residences located one-third mile to the east of the closest portion of quarry and plant operations; however, the bulk of quarry/ plant equipment and structures are located approximately two-thirds mile from the nearest residence. Given this distance and the presence of intervening hills that rise 100–200 feet above the elevation of the nearest residences, even the nearest residences would not be anticipated to experience excessive noise from quarry and plant operations.

CONSTRUCTION NOISE
Construction activity also contributes to the noise environment of Cupertino; however, such activities are typically temporary, occurring in any one location for only a limited period of time. Larger or multi-phase construction projects may contribute to the noise environment of a particular location for a more extended period of time. Public infrastructure that requires ongoing maintenance may also result in ongoing noise impacts, though usually not at a constant location.

For example, different sections of road may be repaved at different times, meaning that noise impacts from associated construction activities would, at any given time, only occur along and near the section of roadway undergoing such maintenance.

PUBLIC FACILITY NOISE
Outdoor activities that occur on school campuses and in parks throughout the city generate noticeable levels of noise. Noise generated on both the weekdays (from physical education classes and sports programs) and weekends (from use of the fields and stadiums) can elevate community noise levels.

APPENDIX D: COMMUNITY NOISE FUNDAMENTALS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040)

FUTURE NOISE CONTOURS
Ensuring that future land use and infrastructure decisions consider the potential adverse impacts of noise is a key concern for the City of Cupertino. Figure D-2 identifies future noise contours within the city, and in combination with the policies included in the Health and Safety Element, will be used to help reduce future noise impacts.

Source: City of Cupertino, 2023.

FIGURE D-2

FUTURE NOISE CONTOURS
D-12
CONTENTS:

E-2 Fault Rupture
E-3 Ground Shaking
E-5 Seismic Ground Deformation
E-5 Liquification
E-6 Seismically Induces Landslide
E-6 Landslide Hazard
E-7Development Review
AppendixE:

Geologic and Seismic Hazards
E
EXHIBIT GPA-3
APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) E-2
The following definitions provide a more comprehensive discussion of the hazardsthat are described in the main body of the text of Chapter 7: Health and Safety Element.

FAULT RUPTURE
Surface fault rupture is the breaking of the ground along a fault trace usually during a large magnitude earthquake. Although the risk of damage associated with surface fault rupture is high, it can be avoided by not placing structures across active fault traces. Thus, an important element in community planning involves knowing the locations of active fault traces. The State of California has produced maps depicting the general locations of known active fault traces.

These maps, referred to in the past as the Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zones Maps and more recently as Earthquake Fault Maps, provide location information about the most widely known active faults. Such as the San Andreas fault. However, the scale and resolution of these maps are not sufficient to accurately identify the location of faults with respect to individual properties and building sites. In addition, other significant local faults, such as the Monta Vista-Shannon and Sargent-Berrocal faults, are not covered by the State maps. The City has updated its Geologic and Seismic Hazards map (Figure E-1) to reflect the most recent data concerning local fault trace alignments. Within the Regional Fault Zones “Zone F”, as illustrated on Figure E-1: Geologic and Seismic Hazards, property owners must retain professional geologic consultants to determine whether specific fault traces impact proposed building sites for habitable or critical structures.

APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) E-3

GROUND SHAKING
Buildings and other structures located in seismically active regions such as the San Francisco Bay area are exposed to the hazard of severe ground shaking during earthquakes. Ground shaking is the vibration caused by rupture of a fault segment during an earthquake, and it can be felt over a wide area when the magnitude of the earthquake is very strong. The shaking intensity is also stronger in the area close to the earthquake epicenter and weaker in areas further away from the earthquake. In addition, the level of ground shaking is influenced by underlying rock formations, soil conditions and the depth to groundwater. A widely used shaking intensity scale is the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (Table E-1), which describes the amount of damage occurring at any geographical location in response to seismic shaking.

The intensity of an earthquake ground shaking is related to the size or magnitude of the earthquake. Each magnitude represents 10 timesthe amount of ground motion and approximately 31 times the amount of energy as the next lower numeral. Thus, an earthquake of magnitude 8 releases about 1,000 times more energy (31 x 31) than a magnitude 6 earthquake. A large-magnitude earthquake on nearby faults could cause considerable local damage, depending on the distance from the epicenter and characteristics of the ground. In general, structures on less well-consolidated bedrock and soil will experience greater shaking intensities than structures situated on hard rock.

The City of Cupertino adopted the current California Code of Regulations, Title 24, or Buildings and Standards Code, with certain amendments, which applies to new and existing buildings and structures in the city. Title 16 Buildings and Construction of the City’s Municipal Code includes Chapter

16.04 Building Code, which incorporates the current California Building Code, Volumes 1 and 2 and specified appendices, and Chapter 16.06 Residential Code, which incorporates the California Residential Code with specified appendices. The City’s Building Code and Residential Code incorporate seismic design parameters that consider various types of faults, soil profile types and near-source acceleration factors. The majority of the city located west of Highway 85 is located within 2 kilometers of known seismic sources (per California Division of Mines and Geology Near-Source Zones Map E-19).

Proposed new development located within two kilometers of a known seismic source receives the most stringent near-source design factor, which is required for use with current Cupertino Building Code (CBC) and Cupertino Residential Code (CRC) structural design calculations.

APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) E-4
Figure E-2 generally depicts the location of the various faults and hazard zones within the Cupertino planning area.

Table E-1 General Comparison Between Earthquake
Magnitude and the Earthquake Effects Due to Ground Shaking Earthquake Category Richter Magnitude Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (After Huser, 1970) Damage to Structure Minor 2.00 I Detected only by sensitive instruments No Damage II Felt by few persons at rest, esp. on upper floors;
delicate suspended

3.00 III Felt noticeably indoors, but not always
recognized as an earthquake; standing cars
rock slightly, vibration like passing trucks
IV Felt indoors by many, outdoors by a few; at night
some awaken; dishes,
windows, doors disturbed;

4.00 V Felt by most people; some breakage of dishes,
windows and plaster; disturbance to tall objects Architectural Damage VI Felt by all; many are frightened and run outdoors; Falling plaster and chimneys; damage small

5.00 5.3
VII Everybody runs outdoors. Damage to buildings
varies depending on quality of construction;
noticed by driver of cars
Moderate 6.00 VIII Chimneys fall; sand and mud ejected; drivers of cars disturbed Structural Damage

6.9 IX Building shifted off foundations, cracked,
thrown out plumb; ground cracked,
underground pipes broken; serious damage
to reservoirs/embankments
Major 7.00 X Most masonry and frame structures destroyed; ground cracked; rails bent slightly; landslides

7.7 XI Few structures remain standing; bridges
destroyed; fissures in ground; pipes broken;
land slides; rails bent
Great 8.00
XII Damage total; waves seen on ground surface;
lines of sight and level distorted; objects
thrown into the air; large rock masses
displaced
Total Destruction
APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) E-5

SEISMIC GROUND DEFORMATION
Ground located in relatively close proximity to active fault traces may experience some level of ground deformation beyond the primary surface fault rupture zones. The distribution of this anticipated deformation is illustrated on Figure E1: Geologic and Seismic Hazards, “Zone F”.. Ground deformation away from the primary rupture zones may include broad bowing or warping of the surface, ground cracking and secondary ground fissuring. The general magnitudes of such deformation could be up to several inches, whereas ground impacted by primary surface fault rupture could experience offsets of several feet.

Adjacent to local thrust faults(Berrocal and Monta Vista faults),relatively broad zones of ground deformation should be anticipated immediately west of the mapped fault trace alignments. These zones of deformation are anticipated to result from seismic displacement at depth along inclined fault planes descending to the west. The potential forsuch ground deformation should be considered during the design of new structures near active fault traces, as shown by Regional Fault Zones on Figure E-1: Geologic and Seismic Hazards.

LIQUEFACTION
Soil liquefaction is the phenomenon in which certain water-saturated soils lose their strength and flow as a fluid when subjected to intense shaking. With loss of soil strength, lateral spreading or sliding of soil toward a stream embankment can occur. Liquefaction can also result in the formation of sand boils, which represent conduits of pressure release from within the liquefied layer (at depth) to the ground surface. Liquefaction can also lead to local settlement of the ground surface and a reduction of bearing support for building foundations. The potential exists for tilting or collapse of structures due to liquefaction of underlying earth materials.

Currently identified lands subject to a moderate or higher level of risk for liquefaction are essentially coincident with areas of potential flood inundation adjacent to local creek channels. Relatively deep, unconsolidated granular soil materials potentially prone to liquefaction may occur in these areas. The high liquefaction susceptibility areas and flood hazard zones are depicted by Hazard “Zone I” on Figure E-1: Geologic and Seismic Hazards.

APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) E-6

SEISMICALLY INDUCED LANDSLIDING
Reactivation of existing landslides or generation of new slope failures (as discussed in the following section on landslides) may be initiated under intense seismic ground shaking conditions. As a result of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, many large pre-existing landslides demonstrated lurching or other signs of movement and partial reactivation within the local Santa Cruz Mountains to the southwest of the City. Intense seismic ground shaking from a nearby earthquake could trigger new slope failures or movement of preexisting landslides. Steep to precipitous banks adjacent to the floodplain of Stevens Creek may be particularly susceptible to seismically induced land sliding.

These areas, and other high landslide susceptibility areas within the City, are included within “Zone L” on Figure E-1: Geologic and Seismic Hazards

LANDSLIDE HAZARDS
Landslides present the greatest geologic hazards to the foothills and low mountains in the planning area. The sliding of a slope is the normal geologic process that widens valleys and flattens slopes. The rate ranges from rapid rock fails to very slow soil and bedrock creep. Landslides are caused by inter-related natural factors, such as weak soil and rock over hillsides made steeper by rapid stream erosion, adverse geologic structure, groundwater levels and high rainfall rates. Landslides can be caused by improper grading, excessive irrigation, removal of natural vegetation and altering surface and subsurface drainage.

Figure E-2 shows mapped landslide deposits within Cupertino. Geologic mapping in the hillsides shows that landslide deposits cover as much as 20 to 30 percent of the hillsides in the planning area. Landslides range from small, shallow deposits made up of soil and weak bedrock materials to large, deep landslides involving a large amount of bedrock.

Extensive geologic characterization and engineering analyses are necessary to determine the long-term stability of a landslide deposit. Old deposits are the most difficult to judge. Experience shows that old landslide deposits are far more likely to move again than areas that have not had landslides before.

APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) E-7
Areas in these old landslides that are next to steep, new stream channels are more likely to have new landslides than areas further from the new channels.

This would be especially true with severe shaking during a major earthquake on any of the three faults in Cupertino. The historic account of the 1906 earthquake shows many landslides occurred throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains. Some of these were catastrophic, causing loss of life, personal injury, and severe damage to buildings.

