PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this _______ day of _________, 2025, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
______________________________ ______________________________ ANDREA ALEXANDER R. REX PARRIS
City Clerk Mayor
City of Lancaster City of Lancaster
STATE OF CALIFORNIA }
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES }ss
CITY OF LANCASTER }
CERTIFICATION OF RESOLUTION
CITY COUNCIL
I, ________________________________, ___________________________________ City of Lancaster, California, do hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of the original Resolution No. , for which the original is on file in my office.
WITNESS MY HAND AND THE SEAL OF THE CITY OF LANCASTER, on this _________ day of ________________, ________.
(seal)
___________________________________
City of Lancaster
2024 Hazard Mitigation Plan
Version 1.1
12/06/2024
Submitted by:
MLC & Associates
4 Executive Circle, Suite 280
Irvine, CA 92614
www.MLCHQ.com
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I: OVERVIEW AND MITIGATION STRATEGY ACTION PLAN ...................................................... 1-1 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 1-1 Authorities and Jurisdiction .................................................................................................................... 1-1 Hazard Mitigation Plan Purpose ............................................................................................................. 1-1 Hazard Mitigation Plan Mission .............................................................................................................. 1-1 Hazard Mitigation Plan Goals ............................................................................................................. 1-1 Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................ 1-3 HMP Working Group .......................................................................................................................... 1-3 Additional Stakeholders ..................................................................................................................... 1-4 City Outreach to Socially Vulnerable Populations .................................................................................. 1-4 Overall Changes in Priority ..................................................................................................................... 1-5 Los Angeles County Operational Area and Disaster Management Areas .............................................. 1-5 Plan Description ..................................................................................................................................... 1-7 Hazard Mitigation Plan Development ................................................................................................. 1-7 Why Develop a Mitigation Plan? ........................................................................................................ 1-7 Whom Does the Mitigation Plan Affect? ............................................................................................. 1-8 How is the Plan Used? ....................................................................................................................... 1-8 Hazard Mitigation Planning Process .................................................................................................. 1-8 Plan Update Process ......................................................................................................................... 1-9 Internal Input ...................................................................................................................................... 1-9 External Input ................................................................................................................................... 1-10 Mitigation Strategy Five-Year Action Plan ........................................................................................ 1-10 Requirements for Mitigation Plans ........................................................................................................ 1-10 Federal and State Requirements ..................................................................................................... 1-10 Public/Community Process .............................................................................................................. 1-11 Considering the Needs of the Socially Vulnerable ................................................................................ 1-11 Consequences of the Hazard on the Socially Vulnerable ..................................................................... 1-12 Hazard Mitigation Plan Key Components ............................................................................................. 1-12 Mitigation Strategy Action Plan ........................................................................................................ 1-12 Hazard Mitigation Plan Participants ................................................................................................. 1-13 Coordinating Body ........................................................................................................................... 1-13 Strategy Organization ...................................................................................................................... 1-13 Hazard Mitigation Plan Implementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation ............................................... 1-13
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Hazard Mitigation Plan Adoption ...................................................................................................... 1-14 Implementation Through Existing Programs .................................................................................... 1-14 Economic Analysis of Mitigation Projects ......................................................................................... 1-14 Formal Review Process ................................................................................................................... 1-14 Continued Public Involvement .......................................................................................................... 1-15 Mitigation Capabilities .......................................................................................................................... 1-15 Planning and Regulatory .................................................................................................................. 1-15 Administrative and Technical ........................................................................................................... 1-18 Financial ........................................................................................................................................... 1-20 Education and Outreach .................................................................................................................. 1-20 Hazard Mitigation Plan Organization .................................................................................................... 1-21 SECTION 2: CITY OF LANCASTER COMMUNITY PROFILE .............................................................. 2-1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 2-1 Lancaster Community Profile ................................................................................................................. 2-2 Brief History ............................................................................................................................................ 2-3 Population .............................................................................................................................................. 2-3 Geography and the Environment ............................................................................................................ 2-4 Geology / Climate ................................................................................................................................... 2-5 Geology .............................................................................................................................................. 2-5 Climate ............................................................................................................................................... 2-5 El Niño and La Niña ........................................................................................................................... 2-7 Economic Activity ................................................................................................................................... 2-8 Population and Demographics ......................................................................................................... 2-10 Housing Characteristics ................................................................................................................... 2-14 Enforcement and Fire Resources ......................................................................................................... 2-19 The Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department ............................................................................... 2-19 State Prison ..................................................................................................................................... 2-20 Los Angeles County Search and Rescue (SAR) .............................................................................. 2-20 The Los Angeles Fire Department ................................................................................................... 2-21 Fire Prevention Division ................................................................................................................... 2-22 Regional Collaboration ......................................................................................................................... 2-22 Community Emergency Response Training ..................................................................................... 2-22 Los Angeles County Operational Area B .......................................................................................... 2-23 Emergency Preparedness .................................................................................................................... 2-24 Ready Lancaster .............................................................................................................................. 2-24
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Emergency Operations Center ......................................................................................................... 2-24 Emergency Response Team ............................................................................................................ 2-24 Lancaster Search and Rescue (SAR) .............................................................................................. 2-24 General Plan .................................................................................................................................... 2-25 SECTION 3: RISK ASSESSMENT ........................................................................................................ 3-1 Disaster History ...................................................................................................................................... 3-1 Federal Requirements for Risk Assessments......................................................................................... 3-5 Changes in Vulnerability ......................................................................................................................... 3-5 Hazard Identification and Risk Analysis ................................................................................................. 3-6 Hazard Identification Process ............................................................................................................ 3-6 Identified Hazards .............................................................................................................................. 3-9 Other Disasters ................................................................................................................................ 3-10 California Aqueduct .......................................................................................................................... 3-12 Aircraft Crash ................................................................................................................................... 3-13 Civil Unrest / Riot ............................................................................................................................. 3-14 Vulnerability and Loss Estimates .......................................................................................................... 3-14 Critical Facilities and Infrastructure Overview .................................................................................. 3-15 Loss Estimates and Scenarios ......................................................................................................... 3-34 Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Consequences .................................................................................... 3-39 SECTION 4: MULTI-HAZARD GOALS AND STRATEGIES ................................................................. 4-1 Mission ................................................................................................................................................... 4-1 Hazard Mitigation Plan Goals ................................................................................................................. 4-1 To Protect Life, Property, Environment .............................................................................................. 4-1 Public Awareness .............................................................................................................................. 4-1 Partnership and Implementation ........................................................................................................ 4-2 Emergency Management ................................................................................................................... 4-2 Floodplain Management ..................................................................................................................... 4-2 Hazard Mitigation Strategies .................................................................................................................. 4-7 Hazard Mitigation Prioritization of Projects and Actions ..................................................................... 4-7 Mitigation Capabilities ............................................................................................................................ 4-9 Expanding Mitigation Capabilities ......................................................................................................... 4-10 Economic Analysis of Mitigation Projects ............................................................................................. 4-11 Benefit-Cost Analysis Exemptions ................................................................................................... 4-12 Benefit-Cost Review......................................................................................................................... 4-12 Benefit-Cost Analysis ....................................................................................................................... 4-12
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Benefit-Cost Methodology ................................................................................................................ 4-13 Hazard Mitigation Plan Project Status Summary .................................................................................. 4-17 Strategy Organization ........................................................................................................................... 4-28 Hazard Mitigation Strategy Projects ..................................................................................................... 4-29 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Projects....................................................................................................... 4-29 Earthquake Mitigation Projects ........................................................................................................ 4-52 Flood Mitigation Projects .................................................................................................................. 4-55 Wildfire Mitigation Projects ............................................................................................................... 4-61 Windstorm Mitigation Projects .......................................................................................................... 4-65 Energy Mitigation Projects ............................................................................................................... 4-68 SECTION 5: PLAN MONITORING, EVALUATION, UPDATES, AND ADOPTION............................... 5-1 Implementation and Plan Adoption ......................................................................................................... 5-1 Coordinating Body ............................................................................................................................. 5-2 Monitoring, Evaluating, and Updating the Plan for Goals and Priorities ............................................. 5-2 Public Involvement Mechanisms ........................................................................................................ 5-4 Public Forums and Workshops .......................................................................................................... 5-5 Incorporation of the Previous HMP ......................................................................................................... 5-5 Incorporation of the HMP into Existing Plans, Procedures, and Planning Mechanisms ......................... 5-6 General Plan ...................................................................................................................................... 5-8 Capital Improvement Projects .......................................................................................................... 5-10 City Building and Safety Codes ........................................................................................................ 5-11 Ongoing Implementation Through Existing Programs .......................................................................... 5-11 Adoption and Implementation ............................................................................................................... 5-12 PART II: HAZARD SPECIFIC INFORMATION .......................................................................................... 5-1 SECTION 6: SEVERE WIND ................................................................................................................. 6-1 The Nature of the Severe Wind Threat ................................................................................................... 6-1 History of Severe Wind Events in the Lancaster Area ............................................................................ 6-1 Causes and Characteristics of Windstorms in the Lancaster Area ......................................................... 6-3 Stakeholder Input and Participation ........................................................................................................ 6-3 Windstorm Hazard Identification............................................................................................................. 6-3 Estimated Impact of an Event ............................................................................................................ 6-5 Impact of Climate Change .................................................................................................................. 6-5 Impact of Land Use Development ...................................................................................................... 6-5 Impact of Population Patterns ............................................................................................................ 6-6
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Risk of Future Wind Events .................................................................................................................... 6-6 Severe Windstorm Overall Probability .................................................................................................... 6-6 Disasters Declarations and Emergency Proclamations .......................................................................... 6-6 FEMA Disasters Declarations ............................................................................................................ 6-6 Cal OES Open State of Emergency Proclamations ........................................................................... 6-7 Windstorm Vulnerabilities ....................................................................................................................... 6-7 Life and Property ................................................................................................................................ 6-7 Utilities and Infrastructure .................................................................................................................. 6-7 Transportation .................................................................................................................................... 6-8 Increased Fire Threat ......................................................................................................................... 6-8 Windstorm Mitigation Strategies ............................................................................................................. 6-9 Interagency Efforts ............................................................................................................................. 6-9 Lancaster Mitigation Activities ............................................................................................................ 6-9 SECTION 7: EARTHQUAKE ................................................................................................................. 7-1 The Nature of the Earthquake Threat ..................................................................................................... 7-1 Earthquakes in Southern California ........................................................................................................ 7-2 History of Significant Earthquakes in Southern California .................................................................. 7-3 Causes and Characteristics of Earthquakes .......................................................................................... 7-4 Earthquake Faults in or Near the Lancaster Region .......................................................................... 7-4 Lancaster Region Earthquake Probability .............................................................................................. 7-6 Earthquake Scenarios ............................................................................................................................ 7-7 HAZUS San Andreas Earthquake Scenario ....................................................................................... 7-7 Induced Earthquake Damage .......................................................................................................... 7-11 Economic Loss ................................................................................................................................. 7-13 ShakeMap Scenarios ....................................................................................................................... 7-16 Other Nearby Earthquake Events .................................................................................................... 7-18 Stakeholder Input and Participation ...................................................................................................... 7-19 Earthquake Hazard Identification ......................................................................................................... 7-19 Casualties ........................................................................................................................................ 7-19 Structures ......................................................................................................................................... 7-19 Transportation Infrastructure ............................................................................................................ 7-19 Lifelines ............................................................................................................................................ 7-20 Socially Vulnerable Populations ....................................................................................................... 7-21 Fire ................................................................................................................................................... 7-21 Economy .......................................................................................................................................... 7-21
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Estimated Impact of an Event .......................................................................................................... 7-22 Impact of Climate Change ................................................................................................................ 7-23 Impact of Land Use Development .................................................................................................... 7-23 Impact of Population Patterns .......................................................................................................... 7-23 Risk of Future Major Earthquake Events .............................................................................................. 7-23 Earthquake Overall Probability ............................................................................................................. 7-24 Disasters Declarations and Emergency Proclamations ........................................................................ 7-24 FEMA Disasters Declarations .......................................................................................................... 7-24 Cal OES Open State of Emergency Proclamations ......................................................................... 7-24 Earthquake Vulnerabilities .................................................................................................................... 7-24 Liquefaction ...................................................................................................................................... 7-24 Landslide .......................................................................................................................................... 7-26 California Earthquake Mitigation Legislation ........................................................................................ 7-27 Code Development .......................................................................................................................... 7-27 Earthquake Mitigation Strategies .......................................................................................................... 7-28 Lancaster Mitigation Activities .......................................................................................................... 7-28 SECTION 8: ENERGY DISRUPTION .................................................................................................... 8-1 The Nature of the Energy Threat ............................................................................................................ 8-1 Energy Overview .................................................................................................................................... 8-1 Solar and Wind Power ....................................................................................................................... 8-2 Hydrogen Power ................................................................................................................................ 8-3 Historical Record of Power Outages ...................................................................................................... 8-3 History of Energy Outages in Southern California .............................................................................. 8-3 History of Oil and Fuel Events in Southern California ........................................................................ 8-4 Causes and Characteristics of Energy Events ....................................................................................... 8-4 Deliberate Attacks .............................................................................................................................. 8-5 Natural Disasters ............................................................................................................................... 8-5 Accidental Events .............................................................................................................................. 8-5 Systemic Threats ............................................................................................................................... 8-6 Stakeholder Input and Participation ........................................................................................................ 8-6 Power Outage Hazard Identification ....................................................................................................... 8-6 Injuries ............................................................................................................................................... 8-6 Transportation Infrastructure .............................................................................................................. 8-7 Lifelines .............................................................................................................................................. 8-7 Services ............................................................................................................................................. 8-8
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Personal Safety .................................................................................................................................. 8-8 Economy ............................................................................................................................................ 8-9 Estimated Impact of an Event ............................................................................................................ 8-9 Impact of Climate Change ................................................................................................................ 8-10 Impact of Land Use and Development ............................................................................................. 8-10 Impact of Population Patterns .......................................................................................................... 8-10 Energy Disruption Probability ............................................................................................................... 8-11 Disasters Declarations and Emergency Proclamations ........................................................................ 8-11 FEMA Disasters Declarations .......................................................................................................... 8-11 Cal OES Open State of Emergency Proclamations ......................................................................... 8-11 Oil, Fuel and Water Hazard Identification ............................................................................................. 8-12 Injuries and Fatalities ....................................................................................................................... 8-12 Lifelines ............................................................................................................................................ 8-12 Economy .......................................................................................................................................... 8-12 Risk of Future Energy Disruption Events .............................................................................................. 8-13 Energy Disruption Overall Probability ................................................................................................... 8-14 Power Outage Vulnerabilities ............................................................................................................... 8-14 Critical Infrastructure ........................................................................................................................ 8-15 Business and Industry ...................................................................................................................... 8-15 Public Health and Safety .................................................................................................................. 8-15 Natural Gas, Oil, and Water Distribution Vulnerabilities ....................................................................... 8-16 Earthquakes ..................................................................................................................................... 8-16 Critical Infrastructure ........................................................................................................................ 8-17 Business and Industry ...................................................................................................................... 8-17 Public Health and Safety .................................................................................................................. 8-17 Energy Mitigation Strategies ................................................................................................................ 8-18 SECTION 9: WILDFIRE ......................................................................................................................... 9-1 The Nature of the Wildfire Threat ........................................................................................................... 9-1 Historical Record of Significant Fires ...................................................................................................... 9-1 Stakeholder Input and Participation ........................................................................................................ 9-1 Causes and Characteristics of Wildfires ................................................................................................. 9-2 Wildfire Hazard Identification .................................................................................................................. 9-2 Urban / Wildland Interface Fires ......................................................................................................... 9-2 Fire Severity Zones ............................................................................................................................ 9-2 Estimated Impact of an Event................................................................................................................. 9-4
