CITY OF GROVER BEACH
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item No. 4
Placement: Consent
Meeting Date: February 10, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Matthew Bronson, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Megan Martin, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Adoption of the 2025 Update to the Grover Beach Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the Resolution to adopt the 2025 Update to the Grover Beach Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
BACKGROUND
In April 2017, the City of Grover Beach (“City”) agreed to participate in the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning (MJLHMP) process for the County of San Luis Obispo (“County”). The County served as the lead agency for development of a countywide hazard mitigation plan that included participation from 21 governmental agencies, including the County of San Luis Obispo, all municipalities and community services districts within the county, the flood control and water conservation district, and several sanitation districts. This collaborative, multi-jurisdictional approach allowed participating agencies to identify shared hazards, vulnerabilities, and mitigation priorities while also developing jurisdiction-specific actions. The City adopted the 2020 MJLHMP on June 22, 2020.
A MJLHMP is a long-range planning document intended to reduce or eliminate risks to life, property, and essential services from natural and human-caused hazards. It is a multijurisdictional plan that geographically covers people, property, and critical assets within the County’s jurisdictional boundaries. An MJLHMP identifies mitigation strategies and actions that the City may implement to lessen the impacts of potential future disasters, including but not limited to earthquakes, flooding, drought, extreme heat, stormwater, landslides, wildland fires, and hazardous materials incidents.
In accordance with the federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and implementing regulations of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (44 CFR Part 2010), local jurisdictions must maintain a FEMA-approved LHMP in order to remain eligible for certain federal disaster assistance and hazard mitigation grant funding1 . FEMA requires that LHMPs be reviewed, updated, and re-adopted by participating jurisdictions at least once every five (5) years to maintain eligibility.
1 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, and other pre- and post-disaster funding opportunities.
Staff Report: 2025 Update Grover Beach Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 2 February 10, 2026
Plan Update Process
On July 27, 2023, the City submitted a letter of intent, along with 21 other jurisdictions, committing the City to the update effort. The County was awarded a Hazard Mitigation Grant to fund 75% of the update, with the remaining 25% to be provided as a local match allocated among participating jurisdictions based on population. The LHMP Update was prepared by WSP Environment and Infrastructure, Inc. (“WSP”), a global engineering firm. WSP was formally known as John Wood Group d.b.a. Wood, which is who developed the 2020 MJLHMP. The project was put out for a formal Request for Proposal by the County, and WSP was selected for the contract award.
Development of the MJLHMP process took place over the last two years, beginning October 30, 2024, and involved multiple meetings with the involved agencies as part of the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC). City representatives from the Community Development, Public Works, Police, and Fire were involved as members. In addition to the HMPC meetings, the County conducted public outreach and engagement through two public workshops held on January 15, 2025, and May 29, 2025. The County also released a public survey resulting in over 200 responses, issued multiple press releases, website postings, flyer distributions, and public comments on the draft plan. Additional information regarding public outreach can be found in the MJLHMP2
.
Draft copies of the MJLHMP were submitted to the California Department of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and to FEMA for approval. On December 29, 2025, FEMA reported their approval of the MJLHMP (Attachment 3). The proposed update will supersede the 2020 LHMP. The Grover Beach LHMP Annex C is provided in Attachment 2.
2025 Grover Beach Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
The Grover Beach LHMP Annex C (Attachment 2) to the MJLHMP identifies the City’s primary hazards, vulnerabilities, and mitigation priorities for the 2025–2030 planning period. Key hazards of significance for the city include earthquake risk, drought and water shortage, and dam failure, with moderate to localized risks associated with flooding, coastal erosion and sea level rise, tsunami, wildfire, and severe weather events. As a largely built-out coastal community, vulnerability is shaped by infill development patterns, aging infrastructure, reliance on regional water supplies, and localized low-lying areas near Meadow Creek. While the City has limited exposure to wildfire and flood hazards relative to other jurisdictions, certain transportation and utility facilities, residential areas, and economic assets remain susceptible to seismic activity, prolonged drought, and long-term coastal impacts.
The updated annex confirms that overall hazard exposure has not substantially changed since the prior plan but emphasizes the importance of continued infrastructure investment, emergency preparedness, and integration of hazard mitigation strategies into the City’s planning documents and capital planning. The information contained within the Grover Beach LHMP Annex C, including results from the Vulnerability Assessment, and the Mitigation Strategy will be used by 2 https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/administrative-office/office-of-emergency-services/formsdocuments Staff Report: Click or tap here to enter text. Page 3
March 10, 2025
Multi-Year Goals
☒ Public Safety and Community Services ☐ Economic Development and Housing ☐ Community Infrastructure ☐ Financial and Organization Sustainability Council Priorities
☐ Water & Wastewater Infrastructure ☐ Community Engagement the City to help inform updates and the development of local plans, programs and policies. The Public Works Department may utilize the hazard information when designing and implementing the City’s capital improvement projects, and the Planning and Building Divisions within the Community Development Department may utilize the hazard information when reviewing a site plan or other type of development applications. The City will also incorporate this LHMP into the Safety Element of their General Plan, as recommended by Assembly Bill 2140. Other opportunities include: the next Five-year Capital Improvement Plan, Local Coastal Program Update or General Plan Updates (Land Use Element).
The County will host annual meetings with the HMPC to track progress in implementation of the MJLHMP hazard mitigation actions and projects. This is intended to be a living document.
Changes, modifications, and improvements can be made in the future and additional hazard mitigation projects can be added as needs are identified, post emergency events. The County Office of Emergency Services (“County OES”) will maintain the master copy of the plan on the County OES webpage, available for public access2
.
FISCAL IMPACT
The MJLHMP total cost was $245,030; however, the County is pending a grant budget modification pending obligation for additional work that was required to incorporate the newly released fire hazard severity zone maps into the plan. The resulting cost of the plan is expected to be $312,135. Participation in this multijurisdictional effort allowed the County to apply for and receive a federal Hazard Mitigation Grant, which reduced costs by 75%. The remaining 25% was allocated among participating jurisdictions as a local match based on population. The City is required to contribute $1,875 which is funded in the City’s operating budget.
ALTERNATIVES
The Council has the following alternatives to consider:
1. Adopt the Resolution to adopt the 2025 Update to the Grover Beach Local Hazard Mitigation Plan; or
2. Provide alternative direction to staff
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
The agenda was posted in accordance with the Brown Act.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution
2. 2025 Update to the Grover Beach Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (Grover Beach LHMP Annex C)
3. FEMA Approval Letter, December 29, 2025
RESOLUTION NO. 26-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GROVER BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE 2025 UPDATE TO THE LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, the City of Grover Beach has prepared an updated 2025 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan to identify the risks to lives and property created by natural and artificial hazards to the City, and to formulate a set of goals, objectives and actions to mitigate risks created by these hazards; and
WHEREAS, an adopted Local Hazard Mitigation Plan is required as a condition of future funding for mitigation projects under multiple Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) pre- and postdisaster mitigation grant programs; WHEREAS, the City, in coordination with the County of San Luis Obispo, all local Municipalities, Community Service Districts, and local Sanitation Districts participated in the FEMA-prescribed mitigation planning process to prepare a Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan; and WHEREAS, the California Office of Emergency Services and FEMA officials have reviewed the San Luis Obispo County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and approved it contingent upon this official adoption of the participating governing bodies; NOW, THERFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Grover Beach, California, does hereby:
1. Adopt the San Luis Obispo County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, and in particular, the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan for the City of Grover Beach as outlined in Annex C; and
2. Direct staff to submit this resolution to the County of San Luis Obispo to be included with the submissions to the California Office of Emergency Services and FEMA officials to enable the plan’s final approval in accordance with requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.
On motion by Council Member _____, seconded by Council Member ____, and on the following roll-call vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members –
NOES: Council Members –
ABSENT: Council Members –
ABSTAIN: Council Members –
RECUSED: Council Members –
the foregoing Resolution was PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Grover Beach, California this 10th day of February 2026.
KASSI DEE, MAYOR
Attest:
WENDI B. SIMS, CITY CLERK
Attachment 1
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-1 Annex C City of Grover Beach
C.1 Community Profile
C.1.1 Mitigation Planning History and 2025 Process
This annex was updated in 2025 to build upon the previous version created for the 2019 San Luis Obispo Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) update. This 2025 Annex update also includes input from the previous versions of the Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan for the City of Grover Beach, last completed in 2012, as well as the Lucia Mar Unified School District and South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District plans. A review of jurisdictional priorities found no significant changes in priorities since the last update.
The previous HMP was not incorporated into the city’s planning mechanisms as no opportunities arose during the plan update cycle. However, the city’s Local Planning Team (LPT) identified several upcoming opportunities for integration of the 2025 HMP, including the Local Coastal Program update and updates to elements of the General Plan.
The city’s LPT held responsibility for implementation and maintenance of the plan; members are noted below.
Table C-1 Grover Beach Hazard Mitigation Plan Local Planning Team
DEPARTMENT TITLE
Five Cities Fire Authority Fire Chief
City of Grover Beach Community Development Director
City of Grover Beach Senior Planner
City of Grover Beach Associate Planner
City of Grover Beach Public Works Director
City of Grover Beach CIP Manager
Grover Beach Police Chief of Police
City of Grover Beach Community Services Supervisor
Additionally, the plan must document opportunities for neighboring communities, local and regional agencies involved in hazard mitigation activities, agencies with the authority to regulate development, as well as businesses, academia, and other private and non-profit interests, to actively participate in the planning process. At least one point of contact for each stakeholder group should be listed below.
Table C-2 Stakeholder Groups, Neighboring Communities, and Local Agencies
STAKEHOLDER GROUP ORGANIZATIONS
Agencies involved in hazard
mitigation activities
County OES
Agencies that have the authority to
regulate development
California Coastal Commission
Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB)
Neighboring Communities City of Arroyo Grande
City of Pismo Beach
Oceano (County of SLO)
Attachment 2
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-2
STAKEHOLDER GROUP ORGANIZATIONS
Representatives of business
academia, and other private orgs
Lucia Mar Unified School District
Representatives supporting
underserved communities
5Cities Homeless Coalition
Housing Authority of San Luis Obispo
People’s Self-Help Housing
Transitional Mental Health Association (THMA) of San Luis Obispo
More details on the planning process and how the jurisdictions, service districts and stakeholders participated can be found in Chapter 3 of the Base Plan, as well as how the public was involved during the 2025 update.
C.1.2 Geography and Climate
The City of Grover Beach is a coastal community located in the south county area of San Luis Obispo County. Grover Beach has wide sandy beaches with coastal dunes and is a gateway to Pismo State Beach and Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreational Area. According to the city’s 2019 LHMP, Grover Beach has an average high temperature in the summer months of 76°F to 80°F and average low temperatures of 62°F to 65°F in the winter months. The hottest months are August and September, with average highs of 80°F. The jurisdiction receives 17.1 inches of rainfall in an average year. While the average temperature is relatively temperate, summer and winter months bring unique weather patterns to the region. Figure C-1 displays a map and the location within San Luis Obispo County of the City of Grover Beach planning area.