Landslides are expected along the high, steep embankments that bound the Stevens Creek floodplain, confined to local sites along the stream channel alignment extending from the front the hillsides across the valley floor. This hazard can be reduced significantly by restrictive building at the base and top of the embankments.

DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
These geologic and seismic hazards present risks to property and public safety.

Tables E-2 through E-5 briefly explain geologic and seismic hazards in Cupertino, magnitude and occurrence, acceptable exposure rise, and technical investigations required based on acceptable risk. Figure E-1 identifies the areas in Cupertino susceptible to the greatest risk.

During the development review process, Figure E-1 identifies which seismic or geologic hazard zone a proposed project is in, and Table E-3 defines the acceptable exposure level based on the development type. These two factors should then be used to determine the required geologic and seismic technical investigations in Table E-5 for a proposed development project. Tables E-2 and E-3 provide supporting information and definitions for this process.

APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) E-8
Table E-2 Explanations of Geologic and Seismic Hazards
Hazard Zone Description
(F)– Fault Rupture Area of potential surface fault rupture hazard within 300 feet east and 600 feet west of the Monta Vista and Berrocal faults, and within 600 feet of the San Andreas fault. (S)– Slope Instability
Area includes all recognized landslide deposits, and steep walls of Stevens Creek canyon, with a moderate to high landslide potential under static or seismic conditions. Area also reflects the mapped zone of potential earthquake-induced landsliding prepared by the California Geological Survey (2002). (H)– Hillside Area contains moderate to steep slope conditions not included in the above categories, with an undetermined potential for slope instability.
(L)– Liquefaction /
Inundation
Area where local geological, geotechnical and groundwater conditions indicate a potential for liquefaction under seismic conditions. Much of this area also has the potential for periodic flood inundation. The Liquefaction/Inundation Zone is stippled where covered by an overlaying Fault Zone. (V)– Valley Area includes all relatively level valley floor terrain not included in the above categories with relatively low levels of geologic hazard risk.

Table E-3 Maximum Earthquake Magnitudes and Recurrence Intervals Causative Faults
Distance from
De Anza/SCB
Intersection
Maximum
Historic Moment
Magnitude
Maximum
Probable Moment
Magnitude
Est. Recurrence
Interval of Max.

Prob. Earthquake
San Andreas
System
San Andreas 5.5 miles 7.9 7.9 220 years
Hayward (South) 10 miles 7.0 7.0 236 years
Calveras (Central) 14 miles 6.3 7.0 374 years
Sargent-Berrocal
System
Sargent-Berrocal 3.5 miles 3.7-5.0 6.8 330 years
Monta VistaShannon
2 miles 2.0-3.0 6.8 2400 years
APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) E-9
Table E-4 Acceptable Exposure to Risk Related to Various Land Uses Acceptable
Exposure to
Risk
Land Use Group
Extra Project Costto Reduce
Risk to Acceptable Level
Extremely
Low
Group 1
Vulnerable structures (nuclear reactors,
large dams, plants manufacturing/ storing
hazardous materials)
As required for maximum attainable safety
Group 2
Vital public utilities (electrical
transmission interties/substations,
regional water pipelines, treatment
plants, gas mains)
Design as needed to remain functional after
max. prob. earthquake on local faults
Group 3
Communication/transportation (airports,
telephones, bridges, freeways, evacuation
routes)
5% to 25% of project cost
Small water retention structures
Emergency Centers (hospitals, fire/
police stations, post-earthquake aid
stations, schools, City Hall and Service
Center, De Anza College)
Design as needed to remain functional after
max. prob earthquake on local faults
Group 4
Involuntary occupancy facilities(schools,
prisons, convalescent and nursing homes)
Design as needed to remain functional after
max. prob. earthquake on local faults High occupancy buildings (theaters, hotels, large office/apartment buildings)
Moderately
Low
Group 5
Public utilities(electrical feeder routes,
water supply turnout lines, sewage lines) 5% to 25% of project cost Facilities important to local economy
Design to minimize injury, loss of life during
maximum probable earthquake on local faults;
need not design to remain functional
Ordinary Risk
Level
Group 6
Minor transportation
(arterials and parkways)
2% of project cost; to 10% project cost in
extreme cases
Low-moderate occupancy buildings
(small apartment buildings., single-family
residential, motels, small
commercial/office
buildings)
Group 7
Very low occupancy buildings Design to resist minor earthquakes (warehouses, farm structures) without
damage; resist mod. Earthquakes without
structural. damage, with some nonstructural.
damage; resist major earth- quake (max. prob.
on local faults w/o collapse, allowing some
structural. & non-structural. damage
Open space and recreation (farmland,
landfills, wildlife areas)
APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) E-10
Table E-5
Technical Investigations Required based on Acceptable Risk Land Use Activity
Hazard Map Symbol
Hazard Zone F, S, H Hazard Zone L, V
Evaluation Required Evaluation Required
Groups 1 to 4

CBC/CRC CBC/CRC
Soils Soils
Geology Seismic Hazard
Seismic Hazard
Groups 5 to 7

CBC/CRC CBC/CRC
Soils
Geology
Descriptions of Technical Evaluations:

CBC/CRC: Current, adopted version of the current Cupertino Building Code (CBC) and Cupertino Residential Code (CRC), as applicable.

Soils: Soils and foundation investigation to determine the ability of local soil conditions to support structures.

Geology: Determine subsidence potential, faulting hazard, slope stability (See Geologic and Seismic Hazard Map for additional detail).

Seismic Hazard: Detailed Soils/Structural evaluation to certify adequacy of normal CBC/CRC earthquake regulations or to recommend more stringent measures.

APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) E-11
FIGURE E-1
F
F
H/S
H/S
H/S
L
L
L L
L
APPENDIX E: GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS | general plan (community vision 2015 - 2040) E-12
FIGURE E-2
Los Altos Sunnyvale
Santa Clar
San Jose
Saratoga
Legend
Qal – Valley Floor Alluvium
QTsc – Santa Clara Formation
Tus,Tm,vq – Tertiary
Sedimentary Rocks
KJr – Franciscan Assemblage
Landslides(Schematic)
Fault
Urban Service Area Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Boundary Agreement Line
Qal
QTsc
Qal
KJr
Qal
QTsc
Tus,
Tm
QTsc
KJr
Qal
QTsc
Tvq
KJr
Tvq

BUBB ROAD

STELLING RD
De ANZA BLVD

BLANEY AVE

WOLFE RD
AVE
Appendix H: Health and
Safety Element Background
Report
EXHIBIT - GPA-4
Appendix H: Health and Safety Element Background Report | March 2025 Page i

1. Overview....................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Purpose and Content ............................................................................... 1

1.2 Relationship to Other Local Plans ............................................................. 2

1.2.1 General Plan Elements...................................................................................................... 2

1.2.2 Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan ...................................... 2

1.2.3 Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan................................................. 3

1.2.4 City of Cupertino Climate Action Plan............................................................................... 3

1.3 Community Profile .................................................................................. 4

1.4 Climate Change Vulnerability ................................................................... 7

1.4.1 Vulnerability Assessment Results...................................................................................... 8

2. Public Safety Issues...................................................................................................................... 10

2.1 Emergency Preparation and Response ..................................................... 10

2.1.1 Local Emergency Response ............................................................................................. 10

2.1.2 Alert, Warning, and Notification ..................................................................................... 12

2.1.3 Emergency Evacuation .................................................................................................... 13

2.2 Flood and Inundation Hazards ................................................................ 16

2.2.1 Dam and Pipeline Failure ................................................................................................ 18

2.2.2 Past Occurrences............................................................................................................. 21

2.2.3 Potential Changes to Flood Risk in Future Years............................................................. 21

2.3 Seismic and Geologic Hazards................................................................. 22

2.3.1 Seismic Hazards............................................................................................................... 22

2.3.2 Geologic Hazards............................................................................................................. 24

2.3.3 Past Occurrences............................................................................................................. 24

2.3.4 Potential Changes to Geologic and Seismic Risk in Future Years.................................... 28

2.4 Fire Hazards ......................................................................................... 28

2.4.1 Wildfires……….................................................................................................................. 29

2.4.2 Fire Hazard Severity Zone ............................................................................................... 29

2.4.3 Structural Fires................................................................................................................ 29

2.4.4 Fire Protection32

2.4.5 Past Occurrences............................................................................................................. 33

2.4.6 Potential Changes to Fire Risk in Future Years................................................................ 34

2.5 Hazardous Waste and Materials.............................................................. 34

2.5.1 Potential Changes to Hazardous Materials in Future Years............................................ 36

2.6 Climate Change Resilience ..................................................................... 36

2.6.1 Air Quality…….. ................................................................................................................ 36

2.6.2 Drought…………. ............................................................................................................... 37

2.6.3 Extreme Heat…................................................................................................................ 39

2.6.4 Severe Weather............................................................................................................... 41

2.6.5 Human Health Hazards.................................................................................................... 43

3. Vulnerability Assessment Results................................................................................................. 45

3.1 Overview 45

3.2 Items Included in the Cupertino Vulnerability Assessment ......................... 46

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page ii Appendix H: Health and Safety Element Background Report | March 2025

3.2.1 Populations……................................................................................................................ 46

3.2.2 Infrastructure…. .............................................................................................................. 46

3.2.3 Buildings……….................................................................................................................. 47

3.2.4 Economic Drivers............................................................................................................. 48

3.2.5 Ecosystems and Natural Resources................................................................................. 48

3.2.6 Key Services….. ................................................................................................................ 48

3.3 Vulnerability Assessment Results............................................................ 49 End notes........................................................................................................................................... 52 Figure S-1 Critical Facilities................................................................................................................. 6 Figure S-2 Potential Evacuation Routes........................................................................................... 14 Figure S-3 Evacuation-Constrained Residential Parcels................................................................... 15 Figure S-4 Flood Hazard Zones......................................................................................................... 17 Figure S-5 Dam Inundation Areas .................................................................................................... 20 Figure S-6 Regional Fault Lines......................................................................................................... 25 Figure S-7 Liquefaction Areas........................................................................................................... 26 Figure S-8 Landslide Susceptibility Areas......................................................................................... 27 Figure S-9 Fire Hazard Severity Zones.............................................................................................. 31 Figure S-10 California Adaptation Planning Guide Vulnerability Assessment Process...................... 45 Table S-1. Vulnerability Assessment Results.................................................................................... 50

LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF TABLES
Appendix H: Health and Safety Element Background Report | March 2025 Page 1

1.1 PURPOSE AND CONTENT
The Cupertino Health and Safety Element is a State-mandated General Plan element that must identify potential natural and human-caused hazards that could affect the City of Cupertino’s (City’s) residents, businesses, and services. The Health and Safety Element establishes a framework that anticipates these hazards and prepares the community to minimize exposure to these risks.

