DATE:
February 3, 2026
TO:
Mayor and Council Members
FROM:
Rachel Molina, City Manager
BY:
Melinda Sayre, Deputy City Manager/City Clerk
Tammy Pelayes, Assistant to the City Manager
Jacquelyn Castillo, Management Analyst
SUBJECT:
Overview of Local Emergency Procedures, City Council Ratification, and City Manager Authority to Assist Disaster-Impacted Residents
RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the City Council receive and file this report, which provides an overview of procedures in place for local emergency declarations, City Council ratification, and the authority of the City Manager to assist residents impacted by disasters.
BACKGROUND
The City of Hesperia is subject to a range of natural and human-caused hazards, including severe storms, flooding, wildfires, drought, and public health emergencies. These events may require the City to take immediate action to protect public health, safety, and welfare and to support residents impacted by disasters.
The City’s emergency response framework is established through the California Emergency Services Act (Government Code § 8550 et seq.), Chapter 2.20 of the Hesperia Municipal Code, the City’s Emergency Operations Plan, and the City’s adopted fee schedule. These authorities are consistent across all declared local emergencies and do not vary based on the type of incident.
This report is intended to serve as a reminder to the City Council of the procedures and authorities already in place and to summarize how those authorities are exercised during a local emergency.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
Emergency Declaration and City Council Ratification
Under state law and the Hesperia Municipal Code, the City Manager is authorized to proclaim the existence of a local emergency when conditions warrant and when the City Council is not in session. Emergency declarations allow the City to immediately mobilize resources, expedite response and recovery, coordinate with external agencies, and take necessary measures to protect life, property, and infrastructure.
Pursuant to Government Code § 8630, any local emergency proclaimed by the City Manager must be presented to the City Council for ratification at the earliest practicable time and no later than seven (7) days following the proclamation. Once ratified, the local emergency remains in effect until terminated by City Council action. If the emergency continues, the City Council must review and renew the declaration at least every sixty (60) days. This process ensures timely executive action while maintaining legislative oversight.
City Manager Authority to Assist Disaster-Impacted Residents The City Manager’s authority to waive or reduce fees is provided under Joint Resolution No. 2021-41, which amended the City-wide Fee Schedule related to the reduction and waiver of fees. Pursuant to Section 240: Waivers/Credits of the adopted fee schedule, the City Manager or designee is authorized to approve fee waivers, fee reductions, or issue credits of up to $5,000 per occurrence, exclusive of Development Impact Fees or fees that cannot be reduced as a matter of law. This authority applies citywide and may be exercised when such action serves the public interest or supports disaster response and recovery efforts.
Upon declaration of a local emergency, the City Manager may assess the disaster’s impact and coordinate City resources, partner agencies, and community-based organizations to provide assistance to affected residents. For example, as a result of the most recent storm, the City implemented a Storm Repair Assistance Program for residents whose homes were impacted. Assistance included damage assessment, waiver of certain permit fees and expedited permitting processes.
San Bernardino County Weed Abatement Waivers
The County of San Bernardino monitors and issues Weed Abatement Notices in the City. During a local disaster, when a resident requests additional time to comply with a County Weed Abatement Notice, County Land Use Services evaluates the situation and grants an extension appropriate to the specific circumstances of the property.
Potential Volunteer Assistance for Vulnerable Residents During a local disaster, the City may request assistance from the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD). If requested, VOAD would activate its network to reach out to partners that may be able to provide support to vulnerable residents.
CITY GOAL SUPPORTED BY THIS ITEM
Public Safety – Ensure public safety resources adequately protect our community.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no fiscal impacts identified with this action.
ALTERNATIVE(S)
Provide alternative direction to staff.
ATTACHMENT(S)
None
City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
Staff Report to the Mayor and Council Members
Overview of Local Emergency Procedures, City Council Ratification, and City Manager Authority to Assist Disaster-Impacted Residents February 3, 2026