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-3 Figure C-1 The City of Grover Beach Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-4 C.1.3 History
On August 1, 1887, Dwight William Grover founded the Town of Grover after purchasing the land for $22,982.20 in gold from John Michael Price, the founder of Pismo Beach. Grover promoted his town as “the place where the tide lands and the rails meet” and had a vision of a community that had a hotel and a train station near the beach. Grover and his partner George Gates laid out a street grid pattern and promoted the community as Grover City, the “grandest summer and winter seaside resort on the Pacific Coast.” Development didn’t flourish in Grover City until 1935 when Horace V. Bagwell bought 1,100 acres and advertised Grover City as the “home of the average man” with land prices affordable to the working man. People and development began to happen and by the mid-1940s the first store opened in Grover City followed by the first post office. The Fair Oaks Fire District and the Grover City Water District were formed in 1949 and supported a boom in population throughout the 1950s. On December 21, 1959, the people of Grover City voted to incorporate and become the City of Grover City. In 1992, the city had become more established, and the residents of Grover City decided to rename the community to “Grover Beach”. By 1996 the train station Dwight William Grover dreamed of became a reality when Amtrak began rail service at a newly constructed Grover Beach Train Station.
C.1.4 Economy
Based on the 2018-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Grover Beach’s labor force is estimated to be 6,892 people. The city’s economic base primarily consists of employees within educational services, health care and social services, which account for 18.8% of jobs. The second largest type of industry in the city is construction (15.3%) followed by arts, entertainment, and food services at 14.1% of employment. Unemployment has dropped from
3.6% in 2018 to 2.2% in 2023.
Table C-3 shows how Grover Beach’s labor force breaks down by occupation estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey 5-year estimate.
Table C-3 City of Grover Beach’s Employment by Industry, 2018-2023
INDUSTRY
#
EMPLOYED %
Population (2023) 12,687
In Labor Force 6,892 65.8%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 164 2.5% Construction 1,020 15.3%
Manufacturing 233 3.5%
Wholesale trade 51 .8%
Retail trade 876 13.2%
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 414 6.2%
Information 281 4.2%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 250 3.8% Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services
456 6.8%
Educational services, health care and social assistance 1,255 18.9% Arts, entertainment, recreation, and accommodation and food services 936 14.1% Other services, except public administration 386 5.8%
Public administration 335 5%
Unemployed 235 2.2%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2018-2023, 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-5 Table C-4 The table above shows how the City of Grover Beach’s labor force breaks down by occupation based on estimates from the 2018-2023 five-year American Community Survey.
Table C-4 shows how the City of Grover Beach’s labor force breaks down by occupation based on estimates from the 2018-2023 five-year American Community Survey.
Table C-4 City of Grover Beach Employment by Occupation (2023)
INDUSTRY
#
EMPLOYED %
Population (2023) 12,687
In Labor Force 6,657 65.8%
Management, business, science, and arts occupations 2,069 31.1% Service occupations 1,529 23%
Sales and office occupations 1,515 22.8%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations 1,106 16.6% Production, transportation, and material moving occupations 438 6.6% Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2018-2023 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ C.1.5 Population
According to data extracted by the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2018-2023), the total population for the City of Grover Beach was estimated at 12,687 persons in 2023. This is down 6.3% since 2018. Note in Table C-5 that the city’s median household income ($114,044) is above both the county ($93,398) and the state ($96,334), although the median home price ($691,900) is slightly below average for the county ($777,200).
Note in Table C-5 that the city’s median household income ($114,044) is above both the county ($93,398) and the state ($96,334), although the median home price ($691,900) is slightly below average for the county ($777,200). The percentage of individuals living below the poverty level (12.7%) is similar to the County level (12.8%), and California as a whole (12%). The number of individuals who speak English less than “very well” is also between the county and state averages (5.8% and 17.3% respectively).
The LPT noted areas of improvement for outreach and partnerships could include monitoring vulnerable communities and functional needs populations during adverse weather. Elderly and disabled populations may have a more difficult time accessing emergency shelters, transportation, or being alerted to early warning systems. They also noted that those reliant on medical equipment are particularly vulnerable to power outages. There has been a 21.3% increase in the population with a disability as shown in Table C-5.
Table C-5 City of Grover Beach Demographic and Social Characteristics, 2018-2023 CITY OF GROVER BEACH 2018 2023
%
CHANGE
Population 13,538 12,687 -6.3%
Median Age 38.3 40.5 +5.7%
Total Housing Units 5,748 5,757 +.16%
Housing Occupancy Rate 90.7% 86.4% -4.7%
% of Housing Units with no Vehicles Available 4.2% 2.6% -38.1% Median Home Value $464,000 $691,900 +49.1%
Unemployment 3.6% 2.2% -39.9%
Mean Travel Time to Work (minutes) 23 18.8 -18.3%
Median Household Income $105,577 $114,044 +8%
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-6 CITY OF GROVER BEACH 2018 2023
%
CHANGE
Per Capita Income $31,949 $41,607 +30.2%
% of Individuals Below Poverty Level 13.6% 12.7% -6.6%
# of Households 5,216 4,973 -4.7%
Average Household Size 2.59 2.54 -1.9%
% of Population Over 25 with High School Diploma 83.5% 99.1% +18.7% % of Population Over 25 with Bachelor’s Degree or Higher 24.5% 30.7% +25.3% % with Disability 15% 18.2% +21.3%
% Speak English less than “very well” 8.2% 13.2% +61%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2018-2023 5-Year Estimates, www.census.gov/ C.1.6 Development Trends
Grover Beach is a predominantly infill community. The opportunity for future expansion beyond city limits is limited. Future growth is focused on implementing the Housing Element to meet the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), the West Grand Avenue corridor, and the Industrial area (focus on broadband infrastructure, precision manufacturing and job sector growth), with emphasis on higher density and affordable housing projects. Quality mixed use, infill housing and ADUs will continue to dominate residential development, especially in existing neighborhoods.
Development in or near the 100-year or 500-year floodplain will require FEMA compliance and floodplain management measures. Areas along Meadow Creek may be particularly vulnerable depending on the severity of the weather event. Limited areas of the city may be subject to liquefaction. A geotechnical analysis would be required in areas with unstable soil conditions for new development to ensure appropriate construction methods mitigate any risks.
Grover Beach has a limited Wildfire Urban Interface (WUI), with the latest state fire maps indicating designated wildfire severity areas are confined to land within or adjacent to state park boundaries. Any new development in these areas would be required to employ fire resistant construction materials and methods, along with strict compliance with applicable fire codes.
The following figures from the San Luis Obispo County Council of Governments (COG), 2050 Regional Growth Forecast for San Luis Obispo County show the projected population and housing unit growth between 2010 and 2050. According to the COG’s document, the city’s population is projected to increase to over 15,000 residents by 2050. However, the population saw a 6.3% decrease from 2018 to 2023. The World Population Review indicates that most recent population numbers from 2024 have Grover Beach population at 12,495. This is a 1.5% decrease in population than what was recorded in the American Community Survey for 2023, which was 12,687. Although projections show an increase in population and housing units, recent data shows they might continue to decrease.
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-7 Figure C-2 City of Grover Beach Population Projections, 2010 to 2050 Source: 2050 Regional Growth Forecast for San Luis Obispo County, San Luis Obispo Council of Governments and Beacon Economics, June 2017
Figure C-3 City of Grover Beach Housing Unit Projections, 2010 to 2050 Source: 2050 Regional Growth Forecast for San Luis Obispo County, San Luis Obispo Council of Governments and Beacon Economics, June 2017
Grover Beach has experienced steady development over the past five years. Only recently has the city seen marked increase in residential development along West Grand Avenue for both market-rate and affordable housing. Residential projects have largely focused on infill opportunities, Accessory Dwelling Unit construction, and new multi-family development including a 53-unit 100% affordable housing project managed by People’s Self-help Housing, and three multi-unit housing projects that will result in 135 new market-rate units. Out of these 135 new market-rate units, three of them will be affordable units (low income to moderate income and deed restricted).
Commercial development in the city has trended toward tourism in the recent years. Two new hotels planned on El Camino Real are set to open in Summer of 2025 and 2026. Commercial low-lying areas may face flood risks; however, the city’s development standards require erosion and sedimentation control as well as drainage upgrades to improve resiliency to mitigate these vulnerabilities. Because of these factors, the city’s net vulnerability has not increased or decreased due to changes in development since the previous plan was approved for all hazards identified in Section C.3.3.
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-8 C.2 Hazard Identification and Summary
The Grover Beach Lead Planning Team (LPT) identified the hazards that affect the city and summarized their frequency of occurrence, spatial extent, potential magnitude, and significance specific to Grover Beach. There are no hazards that are unique to Grover Beach.
The overall hazard significance considers the geographic area, probability and magnitude as a way to identify priority hazards for mitigation purposes. This is discussed further in the Vulnerability Assessment Section.
Table C-6 City of Grover Beach – Hazard Summaries
HAZARD GEOGRAPHIC
AREA
PROBABILITY
OF FUTURE
OCCURRENCE
MAGNITUDE/
SEVERITY
(EXTENT)
OVERALL
SIGNIFICANCE
Adverse Weather: Thunderstorm/ Heavy
Rain/ Lightning/ Dense Fog
Significant Likely Limited Low
Adverse Weather: High Wind/ Tornado Significant Likely Negligible Low Coastal Storm/Coastal Erosion/Sea Level Rise Limited Occasional Limited Low Dam Incidents Extensive Unlikely Catastrophic Medium
Drought and Water Shortage Extensive Likely Limited High Earthquake Extensive Occasional Critical High
Flood Limited Occasional Limited Low
Tsunami Limited Occasional Limited Low
Wildfire Limited Occasional Limited Low
Human Caused: Hazardous Materials Limited Highly Likely Negligible Low Geographic Area
Limited: Less than 10% of planning area
Significant: 10-50% of planning area
Extensive: 50-100% of planning area
Probability of Future Occurrences
Highly Likely: Near 100% chance of occurrence in next year or happens every year.
Likely: Between 10 and 100% chance of occurrence in next year or has a recurrence interval of 10 years or less.
Occasional: Between 1 and 10% chance of occurrence in the next year or has a recurrence interval of 11 to 100 years.
Unlikely: Less than 1% chance of occurrence in next 100 years or has a recurrence interval of greater than every 100 years.
Magnitude/Severity (Extent)
Catastrophic—More than 50 percent of property
severely damaged; shutdown of facilities for more
than 30 days; and/or multiple deaths
Critical—25-50 percent of property severely
damaged; shutdown of facilities for at least two
weeks; and/or injuries and/or illnesses result in
permanent disability
Limited—10-25 percent of property severely
damaged; shutdown of facilities for more than a
week; and/or injuries/illnesses treatable do not result in permanent disability
Negligible—Less than 10 percent of property severely
damaged, shutdown of facilities and services for less
than 24 hours; and/or injuries/illnesses treatable
with first aid
Significance
Low: minimal potential impact
Medium: moderate potential impact
High: widespread potential impact
C.3 Vulnerability Assessment
The intent of this section is to assess Grover Beach’s vulnerability separately from that of the county as a whole, which has already been assessed in Section 5.3 Risk Assessment in the Base Plan. This vulnerability assessment analyzes the population, property, and other assets at risk to Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-9 hazards ranked of medium or high significance that may vary from other parts of the planning area.