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Critical Infrastructure .............................................................................................................................. 9-6 Impact of Climate Change ...................................................................................................................... 9-6 Impact of Land Use and Development ................................................................................................... 9-6 Impact of Population Patterns ................................................................................................................ 9-6 Disasters Declarations and Emergency Proclamations .......................................................................... 9-7 FEMA Disasters Declarations ............................................................................................................ 9-7 Cal OES Open State of Emergency Proclamations ........................................................................... 9-7 Risk of Future Wildfire Events ................................................................................................................ 9-7 Wildfire Overall Probability ..................................................................................................................... 9-8 Wildfire Vulnerabilities ............................................................................................................................ 9-8 Base Hazard Factors ......................................................................................................................... 9-8 The Threat of Urban Conflagration................................................................................................... 9-10 Wildfire Mitigation ................................................................................................................................. 9-10 Federal Programs ............................................................................................................................ 9-10 Los Angeles County Fire Department .............................................................................................. 9-11 Fire Codes ....................................................................................................................................... 9-13 Building Codes ................................................................................................................................. 9-13 Public Education and Involvement ................................................................................................... 9-13 Lancaster Wildfire Mitigation Strategies ............................................................................................... 9-14 SECTION 10: FLOOD ........................................................................................................................ 10-1 The Nature of Flood Threat .................................................................................................................. 10-1 Historical Record of Flooding ............................................................................................................... 10-1 History of Flooding in Southern California ........................................................................................ 10-1 Significant Floods in the Lancaster Region ...................................................................................... 10-7 Causes and Characteristics of Floods .................................................................................................. 10-9 Annual Precipitation ......................................................................................................................... 10-9 Flash Floods .................................................................................................................................... 10-9 Stakeholder Input and Participation .................................................................................................... 10-10 Flood Hazard Identification ................................................................................................................. 10-10 Storm Events ................................................................................................................................. 10-11 Geography and Geology ................................................................................................................ 10-11 Urban Development ....................................................................................................................... 10-12 Flood Maps and Flood Insurance Studies ...................................................................................... 10-12 Dam and Reservoir Failure ............................................................................................................ 10-12
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Estimated Impact of an Event ........................................................................................................ 10-14 Impact of Climate Change .................................................................................................................. 10-15 Impact of Land Use and Development ............................................................................................... 10-15 Impact of Population Patterns ............................................................................................................ 10-15 Risk of Future Flood Events ............................................................................................................... 10-16 Flood Overall Probability .................................................................................................................... 10-16 Disasters Declarations and Emergency Proclamations ...................................................................... 10-16 FEMA Disasters Declarations ........................................................................................................ 10-16 Cal OES Open State of Emergency Proclamations ....................................................................... 10-17 Flood Vulnerabilities ........................................................................................................................... 10-17 Property Loss ................................................................................................................................. 10-17 Critical Infrastructure ...................................................................................................................... 10-17 Business and Industry .................................................................................................................... 10-17 Flood Mitigation Strategies ................................................................................................................. 10-18 National Flood Insurance Program................................................................................................. 10-18 Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) ............................................................................................... 10-19 Lancaster Flood Mitigation Activities .............................................................................................. 10-21 SECTION 11: CLIMATE CHANGE .................................................................................................... 11-1 The Nature of the Climate Change Threat ........................................................................................... 11-1 Temperature Changes ..................................................................................................................... 11-1 Water and Drought ........................................................................................................................... 11-2 Climate Change and Drought History ................................................................................................... 11-3 Temperature .................................................................................................................................... 11-3 Drought ............................................................................................................................................ 11-4 Wildfire ............................................................................................................................................. 11-5 Flood ................................................................................................................................................ 11-5 Water Supply Management and Drought Considerations .................................................................... 11-5 Estimated Impact of Climate Change and Drought .............................................................................. 11-6 Impact of Climate Change .................................................................................................................... 11-7 Impact of Land Use and Development ................................................................................................. 11-7 Impact of Population Patterns .............................................................................................................. 11-7 Risk of Future Climate Change ............................................................................................................ 11-7 Climate Change Overall Probability ...................................................................................................... 11-8 Stakeholder Input and Participation ...................................................................................................... 11-8
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Critical Infrastructure ............................................................................................................................ 11-8 Disasters Declarations and Emergency Proclamations ........................................................................ 11-9 FEMA Disasters Declarations .......................................................................................................... 11-9 Cal OES Open State of Emergency Proclamations ......................................................................... 11-9 Climate Change Vulnerabilities ............................................................................................................ 11-9 Climate Change Probabilities ......................................................................................................... 11-10 Climate Change Mitigation Strategies ................................................................................................ 11-13 Green Energy Programs ................................................................................................................ 11-13 SECTION 12: PANDEMIC ................................................................................................................. 12-1 The Nature of the Pandemic Threat ..................................................................................................... 12-1 Major Factors ................................................................................................................................... 12-1 The Continuum of Pandemic Phases ............................................................................................... 12-1 Phases of a Pandemic ..................................................................................................................... 12-2 Stakeholder Input and Participation ...................................................................................................... 12-2 Historical Record of Worldwide Pandemic Events ................................................................................ 12-3 Causes and Characteristics of COVID-19 ............................................................................................ 12-4 Covid-19 Fatalities in the City of Lancaster ...................................................................................... 12-4 Pandemic Hazard Identification ............................................................................................................ 12-5 World Health Organization (WHO) Declaration ................................................................................ 12-5 White House Emergency Declaration .............................................................................................. 12-5 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Pandemic Declaration ..................................... 12-5 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) .......................................................................... 12-5 Governor Emergency Declaration .................................................................................................... 12-5 Stay at Home Order ......................................................................................................................... 12-6 Estimated Impact of an Event .......................................................................................................... 12-6 Risk of Future Pandemic Events .......................................................................................................... 12-7 Pandemic Overall Probability ............................................................................................................... 12-7 Impact of Climate Change .................................................................................................................... 12-7 Impact of Land Use and Development ................................................................................................. 12-7 Impact of Population Patterns .............................................................................................................. 12-7 Disasters Declarations and Emergency Proclamations ........................................................................ 12-8 FEMA Disasters Declarations .......................................................................................................... 12-8 Cal OES Open State of Emergency Proclamations ......................................................................... 12-8 Pandemic Vulnerabilities ...................................................................................................................... 12-9
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Age .................................................................................................................................................. 12-9 Business and Industry .................................................................................................................... 12-10 Healthcare System ......................................................................................................................... 12-10 Public Gatherings ........................................................................................................................... 12-10 Underlying Disease ........................................................................................................................ 12-10 Pandemic Hazard Identification Mitigation Strategies ........................................................................ 12-11 National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan ......................................................................................... 12-11 Lancaster Pandemic Mitigation Activities ....................................................................................... 12-12 SECTION 13: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RELEASE ...................................................................... 13-1 The Nature of the Hazardous Materials Release Threat ...................................................................... 13-1 Hazardous Materials Overview............................................................................................................. 13-1 Historical Record of Hazardous Materials Releases ............................................................................ 13-3 Causes and Characteristics of Hazardous Materials Releases ............................................................ 13-5 Accidental Events ............................................................................................................................ 13-5 Deliberate Attacks ............................................................................................................................ 13-5 Natural Disasters ............................................................................................................................. 13-5 Systemic Threats ............................................................................................................................. 13-5 Stakeholder Input and Participation ...................................................................................................... 13-5 Hazardous Materials Release Identification ......................................................................................... 13-6 Injuries and Evacuation .................................................................................................................... 13-6 Transportation Infrastructure ............................................................................................................ 13-6 Environmental Damage .................................................................................................................... 13-6 Lifelines ............................................................................................................................................ 13-6 Economy .......................................................................................................................................... 13-7 Estimated Impact of an Event .......................................................................................................... 13-7 Impact of Climate Change .................................................................................................................... 13-9 Impact of Land Use and Development ................................................................................................. 13-9 Impact of Population Patterns .............................................................................................................. 13-9 Risk of Future Hazardous Materials Release Events ........................................................................... 13-9 Hazardous Materials Release Overall Probability ................................................................................ 13-9 Disasters Declarations and Emergency Proclamations ...................................................................... 13-10 FEMA Disasters Declarations ........................................................................................................ 13-10 Cal OES Open State of Emergency Proclamations ....................................................................... 13-10 Hazardous Materials Release Vulnerabilities ..................................................................................... 13-10 Pipelines ........................................................................................................................................ 13-11
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Hydrogen Plant .............................................................................................................................. 13-11 Hazardous Materials Release Mitigation Strategies ........................................................................... 13-12 Municipal Codes, Zoning, and Licensing/Permitting Requirements ............................................... 13-12 City of Lancaster General Plan ...................................................................................................... 13-12 Downtown Lancaster Specific Plan Program Environmental Impact Report .................................. 13-13 Environmental Services Department .............................................................................................. 13-15 Los Angeles County Fire Department and Hazardous Materials Certified Unified Program (CUPA) . 13- 15 SECTION 14: TERRORISM AND MASS VIOLENCE ........................................................................ 14-1 The Nature of the Terrorism and Mass Violence Threat ....................................................................... 14-1 History of Terrorist and Mass Violence Events in the Lancaster Area .................................................. 14-1 Specific Threats ............................................................................................................................... 14-1 Motivation ......................................................................................................................................... 14-2 Causes and Characteristics of Terrorism ............................................................................................. 14-2 Defining Terrorism............................................................................................................................ 14-2 Stakeholder Input and Participation ...................................................................................................... 14-2 Terrorism Hazard Identification ............................................................................................................ 14-3 International Terrorist Groups .............................................................................................................. 14-4 Domestic Terrorism in the United States .......................................................................................... 14-5 Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) ............................................................................................. 14-7 Mass Violence ...................................................................................................................................... 14-8 Defining Mass Violence .................................................................................................................... 14-8 Mass Violence Incidents in the United States .................................................................................. 14-8 Estimated Impact of an Event............................................................................................................... 14-9 Impact of Climate Change .................................................................................................................... 14-9 Impact of Land Use and Development ................................................................................................. 14-9 Impact of Population Patterns .............................................................................................................. 14-9 Disasters Declarations and Emergency Proclamations ...................................................................... 14-10 FEMA Disasters Declarations ........................................................................................................ 14-10 Cal OES Open State of Emergency Proclamations ....................................................................... 14-10 Risk of Future Terrorism and Mass Violence Events .......................................................................... 14-10 Terrorism and Mass Violence Vulnerabilities...................................................................................... 14-11 General Targets ............................................................................................................................. 14-11 Impact on the Community .............................................................................................................. 14-14
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Law Enforcement Role in Combatting Terrorism ................................................................................ 14-15 Regional Response, Mitigation, and Prevention Activities .................................................................. 14-16 Emergency Response Actions ....................................................................................................... 14-16 Mitigation and Prevention ............................................................................................................... 14-17 Terrorism Mitigation Strategies........................................................................................................... 14-17 PART III: ANNEXES ................................................................................................................................ 14-1 SECTION 15: ANNEX A: RESOURCES ............................................................................................ 15-1 SECTION 16: ANNEX B: PUBLIC EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RISK SURVEY ............. 16-1 Disaster Preparedness and Risk Survey Results ................................................................................. 16-3 SECTION 17: ANNEX C: WORKING GROUP HMP RISK ASSESSMENT SURVEY ....................... 17-1 Risk Ratings ......................................................................................................................................... 17-2 Risk Rating Changes ....................................................................................................................... 17-2 Community Risk Survey ................................................................................................................... 17-3 Risk Assessment Survey Results ......................................................................................................... 17-4 Earthquake (Greater that Magnitude 6.0) ......................................................................................... 17-4 Severe Windstorm ........................................................................................................................... 17-6 Terrorism and Mass Casualty Events .............................................................................................. 17-8 Flood .............................................................................................................................................. 17-10 Hazardous Materials Release ........................................................................................................ 17-12 Power Outage / Energy Disruption ................................................................................................. 17-14 Climate Change (including Major Drought / Severe Heat) ............................................................. 17-16 Wildfire ........................................................................................................................................... 17-18 Major Landslide or Mudslide or Debris Flow .................................................................................. 17-20 Pandemic ....................................................................................................................................... 17-22 SECTION 18: ANNEX D: PLANNING AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT .............................................. 18-1 HMP Project Planning and Prioritization ............................................................................................... 18-1 Lancaster HMP Planning Meetings ...................................................................................................... 18-2 HMP Kick-off Meeting ...................................................................................................................... 18-2 HMP Public Workshop ..................................................................................................................... 18-4 Disaster Management Area B Planning ............................................................................................... 18-5 Disaster Management Area B Meeting ................................................................................................. 18-5 SECTION 19: ANNEX E: FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAPS AND FLOOD CONTROL BASINS... 19-1 Flood Control Basins .......................................................................................................................... 19-15 SECTION 20: ANNEX F: PLAN APPROVAL DOCUMENTS ............................................................ 20-1
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TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: HMP Process Workflow ............................................................................................................... 1-9 Figure 2: Social Vulnerability Categories .................................................................................................. 1-11 Figure 3: Average Temperature by Month .................................................................................................. 2-5 Figure 4: Monsoonal Thunderstorm Viewed from Space ............................................................................ 2-6 Figure 5: Average Precipitation by Month ................................................................................................... 2-6 Figure 6: El Niño Temperature Conditions Image ....................................................................................... 2-7 Figure 7: La Niña Temperature Conditions Image ...................................................................................... 2-7 Figure 8: Lancaster Female to Male Distribution ...................................................................................... 2-10 Figure 9: Lancaster Age Distribution......................................................................................................... 2-11 Figure 10: Lancaster Race Composition ................................................................................................... 2-12 Figure 11: Lancaster Languages Spoken at Home................................................................................... 2-12 Figure 12: Lancaster Income Distribution ................................................................................................. 2-13 Figure 13: Lancaster Housing Characteristics .......................................................................................... 2-14 Figure 14: Lancaster Number of Structures Built by Year ......................................................................... 2-15 Figure 15: Lancaster Distribution of Owner Occupied Unit Values ........................................................... 2-16 Figure 16: LASD Lancaster Station .......................................................................................................... 2-19 Figure 17: Antelope Valley CERT Logo .................................................................................................... 2-22 Figure 18: LAC Emergency Preparedness Website ................................................................................. 2-23 Figure 19: Edwards Air Force Base Fissure Caused by Subsidence ........................................................ 3-11 Figure 20: Land Subsidence in the Antelope Valley 1930-1992 ............................................................... 3-11 Figure 21: Lancaster Community Center ................................................................................................. 3-17 Figure 22: Sales and Annual Payroll......................................................................................................... 3-35 Figure 23: Distribution of Sales, Value of Shipments, or Revenue of Employer Firms ............................. 3-36 Figure 24: Santa Ana Winds (Feb 2002) .................................................................................................... 6-3 Figure 25: SCE Power Shutoff Notice ......................................................................................................... 6-8 Figure 26: Palmdale Road Cut ................................................................................................................... 7-5 Figure 27: Infrastructure Interdependencies ............................................................................................. 8-14 Figure 28: Amargosa Creek Flood 1969 ................................................................................................... 10-9 Figure 29: Statewide Average Annual Temperature and Decadal Averages ............................................ 11-1 Figure 30: Palmer Drought Severity Index for California ........................................................................... 11-2