The Health and Safety Element conveys the City’s goals, policies, and strategies to minimize the hazards to safety in and around Cupertino. It identifies the natural and human-caused hazards that affect existing and future development, describes present and expected future conditions, and sets policies and standards for improved public safety. This document includes efforts to minimize physical harm to the buildings and infrastructure in and around Cupertino to reduce damage to local economic systems, community services, and ecosystems.

The Safety Element serves the following functions:
 Develops a framework by which safety considerations are introduced into the land use planning process.
 Facilitates identifying and mitigating hazards for new development, thus strengthening existing codes, project review, and permitting processes.
 Presents policies directed at identifying and reducing hazards in existing development.  Strengthens earthquake, flood, dam inundation, and wildfire preparedness planning and postdisaster reconstruction policies.  Identifies how natural and climate-related hazards are likely to increase in frequency and intensity in the future and provides policies to increase community resilience through preparedness and adaptation.

Section 65302(g) of the California Government Code requires that the Health and Safety Element contains background information and policies to address multiple natural hazards, analyze the vulnerabilities from climate change, contain policies to improve climate change resilience and assess residential areas with evacuation constraints. The public safety issues in Cupertino include the following:
 Emergency preparedness and response
 Flood and inundation hazards
 Seismic and geologic hazards
 Fire hazards
 Hazardous waste and materials
 Drought
 Extreme heat
 Severe weather
The Health and Safety Element includes a discussion for each hazards and identifies goals and policies.

The policies in the Health and Safety Element guide the actions of City staff, developers, and policy makers necessary to achieve the goal. These policies are carried out by corresponding strategies, which are specific tasks the City will undertake.

1. OVERVIEW

1.2 RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LOCAL PLANS AND CODES
Cupertino General Plan’s Health and Safety Element is one of several plans that address community safety and related topics. Other plans include the Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP), the Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), and the Cupertino Climate Action Plan (CAP), and various local regulations. The General Plan Health and Safety Element should be consistent with these other plans to minimize conflicts between documents and ensure that the City has a unified strategy to address public safety and resilience issues. The Health and Safety Element incorporates information, technical analyses, and policies from these other documents where appropriate to help support this consistency.

1.2.1 General Plan Elements
The 2014 Cupertino General Plan, also known as the Community Vision 2015-2040, includes two introductory chapters (Introduction and Planning Areas) and seven “element” chapters addressing different community issues:
 Land Use and Community Character
 Housing
 Mobility
 Environmental Resources and
Sustainability
 Health and Safety
 Infrastructure
 Recreation, Parks, and Community
Services
The Health and Safety Element provides policy direction and designs safety improvements that complement the intent and policies of other General Plan elements. Crucial relationships exist between the Health and Safety Element and the other General Plan elements. How land uses are determined in areas prone to natural hazards, what regulations limit development in these areas, and how hazards are mitigated for existing development, are all among issues that tie the elements together. For instance, the Recreation, Parks, and Community Services Element must consider how hazards will affect the park and recreation infrastructure and facilities in Cupertino, but also recognizes that parks can provide strategies to reduce flood risks throughout the city. The Housing Element is also closely tied to the Health and Safety Element. Future potential development in the city must be protected from hazards and able to adapt to climate change hazards to ensure homes and the people living in them remain safe. Health and Safety Element policies, especially those concerning evacuation routes and critical facilities, must also be consistent with those of the Mobility Element. Interstate (I-) 280 and State Route (SR-) 85 are Cupertino’s primary evacuation routes, supported by routes designated as arterials in the City’s Mobility Element. This Health and Safety Element is consistent with the other elements of the Cupertino General Plan.

1.2.2 Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan In collaboration with the City and other local agencies and special districts, Santa Clara County prepared the 2023 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) in accordance with the federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) hazard mitigation assistance guidance. Santa Clara County’s MJHMP is a plan that assesses hazard vulnerabilities from natural and human-caused hazards, including risk to people and facilities, and identifies short-term (fiveyear) mitigation actions to reduce or eliminate hazard risks in Santa Clara County, including in incorporated communities. The MJHMP includes a dedicated annex for the City of Cupertino, which discusses Cupertino’s characteristics and history, development trends, hazard mitigation capabilities, integration with other hazard mitigation planning efforts, and vulnerabilities of specific facilities and infrastructure. The mitigation actions in the MJHMP include both short-term and long-term strategies and Appendix H: Health and Safety Element Background Report | March 2025 Page 3 involve planning, policy changes, programs, projects, and other activities. These mitigation actions are identified based on assessments of hazards, vulnerabilities, and risks and the participation of a wide range of stakeholders and the public in the planning process. Local governments are required to develop a hazard mitigation plan as a condition for receiving certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance.

The MJHMP and Health and Safety Element address similar issues, but the Health and Safety Element provides a higher-level, long-term framework and set of policies that pertain to the safety of the city, while the MJHMP focuses on more specific mitigation, often short-term actions, to enable jurisdictions to better protect lives, property, and natural systems. The MJHMP, as its name implies, focuses on mitigation-related actions, while the Health and Safety Element also includes policies related to emergency response, recovery, and preparation activities. The current MJHMP, including Cupertino’s annex, as certified by FEMA, is incorporated into this Health and Safety Element by reference, as permitted by California Government Code Section 65302.6. It is available online at:
https://www.cupertino.org/our-city/departments/public-safety-programs/emergencymanagement/plans-4523.

1.2.3 Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan In collaboration with the CWPP Core Team, made up of representatives of Santa Clara County organizations, the Santa Clara County Fire Department prepared and published the 2023 Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). The Santa Clara County CWPP is the result of an areawide planning effort. It provides a snapshot of current wildfire protection challenges and capabilities, identifies and prioritizes areas for hazardous fuel reduction, and recommends types and methods of vegetation management that may help protect the affiliated communities from wildfire losses. The goal of the plan is to reduce hazards through increased information and education about wildfires, hazardous fuels reduction, actions to reduce structure ignitability, and other recommendations to assist emergency preparedness and fire-suppression efforts. Most notably, it is intended to help facilitate a coordinated effort between the various stakeholders. The Santa Clara County CWPP complements local agreements and existing plans for wildfire protection to coordinate efforts in determining appropriate fire management actions. The fire protection agencies in Santa Clara County are predominately responsible for implementing the CWPP. The CWPP is available online at: https://www.cupertino.org/ourcity/departments/public-safety-programs/emergency-management/plans-4523.

1.2.4 City of Cupertino Climate Action Plan
In January 2015, the Cupertino City Council adopted the City’s first Climate Action Plan (CAP) to address climate change challenges. The City met its 2020 greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goal of 15 percent below 2010 levels two years ahead of schedule, even with population and economic growth. Since the City met their 2020 targets, the City Council authorized the creation of CAP 2.0, which was adopted by the City Council on August 16, 2022. Cupertino’s goal is to reduce the City’s GHG emissions to net zero by the year 2040. The City is following the goals and development path of the Paris Climate Agreement and supports regional, State, and national policies that help reduce global emissions.

The CAP describes a series of measures and actions that will aid the municipal operations and the City in reducing GHG emissions and meet community goals. Guiding principles are key to achieving the vision for the CAP. These principles include equity, innovation, urgency and flexibility, and resilience and adaptation.

The CAP includes topics such as energy, transportation, waste, water, biodiversity, and natural systems, as well as an adaptation chapter that is intended to help residents prepare for extreme weather events and the impacts of a changing climate. Each topic has several measures broken into actions that reflect a holistic approach to achieving the goal given that they consider structural changes, funding sources, equity, education, studies, etc.

CAP 2.0 is viewed as a strategic framework that will be re-evaluated regularly. If the City’s 2025 GHG emissions reductions are on track to reach the 2030 conclusion targets, it is anticipated that no additional CAP measure adjustments would be necessary. If the City has not made sufficient progress on GHG emissions-reduction goals by 2025, a CAP update may be required at that time to maintain status as a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)-qualified GHG emissions-reduction plan. Such a CAP update could require additional actions, such as shifting incentive programs to mandatory requirements. If there has been sufficient progress towards meeting GHG emissions targets, the next CAP update will be completed by 2030. The CAP is available online at: https://engagecupertino.org/climate-action.

1.3 COMMUNITY PROFILE
The City of Cupertino is situated on the western edge of Silicon Valley against the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains in the northwestern portion of Santa Clara County. Cupertino's land use pattern is largely built on a conventional suburban model, which is heavily influenced by the topography of the area.

Cupertino's hillsides are an irreplaceable resource shared by the entire Santa Clara Valley. They provide important habitat for plants and wildlife; watershed capacity to prevent flooding in downstream areas; a wide vegetative belt tha cleanses the air of pollutants; creates recreational opportunities for residents; and a natural environment that provides a contrast to the built environment. Several streams run through Cupertino, including Permanente Creek, Stevens Creek, San Tomas Aquino Creek, Regnart Creek, Prospect Creek, and Saratoga Creek. I-280, SR-85, and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks bisect the city. The city is bordered by San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, and Los Altos.

Cupertino has a Mediterranean climate, with winter rain and warm to hot, dry summers. Winter rains fall from about November to March. On average, annual high temperatures in Cupertino range from 58 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) in January to 81°F in August. Low temperatures range from 41°F in January to 57°F in August.1 The city receives an average of approximately 23.7 inches of rainfall annually.2 Most rain falls during the winter months, with rare occurrences of summer storms. Cupertino ranges from the urban environment in the flatlands to semi-rural and rural environment in the western foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Ecosystems within the city include riparian habitat, grasslands, brushlands, and foothill woodlands and forests. Cupertino' s rural plant and animal resources are located in the relatively undeveloped western foothills and mountains, near the Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve and along Stevens Creek. Each ecosystem of vegetation provides food and shelter to support a variety of wildlife.

Cupertino is home to approximately 60,381 residents or 20,963 households and supports about 28,415 jobs.3 The City of Cupertino is a community with a high quality of life, a renowned school system, and a robust high-technology economy as Apple Inc. is the largest employer in the city. De Anza College, one of the largest single-campus community colleges in the country, is another major employer and magnet for attracting local and international students. In 2020, the median age of all people in Cupertino was approximately 40.3 The largest ethnic groups in Cupertino are Asian, Asian Pacific Islander (Non-Hispanic) (67.7 percent); White (Non-Hispanic) (25.2 percent); Hispanic or Latinx (3.3 percent); other races or multiple races (Non-Hispanic) (3.0 percent), and American Indian or Alaskan Native (Non-Hispanic) (0.8 percent).4
Fire fighting and emergency medical services are provided to the City by the Santa Clara County Fire Department (SCCFD). Mutual aid agreements with the neighboring jurisdictions augment SCCFD' s fire response capabilities. The City contracts with the Santa Clara County Sheriff' s Office, West Valley Division, for law enforcement services.

Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) is the primary wholesale water supplier for Cupertino. Water is provided to residents and businesses by the California Water Service (North of Stevens Creek Boulevard) Appendix H: Health and Safety Element Background Report | March 2025 Page 5 and San Jose Water (South of Stevens Creek Boulevard). Groundwater and local surface water is the SCVWD’s original source of water supply. The treated water is sold to local water retailers such as San Jose Water Company, who use their own distribution systems to serve customers in Cupertino.

Approximately 50 percent of SCVWD’s water supply is imported. Groundwater (approximately 40 percent of supply) is pumped from over 100 wells in the Santa Clara Groundwater Basin. Imported surface water (approximately 50 percent of supply) is provided by the SCVWD, the wholesale supplier, via the State Water Project, federal Central Valley Project, and San Francisco’s Hetch Hetchy system. Local mountain surface water (approximately 10 percent of supply) is collected from San Jose Water's watershed in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Wastewater services are provided by the Cupertino Sanitary District. San Jose Water receives its water supplies from three main sources including groundwater, imported surface water, and local surface water.

Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) is the primary electricity provider for Cupertino. SVCE is a public, nonprofit agency that provides clean electricity to 270,000 residential and business customers across 13 Silicon Valley communities, including Cupertino. While SVCE generates the electricity, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) is responsible for delivering it via PG&E’s existing power lines and infrastructure.Most of Cupertino is served by the Cupertino Union School District. Cupertino Union School District serves approximately 18,000 students in 19 elementary schools, one K through eighth-grade school, and five middle schools throughout Cupertino and parts of five other cities. The northeast area of Cupertino is served by the Santa Clara Unified School District’s Laurelwood Elementary School, which has approximately 700 students; Peterson Middle School, which has approximately 900 students; and Wilcox High School, which has approximately 1,900 students. The Fremont Union High School District serves nearly 11,000 students, covering 42 square miles and encompassing Cupertino plus portions of five other cities.

Cupertino currently has approximately 165 acres of City-owned public parks and open space areas. The City' s park system is supplemented by a network of over 220 acres of local and regional interconnected trails that stretch from local open space preserves to the San Francisco Bay. In addition, there are many acres of open space preserves surrounding the city that are operated and maintained by regional agencies and districts, including over 40 acres of open space negotiated through public access agreements.As shown in Figure S-1, Cupertino’s primary transportation access is from I-280, which connects Cupertino to I-880 and San Jose to the east, as well as SR-85, which connects Cupertino to Highway 101 to the north and SR-17 to the south. Cupertino is served by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, which provides local bus transit options.

Figure S-1 Critical Facilities
Appendix H: Health and Safety Element Background Report | March 2025 Page 7

1.4 CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABILITY
Changes to the global climate system are expected to affect future occurrences of natural hazards in and around Cupertino.

Many hazards are projected to become more frequent and
intense in coming years and decades, and in some cases, these trends have already begun. Key climate change considerations that affect Cupertino include increasing temperatures and changes in precipitation. Overall, precipitation levels are expected to increase slightly, with more years of extreme precipitation events and droughts that last longer and are more intense. According to California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment, Cupertino can expect to experience various
changes from climate-related hazard events.5
 Wildfire risk in Cupertino is and will continue to be a concern for the community. Climate change is expected
to lead to an increase in wildfires in the surrounding
area and across Santa Clara County due to hotter and drier conditions. Dry conditions are anticipated earlier in the year, leaving most of the region in moderate to extreme drought conditions prior to summer. These continued dry conditions with above-normal temperatures through spring will leave fuel moisture levels lower than normal, increasing the potential for wildfire activity. Across the region, more frequent and intense wildfires may also create poor air quality for Cupertino. As the climate changes, warmer temperatures will create more pollutants, such as ozone, wildfire smoke, dust, and pollen, contributing to poor air quality.  Warmer temperatures are projected to cause an increase in extreme heat events. The number of extreme heat days, defined in Cupertino as a day when the high temperature is at least 93.2°F, is expected to rise from a historical annual average of 5 to 14 days by the middle of the century (2035 to 2064), and an average of 24 days by the end of the century (2070 to 2099). In addition to the increases in extreme heat events, Cupertino is expected to see an increase in the average daily high temperatures. The number of warm nights, defined in Cupertino as a day in April through October when the minimum temperature is above 60.5°F, is expected to rise from a historical annual average of 5 to 33 nights by the middle of the century (2035 to 2064), and to an average of 89 nights by the end of the century (2070 to 2099).
 Both droughts and floods are expected to become more frequent as rainfall is expected to occur in fewer, more intense storms due to climate change. Although Cupertino is likely to experience minimal change in overall annual rainfall levels from climate change, the region is also expected to see an increase in the number of extreme rainfall events. As a result, floods are expected to occur more often in Cupertino, primarily along Stevens Creek, and climate change may expand the parts of the city that are considered prone to flood. Climate change is also expected to increase the frequency and severity of droughts that cause soil to dry out and condense. When rainfall does return, dry ground means more water runs off the surface rather than being absorbed into the ground, which can lead to flooding downstream and result in debris flows along slopes and hillsides.
 Severe weather events, such as strong atmospheric river events1 and high winds, may become more frequent and intense due to climate change. Climate change is expected to cause an increase 1 Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow regions in the atmosphere that transport water vapor carried away What is vulnerability?
Vulnerability is the degree to which
natural, built, and human systems
are susceptible to harm from
exposure to stresses associated with
environmental and social change
and from the absence of a capacity
to adapt.

Source: California Governor’s Office of
Emergency Services. 2020. California
Adaptation Planning Guide.
https://www.caloes.ca.gov/climate.

in heavy rainfall, which may also contribute to an increased risk of landslides in the hills around Cupertino. In Cupertino, the most severe weather consists of atmospheric rivers, high winds, or thunderstorms. The types of dangers posed by severe weather vary widely, including injuries or deaths, damage to buildings and structures, fallen trees, roads blocked by debris, and fires sparked by lightning.
 Climate change can increase infection rates from various diseases because many of the animals that carry diseases are more active during warmer weather. Several diseases linked to climate change that can harm the health of Cupertino community members, such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, Lyme disease, and West Nile virus. Many of these diseases are carried by animals, such as mice and rats, ticks, and mosquitos, which are usually seen as pests even if they do not cause infections. Warmer temperatures earlier in the spring and later in the winter can cause these animals to be active for extended periods, increasing the time these diseases can be transmitted.

1.4.1 Vulnerability Assessment Results
Under California law, the Health and Safety Element is required to include a vulnerability assessment that looks at how people, buildings, infrastructure, and other key community assets may be affected by climate change. In the past few years, the City prepared a vulnerability assessment and supporting documents that were used to inform the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment for this Safety Element update.

The City conducted the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment in the fall of 2023 to analyze Cupertino’s susceptibility to climate-related hazards. Cupertino’s vulnerability assessment, prepared in accordance with the most recent available guidance in the California Adaptation Planning Guide, assesses how eight different climate-related hazards (air quality and smoke, drought, extreme heat, flooding, human health hazards, landslides, severe storms, and wildfire) may affect 45 different population groups and community assets. Each population or asset received a score of low, medium, or high vulnerability for each climaterelated hazard. The Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment indicates that Cupertino’s populations and assets are most vulnerable to flooding, extreme heat, and wildfire. Overall, residents in Cupertino tend to be most vulnerable to extreme heat, human health hazards, and flooding, which directly affect health outcomes. The most vulnerable population groups include persons with chronic illness and/or disabilities, seniors living alone, households in poverty, and persons experiencing homelessness.

Citywide energy delivery and communication infrastructure and services are vulnerable to multiple hazards, including severe storms, such as high winds that can trigger Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) or scheduled power outage events, extreme heat that reduces the capacity and strains the systems, and landslides that damage the systems, ultimately disrupting energy and communication services. Extreme heat can lead to power outages by causing mechanical failure of grid equipment, heat damage to power lines, and by creating a high demand for electricity to power air conditioners, all of which place stress on the network. There may be a higher demand for communication services during severe storms, potentially putting stress on the network and increasing the risk of service interruptions. This higher demand is likely to lead to greater service disruptions.
from the tropics. These columns of vapor move with the weather, carrying large amounts of water vapor and strong winds. When the atmospheric rivers make landfall, they often release this water vapor in the form of rain or snow, often causing heavy rains that can lead to flooding and mudslide events.

Appendix H: Health and Safety Element Background Report | March 2025 Page 9 PSPS events, or interruptions in energy service, can create vulnerabilities for Cupertino community members. A loss of electricity can cause a loss of refrigeration for food and medical supplies, limit cooking, cause loss of cooling (particularly dangerous during extreme heat events), lighting, and limited or no access to the Internet or other information systems. Many businesses are forced to close during a power outage, causing economic hardships and depriving community members of important services, such as grocery stores, gas stations, and banks/ATMs. Power outages may also be harmful to people who depend on electrically powered medical devices. For those who work from and participate in online school activities, a power outage means a loss of access to an internet connection and other essential tools needed to carry out work-related tasks. With the increasing reliance on virtual meetings and online classes, power outages can disrupt these activities.

Flood hazards are expected to expand parts of the city currently considered prone to flooding. As a result, transportation infrastructure within and adjacent to the 100-year floodplain will likely experience more frequent inundation from floodwaters in future years. This expansion can, in turn, interrupt the City’s public transit services, reducing the mobility of transit-dependent community members. Increases in damaging flood events will cause greater property damage, public health and safety concerns, displacement, and loss of life.

Climate change could affect the transportation network and associated economic activity within Cupertino by creating strain on transportation infrastructure, impacting travel behavior, goods movement, and supply chain business continuity. Transportation infrastructure, such as roadways and bridge supports, are all potentially at increased risk due to severe storms, floods, and higher temperatures. When parts of the transportation infrastructure network fail, typical travel routes for both passenger travel and goods movement may be affected, including I-280, SR-85, and other major roadways.

Regional disruption of these local transportation roadways due to hazards such as flooding, landslides, or wildfire could significantly impact the transportation of goods and services provided in the city, the economic vitality of the community, and the livelihood of many businesses.

Water and wastewater services are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Drought conditions may cause stress on Cupertino’s water suppliers and reduce the overall water supply available. In some cases, water storage infrastructure may not provide adequate storage to provide water during drought periods.

Water and wastewater services can be disrupted by flooding associated with sea level rise if the San JoséSanta Clara Regional Wastewater Facility is not functioning properly. Failure of the treatment plant could cause sewer systems to backup and potentially contaminate streams and water systems with raw sewage.

Saltwater intrusion into the Santa Clara Valley groundwater basin can also reduce water supply availability. Moreover, water and wastewater lines in the city could be damaged by landslides. Regionally, the State Water Project, federal Central Valley Project, and San Francisco’s Hetch-Hetchy systems could also be damaged and disruption from landslides has the potential to severely impair water services provided by SCVWD. Wildfires in the greater region could impact the reservoir water sources, such as the San Luis Reservoir. Water quality can be degraded due to ash content or fire retardants that make their way into surface water storage. This may reduce the overall quantity of water that Cal Water and San Jose Water Company must supply.