The information to support the hazard identification and risk assessment was based on the previous LHMP for the city. A Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Guide and associated worksheets was distributed to each participating municipality or special district to complete during the 2025 update process. Information collected was analyzed and summarized to identify and rank all the hazards that could impact anywhere within the County, as well as to rank the hazards and identify the related vulnerabilities unique to each jurisdiction.
Each participating jurisdiction was in support of the main hazard summary identified in the Base Plan (See Table 5.2). However, the hazard summary rankings for each jurisdictional annex may vary slightly due to specific hazard risk and vulnerabilities unique to that jurisdiction.
Identifying these differences helps the reader to differentiate the jurisdiction’s risk and vulnerabilities from that of the overall County.
Note: The hazard “Significance” reflects overall ranking for each hazard and is based on the City of Grover Beach’s Planning Team member input from the Data Collection Guide and the risk assessment developed during the planning process (see Chapter 5 of the Base Plan), which included a more detailed qualitative analysis with best available data.
C.3.1 Other Hazards
The following hazards identified in the base plan HIRA are not identified within this jurisdictional annex due to no risk or insignificant anticipated impacts and are not considered further for vulnerability assessment or mitigation actions:
x Adverse Weather: Hail and Freeze
x Adverse Weather: Extreme Heat
x Agricultural Pest Infestation, Plant Disease, and Marine Invasive Species x Biological agents
x Landslide and Debris Flow
x Subsidence
C.3.2 Assets at Risk
This section considers Grover Beach’s assets at risk, including values at risk, critical facilities and infrastructure, historic assets, economic assets, and growth and development trends.
C.3.2.1 Values at Risk
The following data on property exposure is derived from the San Luis Obispo County 2024 Parcel and Assessor data. This data should only be used as a guideline to overall values in the city as the information has some limitations. It is important to note that in the event of a disaster, it is generally the value of the infrastructure or improvements to the land that is of concern or at risk. Generally, the land itself is not a loss. The table below shows the exposure of properties (e.g., the values at risk) broken down by property type for the City of Grover Beach.
Table C-7 Total Exposure by Property Type
PROPERTY TYPE
STRUCTURE
COUNT
IMPROVED
VALUE
ESTIMATED
CONTENT
VALUE TOTAL VALUE
Agricultural 1 $3,498 $3,498 $6,996
Commercial 259 $105,727,455 $105,727,455 $211,454,910
Exempt 20 $5,014,580 $5,014,580 $10,029,160
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-10
PROPERTY TYPE
STRUCTURE
COUNT
IMPROVED
VALUE
ESTIMATED
CONTENT
VALUE TOTAL VALUE
Industrial 57 $30,702,216 $46,053,324 $76,755,540
Mixed Use 680 $152,085,667 $152,085,667 $304,171,334
Mobile/Manufactured Homes 38 $3,521,408 $1,760,704 $5,282,112 Multi-Family Residential 444 $163,244,537 $81,622,269 $244,866,806 Residential 3,153 $684,446,062 $342,223,031 $1,026,669,093 Vacant Improved 18 $4,155,398 - $4,155,398
Total 4,670 $1,148,900,821 $734,490,528 $1,883,391,349
Source: San Luis Obispo County Assessor Data November 15, 2024, WSP GIS Analysis C.3.2.2 Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
A critical facility may be defined as one that is essential in providing utility or direction either during the response to an emergency or during the recovery operation. In The City of Grover Beach there are 16 critical facilities as shown in Table C-8 below. See Section 5 of the Base Plan for more details on the definitions and categories of critical facilities.
An inventory of critical facilities in the City of Grover Beach from San Luis Obispo County GIS is provided in appendix G as well as illustrated in Figure C-1.
Table C-8 City of Grover Beach’s Critical Facilities
FACILITY TYPE COUNTS
Communications 2
Food, Hydration, Shelter 1
Hazardous Materials 1
Health and Medical 1
Safety and Security 6
Transportation 1
Water Systems 4
Total 16
Source: San Luis Obispo County, CalARP, HIFLD, National Bridge Inventory, National Inventory of Dams, FCWCD, WSP Analysis C.3.2.3 Transportation and Lifeline Facilities
State Route 1 and U.S. Highway 101 border the City of Grover Beach on the west and the northeast of the city limits. Route 1 serves as a two-lane arterial for the city and merges with Highway 101 north of the city. In addition to these major transportation routes adjacent to Grover Beach, the city also offers multi-modal transportation options for residents including bike lanes, bus routes and the Grover Beach Train Station. According to the City’s 2022 Safety Element Update the Grover Beach Train Station is listed as being vulnerable to earthquakes, flooding, wildfire and tsunami hazards. Other vulnerable city owned transportation and lifeline facilities were noted in the Safety Element with a combined value of nearly $50 million.
C.3.2.4 Historic and Cultural Resources
While the City of Grover Beach has no registered state or federal historic sites, there are several assets within Grover Beach that define the community and represent the city’s history. Many of the historical sites of importance to Grover Beach have been converted into different uses but the historic buildings still stand. In honor of the City’s 50th Anniversary a self-guided tour pamphlet was created and lists the following historic sites. x Grover Beach City Hall – 154 South 8th Street
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-11 x Precision Automotive (now Grover Beach Fire Station) – 701 Rockaway Avenue x Grover City Hall/Fire Department (now Exploration Station) – 967 Ramona Avenue x Grover City Development (now Spoon Trade Restaurant) – 295 West Grand Avenue x White’s Malt Shop (now Enterprise Rental Car) – 502 West Grand Avenue x The Keen Agency (now Taco De Mexico) – 791 West Grand Avenue x Marshall – Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel – 1239 Longbranch Avenue x Yeackel’s / Fairlane Department Store (now Ron’s Nursery)– 850 West Grand Avenue x Grover City Shoe – (now South County Sanitary) – 866 West Grand Avenue x Greg’s Restaurant (DarWish Cuisine) – 967 West Grand Avenue x Grover City Pharmacy (now Green Bargain) – 901 West Grand Avenue x First Southern Baptist Church (now Beacon Chiropractic) 902 West Grand Avenue x Grover City Feed Store (now Ben’s Computer Outlet) – 983 West Grande Avenue x Blinking Owl (now Villa Del Mar) – 110 West Grand Avenue x Pizza Fresh – 1301 West Grand Avenue;
x Mobile Station (now Nan’s Bookstore) – 1328 West Grand Avenue x Spears Residence (now Salon Dee) – 122 North 16th Street This is now Hogge Insurance Services
x A&W Root Beer (now Higher Grounds) – 1754 Grande Avenue this is now Crossroads Cafe Source: City of Grover Beach Historic Self-Guided Tour http://www.grover.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1455 C.3.2.5 Natural Resources
Natural resources are important to include in benefit-cost analyses for future projects and may be used to leverage additional funding for projects that also contribute to community goals for protecting sensitive natural resources. The City of Grover Beach has designated areas on the coast as Coastal Open Space Zone; according to the City of Grover Beach Local Coastal Program (2014) this zone is designed to protect and preserve sensitive natural areas including but not limited to those containing significant habitat areas, rare or endangered plant and animal species, and erosion-prone lands. Awareness of natural assets and designated natural areas can lead to opportunities for meeting multiple objectives. For instance, protecting wetlands areas protects sensitive habitat as well as attenuates and stores floodwaters.
C.3.2.6 Economic Assets
Tourism and the industries that support tourists and tourism activities are one of the greatest economic assets in the City of Grover Beach. Additionally, the commercial cannabis industry has taken off and has become a critical economic asset for the city in terms of tax revenue. The city is located close to multiple destinations including Pismo State Beach, Oceano Dunes State Recreation Area, and the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge.
The LPT reviewed the economic strengths and competitive advantages listed in the City of Grover Beach Final Economic Development Strategy (April 11, 2017), and identified the following:
x Grover Beach is one of the few areas within the Southern SLO County area that has undeveloped industrial land, however these properties are quickly transforming into developed industrial and commercial holdings.
x Growth in commercial cannabis. The commercial cannabis industry has played a major role in the last few years in redeveloping properties, as well as new industrial construction within the undeveloped industrial zone. The city will continue to be a future “synergy” Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-12 location for commercial cannabis within San Luis Obispo County with testing labs, manufacturing, warehousing, and retail sales of commercial cannabis. x Transient occupancy tax revenue recovered quickly following the Great Recession.
Development of additional lodging facilities including the Springhill Suites, located at 950 El Camino Real, La Quinta Inn at 1598 El Camino Real, and the future Grover Beach Lodge at 55 West Grand Avenue will provide Grover Beach the opportunity to increase tourism to the community.
x Higher quality retail and food service establishments have entered the market and increased the city’s regional draw
x Grover Beach has a reputation as a business-friendly community with a local government that is easy to work with, compared to other communities.
C.3.3 Estimating Potential Losses
Note: This section details vulnerability to specific hazards of high or medium significance, where quantifiable, and/or where (according to Planning Team member input) it differs from that of the overall County.
Table C-8 above shows Grover Beach’s exposure to hazards in terms of number and value of structures. San Luis Obispo County’s parcel and assessor data was used to calculate the improved value of parcels. The most vulnerable structures are those in the floodplain (especially those that have been flooded in the past), unreinforced masonry buildings, and buildings built prior to the introduction of modern-day building codes. Impacts of past events and vulnerability to specific hazards are further discussed below. (See Section 5.1 for more detailed information about these hazards and their impacts on San Luis Obispo County as a whole.)
C.3.3.1 Adverse Weather: Thunderstorm/ Heavy Rain/ Lightning/ Dense Fog Adverse weather in the City of Grover Beach includes thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning, and dense fog. The overall significance rating for these adverse weather hazards is rated as low. The entire property and facility inventory noted in Section C.3.2, as well as the population of the City, is exposed to the impacts of thunderstorm/heavy rain/lightning/dense fog due to the widespread nature of these hazards. The City of Grover Beach’s risk and vulnerability to adverse weather conditions does not differ significantly from that of San Luis Obispo County. The typical impacts to people, structures, and critical facilities/lifeline are discussed in Section
5.3.2.7 of the base plan. As a coastal city located along the southern portion of the county, Grover Beach is subject to many of same regional weather patterns particularly during storm seasons and transitional weather periods.
Similar to other areas in the county, Grover Beach is susceptible to impacts of heavy rainfall, which can overwhelm local drainage infrastructure, contribute to localized flooding- especially in low-lying areas- and create hazardous driving conditions. While thunderstorms and lightning are relatively rare, they can still pose safety risks to residents and strain electrical infrastructure when they occur. Dense fog is a common concern along the coast, particularly in the cooler months, often reducing visibility along roadways such as Highway 1 and nearby stretches of U.S. Highway 101, thereby increasing the risk of traffic-related incidents that can lead to property damage and injury or death.