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Figure 31: Average Maximum Temperatures by Time Period................................................................. 11-10 Figure 32: Annual Average Maximum Temperature ............................................................................... 11-11 Figure 33: Maximum 1-Day Precipitation ................................................................................................ 11-12 Figure 34: The Continuum of Pandemic Phases ...................................................................................... 12-1 Figure 35: Phases of a Pandemic ............................................................................................................. 12-2 Figure 36: Covid-19 Cases by Region ...................................................................................................... 12-4 Figure 37: City of Lancaster Corona Virus Information Page .................................................................. 12-12 Figure 38: Heliogen Lancaster Facility .................................................................................................... 13-11 Figure 39: General William J. Fox Airfield ............................................................................................... 14-12 Figure 40: HMP Update Timeline.............................................................................................................. 18-1 Figure 41: FEMA FIRM Legend ................................................................................................................ 19-2
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TABLES
Table 1: Lancaster 2022 Estimated Population Data Compared to Los Angeles County ........................... 2-3 Table 2: Lancaster Principal Employers ..................................................................................................... 2-8 Table 3: Lancaster Principal Tax Payers .................................................................................................... 2-8 Table 4: Taxable Revenues by Source ....................................................................................................... 2-9 Table 5: Lancaster Sex and Age Demographics....................................................................................... 2-10 Table 6: Lancaster Race Composition ...................................................................................................... 2-11 Table 7: Languages Spoken at Home ...................................................................................................... 2-12 Table 8: Lancaster Income Distribution .................................................................................................... 2-13 Table 9: Lancaster Housing Occupancy ................................................................................................... 2-14 Table 10: Lancaster Units in Structure Change from 2017 to 2022 .......................................................... 2-14 Table 11: Year Structure Built in Lancaster .............................................................................................. 2-15 Table 12: Lancaster Home Value Distribution .......................................................................................... 2-16 Table 13: Lancaster Major Retail, Commercial, and Industrial Sites ......................................................... 2-17 Table 14: Lancaster Major Retail, Commercial, and Industrial Sites ......................................................... 2-18 Table 15: LACoFD Battalion 11 and Nearby Fire Stations ........................................................................ 2-21 Table 16: Los Angeles County Federal Declared Disasters from 2017 to 2023 .......................................... 3-4 Table 17: Working Group Hazard Rating Survey Results ........................................................................... 3-9 Table 18: Lancaster Area Fire Stations .................................................................................................... 3-16 Table 19: Critical Facilities and Infrastructure Matrix ................................................................................ 3-33 Table 20: Top 10 Employers ..................................................................................................................... 3-34 Table 21: Estimated Residential Building Counts by Type ....................................................................... 3-34 Table 22: Estimated Economic Exposure ................................................................................................. 3-35 Table 23: Estimated Dollar Exposure per Day .......................................................................................... 3-36 Table 24: Top 10 Property Tax Payers ..................................................................................................... 3-37 Table 25: Revenues by Sources - Last Ten Fiscal Years Year Ended June 30, 2022 (Modified Accrual Basis of Accounting) ................................................................................................................................. 3-37 Table 26: Threats and Major Vulnerabilities ............................................................................................. 3-39 Table 27: Potential Consequences by Threats ......................................................................................... 3-42 Table 28: FEMA Community Status Book Report: California ...................................................................... 4-2 Table 29: HMP Project Status Summary .................................................................................................. 4-26 Table 30: Severe Wind History for the Antelope Valley 10/01/2000 and 10/31/2023 .................................. 6-2
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Table 31: Beaufort Scale ............................................................................................................................ 6-4 Table 32: Estimated Population and Economic Loss of a Windstorm ......................................................... 6-5 Table 33: Significant Southern California Earthquakes Since 1857 ............................................................ 7-3 Table 34: Major Faults around the Lancaster Area ..................................................................................... 7-4 Table 35: HAZUS Expected Building Damage by Occupancy .................................................................... 7-7 Table 36: HAZUS Expected Building Damage by Building Type ................................................................ 7-8 Table 37: HAZUS Essential Building Damage Estimate ............................................................................. 7-8 Table 38: HAZUS Expected Damage to Transportation Systems ............................................................... 7-9 Table 39: HAZUS Expected Utility System Facility Damage..................................................................... 7-10 Table 40: HAZUS Expected Utility System Pipeline Damage ................................................................... 7-10 Table 41: HAZUS Expected Potable Water and Electric Power System Performance ............................. 7-10 Table 42: HAZUS Estimated Casualties ................................................................................................... 7-12 Table 43: HAZUS Building Related Loss Estimates ................................................................................. 7-13 Table 44: HAZUS Transportation Loss Estimates .................................................................................... 7-14 Table 45: HAZUS Utility Lifeline Loss Estimates ...................................................................................... 7-15 Table 46: Estimated Population and Economic Loss of an Earthquake .................................................... 7-22 Table 47: Partial List of California Laws on Earthquake Safety ................................................................ 7-27 Table 48: Large Power Outages in Southern California .............................................................................. 8-4 Table 49: Estimated Economic Loss due to an Energy Outage .................................................................. 8-9 Table 50: WECC Reliability Risk Priorities: Summary Overview ............................................................... 8-13 Table 51: Infrastructure Interdependency Matrix ...................................................................................... 8-17 Table 52: CAL FIRE Top 20 Most Destructive Wildfires ............................................................................. 9-1 Table 53: Estimated Population and Economic Loss of a Wildfire .............................................................. 9-4 Table 54: Political Entities that Coordinate with the LACoFD to Mitigate the Threat of Fire ..................... 9-11 Table 55: Significant Flood Events in Southern California 2016 – 2023 ................................................... 10-6 Table 56: Lancaster Major Tributaries .................................................................................................... 10-10 Table 57: Estimated Population and Economic Loss of Floods .............................................................. 10-14 Table 58: FEMA Community Status Book Report: California .................................................................. 10-19 Table 59: NFIP Redacted Claims Dataset .............................................................................................. 10-20 Table 60: Mean Temperature Observations and Departures for the South Coast .................................... 11-3 Table 61: Precipitation Average from 1985 to 2022 ................................................................................. 11-4 Table 62: Estimated Population and Economic Loss of Climate Change and Drought ............................. 11-6
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Table 63: Pandemics Throughout History ................................................................................................. 12-3 Table 64: Estimated COVID-19 Cases and Deaths within the Lancaster Region ..................................... 12-4 Table 65: Estimated Population and Economic Loss of a Pandemic ........................................................ 12-6 Table 66: Lancaster Reported HazMat Spills 2000 to 2023 ...................................................................... 13-4 Table 67: Estimated Economic Loss due to an Energy Outage ................................................................ 13-7 Table 68: Terrorist Group Categories ....................................................................................................... 14-3 Table 69: Foreign Terrorist Organizations ................................................................................................ 14-5 Table 70: State Sponsors of Terrorism ..................................................................................................... 14-5 Table 71: Domestic Terrorism Examples .................................................................................................. 14-6 Table 72: Estimated Population and Economic Loss of Terrorist Events .................................................. 14-9 Table 73: Terrorist Event Considerations ............................................................................................... 14-15 Table 74: Risk Ratings .............................................................................................................................. 17-2
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MAPS
Map 1: Los Angeles County Disaster Management Areas ......................................................................... 1-6 Map 2: City of Lancaster, Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Map ......................... 2-2 Map 3: City of Lancaster, Southern California Map .................................................................................... 2-4 Map 4: LASD Lancaster Station Location ................................................................................................. 2-19 Map 5: Lancaster Area LACoFD Station Map ........................................................................................... 2-21 Map 6: Lancaster Population Density ......................................................................................................... 3-6 Map 7: California Drought Monitor, September 2018 ................................................................................ 3-10 Map 8: Airports within 35 miles ................................................................................................................. 3-13 Map 9: Los Angeles County Sheriff Station - Lancaster ........................................................................... 3-15 Map 10: Battalion 11 Fire Stations ............................................................................................................ 3-16 Map 11: Land Use Map 1 ......................................................................................................................... 3-21 Map 12: Land Use Map 2 ......................................................................................................................... 3-22 Map 13: Land Use Map 3 ......................................................................................................................... 3-23 Map 14: Land Use Map 4 ......................................................................................................................... 3-24 Map 15: Residential Development Projects .............................................................................................. 3-25 Map 16: San Andreas Fault "Big Bend" ...................................................................................................... 7-1 Map 17: Parallel Faults to the San Andreas Fault....................................................................................... 7-1 Map 18: Recent Earthquakes In or Near Lancaster .................................................................................... 7-2 Map 19: Earthquake Faults in the Greater Lancaster Region ..................................................................... 7-4 Map 20: Southern California Shaking Potential .......................................................................................... 7-6 Map 21: Northridge Earthquake ShakeMap .............................................................................................. 7-16 Map 22: San Andreas Fault Scenario ShakeMap ..................................................................................... 7-17 Map 23: San Fernando Earthquake ShakeMap ........................................................................................ 7-17 Map 24: Verdugo Fault Scenario .............................................................................................................. 7-18 Map 25: 1857 Fort Tejon Quake Scenario ................................................................................................ 7-18 Map 26: Department of Conservation Liquefaction Map ........................................................................... 7-25 Map 27: Liquefaction Area Map ................................................................................................................ 7-26 Map 28: Energy Production Sites in Kern County and Antelope Valley Area ............................................. 8-1 Map 29: Antelope Valley and Lancaster Electric Transmission Lines ......................................................... 8-2 Map 30: Solar Power Generation Sites in Lancaster .................................................................................. 8-2 Map 31: Pipeline Map ............................................................................................................................... 8-16
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Map 32: City of Lancaster FHSZ Map ......................................................................................................... 9-3 Map 33: City of Lancaster FHSZ West of 110th St W .................................................................................. 9-3 Map 34: CAL FIRE Severity Zone Map – Lancaster and Palmdale Region ................................................ 9-5 Map 35: Flood Hazard Areas .................................................................................................................... 10-8 Map 36: FEMA FIRM showing Town of Pearblossom Watershed .......................................................... 10-13 Map 37: Lancaster Flood Insurance Rate Map Panel Numbers ............................................................ 10-19 Map 38: CNAP Mean Temperature Departures from 1981-2010 Average ............................................... 11-3 Map 39: Current Drought Western U.S. Status (2023) ............................................................................. 11-4 Map 40: Regional Trends in Extreme Heat Days and Nights .................................................................. 11-11 Map 41: Hazardous Materials Large Quantity Generators ........................................................................ 13-1 Map 42: Metrolink Rail Map ...................................................................................................................... 13-2 Map 43: Pipeline Map ............................................................................................................................. 13-11 Map 44: Active Shooter Locations with Five Highest Casualty Counts (2022) ......................................... 14-8 Map 45: General William J. Fox Airfield Map .......................................................................................... 14-12 Map 46: US Army and Air Force Recruiting Offices Map ........................................................................ 14-13 Map 47: Lancaster FIRM Panel 150 ......................................................................................................... 19-3 Map 48: Lancaster FIRM Panel 175 ......................................................................................................... 19-4 Map 49: Lancaster FIRM Panel 400 ......................................................................................................... 19-5 Map 50: Lancaster FIRM Panel 405 ......................................................................................................... 19-6 Map 51: Lancaster FIRM Panel 410 ......................................................................................................... 19-7 Map 52: Lancaster FIRM Panel 415 ......................................................................................................... 19-8 Map 53: Lancaster FIRM Panel 420 ......................................................................................................... 19-9 Map 54: Lancaster FIRM Panel 442 ....................................................................................................... 19-10 Map 55: Lancaster FIRM Panel 450 ....................................................................................................... 19-11 Map 56: Lancaster FIRM Panel 462 ....................................................................................................... 19-12 Map 57: Lancaster FIRM Panel 465 ....................................................................................................... 19-13 Map 58: Lancaster FIRM Panel 475 ....................................................................................................... 19-14 Map 59: Retention Basin Skytower Park 32nd St E and E Ave K-3 ......................................................... 19-16 Map 60: Ave K and 32rd St East ............................................................................................................ 19-16 Map 61: Retention Basin 27th St East and Ave J-8 ................................................................................. 19-17 Map 62: Retention Basin 7th St East and Ave K...................................................................................... 19-17 Map 63: Retention Basin 5th St. East and Ave K..................................................................................... 19-18
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Map 64: Retention Basin 5th St East and Ave J-11 ................................................................................. 19-18 Map 65: Retention Basin Ave H-8 and 35th St East ................................................................................ 19-19 Map 66: Retention Basin Ave I West of 37th St East ............................................................................... 19-19 Map 67: Retention Basin 20th St E and Ave I .......................................................................................... 19-20 Map 68: Retention Basin 23rd St East and Sontera Ave ......................................................................... 19-20 Map 69: Retention Basin 26th St East and Ave I ..................................................................................... 19-21 Map 70: Retention Basin Ave H Overpass and Sierra Hwy Service Rd .................................................. 19-21 Map 71: Retention Basin Avenue H-8 and 5th St East ............................................................................ 19-22 Map 72: Retention Basin 7th St West and Ave G-12 ............................................................................... 19-22 Map 73: Retention Basin Division and Milling ......................................................................................... 19-23 Map 74: Retention Basin Sierra Highway and Ave H-4 .......................................................................... 19-23 Map 75: Retention Basin 15th St West and Ave H .................................................................................. 19-24 Map 76: Retention Basin Ave H and Highway 14 ................................................................................... 19-24 Map 77: Retention Basin 20th St West and Ave H-8 ............................................................................... 19-25 Map 78: Retention Basin 50th St West and Ave J ................................................................................... 19-25 Map 79: Retention Basin 60th St West and Ave J ................................................................................... 19-26 Map 80: Retention Basin Ave J-8 and 57th St West ................................................................................ 19-26 Map 81: Retention Basin Ave J-10 and 57th St West .............................................................................. 19-27 Map 82: Retention Basin M-2 ................................................................................................................. 19-27 Map 83: Retention Basin 65th St West and Ave J ................................................................................... 19-28 Map 84: Retention Basin 50th St West and Ave K-4 ............................................................................... 19-28 Map 85: Retention Basin 45th St West and Ave K-4 ............................................................................... 19-29 Map 86: Retention Basin 55th St West and Ave L-14 .............................................................................. 19-29 Map 87: Retention Basin 58th St West and Ave L-8 ................................................................................ 19-30 Map 88: Retention Basin 60th St West and Ave L-8 ................................................................................ 19-30 Map 89: Retention Basin Plains Dr and Ave L-4 ..................................................................................... 19-31 Map 90: Retention Basin 65th St West and Ave L-8 ................................................................................ 19-31 Map 91: Retention Basin 15th St West and Ave H-4 ............................................................................... 19-32 Map 92: Retention Basin 75th St West and Ave L-8 ................................................................................ 19-32 Map 93: Retention Basin 70th St West and Ave L-8 ................................................................................ 19-33 Map 94: Retention Basin Ave L and 57th St West ................................................................................... 19-33
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PART I: OVERVIEW AND MITIGATION STRATEGY ACTION PLAN
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
Authorities and Jurisdiction
The City of Lancaster was incorporated in 1977. Under the City Charter, the City has all powers under the Constitution and laws of the State of California to make and enforce all laws and regulations with respect to municipal affairs, subject only to such restrictions and limitations as may be provided in its Charter and in the Constitution of the State of California. Further, the City has the power and authority to adopt, make, exercise and enforce all legislation, laws and regulations and to take all actions and to exercise any and all rights, powers, and privileges established, granted or prescribed by any law of the State of California or by any other lawful authority. As such, the City of Lancaster has developed this Hazard Mitigation Plan to promote and implement strategies to further the development of Lancaster as a disaster resistant community.
Hazard Mitigation Plan Purpose
The City of Lancaster has updated the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan to document the current risks to the local area, maintain a planning mechanism for projects designed to mitigate these risks, and meet the requirements of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (see Plan Description section for details) which includes this required five-year update.
Hazard Mitigation Plan Mission
The Mission of the City of Lancaster Hazard Mitigation Plan is to promote sound public policy and programs designed to protect the public, critical facilities, infrastructure, private and public property, and the environment from natural and human generated hazards. This will be achieved by developing, implementing, and maintaining this plan to guide the city toward creating and maintaining a safer more sustainable community.
Hazard Mitigation Plan Goals
The HMP Goals describe the overall direction that the City of Lancaster’s departments, organizations, and citizens can take to minimize the impacts of hazards. The HMP Goals help to guide the direction of future activities aimed at reducing risk and preventing loss from hazards.
The HMP Goals are the foundation for the broad direction of the Mission Statement and the specific recommendations that are outlined in the strategies. These goals are divided into four major categories:
Protect Life, Property, and the Environment
Public Awareness
Partnerships and Implementation
Emergency Management
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Specific actions to achieve the City of Lancaster’s goals include:
Protect Life, Property, Environment
Implement activities that assist in protecting lives by making homes, businesses, infrastructure, critical facilities, and other property more resistant to hazards with attention to addressing the needs of the socially vulnerable community based on:
o Socioeconomic Status
o Household Composition and Disability
o Minority Status & Language
o Housing & Transportation
Reduce losses and repetitive damages for chronic hazard events while promoting insurance coverage for catastrophic hazards
Encourage preventative measures for existing and new development in areas vulnerable to hazards Public Awareness
Develop and implement education and outreach programs to increase public awareness of the risks associated with hazards
Develop and implement education and outreach programs to increase public awareness of the mitigation measures associated with hazards
Provide information on tools, partnership opportunities, and funding resources to assist in implementing mitigation activities
Partnerships and Implementation
Strengthen communication and coordinate participation among and within public agencies, citizens, non- profit organizations, business, and industry to gain a vested interest in implementation Encourage leadership within public and private sector organizations to prioritize and implement local, county, and regional hazard mitigation activities
Assist in the development of the Safety Element of the General Plan Emergency Management
Establish policy to ensure mitigation projects for critical facilities, services, and infrastructure Update current ordinances, make recommendations for guidelines, codes, and permitting process and establish new ordinances that support mitigation
Strengthen emergency operations by increasing collaboration and coordination among departments, public agencies, non-profit organizations, business, and industry Coordinate and integrate hazard mitigation activities, where appropriate, with emergency operations plans and procedures
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Acknowledgements
The Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) update involved the input of multiple individuals representing the City of Lancaster. The Working Group were involved in the HMP update process via Planning Meetings and Public Meetings. Each representative further included the appropriate resources from each city as part of the planning process as necessary. Participants in the process included the following HMP Working Group members.
HMP Working Group
Department Name Title
Administration, Office of the City Manager Felkins, John Emergency Management Coordinator HMP Project Manager
Administration, Office of the City Manager Jason Caudle City Manager Administration, Office of the City Manager Niebla, Trolis Assistant City Manager Administrative Services Watkins, Meg Risk Management
Capital Programs Carrillo, Stephen Senior Engineer
Community Development De La Cruz, Larissa Director
Community Development / Environmental Lange, Travis Supervisor, Debris Management Community Development /Building and
Safety Division
Bennett, Warren Chief Building Official
Community Services Varela, Melissa Manager
Finance Harris, George Director of Finance
Finance and IT Haggard, Joe Assistant Director of Finance and IT Los Angeles County Fire Department Ghorbani, Jason Battalion Chief Los Angeles County Fire Department Walker, Darren Battalion Chief Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Bartlett, Paul R. Captain, Lancaster Station Parks, Arts, Recreation and Community
Services
Patterson, Sonya Director
Public Safety Noga, Andrew Manager of Code Enforcement and Emergency Services
HMP Project Sponsor
Public Works Diaz, Marissa Director of Public Works
Public Works Harne, Michael Assistant Director
Public Works / Utility Services Katz, Bruce Assistant Director Utility Division
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Additional Stakeholders
The Risk Assessment Survey and Community Disaster Preparedness and Risk Survey were additionally distributed to the stakeholders below (via city website, emails, newsletters, social media posts, etc.) to determine the relative risks associated with the major hazards identified in the Lancaster region. In addition, the below stakeholders were invited to the public outreach meeting which took place in a hybrid setting at the City Hall and on Zoom on 11/30/2023. The information was used to prioritize the threats to the region.
Agency / Business / Organization
Antelope Valley College
Antelope Valley College Palmdale Center
Antelope Valley Transit Authority
California State Prison, Los Angeles
City of Lancaster Communications Team
City of Lancaster Performance Art Center
Emergency Management
Grace Resources
Los Angeles County Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)
Los Angeles County Public Works Department
Michael Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse
Palmdale Water District
Salvation Army
University of Antelope Valley
City Outreach to Socially Vulnerable Populations
The City of Lancaster Communications Team utilizes local public access TV channel L28, radio, email lists to communicate with the identified socially vulnerable populations (see Section1 - Consequences of the Hazard on the Socially Vulnerable). Additionally, the Emergency Management team uses Nixle volunteer sign up and WE A notifications. The City collaborates with the Sheriff’s Department to conduct outreach to the unhoused population as well as warn and move the population in case of a hazard, especially in areas of higher risk.