The Health and Safety Element includes goals, policies, and strategies to increase community resilience and help lower vulnerability, particularly for the populations and assets that received a score of high in the Vulnerability Assessment. A description of the Vulnerability Assessment process, items included, and a list of the results can be found at the end of this Background Report in Section 3, Vulnerability Assessment Results.

This section outlines the existing and likely future hazardous conditions and other public safety issues in Cupertino and policy responses to these issues. The public safety issues in Cupertino that are covered in the following sections include:
 Section 2.1: Emergency Preparation and Response
 Section 2.2: Flood and Inundation Hazards
 Section 2.3: Seismic and Geologic Hazards
 Section 2.4: Fire Hazards
 Section 2.5: Hazardous Waste and Materials
 Section 2.6: Climate Change Resilience (air quality, drought, extreme heat, severe weather, and human health hazards)
This section provides details pertaining to probable locations each hazard or issue is likely to occur (per availability of data), past notable events in and around Cupertino, agencies responsible for providing protection from these public safety issues, and other background information required by California Government Code Section 65302(g)(4). The results of the Vulnerability Assessment are integrated into the discussion of hazards and public safety issues.

Of particular concern to Cupertino, as in many other communities, is the possibility of cascading and compounding hazard events. These are instances where one hazard event triggers one or more others, which may occur over a very short timeframe (minutes or hours) or weeks or months apart. These linked events are often the most damaging because of the wider range of impacts. When cascading and compounding events occur closely together, emergency response operations must be flexible enough to respond to rapidly changing conditions and have access to sufficient resources to meet community needs.

Examples of cascading and compounding events include a heavy rainstorm that causes flooding and mudslides, or extreme and high winds that lead to wildfires.

2.1 EMERGENCY PREPARATION AND RESPONSE

2.1.1 Local Emergency Response
The City of Cupertino’s Office of Emergency Management , Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, and Santa Clara County Fire Department conduct emergency preparedness activities in Cupertino. Additionally, the American Red Cross and Santa Clara Collaborating Agencies’ Disaster Relief Effort (CADRE) collaborate on emergency preparedness training and exercising.

City of Cupertino’s Office of Emergency Management
The City of Cupertino’s Office of Emergency Management works to mitigate risks, to prepare, respond, and recover from emergencies impacting the city. The Office of Emergency Management works with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Clara County Fire Department, and Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Management to conduct emergency response activities in Cupertino and to support emergency preparedness training, including day-today management of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Academy in coordination with the Fire Department.

Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office
Local police services are provided by contract with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. Law enforcement services include police patrols, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, accident

2. PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUES
Appendix H: Health and Safety Element Background Report | March 2025 Page 11 investigation, and tactical teams. The City’s commitment to public safety encompasses two broad areas of responsibilities: (1) providing public safety services and the planning necessary for the prevention of crime; and (2) planning for a safe environment in which the public is not exposed to unnecessary risks to life and property.

Santa Clara County Fire Department
The Santa Clara County Fire Department provides fire prevention and proection services to Cupertino. The Santa Clara County Fire Department is a full-service department that provides similar services to seven other West Valley cities and adjacent county areas. As of July 2025, the Fire Department has 339 budgeted staff positions, including sworn and civilian personnel. Daily emergency response staffing consists of 66 firefighters and officers on 24-hour shifts operating out of 15 fire stations, with 31 front-line fire apparatus and 3 battalion chief command vehicles. Mutual-aid agreements with the neighboring jurisdictions augment Santa Clara County Fire Department’s fire response capabilities. The Santa Clara County Fire Department provides first response Advanced Life Support paramedic level services to Cupertino. The Department maintains a Santa Clara County Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Multi-Casualty Incident supply trailer for large-scale emergency medical incidents and is a participant in Master Mutual Aid in the event of major disasters. Santa Clara County EMS has a contract with a third party ambulance transport provider for the ground transport of all patients. In the event of a wildfire or an emergency, the Santa Clara County Fire Department can issue evacuation warnings or evacuation orders for impacted areas.

The Santa Clara County Fire Department also conducts fire prevention inspections and educational programs, including the CERT Academy, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and first aid certification.

The CERT Academy educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. In the event of a disaster or public safety emergency, CERT volunteers will be able to assist their family and neighbors when first responders are not immediately available to help. The
Santa Clara County Emergency Medical Services Agency
The County’s EMS regulates the Exclusive Operating Area and currently contracts Global Medical Response which is a private provider that provides emergency medical transport.

Standardized Emergency Management System
The County of Santa Clara is required to use a Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) to be eligible for funding of their response-related personnel costs under State disaster assistance programs.
6 State law establishes SEMS to standardize the response to emergencies involving multiple jurisdictions. SEMS is intended to be flexible and adaptable to the needs of all emergency responders in California. It requires emergency response agencies to use basic principles and components of emergency management, including the Incident Command System, multiagency or interagency coordination, the operational area concept, and established mutual-aid systems.

Emergency Plans
The State of California requires all State, regional, and local agencies, including PG&E and SCVWD, to maintain their own emergency plans relating to the infrastructure that they install and maintain. In the event of an emergency, the City would rely on these agencies to implement their emergency plans, with the City supporting as needed. When an incident occurs anywhere in Cupertino, the Santa Clara County

Sheriff’s Office and/or the Santa Clara County Fire Department is typically the first to arrive at the scene, where they secure the area and then determine which other agencies need to be involved.

2.1.2 Alert, Warning, and Notification
The City of Cupertino’s Alert, Warning, and Notification (AWN) Program provides critical alert and warning to the public while supporting information sharing among City departments and partner agencies before, during, and after an emergency. Effective dissemination of information, including alerts and warnings, are critical emergency management tools to help prevent hazards from becoming disasters. The AWN Program serves as a supplemental tool designed to help the City’s departments effectively coordinate information sharing and provide alerts and warnings to the public for the entire cycle of an incident.

The AWN Program provides the framework for alert, warning, and notifications before, during, and after any emergency or situation. In a community-wide emergency, alerts, warnings, and notifications play a critical role in keeping people out of harm’s way and providing info on the status and resolution of the situation. To reach as many people as possible with crucial information, the City’s emergency alert, warning, and notification plan includes several information methods: the Emergency Alert and Warning System (AlertSCC), Cupertino.org, the City Channel (TV), Radio Cupertino, and social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. The City also uses volunteers to disseminate public information about extreme weather events through an outreach program called Raising Awareness of Community Hazards, or REACH.

The REACH program is used to share public information ahead of a threat when there is time to act.

Cupertino uses AlertSCC to notify anyone who lives or works within Cupertino that is impacted by, or is in danger of being impacted by, an emergency. AlertSCC is the County’s official emergency alert and notification system. AlertSCC can provide information and instructions in a variety of emergency situations, which may include flooding, wildfire, earthquake, subsequent evacuations, public safety incidents, including crimes, that immediately affect someone’s neighborhood, and post-disaster information about shelters, transportation, or supplies. Depending on the urgency, severity, and certainty of the threat, some combination of the following alerting devices may be activated to registered users with as much notice as possible:
 Cupertino’s Emergency Radio Station (Radio Cupertino 1670 AM).  Cupertino’s Emergency Notification TV Channel (Channel 26 on Comcast Cable or Channel 99 on AT&T).
 Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, including Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and Emergency Alert System (EAS)
 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios  Twitter, NextDoor, Instagram, and Facebook
 Raising Emergency Awareness of Community Hazards (REACH) Program Alerts are distributed through AlertSCC via voice or text messages to cell phones, home phones, personal digital assistants, laptops, desktop computers, and TTY/TDD devices for the hearing impaired.

Cupertino has access to other State and national systems, including the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), Emergency Alert Systems (EAS), and the Emergency Digital Information System (EDIS). EAS is a national public warning system commonly used by State and local authorities to deliver important emergency information, such as weather and AMBER alerts, to affected communities. EAS participants include radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers, and wireline video providers. FEMA, the Federal Communications System, and the NOAA’s National Weather Service work collaboratively to maintain the EAS and Wireless Emergency Alerts, which are the two main components of the national public warning system and enable authorities at all levels of government to send urgent Appendix H: Health and Safety Element Background Report | March 2025 Page 13 emergency information to the public. EDIS is a wireless emergency and disaster information service operated by Cal OES and is an enhancement to the EAS. These systems are available in multiple languages.

2.1.3 Emergency Evacuation
With advanced warning, evacuation can effectively reduce injury and loss of life during a catastrophic event. Primary emergency access and evacuation routes include I-280, which intersects the city from northwest to east along the northern portion of the city; SR-85, which intersects the city from north to southeast through the central portion of the city, and other local roadways that connect to these primary evacuation routes. All evacuation routes in Cupertino face a potential disruption from flooding or earthquake, which may block roadways, damage the roadway surface, or collapse bridges and overpasses.

In the event of widespread disruption to local evacuation routes, remaining evacuation routes may become congested, slowing down evacuation of the community or specific neighborhoods. This issue may be compounded since evacuation routes for Cupertino will also likely serve as evacuation routes for surrounding communities, and so potential disruptions may have regional effects.

In preparation for wildfires and other disasters, the City leverages evacuation planning data through the Genasys Protect platform, formerly known as Zonehaven. The City of Cupertino worked with public safety partner agencies to identify and plan for evacuation from 34 contiguous evacuation zones within the city.

Maps of each zone are available through the City website. In the event of a wildfire or an emergency, the City and public safety partners (Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and Santa Clara County Fire Department) can issue evacuation warnings or evacuation orders for impacted areas. Evacuation orders and warnings will be sent to residents using the AlertSCC platform.

The City’s website has an interactive hazard awareness map tool that shows residents and visitors the location and status of all evacuation zones in Cupertino. The map shows zones that are under warnings and orders for all types of hazards. The map is intended to inform members of the public before an emergency. Figure S-2 shows the potential evacuation routes throughout the city, although the recommended evacuation routes in any given situation will depend on the specifics of the emergency.

The City Annex to the Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdcitional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) and the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) address evacuation routes’ capacity, safety, and viability.

Addressing evacuation considerations this way meets updated evacuation planning requirements reflected in Gov. Code § 65302.15.

Figure S-3 shows residential parcels with evacuation constraints. All of these parcels are at least a half mile from a major roadway and have access to only one emergency evacuation route. The lack of multiple emergency access points limits roadway access for these properties, which may create difficulties if there is a need to evacuate.