C.3.3.2 Adverse Weather: High Wind and Tornado
The overall significance rating of high wind and tornado in the City of Grover Beach is rated low. The entire property and facility inventory, as well as the population of the city, is exposed to the impacts of high wind and tornado due to the widespread nature of this hazard. The typical impacts to people, structures, and critical facilities/lifeline are discussed in Section Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-13
5.3.3.7 of the base plan. The City has 38 mobile homes, which if unanchored, may be more susceptible to damage from high wind/tornado; an estimated 97 persons live in these homes based on an average household size of 2.54..Although tornadoes are rare in Grover Beach, high wind events can occur, especially during winter storms and atmospheric river events. February 7, 2024, the city faced an unusual weather occurrence of an EF-1 tornado. The path of the tornado originated in Pismo Beach, traversing approximately 0.7 miles through Grover Beach, and dissipated near Arroyo Grande. The aftermath of this tornado caused numerous trees being uprooted or snapped, some of which fell onto vehicles and power lines. Structural damage was reported across parts of the city, including commercial areas along Gran Avenue.
Critical services were also affected- facilities such as the Grover Beach Fire Department sustained damage to bay doors, while the Police Department experienced minor impacts from falling debris. Power outages were widespread, temporarily affecting over 1,600 residents.
C.3.3.3 Coastal Storm/Coastal Erosion/Sea Level Rise
The City of Grover Beach has an overall low significance rating for coastal storms, coastal erosion, and sea level rise hazards. The jurisdiction’s coastline is characterized by sandy beaches and low dunes that provide moderate protection from storm waves. However, active beach and dune erosion continues to impact low-lying recreation areas, commercial uses, and residential structures, including mobile home parks near the coast. Past events, such as severe winter storms, have caused damage to beach access infrastructure and highlight the ongoing vulnerability.
Recent sea level rise risk assessments indicate that portions of the city could be subject to future inundation from sea level rise and from the combination of sea level rise with a 1% annual chance coastal flood. While no critical facilities have been identified within the areas projected to be impacted under these scenarios, continued erosion and gradual inundation may affect private properties and public infrastructure over time. Future planning and shoreline management will be important to minimize impacts from sea level rise and coastal hazards.
Values at Risk
Table C-9 and Table C-10, below, show both properties inundated by seal level rise with and without the 1% annual chance flood at different scenarios, and also the improved value estimates. Based on the latest modeling, Grover Beach currently has no improved properties at risk under 25-centimeter or 75-centimeter sea level rise scenarios. However, under the 300- centimeter sea level rise scenario, 15 improved parcels would be impacted. These include commercial, industrial, mixed-use, multi-family residential, and single-family residential properties. When factoring in sea level rise combined with a 1% annual chance coastal flood, the number of at-risk properties increases significantly. Under the 300-centimeter sea level rise with 1% flood scenario, 38 improved parcels would be impacted, further increasing vulnerability across a range of property types, including mobile and manufactured homes.
The total improved value of properties at risk under the 300-centimeter sea level rise scenario is approximately $6.8 million. When combined with the effects of a 1% annual chance flood, the total improved value of properties exposed increases to approximately $13.4 million.
Commercial, mixed-use, and multi-family residential properties account for the majority of the value at risk under these combined scenarios. As sea level rise continues, even relatively moderate increases in flood elevation could expose critical sections of Grover Beach’s built environment to higher risks of damage, highlighting the need for proactive planning and shoreline management strategies.
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-14 Table C-9 City of Grover Beach Properties Inundated by Sea Level Rise and Sea Level Rise with 1% Annual Chance Flood
PROPERTY TYPE
25-CM
SLR
75-CM
SLR
300-CM
SLR
25-CM SLR
W/ 1%
FLOOD
75-CM SLR
W/ 1%
FLOOD
300-CM
SLR W/ 1%
FLOOD
Commercial - - 7 - - 7
Industrial - - 1 - - 4
Mixed Use - - 2 - - 5
Mobile/Manufactured Homes - - - - - 1
Multi-Family Residential - - 4 - - 11
Residential - - 1 - - 10
Total 0 0 15 0 0 38
Source: San Luis Obispo County Assessor Data November 15, 2024, USGS CoSMoS v3.1, WSP GIS Analysis Table C-10 City of Grover Beach Improved Values of Properties Inundated by Sea Level Rise and Sea Level Rise with 1% Annual Chance Flood
PROPERTY TYPE
25-
CM
SLR
75-
CM
SLR 300-CM SLR
25-CM
SLR W/
1%
FLOOD
75-CM
SLR
W/ 1%
FLOOD
300-CM SLR W/
1% FLOOD
Commercial - - $1,126,075 - - $1,126,075
Industrial - - $69,595 - - $595,988
Mixed Use - - $3,543,910 - - $4,124,016
Mobile/Manufactured Homes - - - - - $340,612
Multi-Family Residential - - $1,774,344 - - $5,098,033
Residential - - $258,060 - - $2,111,522
Total $0 $0 $6,771,984 $0 $0 $13,396,246
Source: San Luis Obispo County Assessor Data November 15, 2024, USGS CoSMoS v3.1, WSP GIS Analysis Critical Facilities at Risk
Under the 300 cm sea level rise scenario, both with and without the presence of a 1% annual chance flood, Grover Beach has one critical facility at risk, classified under the Transportation FEMA lifeline. This consistent exposure across both conditions suggests the facility is located in a low-lying area highly susceptible to long-term coastal inundation. While no other lifeline sectors show vulnerability in these scenarios, the potential disruption to transportation infrastructure could have cascading effects on evacuation routes, emergency response, and community mobility if mitigation measures are not considered.
The maps below show extents for sea level rise scenarios with tidal inundation only and with the 1% annual chance flood, below
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-15 Figure C-4 Grover Beach Sea Level Rise Scenario Analysis: Tidal Inundation Only Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-16 Figure C-5 Grover Beach Sea Level Rise Scenario Analysis: Tidal Inundation and 1% Annual Chance Flood Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-17 C.3.3.4 Dam Incidents
The City of Grover Beach is downstream from the high-hazard Lopez Dam. Failure of the Lopez Dam would cause water to flow along Arroyo Grande Creek in a westerly direction, extending laterally approximately 3,000 feet in each direction of the centerline of the creek channel. The inundation would hit the nearby city of Arroyo Grande particularly hard, and extend into Grover Beach to a more limited extent. A total of 35 people and 101 structures in Grover Beach exist within the designated Lopez Dam inundation zone (Table C-11 and Figure C-6). Two critical facilities are located in the dam inundation zone (Table C-12), a train platform and a water treatment facility. See Appendix G for details of these facilities.
A failure of the Lopez Dam would also affect Highway 101 impeding or reducing flows of goods, people and resources into and out of Grover Beach and potentially impacting the entire region.
There have been no past dam incidents or failures in the jurisdiction of the City of Grover Beach. Refer to Section 5.3.8 Dam Incidents of the Base Plan for additional discussion on the potential impacts of dam incidents in the County.
This information was derived from the most recent dam inundation mapping, parcel, and critical facility data available to the County of San Luis Obispo. The Grover Beach planning team added the following comments related to dam failure and inundation hazards:
x Lopez Dam failure would result in overtopping of Arroyo Grande Creek which would cause a backwater condition in Meadow Creek extending to the north, primarily along Highway 1 and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.
x There are two facilities deemed critical to the City which are at risk from this flooding: The Train Station and the Front Street Sanitary Sewer Lift Station (Table C-12). x Grover Beach would be surrounded by flood waters and Highway 101 would be impassible at Oak Park Boulevard if the Lopez Dam were to cause inundation downstream, which would limit ingress/egress to Highway 101 to the northwest and significantly restrict access by emergency services from outside the city.
Table C-11 Lopez Dam Inundation Estimate Losses by Property Type
PROPERTY TYPE
STRUCTURE
COUNT POPULATION
Commercial 57 -
Industrial 24 -
Mixed Use 6 -
Multi-Family Residential 5 12
Residential 9 22
Total 101 35
Source: San Luis Obispo County Planning and Building Dept., Assessor’s Office, Wood Plc Parcel Analysis Table C-12 Critical Facility Assets Exposed to Dam Inundation in Grover Beach COMMUNICATIONS ENERGY FOOD, HYDRATION, SHELTER HAZARDOUS MATERIAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL SAFETY AND SECURITY TRANSPORTATION WATER SYSTEMS TOTAL COUNT - - - - - - 1 1 2
Source San Luis Obispo County, CalARP, HIFLD, National Bridge Inventory, National Inventory of Dams, FCWCD, WSP Analysis Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-18 Figure C-6 City of Grover Beach Dam Inundation Extent Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-19 Figure C-7 Dam Inundation Map
Source San Luis Obispo County
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-20 C.3.3.5 Drought and Water Shortage
The City of Grover Beach currently relies on a combination of surface water from the Lopez Lake, groundwater from the Santa Maria Groundwater Basin, and local wells to meet its water needs. In the City’s 2020 Urban Water Management Plan, the City also explores additional sources, such as stormwater capture, recycled water programs, and potential desalination projects.
The City’s water system consists of four production wells, two of which are active, three welded steel storage tanks, one booster pump station, and 57 miles of water mains. The system is functional but aging, with ongoing investments needed in pipeline upgrades, wells, and pumping facilities. Water loss prevention and metering improvements are actively pursued to improve efficiency. Additionally, new water and storage treatment facilities may be necessary to accommodate growth and sustainability efforts.
The majority of water consumption is by residential properties. According to the San Luis Obispo Council of Government’s 2050 Regional Growth Forecast for San Luis Obispo County (2017), the projected water demand in the City of Grover Beach is not expected to supply from 2015 to 2030, as shown in Figure C-8. The City of Grover Beach’s population is not expected to grow dramatically by 2035 and as a result the water demand is not projected to increase over the next 20 to 30 years.
Figure C-8 Projected Water Demand in Grover Beach, 2015 to 2030 Source: 2050 Regional Growth Forecast for San Luis Obispo County, San Luis Obispo Council of Governments and Beacon Economics, June 2017
The City has consistently met 100% of its water demand, even during dry years, due to the availability of imported water and historical groundwater production. There is no historical basis for reducing supply reliability based on single or multiple dry years. However, future water reliability will depend on groundwater conditions, Lopez Reservoir levels, and the effects of climate change.
The Low Reservoir Response Plan Diversion Reduction Strategy assessed water reliability for five consecutive dry years, assuming reductions of 0%-35% in successive years. Over the last 50 years, Lopez Reservoir has never reached a level requiring a 20% reduction in municipal diversions. The City expects to maintain an 800 acre-feet (AF) allocation from the reservoir for the next 20 years and will need to increase groundwater pumping to meet future demands.
Table C-13 outlines projected supply and demand through 2045 under multiple dry year scenarios.