The City of Lancaster conducted a public outreach meeting which took place in a hybrid setting at the City Hall and on Zoom on 11/30/2023. The Emergency Management Team as a member of the HMP Planning Group obtained input on the impact of a disaster on the socially vulnerable, including residents 65 and older, households with disabilities, those below the poverty line, and the unhoused population. The City of Lancaster continues to assess and evaluate the vulnerable populations within their city to incorporate their needs into the hazard mitigation plan. For example, elderly residents may have special requirements for medical care, feeding, electrical power, and transportation. Lower income and the unhoused populations may require housing assistance and other services such as food and medical attention. The Community Profile section provides details on the local area demographics.
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Overall Changes in Priority
For Lancaster, the priority of overall mitigation actions for specific hazards has remained unchanged since the 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). This is because there has been no emergence of new hazards or risks that were not previously identified in the city. Although Pandemic and Hazardous Materials Release were included as a potential hazard in the updated plan, it does not alter the priority of overall mitigation actions identified by the city.
Los Angeles County Operational Area and Disaster Management Areas The Los Angeles County Operational Area is divided into 8 groupings (A through H) with the City of Lancaster in Area B. The Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) was established by Chapter
2.68 of the County Code with responsibility for organizing and directing the preparedness efforts of the Emergency Management Organization of Los Angeles County. OEM responsibilities include: Planning and Coordination, Operations, Training, Technical Operations, and Public Education.
Area A
Beverly Hills
Culver City
Santa Monica
West Hollywood
Area B
Agoura Hills
Calabasas
Hidden Hills
Lancaster
Malibu
Palmdale
Santa Clarita
Westlake Village
Area C
Alhambra
Burbank
Glendale
La Canada Flintridge
Monterey Park
Pasadena
San Fernando
San Gabriel
San Marino
South Pasadena
Area D
Arcadia
Azusa
Baldwin Park
Bradbury
Claremont
City Of Industry
Covina
Diamond Bar
Duarte
El Monte
Glendora
Irwindale
La Puente
La Verne
Monrovia
Pomona
Rosemead
San Dimas
Sierra Madre
South El Monte
Temple City
Walnut
West Covina
Area E
Artesia
Bell
Bell Gardens
Bellflower
Carson
Cerritos
City Of Commerce
Compton
Cudahy
Downey
Hawaiian Gardens
Huntington Park
La Habra Heights
La Mirada
Lakewood
Lynwood
Maywood
Montebello
Norwalk
Paramount
Pico Rivera
Santa Fe Springs
South Gate
Vernon
Whittier
Area F
Avalon
Long Beach
Signal Hill
Area G
El Segundo
Gardena
Hawthorne
Hermosa Beach
Inglewood
Lawndale
Lomita
Manhattan Beach
Palos Verdes Estates
Rancho Palos Verdes
Redondo Beach
Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills Estates
Torrance
Area H
Los Angeles
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As a member of Area B, the City of Lancaster is able to incorporate County hazard mitigation and emergency response activities and programs into its local mitigation and planning strategies as well as coordinate its efforts with other local cities.
Map 1: Los Angeles County Disaster Management Areas
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Plan Description
Hazard Mitigation Plan Development
While disasters cannot be fully prevented, their effects can be reduced through a well-organized public education and awareness effort, preparedness, mitigation, and coordinated response. In 2005, the City of Lancaster chose to develop its Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) in order to coordinate efforts and resources.
The HMP was subsequently revised and accepted by Cal OES and FEMA in 2014 and again in 2020. This HMP updates the original HMP according to the requirements of its five-year renewal cycle.
Why Develop a Mitigation Plan?
The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act provides the basis for federal assistance to state and local governments impacted by a disaster and outlines the requirements for mitigation planning. Hazard Mitigation is considered the first step in preparing for emergencies (rather than placing a reliance on recovery after an event). The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires state and local governments to update their hazard mitigation plans every 5 years. The consequences of not having an approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan can be significant. Without it, cities are ineligible for FEMA mitigation programs including: the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and Flood Mitigation Assistance Program. More importantly, an ongoing mitigation effort is required in order for cities to obtain public assistance funding for repetitive losses (e.g., damaged facilities) following a disaster.
The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000), Section 322 (a-d) requires that local governments maintain mitigation plans that describe the process for identifying hazards, risks and vulnerabilities, identifies and prioritizes mitigation actions, encourages the development of local mitigation, and provides technical support for those efforts as a condition of receiving federal disaster mitigation funds. This Hazard Mitigation Plan serves to meet these requirements.
Furthermore, on Oct. 5, 2018 the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 was passed into law as part of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018. These reforms acknowledge the shared responsibility for disaster response and recovery, aim to reduce the complexity of FEMA, and build the nation’s capacity for the next catastrophic event. The law contains 56 distinct provisions that require FEMA policy or regulation changes for full implementation, as they amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
Provision Number Description
1204-1209 Authorizes FEMA to provide hazard mitigation grant funding in areas that receive Fire Management Assistance Grants as a result of wildfire.
1210(a)-1219 Authorizes the President to waive certain duplication of benefits if waiver is in the public interest and will not result in waste, fraud, or abuse. 1220-1229 Requires FEMA to study the inter-agency expedited environmental and historical review process and provide a report to Congress.
1230-1239 Requires FEMA to provide technical assistance “to a common interest community that provides essential services of a governmental nature” on how they may be eligible for Public Assistance in certain circumstances.
1240-1246 Requires FEMA to provide a regular report to Congress on the times and estimated amounts in which self-insurance amounts were insufficient to address flood damages.
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This plan assists the City of Lancaster in reducing risk from hazards by identifying resources, information, and strategies for risk reduction, while helping to guide and coordinate mitigation activities throughout the Lancaster area. Mitigation strategies for reducing the potential losses identified in the risk assessment are outlined and are based on existing authorities, policies, programs, resources, and the ability to expand on and improve these existing tools. In summary, the information and mitigation strategies within the Hazard Mitigation Plan:
Establish a basis for coordination and collaboration between departments and the public in the City of Lancaster
Identify and prioritize future mitigation projects
Assist in meeting the requirements of federal assistance programs Whom Does the Mitigation Plan Affect?
This Hazard Mitigation Plan affects City of Lancaster and provides a framework for pre-emptive planning for hazards. The resources and background information in the plan are applicable area-wide, and the goals and recommendations lay the groundwork for mitigation plans and partnerships for neighboring communities.
How is the Plan Used?
Each section of the Hazard Mitigation Plan provides information and resources to assist in understanding the region and the hazard-related issues facing citizens, businesses, and the environment. The sections of the Hazard Mitigation Plan combine to create a document that guides the mission to reduce risk and prevent loss from future hazard events.
Hazard Mitigation Planning Process
The development of this plan was a collaborative effort. The process was facilitated across multiple departments along with a consulting agency, MLC & Associates. The HMP Working Group was composed of the representatives from various City of Lancaster departments involved in mitigation planning and disaster preparedness. The HMP Working Group was established in order to guide the process and provide final approval of the Hazard Mitigation Plan and mitigation strategies. In addition, the HMP Working Group facilitated the planning process, provided feedback, reviewed the plan, and was responsible for initial approvals.
Various departments within the City of Lancaster assisted in developing the plan. Information resources included but were not limited to: General Plans, Master Plans, reports and studies, hazard maps, and public process documentation. Additionally, representatives from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department were part of the HMP Working Group and contributed to this Hazard Mitigation Plan.
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Plan Update Process
The workflow below depicts the basic process used to develop and update the plan.
Figure 1: HMP Process Workflow
Two years prior to the next 5-year update, the HMP Working Group will begin the process (as outlined above) for conducting comprehensive update to the HMP including a review of potential funding sources and coordination opportunities with other communities and private-sector partners. The incumbent Emergency Management Manager will oversee the plan update process.
Internal Input
The HMP Working Group was established in order to facilitate the completion of the plan, provide feedback, guidance, and approval. The HMP Project Coordinator worked with the City Manager’s office to select each of the key departments that were to provide input into the HMP. An Email was sent to each team member to invite them to the initial planning meeting (follow-up Emails were sent for subsequent planning meetings as well as for additional plan input). Participating departments included:
Administration
Building & Safety
Capital Programs
City Engineer/Traffic Engineer
Community Development
Environmental Services
Finance
Information Technology
Parks, Arts, Recreation, and Community Services
Public Safety
Public Works / Utility Services
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The Hazard Mitigation Plan Working Group, City staff, and various other stakeholders were involved in completing the plan. This process involved meetings, discussion and individual reviews and input. The planning process included:
Planning sessions with City of Lancaster representatives Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey
Reviews of historical disaster events in the local area A review of activities related to hazard mitigation from existing programs and General Plan, Capital Improvement Projects, and Development Projects
External Input
Existing mitigation strategies and activities from neighboring communities were reviewed as well as current FEMA hazard mitigation planning standards and the State of California Hazard Mitigation Plan Guidance document. In addition, geographic area and hazard specific data were generated to develop scenario based hazard maps. These resources were valuable in developing the City of Lancaster Hazard Mitigation Plan (see Annex A Resources for source information).
Information from the sources noted above was evaluated and (when applicable) incorporated into the plan.
In addition, the information gathered served as a basis for the strategy sessions that were conducted to document ongoing and future mitigation activities:
In addition, as a member of Los Angeles County Area B, the City of Lancaster was able to collaborate with other local communities (Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Malibu, Palmdale, Santa Clarita, and Westlake Village) on hazard mitigation planning and mitigation strategies (see Area B Planning Meeting Minutes).
Mitigation Strategy Five-Year Action Plan
The City of Lancaster Hazard Mitigation Action Plan includes resources and information to assist residents, public and private sector organizations, and others interested in participating in planning for hazards. The Mitigation Strategy Action Plan provides a list of activities designed to assist the City to reduce risk and prevent losses from future hazard events. The strategies address multi-hazard issues, as well as hazard specific activities such as for windstorms, earthquakes, flooding, and other events.
Requirements for Mitigation Plans
Federal and State Requirements
The following Federal requirements must be met for approval of a Hazard Mitigation Plan:
Open public involvement, with public meetings that introduce the process and project requirements.
The public must be afforded opportunities for involvement in: identifying and assessing risk, drafting a plan, and public involvement in approval stages of the plan. Community cooperation, with opportunity for other local government agencies, the business community, educational institutions, and non-profits to participate in the process. Incorporation of local documents, including General Plans, Zoning Ordinances, Building Codes, and other pertinent city and regional documents.
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The following components must be part of the planning process:
Complete documentation of the planning process.
A detailed risk assessment on hazard exposures in the community. A comprehensive mitigation strategy, which describes the goals and objectives, including proposed strategies, programs & actions to avoid long-term vulnerabilities. A plan maintenance process, which describes the method and schedule of monitoring, evaluating and updating the plan and integration of the All Hazard Mitigation Plan into other planning mechanisms.
Formal adoption by the City Council.
Plan Review by Cal OES and FEMA.
Public/Community Process
Public participation is a key component of strategic planning processes. Citizen participation offers stakeholders in the community the opportunity for inclusion of their interests and concerns into the process.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency requires public input during the development of local hazard mitigation plans.
During the Hazard Mitigation Plan development process, the public was invited to participate. Information was provided on city websites, newsletters, and the local newspapers. In addition, a public “Ready Lancaster” survey was distributed (see Annex B Disaster Preparedness Risk Survey ) and a Town Hall meeting was conducted to encourage public participation in the process. Additional information is provided in Annex D Planning and Public Involvement.
Considering the Needs of the Socially Vulnerable
Social vulnerability is the susceptibility of social groups to the adverse impacts of natural hazards, including disproportionate death, injury, loss, or
disruption of livelihood. As a consequence,
enhancing the risk component of the National
Risk Index, a Social Vulnerability score and
rating represent the relative level of a
community’s social vulnerability compared to
all other communities at the same level.
A community’s Social Vulnerability score
measures its national rank or percentile. A
higher Social Vulnerability score results in a
higher Risk Index score. The overall risk score
for Los Angeles County is “High”.
The City of Lancaster considered the needs of
the socially vulnerable when developing this
Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Figure 2: Social Vulnerability Categories
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Consequences of the Hazard on the Socially Vulnerable
The City of Lancaster gathered information and evaluated the consequences of a major earthquake on the socially vulnerable in their communities by assessing their local populations in terms of socioeconomic status, household composition and disability, minority status and language, and housing and transportation.
The City of Lancaster continually assess the needs of their socially vulnerable populations. The vulnerable population includes elderly residents over the age of 65 (~11% of population), households with disabilities (~10% of population), those in with lower economic status below the poverty line (~19% of population), as well as the unhoused population. See Section I Introduction - Considering the Needs of the Socially Vulnerable for additional details.
Major concerns included:
Who are the socially vulnerable in each city? What are the demographics? What needs of the socially vulnerable can be met through hazard mitigation? What programs and/or financial assistance is needed and available? How can the cities more effectively communicate to socially vulnerable residents and others in the area specific targeted assessment and outreach efforts included:
Local residents were asked for their input via newsletters and announcements. Due to the nature of the region, the major area of vulnerability included the older population, potential households with disabilities, those below the poverty line, and the unhoused population. The City Manager’s office and departments evaluated the impact of a disaster on these vulnerable populations and included their findings in the hazard identification process and mitigation project efforts.
The City of Lancaster continues to evaluate its socially vulnerable residents who may require additional assistance to prepare for, mitigate, and respond to disasters. For example, some elderly and disabled residents are dependent on local resources including transportation assistance, electrical services to maintain home medical equipment, housekeeping and long-term care. As a consequence, the city has considered the needs of the socially vulnerable into its mitigation and planning efforts.
Hazard Mitigation Plan Key Components
This Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) update contains background information on the purpose and methodology used to develop the mitigation plan, a profile of the City of Lancaster, local region, sections on the identified hazards that threaten the area as well as the associated risks, a five-year mitigation strategy action plan matrix, and supporting information contained in the Annex. Additional section details are provided below.
Mitigation Strategy Action Plan
The City of Lancaster Hazard Mitigation Action Plan (see Section 4: Hazard Mitigation Goals and Strategies) includes resources and information to assist residents, public and private sector organizations, and others interested in participating in planning for hazards. The Mitigation Strategy Action Plan provides a list of activities designed to assist the City of Lancaster to reduce risk and prevent losses from future hazard events.
The strategies address multi-hazard issues, as well as hazard specific activities for windstorms, earthquakes, fires, flooding, landslide, and terrorism.
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Hazard Mitigation Plan Participants
The development of the Lancaster Hazard Mitigation Plan has been a collaborative city and community effort.
The planning process was facilitated by a variety of departments along with a consulting agency, MLC & Associates. The City of Lancaster HMP Working Group provided vital guidance in developing the plan and is responsible for ongoing plan monitoring, maintenance, and updates.
The public was invited to participate in the development of the plan. In addition, ongoing disaster preparedness and mitigation information is routinely provided through public notices, city Web sites, newsletters, and the local newspapers.
Coordinating Body
The City of Lancaster Hazard Mitigation Plan Working Group was responsible for coordinating implementation of plan strategies and undertaking the formal review process, as well as supporting the tactical/operational tasks required to implement the Hazard Mitigation Plan.
The Working Group was chosen to provide needed feedback, guidance and approval. The Working Group drafted the original Mission Statement, Plan Goals, identified the hazards list, and is responsible for final approval of the plan and strategies. The Working Group also provided key information, supporting documentation, and developed the hazard ratings for the identified local area hazards. The hazard rating identified hazards according to probability, magnitude/severity, warning time and duration. The survey is provided in Annex B: Disaster Preparedness Risk Survey . In addition, the Working Group was responsible for continuing an ongoing dialog with the public and other interested parties such as: neighboring communities, agencies, businesses, academia, and nonprofits in maintaining the Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Part II of the plan contains hazard specific information. Each of the sections provides information on the background and history of the hazard, as well as the associated economic and social impacts.
Strategy Organization
The data collection, research and the public participation process resulted in the development of the hazard mitigation strategies listed. The strategies outline activities in which the citizens of the City of Lancaster can be engaged to reduce risk. They reflect future action to be taken in order to reduce the loss of property and life. Section 4 Hazard Mitigation Goals and Strategies provides brief descriptions of the projects and strategies developed.
Hazard Mitigation Plan Implementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation Section 5 Plan Maintenance and Monitoring details the formal process that describes how the City of Lancaster’s Hazard Mitigation Plan is maintained. The plan maintenance process includes a Schedule for Monitoring, Evaluating, and Updating the Plan on an ongoing basis and producing a plan revision every five years. In addition, this section describes how the City of Lancaster integrated public participation into the plan maintenance and update process.
The Plan Maintenance and Monitoring section also includes an explanation of how the City of Lancaster incorporated the mitigation strategies outlined into existing planning mechanisms such as the City’s individual General Plans, Capital Improvement Plans, Building and Safety Codes and other programs within the City of Lancaster.
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Hazard Mitigation Plan Adoption
In 2005, the City of Lancaster proposed a draft Hazard Mitigation Plan. In 2013-2014 and in 2018 the Hazard Mitigation Plan was reviewed, revised, and adopted and accepted by Cal OES and FEMA.