Figure S-2 Potential Evacuation Routes
Appendix H: Health and Safety Element Background Report | March 2025 Page 15 Figure S-3 Evacuation-Constrained Residential Parcels

2.2 FLOOD AND INUNDATION HAZARDS
Flooding is the rising and overflowing of water onto normally dry land. Floods are one of the most frequent natural hazards impacting Santa Clara County and among the costliest natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss nationwide, causing substantial damage to structures, landscapes, and utilities, as well as life-safety issues. Flooding can be extremely dangerous; even six inches of moving water can knock a person over. Floodwaters can transport large objects downstream, damaging or removing stationary structures, such as dam spillways. Ground saturation can result in instability, collapse, or other damage that breaks utility lines and interrupts services. Objects can also be buried or destroyed through sediment deposition from heavy flooding. Standing water can cause damage to roads, foundations, and electrical circuits, as well as spread vector-borne illnesses. Other problems connected with flooding and stormwater runoff include erosion, degradation of water quality, and losses of environmental resources.

Floods are usually caused by large amounts of stormwater, either from a period of very intense rainfall or a long period of steady rain. Historically, Cupertino has been at risk of flooding primarily during the winter and spring when stream systems swell with heavy rain. This type of flood results from prolonged, heavy rainfall and typically occurs due to high peak flows of moderate duration and a large volume of runoff.

Flooding is more severe when prior rainfall has saturated the ground. The watersheds in the Santa Cruz Mountains feed into four major streambeds that traverse the city, Permanente Creek, Stevens Creek, Regnart Creek, and Calabazas Creek. These creeks collect surface runoff and drain into channels leading to the San Francisco Bay. During heavy rainfall, these creeks create a potential flooding risk in the city as water levels may exceed the top of the creekbank.

Occasionally, flash flooding from short-duration, high-intensity precipitation events (often during atmospheric river events) may occur. Atmospheric rivers are a relatively common weather pattern that brings southwest winds and heavy rain to California. Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow regions in the atmosphere that transport water vapor carried away from the tropics. These columns of vapor move with the weather, carrying large amounts of water vapor and strong winds. When the atmospheric rivers make landfall, they often release this water vapor in the form of rain or snow, often causing heavy rains that can lead to flooding and mudslide events. Flash floods can occur even during a drought. Such events can tear out trees, undermine buildings and bridges, and scour creek channels. In urban areas, flash flooding is an increasingly serious problem due to removing vegetation and replacing groundcover with impermeable surfaces such as roads, driveways, and parking lots. The greatest risk from flash floods is occurrence with little to no warning.

Areas at an elevated risk of flooding are divided into 100- and 500-year flood zones. A 100-year flood zone has a 1-percent chance of experiencing a major flood in any given year, and a 500-year flood zone has a

0.2-percent chance of flooding in any given year. The 100-year floodplain in Cupertino is primarily along Permanente Creek, Stevens Creek, Regnart Creek, and Calabazas Creek. A majority of the city is within the 500-year floodplain. Figure S-4 shows the 100- and 500-year flood zones in and around Cupertino.

The City of Cupertino and SCVWD are actively involved in programs to minimize the risk of flooding. The City developed an approach to land use for the non-urbanized floodplain of Stevens Creek south of Stevens Creek Boulevard that ensures the preservation of the 100-year floodplain and the protection of the riparian corridor along this portion of Stevens Creek. Furthermore, the City and SCVWD developed a flood management program for the floodplain of Stevens Creek between I-280 and Stevens Creek Boulevard, while preserving the natural environment of Stevens Creek.

Appendix H: Health and Safety Element Background Report | March 2025 Page 17 Figure S-4 Flood Hazard Zones

Agencies responsible for flood control in Cupertino include the Unites States Army Corps of Engineers, SCVWD, Federal Insurance Administration, and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR).  United States Army Corps of Engineers identifies the need for and constructs major flood-control facilities. It also develops flood and dam inundation maps and reports.  SCVWD supplies water for Santa Clara County and owns the Stevens Creek Reservoir. While this reservoir was constructed in 1935 for water conservation, it does provide incidental flood protection by containing runoff early in the rainfall season, servesrecreational needs, and benefits the environment by storing water to maintain flow in the creeks. SCVWD routinely inspects and monitors the condition of Stevens Creek Reservoir and provides an annual surveillance report to DWR’s Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD).
 FEMA manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), providing insurance to the public in communities that participate in the program. FEMA is the primary federal government agency contact during natural disasters and publishes the Flood Insurance Rate Maps, which identify the extent of flood potential in flood-prone communities based on a 100-year flood (or base flood) event.
 The City of Cupertino is a member of FEMA’s NFIP. The City of Cupertino’s Public Works Department is responsible for administering the NFIP and providing flood protection and insurance information to Cupertino residents and businesses.  Federal Insurance Administration is the primary agency that delineates potential flood hazard areas and floodways through the Flood Insurance Rate Maps and the Flood Boundary and Floodway Map. Flood insurance is required by all homeowners who have federally subsidized loans.
 DWR is responsible for managing and protecting California’s water. DWR works with other agencies to benefit the state’s people, and to protect, restore, and enhance the natural and human environments. DWR also works to prevent and respond to floods, droughts, and catastrophic events that would threaten public safety, water resources and management systems, the environment, and property. DWR is responsible for inspecting the Stevens Creek Reservoir on an annual basis to ensure it is safely operating.

Floodplains can change over time; the floodplain and watercourse of a stream can also be affected by human activities, such as land development and replacing permeable surfaces with hardscapes, the construction of bridges or culverts, or the creation of levees or other impoundment structures that control the flow in the watercourse.

2.2.1 Dam and Pipeline Failure
A dam failure is an uncontrolled release of water from a reservoir through a dam because of structural failures or deficiencies in the dam, usually associated with intense rainfall or prolonged flooding. Water pipeline or aqueduct failures can create a similar sudden flood. Dam and pipeline failures can range from minor to catastrophic, potentially harming human life and property downstream from the failure. In addition, ecosystems and habitats can be destroyed by fast-moving floodwaters, debris, and sedimentation from inundation. Although dam and pipeline failures are very rare, these events are not unprecedented. There are four major causes of failures:
 Overtopping: These failures occur when a reservoir fills too high with water, especially in times of heavy rainfall, leaving water to rush over the top of the dam. Other causes of this type of failure include settling of the crest of the dam or spillway blockage.  Foundation defects: These failures occur as a result of settling in the foundation of the dam, instability of slopes surrounding the dam, uplift pressures, and seepage around the foundation.

All these failures result in structural instability and potential dam failure.

Appendix H: Health and Safety Element Background Report | March 2025 Page 19  Piping and seepage failures: These failures occur as a result of internal erosion caused by seepage and erosion along hydraulic structures, such as the spillways of a dam, or failures in the walls of a water pipeline. Animal burrows and cracks in the dam structure may also cause erosion.  Conduit and valve failure: These failures occur as a result of problems with valves and conduits in a dam or pipeline’s systems.

Many dam and pipeline failures are also the secondary result of other natural disasters, such as earthquakes, landslides, and extreme storms. Other causes include equipment malfunction, structural damage, and sabotage. Dams are constructed with safety features known as “spillways” that allow water to overtop the dam if the reservoir fills too quickly. Spillway overflow events, often referred to as “design failures”, result in increased discharges downstream and increased flooding potential. In a dam failure scenario, the greatest threat to life and property typically occurs in those areas immediately below the dam since flood depths and discharges generally decrease as the flood wave moves downstream. The primary danger associated with dam failure is the high-velocity flooding downstream of the dam and limited warning times for evacuation.

SCVWD has a comprehensive Dam Safety Program, which includes proactive inspection of upgrades and improving its dams and water supply structures as needed and in consultation with regulatory agencies.

Engineers monitor dams using instruments, monthly visual inspections, and periodic dam safety reviews to prevent loss of life, personal injury, and property damage from the failure of dams. The safety of each dam is re-evaluated with advances in geotechnical, structural, and earthquake engineering and if there is evidence of seepage or ongoing ground movement.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, as required by federal law, reviews and approves comprehensive emergency action plans (EAPs) for each of these dams. The EAP minimizes the threat to public safety and the response time to an impending or actual sudden release of water from project dams.

The EAP is also designed to provide emergency notification when floodwater releases may present the potential for major flooding. The EAP is used primarily to notify partner agencies; however, it may also be used to notify the public in unique situations.

The Stevens Creek Reservoir, owned by SCVWD, is outside of city limits, immediately to the southwest, as shown in Figure S-5. In the event of a dam failure at the Stevens Creek Reservoir, land surrounding Stevens Creek would flood, including residential areas adjacent to Stevens Creek and a portion of I-280.

As mandated by the National Dam Inspection Act, the United States Army Corps of Engineers has the authority and responsibility for conducting inspections of all dams. The purpose of these inspections is to check the structural integrity of the dam and associated appurtenant structures, ensuring the protection of human life and property. The National Dam Inspection Act requires all states to establish dam safety programs and sets minimum standards for dam design, construction, maintenance, and inspection. The California Dam Safety Program is responsible for implementing the National Dam Inspection Act in California and ensuring that all non-federal dams in the state comply with federal safety standards. The program also works to promote dam safety awareness, provides technical assistance to dam owners and operators, and conducts regular inspections and evaluations of California’s dams.

DWR’s DSOD oversees the California Dam Safety Program which regulates approximately 1,250 dams in California. DSOD inspects dams on an annual basis to ensure they are safe and performing as intended. DSOD also conducts independent reviews of applications for dam construction, removal, alteration, or repair; has inspection oversight over dam construction projects; and periodically reviews the stability of dams and their critical related structures, considering improved design approaches and requirements. DSOD works closely with dam owners to identify and correct issues on an ongoing basis.

Figure S-5 Dam Inundation Areas
Appendix H: Health and Safety Element Background Report | March 2025 Page 21

2.2.2 Past Occurrences
Floods are a regular feature in California and cause the second-greatest number of disaster declarations in the state. Cupertino has had several flooding events, including the following:7  A series of storms from December 17, 2005, to January 12, 2006, caused extensive flooding throughout Northern California. Widespread county flooding occurred after two to four inches of rain fell on the area in about 24 hours.
 In 2015, a strong winter storm impacted California following nearly a month and a half of no rain and the driest January on record. The storm brought heavy rain, gusty winds, and damage to trees and power lines along with some minor flooding of urban areas. Rainfall amounts were heaviest in the mountains with 5 to 10 inches or more occurring. Several small mudslides in Santa Clara County were reported with the largest occurring in the Santa Cruz Mountains, north of Boulder Creek on Highway 9. Multiple offramps from I-280 reported flooding.  In 2019, an atmospheric river with an associated cold front moved through the region from February 12 to February 15 bringing widespread flooding and debris flows. Multiple mainstem rivers flooded, prompting evacuations from local officials. Strong wind gusts caused downed trees, power outages, and structural damage.
 In Winter and Spring of 2023, a series of atmospheric rivers impacted the Bay Area, resulting in significant rainfall and widespread flooding across the San Francisco Bay Area.