Table C-13 Multiple Dry Years Supply and Demand Comparison
DROUGHT
YEAR SOURCE 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045
First Year Groundwater – SMVG (AF) 500 500 500 550 600
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-21
DROUGHT
YEAR SOURCE 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045
Groundwater Central Coast Blue (AF) 324 324 324 324 324 Imported Water – Lopez Reservoir 800 800 800 800 800
Demand totals 1,375 1,464 1,550 1,636 1,723
Difference 249 160 74 38 1
Second Year Groundwater – SMVG (AF) 500 500 500 550 600 Groundwater Central Coast Blue (AF) 324 324 324 324 324 Imported Water – Lopez Reservoir 800 800 800 800 800
Demand totals 1,375 1,464 1,550 1,636 1,723
Difference 249 160 74 38 1
Third Year Groundwater – SMVG (AF) 500 500 500 550 600
Groundwater Central Coast Blue (AF) 324 324 324 324 324 Imported Water – Lopez Reservoir 800 800 800 800 800
Demand totals 1,375 1,464 1,550 1,636 1,723
Difference 249 160 74 38 1
Fourth Year Groundwater – SMVG (AF) 500 500 500 550 600 Groundwater Central Coast Blue (AF) 324 324 324 324 324 Imported Water – Lopez Reservoir 800 800 800 800 800
Demand totals 1,375 1,464 1,550 1,636 1,723
Difference 249 160 74 38 1
Fifth Year Groundwater – SMVG (AF) 500 500 500 550 600
Groundwater Central Coast Blue (AF) 324 324 324 324 324 Imported Water – Lopez Reservoir 800 800 800 800 800
Demand totals 1,375 1,464 1,550 1,636 1,723
Difference 249 160 74 38 1
Source: City of Grover Beach 2020 Urban Water Management Plan The returned 2020 Data Collection Guide from the City of Grover Beach Planning Team noted that due to the region’s water supply being served by a mix of reservoir and pumped well water, state-wide droughts in California have led to regional impacts, including watering restrictions that have led to landscaping on many properties to die, increasing the risk of wildfire for some properties. Property damages are normally not associated with drought.
C.3.3.6 Earthquake
The City of Grover Beach is vulnerable to various types of seismic hazards including fault rupture, ground shaking and liquefaction. The Wilmar Avenue fault is the only mapped fault near the City of Grover Beach. The fault runs along the northern portion of the City limits. The Wilmar Avenue fault is exposed in the sea cliff near Pismo Beach and buried portions are generally aligned along the Highway 101. The fault is considered potentially active and a moderate fault rupture hazard to the City of Grover Beach.
In addition to the Wilmar Avenue fault there are a number of active and potentially active faults in proximity of the Grover Beach that are capable of producing strong ground shaking within the City limits. According to the Technical Background Report of the County Safety Element (1999), the San Andreas fault and the offshore Hosgri fault present the most likely sources of ground shaking for Grover Beach. The following table from the Technical Background Report and recreated for the 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan, show the potential sources of ground shaking and approximate distance from Grover Beach.
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-22 Table C-14 Sources of Ground shaking in the Vicinity of Grover Beach
FAULT APPROXIMATE
DISTANCE
(KILOMETERS)*
MAXIMUM
EARTHQUAKE
MAXIMUM
PROBABLE
EARTHQUAKE
ANTICIPATED
ACCELERATION
RANGE (G)
Wilmar Avenue 1 6.5 4 0.1-0.7
Blind Thrust Point San Luis 3 7.5 6 0.3-0.7
Los Osos 9 7 5 0.1-0.4
Pecho 6 6.3 3 <0.1-0.3
Casmalia-Orcutt- Little Pine 19 7.5 6 0.1-0.4
Hosgri 21 7.5 6.5 0.2-0.3
Rinconada 23 7.5 6.3 0.1-0.3
Los Alamos- Base Line 27 7 5.8 0.1-0.2
San Andreas 66 8.3 8 0.1-0.2
*Measured from Grand Avenue and North 8th
Source: San Luis Obispo County Safety Element Technical Background Report, December 1999 As a coastal community, portions of Grover Beach are underlain by layers of unconsolidated sand and young alluvium which have a high potential to become liquefied during ground shaking events. The following table shows the various property types in the City of Grover Beach at risk of liquefaction. Based on this analysis residential property types, including mobile and manufactured homes, are at the greatest risk of liquefaction in Grover Beach compared to other types of properties in the community. There are 4,670 improved parcels at risk with a combined value of over $1.1 billion. Table C-15 below summarizes the properties exposed to liquefiable soils throughout the city, broken up by parcel type and level of risk, while Figure C-9 below depicts the areas of Grover Beach at risk of liquefaction. A total of 16 critical facilities are found in liquefaction susceptible zones in the city, all of which are exposed to moderate liquefaction susceptibility.
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-23 Table C-15 City of Grover Beach Improved Properties Exposed to Liquefaction Potential by Property Type
PROPERTY
TYPE
STRUCTURE
COUNT
MODERATE
STRUCTURE
COUNT LOW
TOTAL
STRUCTURE
COUNT
IMPROVED
VALUE
ESTIMATED
CONTENT
VALUE TOTAL VALUE POPULATION
Agricultural 1 - 1 $3,498 $3,498 $6,996 -Commercial 259 - 259 $105,727,455 $105,727,455 $211,454,910 -Exempt 20 - 20 $5,014,580 $5,014,580 $10,029,160 -Industrial 57 - 57 $30,702,216 $46,053,324 $76,755,540 -Mining - - 0 $0 $0 $0 -Mixed Use 680 - 680 $152,085,667 $152,085,667 $304,171,334 -Mobile/Manufactured Homes 38 - 38 $3,521,408 $1,760,704 $5,282,112 94
Multi-Family Residential
444 - 444 $163,244,537 $81,622,269 $244,866,806 1,097
Residential 3,153 - 3,153 $684,446,062 $342,223,031 $1,026,669,093 7,788Vacant Improved 17 1 18 $4,155,398 $0 $4,155,398 -
Total 4,669 1 4,670 $1,148,900,821 $734,490,528 $1,883,391,349 8,978 Source: San Luis Obispo Assessor Data November 15, 2024, WSP GIS Analysis Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-24 Figure C-9 Areas of the City of Grover Beach at Risk of Liquefaction Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-25 C.3.3.7 Flood
The City of Grover Beach has been assigned a Low Significance ranking for flood hazards by the HMPC. While widespread flooding is uncommon, the city experiences localized flooding in specific areas following heavy rainfall events. The greatest flood risks are associated with Arroyo Grande Creek and Meadow Creek, which can overtop and cause flooding in the northern and western parts of the city. Notably, Meadow Creek flooding has historically blocked roads, impacting access to and from neighborhoods in these areas.
According to the City's Safety Element, the northern portion of the city near U.S. 101 and Nacimiento Avenue, which includes a mobile home subdivision, is particularly vulnerable to a 1% annual chance flood event. The South Grover Beach and West Grover Beach neighborhoods are also prone to flooding. In addition, certain low-lying parcels, such as those at South 5th Street and Manhattan Avenue, and 6th Street and Mentone Avenue, have documented flood risks during intense storm events.
Recent flood-related impacts include the January 9, 2023 atmospheric river event, which caused significant roadway damage and power outages near Nacimiento Avenue. Although no major property losses were reported, the city received federal and state disaster funding to support recovery efforts.
Grover Beach continues to implement mitigation strategies to address localized flood risks, including drainage improvements and participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). As climate patterns shift and intense weather events become more frequent, the city will need to remain proactive in maintaining stormwater systems, updating development standards, and ensuring that vulnerable areas near Meadow Creek and other flood-prone zones are resilient against future events.
Values at Risk
Table C-16 and Table C-17 show the properties at risk to flooding in the City based on mapped floodplains and parcels with improvements intersecting the flood hazard areas. As with previous assessments, it is important to note that structures elevated above base flood elevations may be less vulnerable to damage.
Based on this updated analysis, the City has moderate assets at risk to the 1% and 0.2% annual chance floods. Within the 1% annual chance floodplain, there are 8 improved parcels with a total value of approximately $707,000 and an estimated potential loss of about $177,000.
Within the 0.2% annual chance floodplain, there are an additional 8 improved parcels valued at roughly $508,000, with an estimated potential loss of about $127,000 Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-26 Figure C-10 Areas of City of Grover Beach at Risk to Floods with Flood-prone Structures Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-27 Table C-16 City of Grover Beach’s FEMA 1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard by Property Type
PROPERTY TYPE PARCEL
COUNT
IMPROVED
VALUE
CONTENT
VALUE
TOTAL
VALUE
LOSS
ESTIMATE
POPULATION
Mobile/Manufactured
Homes
8 $471,202 $235,601 $706,803 $176,701 20
Total 8 $471,202 $235,601 $706,803 $176,701 20
Source: San Luis Obispo Assessor Data November 15, 2024, FEMA NFHL Effective Date 6/6/2024, WSP GIS Analysis Table C-17 City of Grover Beach’s FEMA 0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard by Property Type
PROPERTY TYPE PARCEL
COUNT
IMPROVED
VALUE
CONTENT
VALUE
TOTAL
VALUE
LOSS
ESTIMATE
POPULATION
Commercial 1 $152,955 $152,955 $305,910 $76,478 -
Mobile/Manufactured
Homes
7 $134,985 $67,493 $202,478 $50,619 17
Total 8 $287,940 $220,448 $508,388 $127,097 17
Source: San Luis Obispo Assessor Data November 15, 2024, FEMA NFHL Effective Date 6/6/2024, WSP GIS Analysis Population at Risk
Using parcel data from the County and the digital flood insurance rate map, and applying an average household size of 2.47 persons, the population at risk in the City of Grover Beach is estimated as follows:
x 1% annual chance flood: 20 people
x 0.2% annual chance flood: 17 people
x Total population at risk: 37 people
Insurance Coverage, Claims Paid, and Repetitive Losses
The City joined the NFIP on August 1, 1984. The current effective map is dated June 6, 2024. As of May 12, 2025, NFIP records show 13 active flood insurance policies in the City, totaling $4,199,000 in coverage. Of these, one policy is in an A zone, and the rest are in B, C, or X zones.
Since joining the NFIP, the City has recorded 7 flood loss claims totaling $45,397, all for residential properties. According to the OpenFEMA dataset accessed in 2024, the City currently has no Repetitive Loss (RL) or Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) properties.
The City does not currently participate in the Community Rating System (CRS).
Critical Facilities at Risk
The City has no identified critical facilities located within the 1% annual chance floodplain.
Based on the updated analysis, there is one critical facility located within the 0.2% annual chance floodplain. This facility falls under the Transportation sector and may be vulnerable during major flooding events. While the overall number of critical facilities at risk remains low, protecting transportation infrastructure is essential for maintaining emergency access and community connectivity during flood events.
C.3.3.8 Tsunami
Tsunami inundation poses a risk to all coastal communities in the San Luis Obispo County.
Offshore faults and related seismic activity could cause a tsunami event off the coast of Grover Beach, even if the faults are thousands of miles away. Grover Beach’s wide beaches and coastal dunes in general provide some protection to the developed areas of the city from coastal hazards, although the low-lying areas where Meadow Creek meets the ocean is considered to be at moderate risk of tsunami hazards. Figure C-11 below displays areas of Grover Beach that are vulnerable to tsunami hazards.
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-28 Table C-18 below breaks down the tsunami risk in the City of Grover Beach by property type.
According to the vulnerability analysis there are an estimated 215 people residing in the inundation zone in Grover Beach.