The HMP Project Manager and Project Sponsor within the City of Lancaster were responsible for submitting this HMP update to the State Hazard Mitigation Officer at the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). Cal OES was then responsible for submitting the plan to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for review and acceptance per the federal criteria outlined in Title 44 CFR Emergency Management and Assistance: Part 201 – Mitigation Planning. Once accepted by FEMA, the City of Lancaster maintained its eligibility for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds.
Implementation Through Existing Programs
The City of Lancaster addresses statewide planning goals and legislative requirements through its General Plans, Capital Improvement Plans, and Building and Safety Codes. This Hazard Mitigation Plan provides a series of recommendations that are closely related to the goals and objectives of these existing planning programs. In addition, the City of Lancaster may implement the recommended mitigation strategies through existing programs and procedures or develop new projects as needed.
Economic Analysis of Mitigation Projects
Determining the economic feasibility of mitigating hazards can provide decision makers with an understanding of the potential benefits and costs of an activity, as well as provide a basis upon which to compare alternative projects. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's approach to identify the benefits and costs associated with hazard mitigation strategies or projects includes a Benefit-Cost Review.1 Conducting a Benefit-Cost Review for a mitigation activity can assist communities in determining whether a project is worth undertaking now in order to avoid disaster-related damages later. For the purposes of this Hazard Mitigation Plan, an estimate of the Benefit / Cost Ratio was used to evaluate the relative feasibility of the mitigation projects and strategies. The methodology utilized is outlined in Section 4 Hazard Mitigation Goals and Strategies.
Formal Review Process
As part of the review process, the Lancaster Hazard Mitigation Plan was evaluated to determine the effectiveness of existing mitigation programs and projects as well as considerations for changes in land development or other changes that may affect mitigation priorities. The HMP Project Coordinator of the City of Lancaster was responsible for contacting the Hazard Mitigation Plan Working Group members and organizing progress reviews. Working Group members were then responsible for monitoring and evaluating the progress of the mitigation strategies in the plan.
1 FEMA Publication 386-5, State and Local Mitigation Planning, Using Benefit-Cost Review in Mitigation Planning, May 2007
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Continued Public Involvement
The City of Lancaster is dedicated to involving the public directly in the continual review and updating of the Hazard Mitigation Plan. Copies of the plan were made available at various locations throughout the City including but not limited to the library, City Hall, and the city website. The existence and location of these copies were publicized on the city website and through information bulletins.
In addition, ongoing public participation in the Hazard Mitigation Plan is promoted to encourage public review and to provide feedback and suggestions for improvement through:
Ongoing surveys
City-owned television bulletins
Public E-mails
Handouts at City Hall and other public locations
City website and social media
Town Hall and other public meetings
Training events (CERT, CPR, etc.)
Emergency exercises
Mitigation Capabilities
The City of Lancaster has incorporated the following capabilities into its ability to support hazard mitigation.
Planning and Regulatory
Categories Responsible
Group(s) Ability to Support Mitigation
Plans and
Programs
Development
Services,
Planning
Department
General Plan
The City of Lancaster General Plan 2030 provides the long-term strategy for the future of the City. It identifies the types of development that will be allowed and the general pattern for future development. Further, additional provisions in the General Plan can be used to develop and enforce mitigation planning efforts. Key sections include:
Adopted General Plan Policy Document
This document contains the vision, goals, objectives, policies, and specific actions for the City. The General Plan includes the following elements or plans: natural environment, public health and safety, active living, physical mobility, municipal services and facilities, economic development and vitality, and physical development.
Housing Element
This document includes goals, objectives, policies, and specific action related to the City’s housing needs and inventory.
General Plan Land Use Map
This map shows the City’s General Plan area and City boundaries, including land use designations for properties.
General Plan 2030 Final EIR
The General Plan Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) includes an analysis of environmental impacts as a result of the adoption of General Plan 2030. The analysis
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Categories Responsible
Group(s) Ability to Support Mitigation
considers factors including traffic and circulation, air quality, noise, biological resources, public services and utilities, among others.
GP 2030 Master Environmental Assessment
The General Plan Master Environmental Assessment (MEA) describes existing conditions within the Lancaster General Plan area.
Finance
Budget and Capital Improvement Program – Describes the City’s budget including capital programs, fund balances, and sources of funds. The Revenue section describes in detail all funding sources including taxes, fees, and revenue from other agencies. Funding also includes any mitigation project costs or potential sources of funds such as state or federal grant assistance programs.
Economic
Development,
Redevelopment
Economic Development Strategic Plan – Outlines the City’s economic development program and budget including funding sources (redevelopment and economic development funds). Economic development impacts mitigation efforts through strategies for enlarging and/or controlling commercial and business programs within the City.
Public Safety
Emergency Operations Plan – Outlines the City’s disaster management roles, responsibilities including: overall EOC and City response, NIMS, SEMS/mutual aid, and Continuity of Government.
Disaster Response Plan – Describes the actions to be taken by the City and its Emergency Service agencies (including the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department) in the event of a disaster.
Hazard Mitigation Plan – Provides a risk assessment for the City, describes the prioritization of risks, opportunities for public involvement, mitigation activities, and projects designed to reduce the impact of disasters.
Development
Services,
Planning
Department
Master Plan of Complete Streets – Includes requirements for streets, sidewalks, and public rights-of-way that are designed, operated, and maintained to enable safe access for all users – pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and freight and motor vehicle drivers of all ages and abilities. The implementation of Complete Streets is intended to increase access and convenience for all users to adjacent land-uses, such as residential neighborhoods, commercial centers, and public institutions, while still providing functional, multimodal street performance for all modes whether the users are traveling to, from, or through the area.
Development
Services,
Capital
Engineering
Master Plan of Drainage – Specifies the overall drainage plan for the City and the associated drainage fees. The drainage plan also impacts mitigation efforts to reduce the threat of flood within the city and along key infrastructure.
Can these capabilities be
expanded or improved upon?
The City of Lancaster’s 2030 General Plan, Budget and Capital Improvement Program, Economic Development Strategic Plan, Master Plan of Complete Streets, and Master plan of Drainage are monitored and updated according to City guidelines and requirements. No expansion of these capabilities or improvements are required at this time.
Public Safety could conduct additional disaster response and EOC training however the current budget and resources available do not allow for expansion of current programs.
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Categories Responsible
Group(s) Ability to Support Mitigation
Building
Code,
Permitting,
and
Inspections
Development
Services, City
Engineering
The City’s Building Code, Permitting, and Inspections program ensures that new and reconstructed development meets current standards including actions to mitigate the threat of future disasters and reduce potential losses.
Additionally, the 2022 California Building Codes, including the Building Code, Residential Code, Electrical Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Energy Code, Fire Code, and the Green Building Standards Code, became mandatory throughout the State of California on January 1, 2023. Lancaster has amended these codes and adopted them as the Lancaster Codes for Buildings and Construction (see City of Lancaster Amendments).
Can these capabilities be
expanded or improved upon?
No improvements required at this time and no additional budget is available to expand on these capabilities. In the future, if the City undergoes rapid growth and expansion, then additional resource requirements will need to be evaluated to supplement City Engineering (for permitting, inspections, and other development related requirements).
Land Use
Planning and
Ordinances
Development
Services,
Planning
The City’s Land Use Planning Standards and Ordinances establish the requirements that are enforced for development within the City. This includes the identification of existing land use conditions, evaluations with consistency with relevant planning policies and recommend mitigation measures to avoid or lessen the significance of potential impacts from disasters.
Ordinances include:
Title 1 - General Provisions
Title 2 - Administration and Personnel
Title 3 - Revenue and Finance
Title 5 - Business Licenses and Regulations
Title 6 - Animals
Title 8 - Health and Safety
Title 9 - Public Peace, Morals and Welfare
Title 10 - Vehicles and Traffic
Title 11 - Mobile Homes
Title 12 - Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places
Title 13 - Public Services
Title 14 - Redevelopment/Economic Development
Title 15 - Buildings and Construction
Title 16 - Subdivisions
Title 17 - Zoning (Article III specifies Flood Damage Prevention)
In addition, Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS) are including in this HMP in Annex E:
Flood Insurance Rate Maps And Flood Control Basins.
Can these capabilities be
expanded or improved upon?
No improvements required at this time and no additional budget is available to expand on current planning capabilities. In the future, if the City undergoes rapid growth and expansion or if the needs of the local community change significantly, then additional resource requirements to re-assess current ordinances and mitigation opportunities will need to be determined.
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Administrative and Technical
Categories Responsible
Group(s) Mitigation and/or Response Role
Administration
Development
Services,
Planning
Department
The Development Services Department provides leadership, management, administration, and coordination of a wide array of municipal services. The citywide infrastructure is administered, built, and maintained through department programs, which have their own set of goals and performance objectives. The Department also provides staff support to the City of Lancaster Planning Commission and the Architectural & Design Commission.
The Department is overseen by administrative staff who provide general administrative coordination and support among all divisions, the City Manager’s Office, and all other City departments. Its responsibilities include budget preparation and control and acting as liaison between the community and Development Services divisions.
The Department and has four divisions: City Engineering, Community Development, Capital Engineering, and Public Works. Each division is comprised of sections for the coordination of the daily operational duties.
HMP Working
Group
The Working Group provides feedback, guidance and approval to the Hazard Mitigation Plan. In addition, the Working Group drafted the original Mission Statement, Plan Goals, identified the hazards list, developed the hazard ratings for the identified local area hazards, was responsible for final approval of the plan and strategies and provided key information and supporting documentation. Further, the Working Group was responsible for continuing an ongoing dialog with the public and other interested parties such as:
neighboring communities, agencies, businesses, academia, and nonprofits in maintaining the Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Maintenance
The Maintenance Services Division is responsible for providing a safe street network throughout the City for over the road travel, and for maintaining the public right of way in a way that is aesthetically pleasing, fosters a sense of community pride, and reflects the quality of life and standards expected residents. The Street Maintenance Section maintains the street right of way in a way that provides safe travel for vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and the appropriate conveyance of storm water to the storm drain infrastructure.
Mutual Aid
Agreements
The City of Lancaster participates in the State SEMS program and maintains Mutual Aid Agreements to provide assistance in the event of a disaster.
Can these capabilities be
expanded or improved upon?
No improvements required at this time and no additional budget is available to expand on these capabilities. In the future, if the City undergoes rapid growth and expansion, then additional resource requirements will need to be evaluated to supplement Development Services, Planning Department, and Street Maintenance efforts.
Staff
Chief Building
Official
The Chief Building Official oversees Building and Safety within the City. As such, mitigation efforts are enforced to ensure that all new and improved construction meet or exceed current building codes and standards.
Director
Emergency
Services
Public Safety manages emergency programs for the City including the Emergency Operations Plan and Disaster Response Plan. Per the City Emergency Operations Plan (Section 2.36.060), the Director of Emergency Services is the City Manager who is responsible for designating an Emergency Preparedness Coordinator.
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Categories Responsible
Group(s) Mitigation and/or Response Role
Community
Planning
Development Services including the Community Development Division is the primary group responsible for community planning within the City of Lancaster. Community Development supports mitigation planning efforts by ensuring the new and existing development within the City incorporate efforts to mitigate risk and reduce the impact on the environment.
Engineering
The City of Lancaster employs a number of civil engineers, associate engineers, engineering technicians, and engineering aides to support public planning, design, and building requirements. Through these activities, Engineering supports mitigation by ensure that engineering standards and codes are met and that mitigation requirements are implemented.
GIS
Coordinator
The City of Lancaster maintains a Geographic Information System (GIS) Section. This group is responsible for curating maps and maintaining geospatial data. Utilizing GIS allows City staff visualize, question, analyze, and interpret data to better understand relationships, patterns, and trends. GIS is used across the City in many functions such as Emergency Preparedness, Communications, Planning, Economic Development, Traffic, Development Services and Utilities.
Can these capabilities be
expanded or improved upon?
No improvements required at this time and no additional budget is available to expand on these capabilities. In the future, if the City undergoes rapid growth and expansion, then additional resource requirements will need to be evaluated to supplement Community Planning and Engineering efforts.
Technical
Warning
Systems /
Services
The City of Lancaster, Public Safety Department utilizes the Everbridge NIXLE system to communicate emergency alerts. The program is advertised via the City web site as well as other publications such as Neighborhood Watch Newsletters.
Hazard Data
and Information
The City of Lancaster publicizes hazard data and information via the City web site and various publications. Public Safety is primarily responsible for disseminating preparedness and hazard information in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department.
Grant Writing Each Division and Department in the City is responsible for proposing and/or grant writing – including mitigation project grants.
Can these capabilities be
expanded or improved upon?
A full time Grant Writer shared between departments would be helpful in identifying new grant opportunities as well as completing the necessary application documentation, however the City of Lancaster budget is not able to fulfill this type of position.
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Financial
Categories Responsible
Group(s) Ability to Support Mitigation
Funding
Resource
Division /
Department
Specific
Overall management of funds is provided by Finance. However, each Division and Department is responsible for managing their internal project costs and budgets. This includes mitigation project cost budgeting and management. Funding sources that have been or could be used to support ongoing mitigation efforts include:
Building Permit Fees
Business License/Permit Fees
Capital Improvement Program Funds
Drainage Fees
Encroachment Permit Fees
Engineering Fees
Environmental Management Charges
Grants (State and Federal)
Park and Special Use Facilities Fees
Planning Fees
Utility Service Permit Fees
Can these capabilities be
expanded or improved upon?
No expanded capabilities or improvements required. Each department has been tasked with monitoring opportunities for mitigation grant funding in their project planning.
Education and Outreach
Categories Responsible
Group(s) Ability to Support Mitigation
Education and
Outreach
Public
Outreach
The Public Safety Department is the City’s main public outreach resource and provides information that promotes disaster mitigation and preparedness via the City web site.
This includes copies of the City Emergency Operations Plan and Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Further, the City web site provides public notices on key threats such as storm and floods, wildfires, and the Zika virus. In addition, the web site features key sections on:
Emergency Preparedness (Ready
Lancaster Program)
Online Training Courses through the
American Red Cross and FEMA’s
Emergency Management Institute
Animals and Disasters
Fire Safety and Suppression
Preparedness for the Home
Shelter in Place
Post-Disaster Assistance
Special Needs Preparedness:
Elderly, Disabled, and Children
Utilities (Emergency Shut-offs and
Safety)
Disaster Kits
Family Plans
In addition, the City participates with the Los Angeles County Fire Department on the Antelope Valley Community Emergency Response Team (AVCERT) Program.
Can these capabilities be
expanded or improved upon?
Additional staff and funding at the City of Lancaster Public Safety Department would provide additional support for Public Outreach and Education and more public training opportunities, however the baseline needs of the City and community are currently being met and there is no additional budget to fully fund an expansion of the services provided.
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Hazard Mitigation Plan Organization
The Hazard Mitigation Plan is organized as follows:
PART I: OVERVIEW AND MITIGATION STRATEGY ACTION PLAN
Section 1: Introduction
The Introduction provides an overview of the Hazard Mitigation Plan Mission, Goals, and Strategies. In addition, this section outlines the process used to develop the goals and strategies that cut across the six hazards addressed in the Hazard Mitigation Plan. Finally, this section describes the background and purpose of developing the Hazard Mitigation Plan and the planning process.
Section 2: Community Profile
The Community Profile section presents the history, geography, demographics, and socio-economics of the City of Lancaster and its surrounding areas. It serves as a tool to provide a historical perspective of hazards in the area, potential impacts, and identifies at risk populations.
Section 3: Risk Assessment
The Risk Assessment section provides information on hazard identification, vulnerability, and risk associated with hazards in the Lancaster area.
Section 4: Multi-Hazard Goals and Strategies
The Multi-Hazard Goals and Strategies section describes the mitigation strategies developed for the Hazard Mitigation Plan. The strategies address multi-hazard issues, as well as hazard-specific activities that can be implemented to reduce risk and prevent loss from future events.
Section 5: Plan Maintenance
The Plan Maintenance section provides information on plan implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
PART II: HAZARD SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Part II provides hazard specific Information on the six hazards addressed in the Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Continuing hazards occur on an ongoing and/or seasonal basis and may be predicted through historic evidence and scientific methods. Each of the hazard-specific sections includes information on the history, hazard causes and characteristics, hazard assessment, mitigation goals and strategies. Continuing hazards addressed in the plan include:
Section 6: Severe Wind
Section 7: Earthquakes
Section 8: Energy Disruption
Section 9: Wildfire
Section 10: Flood
Section 11: Climate Change
Section 12: Pandemic (new)
Section 13: Hazardous Materials (new)
Section 14: Terrorism and Mass Violence
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PART III: ANNEXES
The Annexes includes references to the information used to gather data and conduct analytical research to assemble the City of Lancaster Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Resources section also includes a description of the tools used to develop the plan as well as documentation of the meetings, discussions and events that were involved in the planning process.
Annex A: Resources This section provides a list of resources for Regional, County, State, and Federal agencies and organizations that may be referenced directly and indirectly within the City of Lancaster Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Annex B: Disaster
Preparedness Risk Survey
This section includes the survey by which community members rated their preparedness for disasters and risk ratings of the identified hazards.
Annex C: HMP Working
Group Hazard Rating
Survey
This survey was provided to the HMP Working Group to prioritize the hazards within the City of Lancaster.