2.2.3 Potential Changes to Flood Risk in Future Years
Likelihood of Future Occurrence
Historically, extended heavy rains have resulted in floodwaters that exceed normal high-water boundaries and cause damage in Cupertino. Flooding has occurred within the 100- and 500-year floodplains and localized in other areas throughout the city. As land uses and climate conditions shift, and improvements are made to flood-control channels, the size of these flood zones is likely to change. The potential for a dam failure event in Cupertino is likely to remain a risk in future years, although the odds of such events are expected to remain very low.

Climate Change and Flooding
Floods are among the most damaging natural hazards in Santa Clara County, and climate change is expected to make flood events worse. Although climate change may not change average precipitation levels significantly, scientists expect that it will cause more years of extreme precipitation events. This means that more years are likely to see particularly intense storm systems that drop enough rainfall over a short period to cause flooding. Because of this, floods are expected to occur more often in Cupertino, and climate change may expand the parts of the city that are considered prone to flood. Climate change is also likely to increase the frequency and severity of droughts that cause soil to dry out and become hard. When precipitation does return, more water runs off the surface than is absorbed into the ground, which can increase flooding downstream.

While the risk and associated short- and long-term impacts of climate change are uncertain, experts in this field tend to agree that the most significant impacts include those resulting from increased heat and rainfall events that cause increased frequency and magnitude of flooding. Increases in damaging flood events will cause greater property damage, public health and safety concerns, displacement, and loss of life. Displacement of residents can include both temporary and long-term displacement, an increase in insurance rates, or restriction of insurance coverage in vulnerable areas.

2.3 SEISMIC AND GEOLOGIC HAZARDS
Seismic and geologic hazards are risks caused by the movement of different parts of the earth’s crust or surface. Seismic hazards include earthquakes and hazardous events caused by them. Geologic hazards are other hazards involving land movements that are not linked to seismic activity and can inflict harm to people or property. Additional information about seismic and geologic hazards is Cupertino, including development review coordination is in General Plan Appendix E, Geologic and Seismic Hazards.

2.3.1 Seismic Hazards
Seismic activity occurs along boundaries in the earth’s crust, called faults. Pressure along the faults builds over time and is ultimately released, resulting in ground shaking commonly referred to as an earthquake.

Earthquakes can also trigger other hazards, including surface rupture (cracks in the ground surface), liquefaction (causing loose soil to lose its strength), landslides, and subsidence (sinking of the ground surface). Earthquakes and other seismic hazards often damage or destroy property and public infrastructure, including utility lines, and falling objects or structures pose a risk of injury or death.

Earthquakes
While Cupertino is at risk from many natural and human-caused hazards, the event with the greatest potential for loss of life or property and economic damage is an earthquake. This risk is true for most of the San Francisco Bay Area region since damaging earthquakes affect widespread areas and trigger many secondary effects that can overwhelm the ability of local jurisdictions to respond. Earthquakes in the Bay Area result from strain energy constantly accumulating across the region because of the motion of the Pacific Plate, relative to the North American Plate.

Earthquake risk is very high in Santa Clara County, including the City of Cupertino, due to the presence of three major active faults2 in the region, the Hayward Fault, Calaveras Fault, and San Andreas Fault. Both the San Andreas and the Hayward Faults have the potential for experiencing major to great events.

The San Andreas fault, one of the longest and most active faults in the world is located west of Cupertino.

Two additional faults closely associated with the San Andreas Fault include the Sargent-Berrocal and Monta Vista-Shannon fault systems that intersect the western portion of the city.

The following three major faults are considered active faults within the region:
 Calaveras Fault: The Calaveras Fault is a major branch of the San Andreas Fault, to the east of the Hayward Fault. It extends 76 miles from the San Andreas Fault near Hollister to Danville at its northern end. The Calaveras Fault is one of the most geologically active and complex faults in the Bay Area.8 According to the 2023 Santa Clara County MJHMP, the probability of experiencing a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake along the Calaveras Fault in the next 30 years (beginning from 2023) is 7.4 percent.9 The Calaveras Fault is approximately 14 miles to the east of the city.  San Andreas Fault: The San Andreas Fault extends 810 miles from the East Pacific rise in the Gulf of California through the Mendocino fracture zone off the shore of northern California. The fault is estimated to be 28 million years old. The probability of experiencing a Magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake along the San Andreas Fault within the next 30 years (beginning from 2023) is 6.4 percent.9 The San Andreas Fault is approximately 5.5 miles to the west of the city.  Hayward Fault: The Hayward Fault runs parallel to and east of the San Andreas Fault. It extends from San José about 74 miles northward along the base of the East Bay Hills to San Pablo Bay. The 2 Active faults are defined by their current movement and deformation and their potential to cause earthquakes or other types of ground deformation in the future.

Appendix H: Health and Safety Element Background Report | March 2025 Page 23 Hayward Fault is increasingly becoming a hazard priority throughout the Bay Area because of its increased chance for activity and its intersection with highly populated areas and critical infrastructure. According to the Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast, Volume 3, released in March 2015, the probability of experiencing a Magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake along the Hayward Fault in the next 30 years (starting from 2014) is 14.3 percent.10 An earthquake of this magnitude has regional implications for the entire Bay Area, as the Hayward Fault crosses transportation and resource infrastructure, including multiple highways, regional gas and water pipelines, electrical transmission lines, and the Hetch-Hetchy Aqueduct. Disruption of the HetchHetchy system has the potential to severely impair water service to Santa Clara County. The Hayward Fault is approximately 10 miles to the east of the city.

Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones are California Geological Survey-designated zones in California that are subject to special regulations for development and construction in the presence of certain active faults. These faults have surface traces, or a line on the earth’s surface, defining a fault. During an earthquake, the ground's surface can move along these traces, damaging buildings or other structures built on top of them. However, no Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones are in the city. The nearest Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone is along the San Andreas Fault, west of the city. Figure S-6 shows the location of regional faults and Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones.

Other Seismic Hazards
In addition to the direct physical damage that can result from the motion of an earthquake, damage can result from liquefaction. Liquefaction occurs primarily in saturated, loose, fine- to medium-grained soils in areas where the groundwater table is within approximately 50 feet of the surface. Shaking causes the soils to lose strength and behave as a liquid. Excess water pressure is vented upward through fissures and soil cracks and can result in a water-soil slurry flowing onto the ground surface. This subsurface process can lead to near-surface or surface ground failure that can result in property damage and structural failure. Groundwater that is less than 10 feet to the surface can cause the highest liquefaction susceptibility, with lower groundwater levels causing lower liquefaction risks.

Soils susceptible to liquefaction are typically found in low-lying, current, or former floodplains. Portions of the city near the floodplains of Permanente Creek, Stevens Creek, Regnart Creek, and Calabazas Creek are likely to face liquefaction during an earthquake. Figure S-7 shows the areas facing an elevated liquefaction risk in Cupertino.

Site-specific geotechnical studies are the only practical and reliable way of determining the specific liquefaction potential of a site. However, a determination of general risk potential can be provided based on soil type and depth of groundwater. In most cases, proper design and construction of subgrade soils and building foundations provides a mechanism to mitigate the risk of seismic hazards to an acceptable level in conformance with the California Code of Regulations and the City’s Municipal Code. Identifying areas having a liquefaction potential is only intended as notification to seek further site-specific information and analysis of this potential hazard as part of future site development. It should not be solely relied on, without site-specific information and analysis, for design or decision-making purposes.

Earthquake-induced landslides pose a significant risk due to the presence of landslide-prone areas in western Cupertino and proximity of earthquake faults. Ground shaking from seismic activity can cause rocks, debris, and hillside soils to loosen and fall downslope, harming facilities and infrastructure in its path. Sinkholes, which are depressions or holes in the ground that form when the surface collapses into an underground space, are also a hazard in Cupertino. They can be formed by natural processes, such as earthquakes or subsidence, which is when the ground surface sinks as a result of underlying soil or rock

being compressed, compacted, or eroded. Sinkholes can occur suddenly and can be very dangerous if they form underneath buildings, roads, or other structures.

2.3.2 Geologic Hazards
Geologic hazards, such as landslides and erosion, depend on the geologic composition of the area.

Landslides and rock falls may occur in sloped areas, especially areas with steep slopes, and usually in loose and fragmented soil areas. Slope stability depends on many factors and interrelationships, including rock type, pore water pressure, slope steepness, and natural or human-made undercutting. Landslides, rockfalls, and debris flows occur continuously on all slopes; some processes act very slowly, while others occur very suddenly, often with disastrous results.

Landslides are often triggered by other natural hazards, such as heavy rain, floods, or wildfires, so landslide frequency is often related to the frequency of these other hazards. In Santa Clara County, landslides typically occur during and after severe heavy rainfall, so the risk of landslides often rises during and after sequential severe storms that saturate steep, loose soils. Landslides and mudslides are a common occurrence and have caused damage to homes, public facilities, roads, parks, and sewer lines.

Due to the hilly terrain, the western portion of the city is within a very high landslide susceptibility class.

Landslides present the greatest geologic hazards in the city and generally occur in winter during high precipitation years. Landslides range from small, shallow deposits of soil and weak bedrock materials to large, deep landslides involving a large amount of bedrock. Landslides are also likely along the steep embankments that bound the Stevens Creek floodplain. Figure S-8 illustrates areas in Cupertino that are most susceptible to landslides.

Cupertino is also susceptible to hazards related to erosion, or the geological process in which earthen materials are worn away and transported by natural forces, such as water or wind, causing the soil to deteriorate. Eroded topsoil can be transported into streams and other waterways. Highly erosive soils can damage roads, bridges, buildings, and other structures. Sinkholes can also be formed by the erosion of soil or sediment by water flowing through the ground. This hazard can happen in areas with sandy or porous soils or in areas with a high-water table. Sinkholes can pose a hazard to infrastructure and human safety. They can cause damage to buildings, roads, and other structures and pose a risk to people and animals if they are not properly identified and managed.

2.3.3 Past Occurrences
Cupertino is in a region of high seismicity with numerous local faults nearby. While major earthquakes are rare in Cupertino, minor earthquakes occur more often. The San Andreas Fault, the fastest-slipping fault along the Pacific and North American Plate boundary, has caused earthquakes of magnitude 7.8 and 7.9 in the past, including the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. In 1989, the Loma Prieta earthquake, which also originated along the San Andreas Fault, produced a magnitude 6.9 earthquake.11 The earthquake caused extensive damage and created a seven-county major disaster area, including Santa Clara County.

Landslides have occurred on hillsides throughout the city and generally occur in winter during high rainfall years.

Appendix H: Health and Safety Element Background Report | March 2025 Page 25 Figure S-6 Regional Fault Lines

Figure S-7 Liquefaction Areas
Appendix H: Health and Safety Element Background Report | March 2025 Page 27 Figure S-8 Landslide Susceptibility Areas

2.3.4 Potential Changes to Geologic and Seismic Risk in Future Years Likelihood of Future Occurrence
Seismic Risk
Earthquakes are likely to continue to occur on an occasional basis. Most are expected to cause no substantive damage and may not even be felt by most people. Major earthquakes are rare but a possibility in the region. A major earthquake along any of the nearby faults could result in substantial casualties and damage, although the greatest risk in Cupertino is from the San Andreas Fault due to its proximity and high potential to cause a severe earthquake. A major earthquake on the Hayward Fault could damage or destroy transportation infrastructure, such as I-280, SR-85, or bridges, limiting access in and out of the community.