Table C-18 City of Grover Beach Improved Properties Exposed to Exposed to Tsunami Hazard Areas by Property Type
PROPERTY TYPE
STRUCTURE
COUNT
IMPROVED
VALUE
ESTIMATED
CONTENT
VALUE TOTAL VALUE
Commercial 86 $22,961,751 $22,961,751 $45,923,502
Industrial 41 $18,355,862 $27,533,793 $45,889,655
Mixed Use 41 $11,597,164 $11,597,164 $23,194,328
Mobile/Manufactured
Homes
1 $340,612 $170,306 $510,918
Multi-Family Residential 33 $9,642,159 $4,821,080 $14,463,239 Residential 53 $11,041,918 $5,520,959 $16,562,877
Total 255 $73,939,466 $72,605,053 $146,544,519
Source: San Luis Obispo Assessor Data November 15, 2024, California Geological Survey, Dept. of Conservation, WSP GIS Analysis Based on this analysis there are 255 structures with a combined value of over $146.5 million vulnerable to the impacts of a tsunami. Of the properties at risk, 87 are residential properties (including mobile/manufactured homes) totaling $31.5 million in estimated value. There are 86 commercial properties exposed to tsunami inundation as well, an increase from 64 commercial properties identified in the previous plan, as well as 41 industrial properties. This represents approximately 32% of the commercial properties in the city and 72% of industrial properties in the city. In addition to the monetary damages that would be associated with the loss of these properties, a major tsunami could cripple the city’s employment and tourism bases, resulting in longer lasting economic impacts to the population.
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-29 Figure C-11 Areas of City of Grover Beach at Risk to Tsunami Inundation Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-30 There are three identified critical facilities located in the inundation zone in Grover Beach, one each from the Hazardous Materials, Transportation, and Water Systems FEMA Lifeline Categories. The area along Highway 1 is also expected to be in the tsunami inundation zone, which would have cascading impacts on people attempting to evacuate. The LPT noted that Grover Beach swells with beachgoing tourists including an estimated 10,000 to 40,000 visitors to the Oceano Dune State Park on a busy summer weekend or holiday; these visitors may not be familiar with the risk posed by tsunamis or the local geography and safe areas of refuge.
Refer to Section 5 of the Base Plan for additional information related to the past tsunami events and analysis on future vulnerability.
C.3.3.9 Wildfire
The overall significance rating for wildfire in Grover Beach is rated low. This is due to the Central Coast location of the planning area, which has a coastal climate, bringing cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and frequent marine layer influence. Historically, there have been minimal wildfire incidents near Grover beach and direct impacts to people and property are not anticipated. Despite the low overall risk, the city remains indirectly vulnerable to smoke impacts and evacuation challenges due to wildfires in nearby inland regions.
C.3.3.10Hazardous Materials
The City of Grover Beach LPT rated hazardous materials incidents as having low overall significance. The Cal OES Spill Release Reporting Center reports 16 hazardous materials incidents in the City of Grover Beach from January 1st, 2019 through December 20th, 2024. This likely excludes a number of unreported minor spills. The reported incidents constitutes 3.53% of the hazardous materials incidents reported countywide during the same time frame and averages out to roughly 2.66 incidents per year.
C.4 Capability Assessment
Capabilities are the programs and policies currently in use to reduce hazard impacts or that could be used to implement hazard mitigation activities. This capabilities assessment is divided into six sections: regulatory mitigation capabilities, administrative and technical mitigation capabilities, fiscal mitigation capabilities, mitigation outreach and partnerships, participation in the National Flood Insurance Program and other mitigation efforts.
To develop this capability assessment, the jurisdictional planning representatives used a matrix of common mitigation activities to inventory which of these policies or programs were in place.
The team then supplemented this inventory by reviewing additional existing policies, regulations, plans, and programs to determine if they contributed to reducing hazard-related losses.
During the plan update process, this inventory was reviewed by the jurisdictional planning representatives and WSP consultant team staff to update information where applicable and note ways in which these capabilities have improved or expanded. Additionally, in summarizing current capabilities and identifying gaps, the jurisdictional planning representatives also considered their ability to expand or improve upon existing policies and programs as potential new mitigation strategies. The City of Grover Beach’s capabilities are summarized below.
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-31 C.4.1 Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities
Table C-19 City of Grover Beach Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities
REGULATORY TOOL
(ORDINANCES, CODES, PLANS) YES/NO
2024 COMMENTS OR OPPORTUNITIES TO
IMPROVE/EXPAND
General Plan Yes
Zoning ordinance Yes
Subdivision ordinance Yes
Growth management ordinance No
Floodplain ordinance Yes
Other special purpose ordinance
(stormwater, steep slope, wildfire)
Yes Stormwater, Steep slopes
Building code and Type/Year Yes
Building Code Effectiveness
Grading System and Rating (if
applicable)
No
Fire department ISO rating Yes 3
Erosion or sediment control
program
Yes
Stormwater management
program
Yes
Site plan review requirements Yes
Capital improvements plan Yes 5 Year CIP
Economic development plan Yes 2008 Economic Development Strategy Local emergency operations plan Yes
Other special plans Yes Local Coastal Program
Flood insurance study or other
engineering study for streams
Yes
Elevation certificates (for
floodplain development)
Yes
Other Yes 2010 Technology Master Plan
C.4.1.1 Discussion on Existing Building Codes, Land Use and Development Regulations
Grover Beach has an adopted General Plan and Local Coastal Program. Recently, the city updated its Development Code (Zoning Ordinance, 2021) and additional revisions were adopted locally in 2024. Those revisions will be considered by the California Coastal Commission in Summer 2025. The Development Code regulates development within the community. The Community Development Department is responsible for implementing the General Plan, LCP, and Development Code. Chapter 5 of the Development Code, implemented predominantly by the Public Works Department, maintains “Site Development Standards” relating to Flood Hazards, Grading and Drainage, Stormwater and Post-Construction Management. In the event a situation falling under the term “emergency” occurs in the Coastal Zone, Chapter 6 (Section 6.20.050) outlines procedures for issuance of an “Emergency Coastal Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-32 Development Permit.” Additionally, the Building Code is updated with each California Building Code cycle. The next cycle is scheduled to be updated beginning in July 2026.
C.4.2 Administrative/Technical Mitigation Capabilities
Table C-20 identifies the personnel responsible for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in Grover Beach.
Table C-20 City of Grover Beach Administrative/Technical Mitigation Capabilities
PERSONNEL RESOURCES YES/NO
DEPARTMENT/POSITION OR 2024
CHANGES/OPPORTUNITIES
Planner/engineer with knowledge of land
development/land management practices
Yes Community Development Director
Public Works Director/Engineer
Engineer/professional trained in construction
practices related to buildings and/or
infrastructure
Yes Public Works Director/Engineer
Building Official (Contract CSG
Consultants)
Planner/engineer/scientist with an
understanding of natural hazards
Yes Community Development Director
Public Works Director/Engineer
Building Official (Contract CSG
Consultants)
Personnel skilled in GIS Yes Community Development Department, Senior Planner
Full time building official No Contract, CSG Consultants Floodplain manager Yes Public Works/Engineer
Emergency manager Yes City Manager
Fire Chief
Police Chief
Community Development Director
Public Works Director/Engineer
Grant writer Yes Community Development Department,
Associate Planner
Other personnel Yes Administrative Services Director,
Finance Manager
GIS Data Resources (Hazard areas, critical
facilities, land use, building footprints, etc.)
Yes Community Development Department,
Director and Senior Planner
Warning Systems/Services (Reverse 9-1-1, cable
override, outdoor warning signals)
Yes City Manager’s Office
Grover Beach Police Department
Five Cities Fire Authority
C.4.3 Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities
Table C-21 identifies financial tools or resources that the City could potentially use to help fund mitigation activities.
Table C-21 City of Grover Beach Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
ACCESSIBLE/ELIGIBLE
TO USE (YES/NO)
Community Development Block Grants Yes
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-33
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
ACCESSIBLE/ELIGIBLE
TO USE (YES/NO)
Capital improvements project funding Yes
Authority to levy taxes for specific purposes Yes (as needed) Fees for water, sewer, gas, or electric services No
Impact fees for new development Yes
Incur debt through general obligation bonds Yes
Incur debt through special tax bonds Yes
Incur debt through private activities No
Withhold spending in hazard prone areas No
The development that has occurred since the last plan update has not notably increased vulnerability to hazards.
C.4.4 Mitigation Outreach and Partnerships
Table C-22 identities education and outreach programs and methods already in place that could be used to carry out mitigation activities and communicate information about hazards.
Table C-22 Grover Beach Mitigation Outreach and Partnerships
CAPABILITY TYPE YES/NO NOTES
Hazard Awareness/Education
Campaigns
SLO Fire Council
Firewise No
Storm Ready No
Severe Weather Awareness Week No
School programs Yes Lucia Mar Unified School District
Other No
Methods Used to Communicate
Hazard Info. to the Public
No
Local News Yes
Social media Yes Tripepi Smith
Community Newsletters Yes City of Grover Beach – Grover Gazette Utility Bill Inserts Yes Administrative Services Department Community Events Yes
Other
Organizations that represent or work
with underserved or vulnerable
communities
Yes 5 Cities Housing Coalition, Latino
Outreach Council, CAPSLO, Housing
Authority San Luis Obispo, Transitions
Mental Health Association, CASA
American Red Cross Yes
Salvation Army Yes
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-34
CAPABILITY TYPE YES/NO NOTES
Veterans Groups Yes Veterans Connect, American Legion Post 136, Welcome Home Military Heroes
Environmental/Conservation Groups Yes RCD, Creek Lands Conservancy Homeowner/Neighborhood
Associations
Yes
Chamber of Commerce Yes South County Chamber of Commerce Community Organizations (Lions,
Kiwanis, etc.)
Yes
The LPT noted that Grover Beach participated in the previous MJHMP update and will continue to be a partner with the County of San Luis Obispo and the other six cities in efforts to address hazard mitigation and climate adaptation efforts.
C.4.5 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
The City of Grover Beach has been an NFIP participating community since 1984. In the City of Grover Beach, the Public Works Director is designated as the Floodplain Administrator (FPA).
Local floodplain management regulations are actively implemented and enforced by the Public Works Director to regulate and permit development within Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). This includes reviewing construction and land use permits to confirm compliance with elevation, structural, and zoning requirements aimed at reducing flood risk to properties and residents. Grover Beach also consistently adopts the latest effective Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) provided by FEMA, updating local floodplain management practices to align with newly identified flood risks. This helps to ensure the community is aware of the most recent flood hazard data for planning and development purposes.
Following flood or other damage events, the City of Grover Beach enforces substantial improvement/substantial damage provisions by evaluating damaged properties to determine if they meet thresholds requiring them to comply with updated floodplain management standards. If substantial damage is determined, properties must undergo upgrades to meet current floodplain standards before they can be repaired or rebuilt. This process helps to reduce future risk by ensuring that post-event repairs and reconstructions contribute to longterm flood resilience. The city does not participate in the NFIP’s Community Rating System (CRS). More information about the city’s participation is found in Table C-23 below.
Table C-23 City of Grover Beach Compliance with National Flood Insurance Program
NFIP TOPIC COMMENTS
Regulation
Does the Community Participate in the NFIP? Yes
How does the community enforce local floodplain
regulations and monitor compliance?
Development Review
Public Works Department
Public Works Director/Engineer
Do floodplain development regulations meet or
exceed FEMA or state minimum requirements? If
so, in what ways?