Annex D: Planning and
Public Involvement
This section provides a description of public involvement activities including meetings and other public outreach efforts related to the Hazards Mitigation Plan.
Annex E: Flood Insurance
Rate Maps
This section provides Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) for selected areas within the Lancaster area. These maps depict areas subject to flooding and are used for planning purposes.
Annex F: Plan Approval
Documentation
This section provides a copy of Plan Approval documents related to the City of Lancaster Hazard Mitigation Plan.
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SECTION 2: CITY OF LANCASTER COMMUNITY PROFILE
Introduction
Natural hazards impact the citizens, property, environment, and economy of the City of Lancaster. Earthquakes, flooding, energy disruptions, and windstorms have exposed Lancaster residents and businesses to the disruptive, financial, and emotional costs of disasters.
Identifying population groups and the risks posed by hazards provides the basis for implementing strategies to reduce the potential impacts; thereby protecting the lives and property of citizens and communities. The result is the development and implementation of strategies, coordination of resources, and increased public awareness that will reduce risk and prevent loss from future hazard events.
This section of the Hazard Mitigation Plan provides an overview of the City of Lancaster, including summaries of the vulnerable populations, structures and economic base of the City.
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Lancaster Community Profile
The City of Lancaster is located in the high desert of northern Los Angeles County in the Antelope Valley, near the border with Kern County. Lancaster encompasses 94.27 square miles (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020) and is located approximately 70 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. Lancaster is separated from the Los Angeles Basin by the San Gabriel Mountain Range to its south and from Bakersfield and the San Joaquin Valley by the Tehachapi Mountain Range to its north. Lancaster is characterized by its arid desert climate with low humidity and a blend of semi-rural, suburban, and urban development.
Map 2: City of Lancaster, Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Map
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In the 1930s, the construction of the Muroc Army Air Field (later renamed Edwards Air Force Base) caused the area to transform from a rural farming and mining community to a suburban community heavily influenced by the aerospace industry and a bedroom community for businesses in the San Fernando Valley and the Los Angeles Basin.
The General Plan 2030 for the City of Lancaster not only covers the land within the City, but within Lancaster’s “Sphere of Influence”, an area of about 268 square miles that covers the area from Lancaster city limits north to the Kern County line and includes a portion of Edwards Air Force Base and its dry lakebeds. The communities of Quartz Hill and Antelope Acres are also included. These areas are taken into account in this Community Profile.
Brief History
Lancaster was originally settled by bands of Piute Indians who inhabited the Mojave Valley at the time the Spaniards came to California. By the beginning of the 19th century, most of the Indians had been moved out of the valley, many to the San Fernando Mission. In 1876 the Southern Pacific Railroad set up a station house and watering facilities in what is now Lancaster as it built a railroad between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
The creation of the railroad that connected the high desert areas with the rest of California was the impetus for settlement in the Lancaster area. During the 1880s hotels were built, land speculators and agricultural investors moved into the area, and artesian wells were dug to provide water for the new residents and businesses. By the 1890s Lancaster built its first church and had a successful agricultural sector. A decade long drought that started in 1894 drove most of the area residents away and there were no buyers for land or homes, although the discovery of gold north of Lancaster and borax in the local mountains drew prospectors and miners into the area.
The population began to rebound in 1908 as workers building the California Aqueduct began to settle in the area. The construction of Muroc Air Base (now Edwards Air Force Base) in the 1930s was the beginning of the local aerospace industry and the start of a population increase that has been steady up until the current time. In 1977 residents voted in favor of cityhood, and on November 22, 1977, Lancaster became the 80th city in Los Angeles County.
Population
According to the 2022 U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, the estimated population of the City of Lancaster totaled 171,820. This represents a 7.3% increase in the City of Lancaster population since the 2018 Census Estimate, compared to a decrease of 0.8% for Los Angeles County. Most residences and businesses are centered around the area loosely bordered by Avenues H and L, and 10th Street W and 30th Street E.
Lancaster Population Data Comparison with Los Angeles County Location 2022 Estimated
Population
% of Los Angeles
County 2018 Population % Change from 2018 to
2022
Lancaster 171,820 1.71% 160,113 7.3%
Los Angeles County 10,019,635 100% 10,098,052 -0.8%
Table 1: Lancaster 2022 Estimated Population Data Compared to Los Angeles County Source: US Census Bureau 2018 and 2021 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate
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Geography and the Environment
Lancaster has an area of 94.27 square miles (U.S. Census Bureau, 2022) and is located in northern Los Angeles County in the Antelope Valley, in the western portion of the Mojave Desert. The elevation averages 2,355 feet above sea level. The terrain of the city is a combination of flat and hilly terrain.
The climate is dry and semi-arid and tends to be cooler and receive more precipitation than similar arid climate areas. Average summer daytime temperatures reach the 90’s, and average winter daytime temperatures are in the low 60’s. Overnight lows in the winter can drop to the low 20’s.
The region’s transportation system consists of a grid of local streets, arterials, and other lesser thoroughfares.
Access to Lancaster from Los Angeles is provided primarily by the Antelope Valley Freeway (State Route 14), and by the connector routes of Sierra Highway, Angeles Forest Highway, and Angeles Crest Highway (State Route 2). Access to Lancaster from Kern County and Bakersfield is provided primarily by Highway 99 (State Route 99) and State Route 58. Pearblossom Highway connects Lancaster with most of the other populated areas of the Antelope Valley. Lancaster commuters are also served by the Los Angeles Metrolink with commuter train services that connect riders to the San Fernando Valley and downtown Los Angeles.
General Coordinates
Latitude 34.6981° North
Longitude 118.1358° West
Map 3: City of Lancaster, Southern California Map
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Geology / Climate
Lancaster is located in the western Antelope Valley. The San Gabriel Mountain Range to the south of Lancaster separates it from the Los Angeles Basin, and the Tehachapi Mountain Range to the north of Lancaster separates it from Bakersfield and the San Joaquin Valley. The Antelope Valley is the westernmost valley of the Mojave Desert that stretches east from Lancaster across California into Nevada, Arizona and Utah.
Geology
Seismic hazard studies in the Antelope Valley and Lancaster detail the risks to areas of the city due to earthquakes, liquefaction and landslides. Surface materials within Lancaster include unconsolidated, fine- grained deposits of silt, sand, gravel, and recent flood plain deposits.
Torrential flood events can introduce large deposits of sand and gravel. Sandy silt and silt containing clay are moderately dense and firm, and are primarily considered to be prone to liquefaction, and earthquake related hazard. Basaltic lava consists mainly of weathered and non-weathered, dense, fine-grained basalt.
Though the characteristics of this lava may offer solid foundation support, landslides are common in many of these areas where weathered residual soil overlies the basalt. While the danger of landslides and liquefaction is isolated to a few specific areas of the City, they are risks that need to be taken into consideration when creating an emergency response plan.
Climate
Lancaster is characterized by hot, dry summers with little humidity and mild to cold winters. Temperatures can pass below freezing during some months.
Average Monthly Temperatures
Figure 3: Average Temperature by Month
Source: Weather.gov (NOAA)
59.6 62.1
68.2 74.0
82.8 93.2
99.2 98.8
92.5 80.0
67.7 58.0
30.2 33.4
39.3 45.3
53.6 62.7
68.5 65.5
57.2 46.0
35.1 29.9
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
City of Lancaster
Average Monthly Temperatures (°F)
2000 - 2022
Avg. Max Avg. Min
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The climate in Lancaster is characterized by
cold winters with temperatures averaging from
the low 30’s to the low 60’s, and hot summers
with temperatures ranging from the high 60’s to
the high 90’s. Temperatures exceed 100
degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months
(June-September), and drop below 30 degrees
Fahrenheit in the winter months (December-
February).
July tends to be the hottest month, and
December tends to be the coldest month.
However, it should be noted that temperatures
can vary over a wide range.
From June through September, high summer temperatures, low humidity, and low air pressure draw moisture into the California and Arizona deserts from the Gulf of Mexico, creating monsoonal storm systems. Lancaster is prone to summer thunderstorms caused by these monsoonal storms.
Since 2000, rainfall in Lancaster averaged 5.82 inches per year, peaking from December to February.
However, the term “average rainfall” is misleading because over the recorded history of rainfall in the area, rainfall amounts have ranged from less than an inch to well over normal averages in very wet years.
Furthermore, actual rainfall in Southern California tends to fall in large amounts during sporadic and often heavy storms rather than in consistent amounts throughout the year. Furthermore, Lancaster has experienced snow in the past and Interstate 5 over the Tejon Pass to Lancaster from Los Angeles is subject to periodic snow closures during the winter months.
Average Precipitation by Month
Figure 5: Average Precipitation by Month
Source: Weather.gov (NOAA)
1.19 1.32
0.66 0.42
0.09 0.03
0.13 0.01
0.10 0.35 0.40
1.18 0.00
0.20 0.40
0.60 0.80
1.00 1.20
1.40 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
City of Lancaster
Average Monthly Percipitation (inches)
2000 - 2022
Figure 4: Monsoonal Thunderstorm Viewed from Space
Source: NASA
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El Niño and La Niña
Periodically, Southern California, including the Lancaster region, is subject to the effects of El Niño or La Niña conditions:
El Niño is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific resulting in increased rainfall in the southern tier of the U.S. El Niño conditions can result in flooding and traffic disruptions in the Lancaster area.
La Niña is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific resulting in decreased rainfall in the southern tier of the U.S. La Niña conditions can result in drought and increased danger from wildfires.
Figure 6: El Niño Temperature Conditions Image
Figure 7: La Niña Temperature Conditions Image
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Economic Activity
Economic activity is one indicator of the potential losses that may be incurred in the event of a disaster. The following tables list the principal employers, property tax payers, and tax revenues by source in Lancaster.
Lancaster Principal Employers – FYE 2021
Employer Industry Number of
Employees
Percent of Total
City Employment
Northrop Grumman Aerospace 28,000 32.30%
Edwards Air Force Base Government 8,929 10.30%
County of Los Angeles Government 3,933 4..54%
China Lake NWC Government 3,700 4.27%
Lancaster School District Education 2,600 3.00%
Antelope Valley Hospital Medical Center Hospital 2,425 2.80% Antelope Valley Union Highschool District Education 2,300 2.65% Walmart Retail 1,900 2.19%
AV Mall Retail 1,800 2.08%
Palmdale School District Education 1,792 2.07%
Total Employment
86,688 66.19%
Table 2: Lancaster Principal Employers
Source: City of Lancaster Comprehensive Annual Report Fiscal Year End 2021 Notes: Total employment as used above may represent figures from total employment located within the Greater Antelope Valley region. The Greater Antelope Valley is considered to be the City's economic region and covers 3,514.2 square miles of area and includes Lancaster, Palmdale, Tehachapi, Mojave, Edwards AFB, and Ridgecrest.
Lancaster Principal Property Tax Payers – FYE 2021
Company Taxable Assessed Value Percent of Total City Assessed Value Rami Darghalli Trust $ 67,831,253 0.51%
Walmart Stores INC 62,245,360 0.47%
BRE MG Granada Villias LLC 54,924,012 0.41%
TA High Desert LLC 54,835,443 0.41%
BRE MG Cordova Park LLC 52,178,736 0.39%
Thrifty Payless Inc. 49,224,466 0.37%
BYD Coach and Bus LLC 49,034,258 0.37%
AG Sunset Ridge Owner LP 47,210,000 0.35%
Vereit Real Estate LP 46,974,059 0.35%
BRE MG Sienna Heights LLC 45,254,526 0.34%
Top 10% Total $ 529,712,113 3.98%
Table 3: Lancaster Principal Tax Payers
Source: City of Lancaster Comprehensive Annual Report Fiscal Year End 2021
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Lancaster Tax Revenues – Last Ten Fiscal Years
2012 - 2021
(modified accrual basis of accounting)
Fiscal Year *Property
Taxes
Transient
Occupancy
Intergovernmental
State Shared
Sales Taxes
Franchise
Taxes
Business
License
Taxes
Other Taxes Total
2012 25,370,913 1,338,016 16,435,979 2,655,535 1,001,935 304,942 47,107,320 2013 14,142,727 1,314,747 16,254,549 2,617,877 906,896 406,441 35,643,237 2014 14,370,865 1,313,033 18,043,706 2,669,286 929,618 413,913 37,740,421 2015 16,854,719 1,614,404 18,540,150 2,776,634 983,968 419,034 41,188,909 2016 19,252,156 1,866,299 19,498,624 2,821,855 915,740 428,651 64,281,949 2017 19,468,926 2,064,522 20,462,687 2,926,257 842,598 630,705 66,858,382 2018 20,423,770 2,202,452 20,483,067 4,706,453 932,469 991,873 70,223,151 2019 22,583,607 2,211,230 23,611,132 7,637,948 920,998 885,093 81,461,140 2020 24,296,937 1,965,102 21,961,474 7,663,335 722,837 1,279,397 79,850,556 2021 26,148,244 2,012,943 26,734,737 7,731,919 729,798 1,010,653 96,173,638 Change
2012-2021
-27.2% 54.8% 71.3% 186.7% -27.7% 225.6% 69.3%
Table 4: Taxable Revenues by Source
Source: City of Lancaster Finance Department
*Since 2013 Property Taxes have been substantially less due to dissolution of Lancaster Redevelopment Agency
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Population and Demographics
The following tables summarize the population and demographic groups at risk from a disaster in Lancaster.
Sex and Age Distribution
Demographic Estimates
Sex and Age Estimate Percent
Total Population 171,820 100.0%
Male 87,150 50.7%
Female 84,670 49.3%
Under 5 years 11,841 6.9%
5 to 9 years 12,293 7.2%
10 to 14 years 16,258 9.5%
15 to 19 years 13,438 7.8%
20 to 24 years 10,822 6.3%
25 to 29 years 13,627 7.9%
30 to 34 years 11,164 6.5%
35 to 39 years 13,180 7.7%
40 to 44 years 10,528 6.1%
45 to 49 years 8,918 5.2%
50 to 54 years 11,726 6.8%
55 to 59 years 10,787 6.3%
60 to 64 years 9,041 5.3%
65 to 69 years 6,528 3.8%
70 to 74 years 4,811 2.8%
75 to 79 years 2,974 1.7%
80 to 84 years 2,197 1.3%
85 years and over 1,687 1.0%
Median age (years) 33.3
Table 5: Lancaster Sex and Age Demographics
Source: US Census Bureau 2021 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate The average age of residents in Lancaster is 33.3 with
males (50.7%) slightly outnumbering females (49.3%).
Mitigation planning must consider the unique needs of
population groups, for example those under 15 years
of age and those over 65 years of age.
Figure 8: Lancaster Female to Male Distribution
Male
51%
Female
49%
City of Lancaster
Female to Male Distribution
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Figure 9: Lancaster Age Distribution
Source: US Census Bureau 2021 American Community Survey
Race Composition
One aspect of mitigation planning is the need
to address the language (communications)
needs of local populations. This includes the
ability to distribute information and provide
notification in the event of a regional
emergency.
For Lancaster, an estimated 28.5% of the
population speaks languages other than
English (including English and another
language or non-English only), with 11.3% of
these speaking English “less than very
well”. These language and communication
challenges could exacerbate issues for
socially disadvantaged groups during a
disaster.
Race Population Percent of
Total
Total population 171,820 100.0%
White 46,889 27.29%
Black or African American 34,297 19.96%
American Indian and Alaska Native 645 0.38% Asian 6,687 3.89%
Native Hawaiian
and Other Pacific Islander 152 0.09%
Hispanic or Latino* 77,059 44.85%
Some other race 802 0.47%
Two or More Races 5,289 3.08%
Table 6: Lancaster Race Composition
Source: US Census Bureau 2021 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate
*May be of any race, so also are included in applicable race categories 11,841 12,293
16,258
13,438
10,822
13,627
11,164
13,180
10,528
8,918
11,726
10,787
9,041
6,528
4,811
2,974
2,197
1,687
-
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
18,000
Under 5
years
5 to 9 years 10 to 14
years
15 to 19
years
20 to 24
years
25 to 29
years
30 to 34
years
35 to 39
years
40 to 44
years
45 to 49
years
50 to 54
years
55 to 59
years
60 to 64
years
65 to 69
years
70 to 74
years
75 to 79
years
80 to 84
years
85 years
and over
City of Lancaster
Age Distribufion
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Languages Spoken at Home
Subject Total Estimate Speak English "Very Well"
Estimate
Speak English Less Than
"Very Well" Estimate
Population 5 years and over 159,979 140,628 19,351
Speak only English 111,056 (X) (X)
Speak a language other than English 48,923 29,572 19,351 Spanish 41,844 25,416 16,428 Other Indo-European languages 1,663 1,075 588 Asian and Pacific Island languages 3,722 2,162 1,560 Other languages 1694 919 775 Table 7: Languages Spoken at Home
Source: US Census Bureau 2021 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate An '(X)' means that the estimate is not applicable or not available
Figure 10: Lancaster Race Composition Figure 11: Lancaster Languages Spoken at Home White alone
27.29%
Black or African
American alone
19.96%
American Indian
and Alaska Native
alone
0.38%
Asian alone
3.89%
Native Hawaiian and
Other Pacific Islander
alone
0.09%
Some other race alone
0.47%
Two or More Races
3.08%
Hispanic or Latino
44.85%
City of Lancaster Race Composition
Speak only
English
70%
Spanish
26%Other Indo -
European
languages
1%
Asian and
Pacific Island
languages
2%
Other languages
1%
City of Lancaster
Languages Spoken at Home
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Income Distribution
Household income is a factor for mitigation
planning since population groups in lower
income ranges are less able to cope with the
impact of disasters.