Based on historical data and the location of Cupertino relative to active and potentially active faults, the city will likely experience a significantly damaging earthquake. If serious shaking occurs, newer construction is generally more earthquake-resistant than older construction because of improved building codes.

Geologic Risk
Geologic risks, such as landslides, are common occurrences in Cupertino. With significant rainfall, additional failures are likely in the community’s landslide hazard areas, and minor to moderate landslides will likely continue to impact the area when heavy precipitation occurs, as they have in the past.

Climate Change and Geologic and Seismic Hazards
While climate change is unlikely to increase earthquake frequency or strength, the threats from seismic and geologic hazards are expected to continue. Climate change may result in precipitation extremes (i.e., wetter rainfall periods and drier dry periods). While total average annual rainfall may not change significantly, rainfall may be concentrated in more intense precipitation events. Heavy rainfall could cause an increase in the number of landslides or make landslides larger than normal. Increased wildfire frequency can destabilize hillsides due to loss of vegetation and change soil composition, contributing to greater runoff and erosion. The combination of a generally drier climate in the future, which will increase the chance of drought, wildfires, and the occasional extreme downpour, is likely to cause more mudslides and landslides. Impacts from these conditions would compound landslide potential for the most susceptible locations.

2.4 FIRE HAZARDS
Fire hazards include both wildfires and urban fires. The combination of complex terrain, climate, vegetation and development patterns contribute to an elevated risk of wildfire. The Community Wildfire Protection Plan 2023 (CWPP) describes how each of these variables contributes to fire risk, and describes how fire risk varies throughout the city. Historically, the fire season extended from early summer through late fall of each year during the hotter, dryer months, although it is increasingly a hazard that can occur year-round. Fire conditions arise from a combination of high temperatures, low moisture content in the air and plant matter, an accumulation of vegetation, and high winds. Three types of fires are of concern to Cupertino: (1) wildfires, (2) wildland-urban interface fires, and (3) structural fires.

Appendix H: Health and Safety Element Background Report | March 2025 Page 29

2.4.1 Wildfires
Wildfires occur on mountains, hillsides, and grasslands. Fuel, weather, and topography are primary factors that affect how wildland fires spread. In and around Cupertino, grassland and woodland habitat provide highly flammable fuel that is conducive to wildfires. These plant species are capable of regeneration after a fire, making periodic wildfires a natural part of the ecology of these areas. The climate of Cupertino and the surrounding area keeps the grass dry and more readily combustible during fire season.

Wildfire potential for Santa Clara County is typically greatest in the months of August, September, and October, when dry vegetation coexists with hot, dry winds.. During these times, controlling a fire becomes far more difficult. Areas adjacent to the city that are susceptible to wildfires are also of concern as these conditions could exacerbate vulnerabilities within the city. Grassland fires are easily ignited, particularly in dry seasons. These fires are relatively easily controlled if they can be reached by fire equipment, although after a fire, the burned slopes are highly subject to erosion and gullying. While brushlands are naturally adapted to frequent light fires, fire suppression in recent decades has resulted in heavy fuel accumulation on the ground. Wildland fires, particularly near the end of the dry season, tend to burn fast and very hot, threatening homes and leading to serious destruction of vegetative cover. In woodland and forested areas, a wildland fire can generate a destructive crown fire, which is a fire that burns materials at the top of trees, spreading from treetop to treetop. They can be very intense and difficult to contain.

Because areas of the city with natural vegetation are extremely flammable during late summer and fall, wildfire is a serious hazard in undeveloped hillside areas in the western portion of the city, as well as open space areas adjacent to the city. These areas include State Responsibility Area (SRA) lands west of the city, such as the Rancho San Antonio Open Space, Picchette Ranch Open Space, Stevens Creek County Park, Saratoga Creek County Park, Sanborn County Park, Fremont Older Open Space, as well as Local Responsibility Area (LRA) lands in the hillsides of Saratoga.

2.4.2 Fire Hazard Severity Zone
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) establishes Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs), designating each as moderate, high, or very high severity. In 2025, CAL FIRE designated approximately 2,150 acres of the city in a FHSZ. Figure S-9 shows the FHSZs in and around Cupertino.

Areas adjacent to the city that are susceptible to wildfires are also of concern, as these conditions could exacerbate vulnerabilities within the city.

A combination of factors, including weather, topography, and vegetation, creates a higher risk of wildfire hazards. CAL FIRE periodically reviews and revises the FHSZ boundaries based on updated modeling and scientific information. Individuals should consult the most recent mapping available from CAL FIRE’s Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation Program at https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-wedo/community-wildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones. Future updates to the Health and Safety Element will incorporate new mapping data as it becomes available.

2.4.3 Structural Fires
Cupertino is also at risk from structural fires. These fires occur in built-up environments, destroying buildings and other human-made structures. Structural fires are often due to faulty wiring, mechanical equipment, or combustible construction materials. The absence of fire alarms and fire sprinkler systems often exacerbates the damage associated with a structural fire. Structural fires are largely caused by human accidents, although deliberate fires (arson) may cause some events. Older buildings lacking modern fire safety features may face greater risk of fire damage. To minimize fire damage and loss, the City’s Fire Code, based on California Code of Regulation Title 24, sets standards for building and

construction. It requires adequate water supply for firefighting, fire-retardant construction, and minimum street widths, among other things.

Appendix H: Health and Safety Element Background Report | March 2025 Page 31 Figure S-9 Fire Hazard Severity Zones

2.4.4 Fire Protection
As described in Section 1.2.3, the Santa Clara County Fire Department provides fire protection in Cupertino. The Santa Clara County Fire Department operates three fire stations in Cupertino:
 Cupertino Fire Station at 20215 Stevens Creek Boulevard  Monta Vista Fire Station at 22620 Stevens Creek Boulevard  Seven Springs Fire Station at 21000 Seven Springs Parkway The Santa Clara County Fire Department operates an additional twelve fire stations that are slated to provide service throughout the District during a significant event. As development continues in Cupertino, the City and Santa Clara County Fire Department will continue to monitor the changing fire protection needs in the community.

Santa Clara County Fire Department
The Fire Prevention Division provides a comprehensive fire/life safety plan review for land development, new building construction, interior remodel projects, fire suppression, and fire alarm systems. In addition, periodic construction inspections are performed to ensure that completed projects conform to State and local fire safety regulations.

For existing commercial buildings, the Fire Prevention Division provides an annual inspection program that is delivered through both the Prevention Division and fire station personnel. Annual inspections are conducted to ensure reasonable compliance with the general and specific fire safety regulations for each occupancy type as specified in the adopted Fire and Building Codes.

The Santa Clara County Fire Department manages and implements a hazardous brush abatement program for hillside areas within its jurisdictional boundaries. In January of each year, homeowners are reminded that they must remove native brush and vegetation from around their homes to create defensible space.

The brush abatement program entails inspections of hillside properties by fire crews beginning in early April each year. The costs associated with the abatement work are then placed on the property tax bill for that parcel.

Santa Clara County lists the Montebello Road/Stevens Canyon area as the fourth-highest risk in the county. This area is adjacent to the city limits, near the southwestern border of Cupertino. Stevens Creek Quarry Road connecting to the southern point of Stevens Canyon has been improved to acceptable standards for a fire access road. A fire trail extends from Skyline Boulevard on Charcoal Road to Stevens Canyon. The City requires that all emergency roads be constructed with an all-weather surface. It also requires a private emergency access connection between public streets within Lindy Canyon and Regnart Canyon areas. Presently, no water systems are serving the Montebello Road and upper Stevens Canyon area, except for Stevens Creek itself. Because there is no water service to these areas, the County requires homes to provide individual water tanks and fire sprinkler systems.

Santa Clara Valley Water District
Santa Clara Valley Wate District’s (SCVWD) Project F4: Vegetation Management for Access and Fire Safety supports SCVWD’s ongoing vegetation management activities that reduce fire risk by maintaining creekside lands. These activities also ensure access to maintenance and emergency personnel and equipment. The project includes vegetation management activities, such as weed abatement, goat grazing, herbicide application, and pruning to provide access and reduce fire risk. Before conducting Appendix H: Health and Safety Element Background Report | March 2025 Page 33 maintenance, SCVWD’s personnel perform biological preconstruction surveys to minimize environmental impacts.

Santa Clara County Firesafe Council
The Santa Clara County Firesafe Council (SCCFSC) is a nonprofit, grassroots organization providing education and project assistance for homeowners and landowners in communities vulnerable to wildfire.

In addition to partnering directly with CAL FIRE, Santa Clara County Fire, and regional fire districts, SCCFSC works with public agencies, other nonprofits, businesses, and private landowners to design and implement protective measures, such as developing shaded fuel breaks, to increase wildfire survivability.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company
PG&E’s 2023–2025 Wildfire Mitigation Plan outlines its program to reduce wildfires. Key strategies in this plan include:
 Undergrounding utility lines: PG&E has a program to underground 10,000 circuit miles of distribution lines in areas of high fire threats, eliminating the ignition risk for these power lines.  Increased safety settings: Configuring electrical equipment on power lines to automatically shut off power if an object comes into contact with a distribution line.  Vegetation management: Continuing vegetation management activities.  Enhanced inspections: Providing more frequent and detailed inspections of power lines.

PG&E is undergrounding power lines in areas with the greatest impact on reducing wildfire risk and outages for their customers.

2.4.5 Past Occurrences
There is limited information on historic fires in the Cupertino area. However, there is no recorded history of wildfires within the city.12 The closest known wildfire was the Stevens Fire which occurred on August 30, 2007. This wildfire burned 151 acres in the dry brush-covered hills near Stevens Creek Canyon southwest of Cupertino. The fire burned for three days and was contained on September 2, 2007. This fire was the result of a downed power line, and no injuries or deaths were reported.

The 2020 fire season was the largest wildfire season recorded in California’s modern history. It was also the most devastating in recent Santa Clara County history. In eastern Santa Clara County, the SCU Lighting Complex fires burned 396,624 acres spanning from Calaveras Reservoir to the north, to nearly San Luis Reservoir to the south. The SCU Lighting Complex destroyed 222 structures and cause widespread smoke impacts across the region. Near the western border of Santa Clara County and closer to Cupertino, the CZU Lightning Complex fire,started as a series of lightning fires on August 16, 2020, burned across western Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties until September 22, 2020. These fires resulted in a total 86,509 acres burned, with 1,450 structures lost, and one fatality. While this fire was outside of Santa Clara County, it caused severe smoke impacts for Cupertino and surrounding communities.