Meet requirements
Explain the permitting process. Public Works reviews applications near or in floodplain and associated elevation certificates
provided by applicant for compliance with
Floodplain Ordinance.
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-35
NFIP TOPIC COMMENTS
Compliance History
Are there any outstanding compliance issues? (i.e.,
current violations)?
None
Does the community intend to continue to
comply with NFIP requirements?
Yes
How does the community identify substantially
damaged/improved structures? What is the
process to make sure these structures are brought
into compliance post-disaster event?
Post flood evaluation by staff with assistance from
FEMA. Review by Building Official and permit
process in coordination with FEMA staff.
Staff Resources
Please note the department and position
responsible for floodplain management.
Do they serve any roles other than Community
Floodplain Administrator (FPA)?
Public Works Department
Public Works Director/Engineer
Explain NFIP administration services (e.g., permit
review, GIS, inspections, engineering capability).
Activities associated with and not limited to
enforcing local floodplain development
regulations, including issuing permits for
appropriate development in Special Flood Hazard
Areas and ensuring that this development is
mitigated in accordance with the regulations.
This will also include periodic reviews of the
floodplain ordinance to ensure that it is clear and
up to date and reflects new or revised flood
hazard mapping.
C.4.6 Other Mitigation Strategies
Grover Beach has multiple city plans that have helped to inform hazard mitigation and resource management.
2020 Conservation and Open Space Element
The Conservation and Open Space Elements of the General Plan are two of the seven Statemandated elements of the General Plan. State law requires the Conservation Element address topics such as water, floodwater, rivers and soils while the Open Space Element is required to address natural resources, outdoor recreation, and tribal resources. 2019 Sewer Master Plan
The purpose of the Sewer Master Plan was to evaluate the City of Grover Beach existing sewer collection system and identify necessary capital improvements to serve customer sewer flows over a 30-year planning horizon.
2019 Water System Master Plan
Similar to the Sewer Master Plan, the Water System Master Plan was created to evaluate the existing water distribution system and identify necessary capital improvements over a 30-year planning horizon. The capital improvement program was developed to identify improvements necessary to correct hydraulic deficiencies in the existing system. It will also identify improvements needed to meet the demands of new development.
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-36 C.4.7 Opportunities for Enhancement
Future improvements may include providing training for staff members related to hazards or hazard mitigation grant funding in partnership with the County and Cal OES. Additional training opportunities will help to inform city staff members on how best to integrate hazard information and mitigation projects into their departments. Continuing to train city staff on mitigation and the hazards that pose a risk to the City of Grover Beach will lead to more informed staff members who can better communicate this information to the public. Become a Storm Ready or Tsunami Ready community would also be a potential enhancement.
C.5 Mitigation Strategy
C.5.1 Mitigation Goals and Objectives
During the 2025 Planning Process the Grover Beach Planning Team reviewed the mitigation goals and objectives from the 2019 LHMP and determined the existing number and intent of the goals and objectives continue to be appropriate, and no revisions or additions were necessary. The City of Grover Beach’s 2025 hazard mitigation goals and objectives are the following:
x Goal 1. Minimize the level of damages and losses due to earthquake. x Objective 1.a - Develop a comprehensive approach to reducing the level of damage and losses due to earthquakes.
x Objective 1.b – Perform a safety review of all current City structures and facilities, paying close attention to disaster proofing all facilities. Convene a group of department heads to prioritize the needs and research funding strategies.
x Objective 1.c – Develop disaster preparedness caches of supplies, tools, and equipment for use by City employees, so that they may continue to perform their duties during a major emergency.
x Goal 2. Minimize the level of damage and losses due to flooding. x Objective 2.a – Research and identify flooding vulnerability within the City of Grover Beach. x Goal 3. Minimize the level of damage and losses to people due to wildland and structure fires.
x Objective 3.a – Educate the public about wildland and structure fire danger. x Goal 4. Minimize the level of damage and losses to people and surrounding areas due to tsunami events and increase understanding and response to tsunamis. x Objective 4.a – Increase the understanding and response to tsunamis within the community by working with Federal and State agencies to better understand and prepare for the hazards of tsunamis, and improve the ability to respond to tsunami warnings provided by NOAA’s West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center. x Goal 5. Minimize the potential for dam failure and the impacts from such incidents. x Objective 5.a – Work with regional partners to reduce the negative impact on the community as a result of a dam incident or failure through proper planning and infrastructure maintenance and improvement.
x Objective 5.b – Develop a public outreach program to educate residents and businesses in the dam failure inundation areas on their responsibilities and emergency preparedness. x Objective 5.c – Develop a dam failure emergency response plan. x Objective 5.d – Develop a hazard alert system to allow the city and regional partners to contact and alert our residents and businesses about the possibility of a dam failure and flooding caused by a dam failure.
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-37 C.5.1.1 Continued Compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program The city has been an NFIP participating community since 1984. In addition to the mitigation actions identified herein, the City will continue to comply with the NFIP. This includes ongoing activities such as enforcing local floodplain development regulations, including issuing permits for appropriate development in Special Flood Hazard Areas and ensuring that this development is mitigated in accordance with the regulations. This will also include periodic reviews of the floodplain ordinance to ensure that it is clear and up to date and reflects new or revised flood hazard mapping.
C.5.2 Completed 2019 Mitigation Actions
During the 2025 planning process the Grover Beach Lead Planning Team reviewed all the mitigation actions from the 2019 plan. During the 2025 planning process the LPT identified that nine of the actions from 2019 were deleted and one (1) was completed. The table below describes the mitigation actions from the 2019 plan that were completed or deleted.
Table C-24 2019 Grover Beach Completed and Deleted Mitigation Actions 2019
ACTION ID
HAZARD(S)
ADDRESSED
MITIGATION ACTION
TITLE LEAD AGENCY
ACTION STATUS
NOTES
GB.2 Agricultural
Pest
Infestation
and Disease
Help reduce the
negative impact on the
agricultural community
due to pest infestation
and disease.
Community
Development
Department
Deleted, no
longer a priority
and not a
priority hazard
GB.15* Flood Implement policies,
procedures and
regulations which
reduce the exposure to
flood hazards
Recreation and
Maintenance Services,
Public Works and
Emergency
Preparedness
Deleted, no
longer a priority
GB.16 Flood Protect the improved
property and
infrastructure vulnerable
to flood hazards
Recreation and
Maintenance Services,
Public Works and
Emergency
Preparedness
Deleted, no
longer a priority
GB.17 Flood Reduce the vulnerability
of community assets,
particularly critical
facilities, located in the
100-year floodplain
Recreation and
Maintenance Services,
Public Works and
Emergency
Preparedness
Deleted, no
longer a priority
GB.21 Tsunami Review emergency
policies and training
needs
Police Department Deleted, no
longer a priority
GB.22 Tsunami Review Tsunami plans,
maps, and evacuation
plans
Police Department Deleted, no
longer a priority
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-38 2019
ACTION ID
HAZARD(S)
ADDRESSED
MITIGATION ACTION
TITLE LEAD AGENCY
ACTION STATUS
NOTES
GB.23 Dam Failure Work with our regional
partners to reduce the
negative impact on the
community as a result of
a dam incident or failure
through proper
planning and
infrastructure
maintenance and
improvement.
Public Works
Department,
Community
Development
Department, Emergency
Preparedness
Deleted, no
longer a priority
GB.24 Dam Failure Develop a public
outreach program to
educate residents and
businesses in the dam
failure inundation areas
on their responsibilities
and emergency
preparedness.
Public Works
Department,
Community
Development
Department, Emergency
Preparedness
Completed
GB.26 Dam Failure Develop a hazard alert
system to allow the city
and regional partners to
contact and alert our
residents and businesses
about the possibility or a
dam failure and flooding
caused by a dam failure.
Public Works
Department,
Community
Development
Department, Emergency
Preparedness
Deleted, no
longer a priority
C.5.3 Mitigation Actions
The planning team for the City of Grover Beach identified and prioritized the following mitigation actions based on the risk assessment. Background information and information on how each action will be implemented and administered, such as ideas for implementation, responsible office, potential funding, estimated cost, and timeline, are also included. Actions were prioritized using the process described in Section 7.2.1 of the Base Plan. Actions with an ‘*’ are those that mitigate losses to future development. Timeline and project cost definitions are noted in Section 7.3.2 of the Base Plan.
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-39 Table C-25 City of Grover Beach’s Mitigation Action Plan
MITIGATION
ACTION
NUMBER PRIMARY HAZARD(S) MITIGATED DESCRIPTIONS/BACKGROUND/BENEFITS
LEAD AGENCY &
PARTNERS
ESTIMATED
COST &
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
SOURCES
2025
PRIORITY TIMELINE
STATUS/IMPLEMENTATION
NOTES
GB.1 Adverse Weather:
Thunderstorm/Heavy Rain/ Lightning/ Dense Fog. Adverse Weather: High Wind and Tornado; Flood
Reduce the negative impact on the community due to weather-related incidents that could include heavy rain, lightning, dense fog, high winds and flood. This project will utilize a combination of capital improvements, public education, and tree trimming. Promote public education about lightning safety and safe driving during fog events. Benefits: Improved water runoff in low-lying areas, reduced pooling and low impact street flooding; tree trimming, and removal of old trees will reduce falling limbs and trees.
Public Works Department
$125,000 - $250,000. General funds; capital improvement funds; staff time Medium 3-5 yrs. In Progress. Storm drain
capital improvement projects completed on W. Grand Ave., Continuing to implement flood control measures in new development, ongoing maintenance of eucalyptus trees to minimize risks associated with high wind.
GB.2 Coastal Storm, Coastal Erosion
and Sea Level Rise; Flood
Work in partnership with the State of California and County of San Luis Obispo to identify community impacts associated with coastal erosion through sea level rise and storms. In coordination with the State and County, map areas of the City that may be affected by sea level rise. Benefits: Lessen the impacts on the community from the effects of sea level rise and coastal erosion Public Works Department; Community Development; Police - Emergency Preparedness Less than $10,000. General funds; capital improvement funds; staff time Low More
than 5 yrs.
Annual Implementation. Continued to coordinate with State and County. Inundation and flooding maps included in EOC info and available on City website.
GB.3 Dam Incident In collaboration with state, county and other local governments, reduce the negative impact on the community as a result of a dam incident or failure through proper planning and infrastructure maintenance and improvement. City Staff will map areas of potential inundation via its Geographic Public Works Department; Community Development; Police - Emergency Preparedness Less than $10,000. General
funds; capital improvement funds; staff time
Low 3-5 yrs. Annual Implementation.
Continued to coordinate with State and County. Inundation and flooding maps included in EOC info and available on City website.
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-40
MITIGATION
ACTION
NUMBER PRIMARY HAZARD(S) MITIGATED DESCRIPTIONS/BACKGROUND/BENEFITS
LEAD AGENCY &
PARTNERS
ESTIMATED
COST &
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
SOURCES
2025
PRIORITY TIMELINE
STATUS/IMPLEMENTATION
NOTES
Informational System and continue to implement the San Luis Obispo County Office of Emergency Services (OES) Emergency Plan. Benefits: Lessen the potential for dam failure and reduce the likelihood of this hazard occurring GB.4 Drought and Water Shortage;
Coastal Storm, Coastal Erosion, Sea Level Rise; Flood
In collaboration with state, county and other local governments, reduce the negative impact of drought on the community through proper planning and infrastructure maintenance and improvement; continue to monitor well levels to prevent seawater intrusion while pursuing opportunities for regional recycled water projects that will result in groundwater injection; implement water efficient landscaping. Benefits: Avoid sea water intrusion; lessen potential negative impacts on the community as a result of drought or water shortage Public Works; Community Development Department
Less than $10,000. General funds; capital improvement funding; staff time High More
than 5 yrs.