Furthermore, the availability of household
funds can have a direct impact on the level of
individual and family hazard mitigation
activities and emergency preparedness.
In Lancaster, while the mean household
income is $78,533, there are a significant
number of households with incomes less than
$25,000, near the U.S. poverty level of
$24,860 for a family of three as defined by the
2023 HHS Poverty Guidelines , by the U.S.
Department of Health & Human Services.
Table 8: Lancaster Income Distribution
Source: US Census Bureau 2021 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate
Figure 12: Lancaster Income Distribution
Income and Benefits (in 2021 Inflation Adjusted Dollars) Estimate Percent
Total households 52,448 100.00%
Less than $10,000 4,406 8.40%
$10,000 to $14,999 2,885 5.50%
$15,000 to $24,999 4,091 7.80%
$25,000 to $34,999 3,619 6.90%
$35,000 to $49,999 6,818 13.00%
$50,000 to $74,999 9,178 17.50%
$75,000 to $99,999 6,871 13.10%
$100,000 to $149,999 8,549 16.30%
$150,000 to $199,999 3,252 6.20%
$200,000 or more 2,675 5.10%
Median household income
(dollars)
61,454 (X)
Mean household income
(dollars)
78,533 (X)
4,406
2,885
4,091
3,619
6,818
9,178
6,871
8,549
3,252
2,675
-
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
9,000
10,000
Less than $10,000 $10,000 to $14,999 $15,000 to $24,999 $25,000 to $34,999 $35,000 to $49,999 $50,000 to $74,999 $75,000 to $99,999 $100,000 to $149,999 $150,000 to $199,999 $200,000 or more City of Lancaster
Number of Households by Income Distribution
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Housing Characteristics
The following housing statistics provide a summary of the numbers and types of housing units that are at risk if a disaster were to occur in Lancaster. Housing data includes: Housing Occupancy, Change from 2017 to 2021 (estimated), Number of Structures Built by Year, Home Values and Home Value Distribution. There has been a significant increase in the number of available housing units between 2017 and 2021 with the majority of increases coming from multi-unit (2 units and above), as well as structures with 20 or more units.
Housing Occupancy 2021 Estimate Percent of Total
Housing Units
Total Housing Units 55,574 100.0%
Occupied Housing Units 52,448 94.4%
Vacant Housing Units 3,126 5.6%
Table 9: Lancaster Housing Occupancy
Source: US Census Bureau 2021 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Units in Structure 2021 2017 % Change
Category Estimated
Number
Percent of
Units
Estimated
Number
Percent of
Units
Difference
2021-2017
Percent
Change
Total housing units 55,574 100.00% 53,330 100.00% 2,244 4.21% 1-unit, detached 38,539 69.30% 37,744 70.80% 795 2.11%
1-unit, attached 930 1.70% 795 1.50% 135 16.98%
2 units 570 1.00% 437 0.80% 133 30.43%
3 or 4 units 2,195 3.90% 2,509 4.70% -314 -12.51%
5 to 9 units 3,130 5.60% 2,915 5.50% 215 7.38%
10 to 19 units 1,168 2.10% 1,598 3.00% -430 -26.91%
20 or more units 4,788 8.60% 3,589 6.70% 1,199 33.41%
Mobile home 4,192 7.50% 3,658 6.90% 534 14.60%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 62 0.10% 85 0.20% -23 0.00%
Table 10: Lancaster Units in Structure Change from 2017 to 2022 Source: US Census Bureau 2017 and 2021 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate
Source: US Census Bureau 2021 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Figure 13: Lancaster Housing Characteristics
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In terms of risk and disaster mitigation, older structures that have not been retrofitted or otherwise improved
may be more susceptible to damage or destruction
due to age and the fact that older building codes were
less stringent than those required for newer structures.
As a result, the inventory of older structures is a
consideration when developing mitigation plans. For
example, in Lancaster, 81.1% (45,063) of housing
units were built prior to 2000 and 34.0% (18,890) were
built prior to 1980.
Another consideration for risk and disaster mitigation
is the increase in urban and infill development, coupled with smart growth redevelopment that calls for more
mixed-use and mixed income multi- unit housing
structures in the City‘s core, mean that there will be a larger concentration of housing units and commercial
businesses in urban areas of the city that need to be
taken into account when planning for an emergency or
disaster.
Year Structure Built Estimate Percent
Total housing units 55,574 100.0%
Built 2020 or later 9 0.00%
Built 2010 to 2019 1,579 2.80%
Built 2000 to 2009 8,923 16.10%
Built 1990 to 1999 8,869 16.00%
Built 1980 to 1989 17,304 31.10%
Built 1970 to 1979 8,266 14.90%
Built 1960 to 1969 3,824 6.90%
Built 1950 to 1959 5,526 9.90%
Built 1940 to 1949 760 1.40%
Built 1939 or earlier 514 0.90%
Table 11: Year Structure Built in Lancaster
Source: US Census Bureau 2021 American Community Survey 5- Year Estimates
Figure 14: Lancaster Number of Structures Built by Year Source: US Census Bureau 2021 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
9 1,579
8,923 8,869
17,304
8,266
3,824
5,526
760 514
0 2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
18,000
20,000
Built
2020 or
later
Built
2010 to
2019
Built
2000 to
2009
Built
1990 to
1999
Built
1980 to
1989
Built
1970 to
1979
Built
1960 to
1969
Built
1950 to
1959
Built
1940 to
1949
Built
1939 or
earlier
City of Lancaster
Number of Structures Built by Year
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Home values are an important
consideration when evaluating the
potential dollar loss due to disasters.
These values can also be used to assess
the cost / benefit of mitigation activities and
planning. In Lancaster, the largest
category of Owner-Occupied Unit values is
between $300,000 and $499,999 (42.6%).
In fact, more than half (50.9%) of Owner-
Occupied units are valued $300,000 or
over. Consequently, the potential dollar
losses from a disaster can rapidly escalate
– illustrating the need for mitigation
planning.
Value
Category Estimate Percent
Owner-occupied units 28,834 100.0%
Less than $50,000 2,045 7.10%
$50,000 to $99,999 1,187 4.10%
$100,000 to $149,999 824 2.90%
$150,000 to $199,999 1,618 5.60%
$200,000 to $299,999 8,472 29.40%
$300,000 to $499,999 12,285 42.60%
$500,000 to $999,999 2,169 7.50%
$1,000,000 or more 234 0.80%
Median (dollars) 303,400
Table 12: Lancaster Home Value Distribution
Source: US Census Bureau 2021 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimate
Source: US Census Bureau 2021 American Community Survey Figure 15: Lancaster Distribution of Owner Occupied Unit Values 2,045
1,187 824
1,618
8,472
12,285
2,169
234
-
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
Less than
$50,000
$50,000
to $99,999
$100,000
to $149,999
$150,000
to $199,999
$200,000
to $299,999
$300,000
to $499,999
$500,000
to $999,999 $1,000,000 or
more
City of Lancaster
Owner-Occupied Units by Value
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Housing Program
The City’s Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Program includes elements for:
Construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing Neighborhood Stabilization Program
The Department of Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization runs the program. The program includes ongoing reviews of areas within the City to develop a strategy and implementation plan for redeveloping specific challenged housing; improve the stability of existing neighborhoods; provide subdivision and site planning design guidance for infill development; and ensure adequate infrastructure. The Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) is a federal program created to help municipalities manage the foreclosure. The NSP has awarded Lancaster funds to acquire and rehabilitate foreclosed homes, and then resell the homes to low-to- moderate income families.
Land Use
When the City of Lancaster adopted its first General Plan in 1980, the area within the incorporated city limits was approximately 34 square miles. Annexations since the 1980s have increased the area of the city limits to the current 94 square miles. The 2030 General Plan was adopted in 2009 and serves as a basis for guiding the City’s land use planning.
The General Plan divides the city into Rural and Urbanizing Areas, with the Urbanizing Areas designated for urban residential, commercial, industrial, and public land use development. Rural Areas include rural residential and other land uses outside of the Urbanizing Area, primarily to the east and west.
The City of Lancaster has committed to sustainable development goals as a guide to its urban development and redevelopment projects. The City of Lancaster General Plan details several planned revitalization and redevelopment projects to focus on the City’s urban core, with one of the revitalization goals meant to encourage infill development. The redevelopment goals focus on the idea of “smart growth” – sustainable development practices meant to decrease urban sprawl, protect open space and the environment, conserve natural and energy resources, and protect open space. Lancaster has created a “mixed-use” development designation to encourage mixed housing and commercial developments and redevelopment projects close to transportation and the City’s downtown core. Lancaster has a number of commercial and industrial business parks, shopping centers, and community gathering spaces, including the following locations:
Retail and Commercial Industrial Other
Century Plaza E
Clock Tower Plaza
Downtown Lancaster
Front Row Center
High Desert Plaza
Lancaster Auto Mall
Lancaster Boulevard
(The BLVD)
Lancaster Commerce
Center
Lancaster Marketplace
Lancaster Town Center
Quartz Hill Towne
Centre
Sol Plaza Boutique Mall
Sunrise Plaza
Valley Central
Fox Field Industrial
Center
High Desert Plaza
Lancaster Business
Park
North Valley Industrial
Center
Antelope Valley College
Big 8 Softball Complex
General William J. Fox
Airfield
Lancaster National Soccer
Center
Lancaster Performing Arts
Center
University of Antelope
Valley
Table 13: Lancaster Major Retail, Commercial, and Industrial Sites
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Homeowners Associations
Homeowners associations meet to discuss various community issues, including disaster recovery, and are involved with the community. The following is a list of the Homeowners Associations in Lancaster.
Table 14: Lancaster Major Retail, Commercial, and Industrial Sites
City of Lancaster Homeowners Associations
Alto Village Homes I HOA Leisure Lakes Mobilehome Park HOA Beech Wood Townhouses HOA Los Hermanos Estates HOA
Candlewood HOA Marbella Villas - Lancaster HOA
Desert Hills HOA Park Somerset of Lancaster HOA
El Domingo Estates Condo Assn. Pine Creek Village HOA, Inc.
Friendly Village Mobile HOA Assn., Inc. Stanridge Villas HOA Godde Hill Estates HOA Sunrise East Garden Townhouses HOA, Inc.
J 4 HOA Villa Patrician HOA, Inc.
Lancaster Somerset Place HOA Westfield Estates HOA, Inc.
Lancaster Woodbridge I HOA Willowcreek Homeowners
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Enforcement and Fire Resources
The City of Lancaster is part of Los Angeles County. Lancaster contracts for essential services such as law enforcement with the Los Angeles County Sheriff and fire and paramedic resources with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. In addition, Highway 14 is a major transportation corridor under the jurisdiction of the California Highway Patrol.
The Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department
Lancaster contracts its law enforcement services
with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The Lancaster Sheriff’s Station provides 24 hour
access and is located at 501 West Lancaster
Boulevard, Lancaster, CA 93534.
This station serves the city of Lancaster, as well as
all unincorporated areas between Lake Los Angeles
to the east and Neenach to the north west, up to the
Los Angeles / Kern County border. This large service
area encompasses a blend of urban, residential, and
rural areas.
Map 4: LASD Lancaster Station Location
Figure 16: LASD Lancaster Station
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State Prison
There is a state prison in the Lancaster area. The California State Prison is operated by the California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation. The California State Prison has an annual budget of $100 million and houses approximately 2,604 inmates with a staffed capacity of 3,400 (custody and support employees).2
Local Prisons and Detention Centers
California State Prison
California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
44750 60th St W, Lancaster, CA 93536
1http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Facilities_Locator/LAC.html
Los Angeles County Search and Rescue (SAR)
Search and Rescue in the City of Lancaster is provided by the Los Angeles County Search & Rescue for more than 50 years. The LA County SAR is an all-volunteer team of approximately 110 people, most of whom have graduated from the LA County Sheriff’s Reserve academy, are qualified Emergency Medical Technicians, and are trained in mountain and hillside rescue.
The Antelope Valley SAR jurisdiction covers the entire Antelope Valley and surrounding areas, including the Angeles National Forest. The SAR teams will travel anywhere in Los Angeles County to assist other LASD teams. Furthermore, the team will respond to other states or other countries if requested to do so through the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). The Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department provides the team with rescue vehicles and rescue operations are conducted under the guidance of the Los Angeles County Sheriff.
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The Los Angeles Fire Department
Lancaster contracts fire and paramedic services with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The Antelope Valley - Division Headquarters is located in Division V – North Regional Operations Bureau of the LA County Fire Department’s Regional Plan Divisions. Battalion 11 of the Los Angeles County Fire Department is assigned to directly serve the greater Lancaster region. The Antelope Valley Division Headquarters are located at 42110 6th Street West, Lancaster, CA 93534.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT
LOCAL AREA FIRE STATIONS
Fire Station #33 – Battalion
11 Headquarters
44947 Date Ave., Lancaster, 93534 Fire Station #24 1050 W. Ave. P, Palmdale, 93551 Fire Station #112 – CFF 8812 W Avenue E-8, Lancaster,
93535
Fire Station #37 38318 9th St. E, Palmdale, 93550
Fire Station #117 44851 30th St. East, Lancaster,
93535
Fire Station #78 17021 N Elizabeth Lake Rd., Palmdale,
93550
Fire Station #129 – Division
Headquarters
42110 6th St. West, Lancaster,
93534
Fire Station #81 8710 Sierra Hwy, Agua Dulce, 91350
Fire Station #130 44558 40th St. West, Lancaster,
93536
Fire Station #84 5030 W Avenue L-14, Quartz Hill, 93536 Fire Station #134 43225 N 25th St. W, Lancaster,
93534
Fire Station #92 8905 E. Avenue U, Littlerock, 93535
Fire Station #135 1846 East Avenue K-4, Lancaster,
93535
Fire Station #140 – CFF 8723 Elizabeth Lake Rd., Leona Valley, 93550
Fire Station #157 – CFF 15921 Spunky Canyon Rd, Green Valley, 91350
Table 15: LACoFD Battalion 11 and Nearby Fire Stations
Source: County of Los Angeles Fire Department
Map 5: Lancaster Area LACoFD Station Map
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Fire Prevention Division
The Los Angeles County Fire Department has a Fire Prevention Division that focuses on community education and identifying and eliminating hazardous conditions that can endanger life, the environment, and property. The Fire Prevention Division is composed of Regional Units, Special Units, and an Engineering Section that manage different prevention functions and services. Lancaster is home to an Engineering Section that is tasked with the following:
Building Plan Checks : Responsible for performing nonstructural fire safety plan reviews and approving architectural plans for various complex occupancies. Fire Sprinkler Plan Checks : Responsible for providing plan reviews for all structures requiring an automatic fire sprinkler system, fire pump, and / or on-site hydrants. They also review and approve fire protection systems.
Fire Alarm Checks : Responsible for performing plan reviews on all structures that require a fire alarm or smoke management system. They review and approve all types of fire alarm systems and assist with on-site inspections and testing of complex alarm and smoke management systems.
The Fire Prevention Office is located at 335-A East Avenue K-6, Lancaster, CA 93535.
Regional Collaboration
Community Emergency Response Training
Lancaster participates in the local Antelope Valley Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) programs. The CERT
program is conducted by the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department. This CERT effort allows individuals to prepare to respond to and cope with a disaster.
Individuals who obtain a CERT certificate can volunteer for a “call-out team” that is comprised of volunteers who wish to help in the community when disaster strikes, as well as assist citizens in need until the first-responders (Fire, Sheriff, EMS) are available.
Figure 17: Antelope Valley CERT Logo
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Los Angeles County Operational Area B
As a member of the Los Angeles County Operational Area B, Lancaster actively participates with other local cities to coordinate efforts, share information, and promote disaster preparedness and mitigation. In additional to monthly Area B meetings, the Los Angeles County Emergency Preparedness program provides local residents with important information on how to better mitigate, prepare, and respond to disasters.
Figure 18: LAC Emergency Preparedness Website
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Emergency Preparedness
Ready Lancaster
The City of Lancaster actively promotes community Emergency Preparedness through its “Ready Lancaster” program
https://www.cityoflancasterca.org/our-city/departments- services/public-safety/emergency-preparedness. The program includes information on preparing for disasters as well as steps to take to mitigate the causes and impacts of major disruptive events such as earthquakes, floods, and brush fires.
In addition to the Ready Lancaster effort, the following groups are active in providing emergency preparedness, mitigation and response services within the City of Lancaster:
Emergency Operations Center
The City of Lancaster has a fully-equipped and maintained Emergency Operations Center located at the City Hall at 44933 Fern Avenue, and an alternate Emergency Operations Center located at the City Maintenance Yard at 615 West Avenue H. Activation of the center can be ordered by the City Manager, the Deputy City Manager, the HMP Project Coordinator, the Parks, Recreation and Arts Director, or the Housing and Neighborhood Services / Redevelopment Director, based on who is the acting Director of Emergency Services / EOC Director (the EOC Director), or who is acting on behalf of the acting EOC Director, or an appointed representative.