In Progress. Ongoing monitoring of well levels, implemented water conservation measures to reduce demand, ongoing consideration of supplemental water sources GB.5 Earthquake Identify and catalog seismically
vulnerable structures
Police - Emergency Preparedness
Less than $10,000. General
Funds, Capital Improvement funds, Staff time
More than 5 yrs.
Not Started. Limited URM structures. Limited staff and fiscal resources.
GB.6 Earthquake Implement policies, procedures and
regulations which reduce the exposure to earthquake hazards Police - Emergency Preparedness
Little to no cost. General Funds, Capital Improvement funds, Staff time Medium More
than 5 yrs.
Annual Implementation.
GB.7 Earthquake Protect the improved property and
infrastructure vulnerable to earthquake hazards
Police - Emergency Preparedness
Less than $10,000.General Funds, Capital
Medium More
than 5 yrs.
Annual Implementation.
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-41
MITIGATION
ACTION
NUMBER PRIMARY HAZARD(S) MITIGATED DESCRIPTIONS/BACKGROUND/BENEFITS
LEAD AGENCY &
PARTNERS
ESTIMATED
COST &
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
SOURCES
2025
PRIORITY TIMELINE
STATUS/IMPLEMENTATION
NOTES
Improvement funds, Staff time
GB.8 Wildfire Continue weed abatement program with
an emphasis on defensible space.
Fire Department Little to no cost.
California Fire Safe Council, Fire Prevention Grant Funding, FEMA HMA Grant, General Funds, Capital Improvement funds, Staff Time High Annual Annual Implementation.
Implementation began in 2019/2020 and has been conducted in collaboration with local agencies every year for the LHMP cycle.
GB.9 Wildfire Create a Fire-Smart Community by
developing a comprehensive approach to reducing damage and loss due to fires; encourage the 100' defensible space around structures in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI); continue weed abatement program to reduce the threat of fire around open spaces; enforce building codes and ordinances that eliminate the use of wood shake roofs; enforce codes and ordinances that require fire sprinkler systems consistent with the California Building Code Fire Department; Community Development, Police - Emergency Preparedness Little to no cost. California Fire Safe Council; Fire Prevention Grants; FEMA HMA Grants; FEMA funding; General Funding; Capital Improvement Funds; Staff Time Low More
than 5 yrs.
Not Started. Grover does not have as high of a fire hazard severity rating than other rural areas. Grover will support creation of a "Firewise community" should a neighborhood choose to pursue the designation. All other items, as described above are either in progress or complete.
GB.10 Hazardous Materials Require businesses that use, store or transport hazardous materials to ensure that adequate measures are taken to protect public health and safety; coordinate with allied agencies to prepare for hazmat incidents; support training and exercises in response to hazmat incidents; coordinate responses Fire Department; Community Development; Police - Emergency Preparedness Less than $10,000. California Fire Safe Council; Fire Prevention Grants; FEMA HMA Grants; FEMA funding; Medium 3-5 yrs. Annual Implementation.
All items are implemented on an annual basis contingent on new business applications and/or new land use entitlements.
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-42
MITIGATION
ACTION
NUMBER PRIMARY HAZARD(S) MITIGATED DESCRIPTIONS/BACKGROUND/BENEFITS
LEAD AGENCY &
PARTNERS
ESTIMATED
COST &
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
SOURCES
2025
PRIORITY TIMELINE
STATUS/IMPLEMENTATION
NOTES
and investigations with the county hazmat team and Five Cities Fire; add gas pipeline mapping to the City's GIS resources; continue to monitor the manufacture, storage, transport of hazardous materials by working with environmental health and public safetyagencies to identify effective mitigation actions or requirements that will help reduce the risk of incidents, including the spread of released materials; coordinate with the rail line industries to prepare for train-related hazmat incidents General Funding; Capital Improvement Funds; Staff Time
City will consider pursuing a contract for GIS services to map all utility infrastructure in the City (public and private).
GB.11 Tsunami Develop a comprehensive action plan to
reduce damage from a tsunami; display standardized and easy to read signs alerting community members of tsunami hazard zones, evacuation routes and evacuation sites; review tsunami inundation areas and educational needs; review emergency policies and training needs; review tsunami maps and evacuation plans Public Works; Community Development; Emergency Services $10,000 to $50,000.General
funds; capital improvement funds; staff time
Low 3-5yrs. Annual Implementation.
GB.12 Tsunami Review Tsunami inundation areas,
educational needs, emergency policies, training needs, tsunami plans, maps, and evacuation areas.
Police Department Little to no costs.
General Funds, Capital Improvement funds, Staff time
Medium 3-5 yrs. In Progress. The city is
pursuing an emergency plan update within the next two-year budget cycle. As part of that work, Tsunami inundation will be part of that planning, training, and educational process. Action items GB21 Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-43
MITIGATION
ACTION
NUMBER PRIMARY HAZARD(S) MITIGATED DESCRIPTIONS/BACKGROUND/BENEFITS
LEAD AGENCY &
PARTNERS
ESTIMATED
COST &
POTENTIAL
FUNDING
SOURCES
2025
PRIORITY TIMELINE
STATUS/IMPLEMENTATION
NOTES
and GB22 will be merged with GB20.
GB.13 Dam Incident Develop a comprehensive dam failure
emergency response plan in collaboration with regional partners to minimize community impact through proper planning, infrastructure maintenance, and improvement. This plan should include a public outreach program to educate residents and businesses in dam failure inundation areas on their responsibilities and emergency preparedness. Additionally, it should incorporate a hazard alert system to effectively notify residents and businesses of potential dam failures and related flooding.
Public Works Department, Community Development Department, Police - Emergency Preparedness $5,000 to $10,000. FEMA HMA Grant, General Funds, Capital Improvement funds, Staff time Medium 2-3 yrs In Progress. The City has
developed an emergency exercise to address the emergency response plan in the event of failure of Lopez Dam.
Annex C: City of Grover Beach
County of San Luis Obispo Local Hazard Mitigation Plan | City of Grover Beach | 2025-2030 Annex C-44 C.6 Implementation and Maintenance
Moving forward, the City will use the mitigation action table in the previous section to track progress on implementation of each project. As illustrated in Section 7.3.1 of the Base Plan, much progress has been made since the plan was originally developed. Implementation of the plan overall is discussed in Section 7 in the Base Plan.
C.6.1 Incorporation into Existing Planning Mechanisms
The information contained within this plan, including results from the Vulnerability Assessment, and the Mitigation Strategy will be used by the city to help inform updates and the development of local plans, programs and policies. The Public Works Department may utilize the hazard information when designing and implementing the City’s capital improvement projects, and the Planning and Building Divisions within the Community Development Department may utilize the hazard information when reviewing a site plan or other type of development applications. The city will also incorporate this LHMP into the Safety Element of their General Plan, as recommended by Assembly Bill (AB) 2140. Other opportunities include: the next Five-year Capital Improvement Plan, Local Coastal Program Update (tentative to 2026 calendar year) or General Plan Updates (Land Use and Safety Element).
As described in Section 8 Implementation and Monitoring, the LPT representatives from Grover Beach will report on efforts to integrate the hazard mitigation plan into local plans, programs and policies and will report on these efforts at the annual HMPC plan review meeting.
C.6.2 Monitoring, Evaluation and Updating the Plan
The city will follow the procedures to monitor, review, and update this plan in accordance with San Luis Obispo County as outlined in Section 8 of the Base Plan. The City will continue to involve the public in mitigation, as described in Section 8.3 of the Base Plan. The Chief of Police will be responsible for representing the city in the County HMPC, and for coordination with city staff and departments during plan updates. The City realizes it is important to review the plan regularly and update it every five years in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act Requirements as well as other State of California requirements.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
FEMA Region 9
1111 Broadway, Suite 1200
Oakland, CA 94607
www.fema.gov
December 29, 2025
Scott Milner
Emergency Services Coordinator
County of San Luis Obispo Office of Emergency Services
1055 Monterey Street, Suite D430
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
Reference: Hazard Mitigation Plan Review for San Luis Obispo County, CA Dear Scott Milner:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has completed its review of the 2025 San Luis Obispo County Hazard Mitigation Plan in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 44, Part 201, Section 6 (44 CFR 201.6) for local hazard mitigation plans.
All mandatory requirements associated with 44 CFR 201.6 for local hazard mitigation plans have been met and the plan is eligible for final approval, pending its adoption by San Luis Obispo County and its planning participants. Formal adoption documentation must be submitted to FEMA Region 9 within one calendar year from the date of this letter.
FEMA’s review did identify the need for a revision in the dam safety section to fulfill the eligibility requirements for the Rehabilitation of the High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD) grant program, which is outlined in the enclosed Plan Review Tool. This revision is considered optional and is only required to maintain eligibility for the HHPD program.
Please note that while local hazard mitigation plans may include additional content to meet Element H: Additional State Requirements or other local objectives, FEMA’s Approvable Pending Adoption (APA) status does not constitute review or approval of any content exceeding FEMA’s mitigation planning requirements.
If you have any questions regarding the planning or review processes, please contact the FEMA Region 9 Hazard Mitigation Planning Team at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Alison Kearns
Planning and Implementation Branch Chief
Mitigation Division
FEMA Region 9
Attachment 3
County of San Luis Obispo Hazard Mitigation Plan Review Completion Notice December 29, 2025
Enclosure (1)
San Luis Obispo County Plan Review Tool, dated December 29, 2025 Status of Participating Jurisdictions, dated December 29, 2025 cc: Robyn Fennig, State Hazard Mitigation Officer, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
Victoria LaMar-Haas, Hazard Mitigation Planning Chief, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
County of San Luis Obispo Hazard Mitigation Plan Review Completion Notice December 29, 2025
Status of Participating Jurisdictions as of December 29, 2025 Jurisdictions Adopted and Approved
# Jurisdiction Adoption Receipt Date
Jurisdictions Approvable Pending Adoption
# Jurisdiction
1 County of San Luis Obispo
2 City of Arroyo Grande
3 City of Atascadero
4 City of Grover Beach
5 City of Morro Bay
6 City of Paso Robles
7 City of Pismo Beach
8 City of San Luis Obispo
9 Avila Beach Community Services District
10 Cambria Community Services District
11 Cayucos Sanitary District
12 Ground Squirrel Hollow Community Services District
13 Heritage Ranch Community Services District
14 Los Osos Community Services District
15 Nipomo Community Services District
16 Oceano Community Services District
17 Port of San Luis Harbor District
18 San Luis Obispo Flood Control and Water Conservation District 19 San Miguel Community Services District
20 San Simeon Community Services District
21 South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District
22 Templeton Community Services District