Emergency Response Team
The City of Lancaster implements a volunteer Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The Lancaster CERT is part of the larger Antelope Valley CERT (AVCERT) that serves Lancaster, Palmdale, Quartz Hill, Lake Los Angeles, Acton, Agua Dulce, and the nearby Lakes and Valleys areas. CERT members are trained and have completed FEMA’s CERT classes.
Lancaster Search and Rescue (SAR)
In addition to the services provided by Los Angeles County Search & Rescue (Los Angeles County Sheriff), Lancaster maintains a Search and Rescue Team through its CERT program. These volunteers would assist public safety agencies in rescue activities if requested. Different branches of the Operations section have the ability to supervise search and rescue activities, based on the type of event.
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General Plan
The City Council of Lancaster adopted a 2030 General Plan on July 14, 2009 that details a strategy for the City’s development over the next twenty years. Included in this plan are provisions for seismic activity, flooding, wildfire, hazardous materials, and other general emergency preparedness topics.
As part of the General Plan, the City of Lancaster implemented the following principals that adhere to particular facets of disaster preparedness:
Protect all persons and property in Lancaster from seismic and non-seismic geological hazards. Protect Lancaster residents, workers, and visitors from flood hazards. Protect all persons in Lancaster from significant noise caused by local airports and air stations, auto and truck traffic, rail traffic, and industrial and construction activities. Ensure that life and property in Lancaster are not endangered by the use, storage, or transport of hazardous materials.
Protect all persons and property in Lancaster from criminal activities. Protect all persons and property in Lancaster from urban and wild land fires.
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SECTION 3: RISK ASSESSMENT
The goal of mitigation is to reduce the future impacts of hazards. Hazards can result in injuries and the loss of life, cause property damage, disrupt the local economy, and force the expenditure of large amounts of public and private funds to assist with recovery. In order to focus efforts on the most likely and highest impact scenarios, mitigation must be based on a comprehensive Risk Assessment.
A Risk Assessment measures the potential loss from a hazard event by evaluating the vulnerability of buildings, infrastructure and people. It identifies the characteristics and potential consequences of hazards, how much of the community could be affected by a hazard, and the impact on community assets. Risk Assessment consists of:
Hazard Identification and Risk Analysis
Vulnerability Analysis / Loss Estimates
Note: This Risk Assessment presents loss estimates and provides a foundation for evaluating mitigation measures should a real hazard event occur. The loss estimates are intended to support the decision making process for mitigation efforts.
It is important to note that the loss estimates calculated for this Risk Assessment used available data and methodologies and are approximate. These estimates should be used to understand the relative risk from hazards and potential losses and are not intended to be predictive of precise results.
Uncertainties are inherent in any loss estimation methodology arising in part from incomplete scientific knowledge concerning natural hazards and their effects on the built environment. Uncertainties also result from approximations and simplifications that are necessary in developing vulnerability estimates (e.g., risk of loss projections and relative likelihood of occurrence). These factors can result in a range of uncertainty in loss estimates produced by this analysis.
Disaster History
Emergencies and disasters can cause damage to the City of Lancaster and its residents, businesses, infrastructure and the environment. These disasters can cause fatalities or injuries and expense in terms of response and recovery dollars.
The Antelope Valley area has experienced natural disasters in the past and continues to have the potential for future events. While the risk of disasters cannot be eliminated, the effects can be reduced through a well- organized public education and awareness effort, preparedness, and mitigation. In addition, communities must be prepared to provide efficient and effective response and recovery. Furthermore, careful planning and collaboration among public agencies, private sector organizations, and citizens within the community can minimize the losses that result from disasters.
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To illustrate the potential hazards to the region, a review of historical events can provide indicators for future threats to the area. The table below provides a summary of FEMA declared disasters occurring in Los Angeles County from 2017 to October 2023.
FEMA Disaster Declaration Key
Disaster Number Sequentially assigned number used to designate an event or incident declared as a disaster.
Disaster Type Two-character code that defines if this is a major disaster, fire management or emergency declaration.
Incident Type Type of incident such as fire or flood. The incident type affects the types of assistance available.
IH Denotes whether the Individuals and Households program was declared for this disaster IA Denotes whether the Individual Assistance program was declared for this disaster.
PA Denotes whether the Public Assistance program was declared for this disaster.
HM Denotes whether the Hazard Mitigation program was declared for this disaster.
Disaster
Number
Declaration
Type
FY
Declared
Incident
Type Declaration Title IH Program
Declared
IA Program
Declared
PA Program
Declared
HM
Program
Declared
Incident Begin
Date
Incident End
Date
4699 DR 2023 Severe
Storm
SEVERE WINTER STORMS,
STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING,
LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
0 0 1 1 2023-02-21 2023-07-10
4683 DR 2023 Flood
SEVERE WINTER STORMS,
FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND
MUDSLIDES
0 0 1 1 2022-12-27 2023-01-31
3592 EM 2023 Flood
SEVERE WINTER STORMS,
FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND
MUDSLIDES
0 0 1 0 2023-03-09 2023-07-10
3591 EM 2023 Flood SEVERE WINTER STORMS,
FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES 0 0 1 0 2023-01-08 2023-01-31
4569 DR 2021 Fire WILDFIRES 1 0 1 1 2020-09-04 2020-11-17 5374 FM 2020 Fire BOBCAT FIRE 0 0 1 1 2020-09-13
5297 FM 2020 Fire GETTY FIRE 0 0 1 1 2019-10-28
5296 FM 2020 Fire TICK FIRE 0 0 1 1 2019-10-24
5293 FM 2020 Fire SADDLERIDGE FIRE 0 0 1 1 2019-10-10
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Disaster
Number
Declaration
Type
FY
Declared
Incident
Type Declaration Title IH Program
Declared
IA Program
Declared
PA Program
Declared
HM
Program
Declared
Incident Begin
Date
Incident End
Date
4482 DR 2020 Biological COVID-19 PANDEMIC 1 0 1 1 2020-01-20 2023-05-11 3428 EM 2020 Biological COVID-19 0 0 1 0 2020-01-20 2023-05-11 5280 FM 2019 Fire WOOLSEY FIRE 0 0 1 1 2018-11-08
4407 DR 2019 Fire WILDFIRES 1 0 1 1 2018-11-08 2018-11-25 3409 EM 2019 Fire WILDFIRES 0 0 1 0 2018-11-08 2018-11-25 5227 FM 2018 Fire SKIRBALL FIRE 0 0 1 1 2017-12-06 2017-12-15 5226 FM 2018 Fire RYE FIRE 0 0 1 1 2017-12-05 2017-12-14 5225 FM 2018 Fire CREEK FIRE 0 0 1 1 2017-12-05 2017-12-14 4353 DR 2018 Fire WILDFIRES, FLOODING, MUDFLOWS,
AND DEBRIS FLOWS 1 0 0 1 2017-12-04 2018-01-31
3396 EM 2018 Fire WILDFIRES 0 0 1 0 2017-12-04 2017-12-29 5201 FM 2017 Fire LA TUNA FIRE 0 0 1 1 2017-09-01 2017-09-10 4305 DR 2017 Flood SEVERE WINTER STORMS,
FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES 0 0 1 1 2017-01-18 2017-01-23
Table 16: Los Angeles County Federal Declared Disasters from 2017 to 2023 Source: FEMA
While Lancaster does not have a high risk of damage from events such as wildfires and landslides, areas near Lancaster are prone to such events.
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Federal Requirements for Risk Assessments
Federal regulations for hazard mitigation plans outlined in 44 CFR Part 201 include a requirement for conducting a Risk Assessment. This Risk Assessment requirement is intended to provide information to help communities identify and prioritize mitigation activities that will reduce losses from the identified hazards. The hazards profiled in this mitigation plan include: earthquakes, earth movement (including landslide), flooding, fires (including wildland and structural), windstorms and terrorism.
The Federal criteria for conducting Risk Assessments under 44 CFR Part 201 (Section 322 of the Stafford Act, 42 U.S.C. 5156) and information on how Lancaster plans to meet those criteria are outlined below.
Section 322 Plan Requirement How is this addressed?
Identifying Hazards Each hazard section includes an inventory of selected available data sources that identify hazard areas . Maps identifying the locations of hazards in Lancaster are provided in this
Risk Assessment and in each individual hazard section, i.e., Earthquake, Wildfire, Wind, Landslide, Flood, and Terrorism.
Profiling Hazard Events Each hazard section includes documentation of the history and causes and characteristics of the hazard in the Region.
Assessing Vulnerability:
Identifying Assets
The “hazard identification” and “risk assessment” provide a summary of the vulnerability assessment from each hazard and (where data is available) contain the types and numbers of existing buildings, infrastructure and critical facilities exposed to each hazard.
Assessing Vulnerability:
Estimating Potential Losses
The calculations of the impact of the hazard (if data was available), the economic exposure, and physical losses, are discussed in this Risk Assessment and under each hazard of this Hazard Mitigation Plan. Vulnerability assessments were completed for the hazards addressed in the plan, and quantitative estimates were made (when data was available) for each hazard.
Assessing Vulnerability:
Analyzing Development Trends
The Community Profile Section of this plan provides a description of the development trends in the Lancaster area, including the geography and environment, population and demographics, land use and development, housing and community development, employment, business-base, and transportation data.
Changes in Vulnerability
For the city of Lancaster, the vulnerability to natural hazards has remained largely unchanged since the last plan. Despite ongoing development activities and slight changes in residential / housing units, there have been no significant alterations in vulnerability attributable to changes in hazard-prone areas.
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Hazard Identification and Risk Analysis
Hazard identification consists of (1) defining the study area in terms of scale and coverage; and (2) collecting and compiling a list of prevalent hazards in the study area to help narrow the focus of the analysis. The figure below depicts the study area and population density
Map 6: Lancaster Population Density
Source: City-Data.com
Hazard Identification Process
Incorporation of Existing Plans
The State of California Hazard Mitigation Plan, Los Angeles County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan, and Los Angeles County Operational Area (OA) Emergency Response Plan, Hazard Analysis and Mitigation section were reviewed to update and validate this HMP Risk Assessment, prioritized list of hazards, as well as inform potential strategies for mitigation. Specific information from these plans that assisted in the development of the HMP included:
State of California Hazard Mitigation Plan Los Angeles County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan LHMP Identified Hazards and Risks
Earthquakes and Geologic Hazards
Flood Hazards
Fire Hazards
Other Hazards including:
o Climate and Weather Influenced Hazards
o Terrorism
o Cyber Threats
Annex 1 – Guide to California Hazard Mitigation
Laws, Policies, and Institutions
Risk Assessment
Earthquake Hazard
Flood Hazard
Wildfire Hazard
Non-Significant Hazards
Mitigation Strategy Goals and Strategies
Los Angeles County OA Emergency Response
Plan, Hazard Analysis and Mitigation Section
Hazard Analysis and Mitigation
Hazard Mitigation Goals
High, Moderate, and Low Risk Priority Hazards
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Local Input and Surveys
In addition to the incorporation of existing plans, input on the types of hazards and relative risk was solicited from the HMP Working Group. Further, members of the community were asked for their feedback and participation in a Community Disaster Preparedness and Risk Survey that asked questions regarding the public’s general preparedness for disasters as well as which hazards were most likely to impact the local area. The following sections describe the process and results obtained.
Community Disaster Preparedness Risk Survey
Input on the types of hazards and relative risk was solicited from members of the community through a Disaster Preparedness Risk Survey (see Annex B ) that asked questions regarding the public’s general preparedness for disasters as well as which hazards were most likely to impact the local area. Further input was also obtained from the Hazard Mitigation Plan Working Group (see Annex C). The following sections describe the process and results obtained.
Lancaster posted the Disaster Preparedness Risk Survey on its City Web site. Members of the public were asked to rate the most likely hazard events to affect the area in terms of magnitude, impact, and probability.
Participants were also asked about their personal level of preparedness, mitigation actions taken, and input on improving mitigation within the City.
Hazard Mitigation Plan Working Group
The HMP Working Group was created to assess the risk and vulnerability of hazards in the Lancaster area.
In order to obtain a comprehensive rating of the hazards, the HMP Working Group rated the identified hazards via a Hazard Rating Survey (see Annex C). This method of tabulation considers the probability, magnitude / severity, the duration and warning time for each hazard and then produces a risk index.
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Risk Survey
The HMP Working Group completed a Hazard Risk Survey to rank identified hazards according to probability, magnitude / severity, warning time, and duration using the following values. This was the same process as used in 2018 so that a comparative analysis could be conducted.
Probability
Description Value
Highly Likely: Frequent events with a well-documented history of occurrence OR an annual probability that is greater than 0.1.
4 Likely: Occasional occurrences with at least two or more documented historic events OR an annual probability that is between 0.1 and 0.01.
3 Possible: Rare occurrences with at least one documented or anecdotal historic event OR an annual probability between 0.01 and 0.001.
2 Unlikely: Extremely rare with no documented history of occurrence or events OR an annual probability less than 0.001.
1 Not Applicable 0
Magnitude / Severity
Description Value
Catastrophic: Severe property damages (greater than 50% of critical and non-critical facilities and infrastructure). Injuries or illnesses result in permanent disability and multiple deaths. Shut down of critical facilities for more than 1 month.
4 Critical: Moderate property damages (greater than 25% and less than 50% of critical and non- critical facilities and infrastructure). Injuries or illnesses result in permanent disability and at least one death. Shut down of critical facilities for more than 1 week and less than 1 month. 3 Limited: Slight property damages (greater than 5% and less than 25% of critical and non-critical facilities and infrastructure). Injuries or illnesses do not result in permanent disability and there are no deaths. Moderate quality of life lost. Shut down of critical facilities for more than 1 day and less than 1 week.
2 Negligible: Negligible property damages (less than 5% of critical and non-critical facilities and infrastructure). Injuries or illnesses are treatable with first aid and there are no deaths. Negligible quality of life lost. Shut down of critical facilities for less than 24 hours. 1 Not Applicable 0
Warning Time
Description Value
Less than 6 hours or no warning 4
6 to 12 hours 3
12 to 24 hours 2
More than 24 hours 1
Not Applicable 0
Duration
Description Value
More than 1 week 4
Greater than 24 hours, up to 1 week 3
Greater than 6 hours, up to 24 hours 2
Less than 6 hours 1
Not Applicable 0
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The following table summarizes the results using the following equation and weighting factors. 3 Risk = 0.45 * Probability + 0.3 * Magnitude/Severity + 0.15 * Warning Time + 0.1 * Duration
The table below provides a summary of the risk ratings assigned to each major threat to the area. The table also compares the new 2023 ratings from the prior 2018 HMP Risk Ratings (see Annex C: Working Group HMP Risk Assessment Survey for additional details).
Hazard Weighted
Probability
Weighted
Magnitude
Weighted
Warning
Time
Weighted
Duration
2023 Risk
Rating
2018 Risk
Rating
Ratings
Change
Earthquake (Greater
than Magnitude 6) 3.13 3.00 4.00 3.88 3.29 3.06 0.23
Severe Windstorm 3.88 2.86 1.86 2.50 3.13 2.73 0.40
Power Outage 3.25 3.17 3.14 1.88 3.07 2.65 0.42
Terrorism / Mass
Casualty 2.63 2.71 4.00 3.13 2.91 2.53 0.38
Climate Change 3.00 2.43 1.57 3.50 2.66 2.38 0.28
Hazardous Materials
Release 2.25 2.60 3.43 2.83 2.59 Not
Evaluated N/A
Flood 2.50 2.43 2.29 3.25 2.52 2.28 0.24
Wildfire 2.13 2.00 4.00 3.29 2.48 1.78 0.70
Pandemic 2.33 2.67 1.67 3.33 2.43 Not
Evaluated N/A
Landslide 1.43 1.71 1.86 3.20 1.76 1.76 0.00
Table 17: Working Group Hazard Rating Survey Results
Identified Hazards
Based on the risk ratings for each hazard to the region, the HMP Working Group chose to incorporate the following events into the Hazard Mitigation Plan:
Earthquake
Severe Windstorm
Terrorism and Mass Violence
Flood
Hazardous Materials Release
Energy Disruption / Power Outage
Climate Change
Wildfire
Pandemic
Each of these disasters can have widespread
effects that include loss of life and property, disruption to critical infrastructure (utilities, communications, transportation, etc.), and long term economic loss to the area. Specific event scenarios are provided in the Vulnerability and Loss Estimates section of this Risk Assessment.
3 Formula published by the Arizona Division of Emergency Management (2008) Hazardous Materials Release was added to the list of Identified Hazards due to the growing concern related to the presence and movement of hazardous materials in the region and the City of Lancaster
Although rated low risk, Pandemic was added due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic and the continued potential of future events.
Landslide was not included due to the limited exposure within the City of Lancaster based on the topography of the area.
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Other Disasters
The following sub-sections provide brief summaries of other threats to the Lancaster area. Potential risks include natural disasters, human generated events, and technology failures.
Drought
Historical records of the last century do not show any significant loss of life or property to the Lancaster area because of a drought occurrence. The last devastating drought to hit the Antelope Valley was from 1894 to 1904, an event that caused most farmers to move out of the Valley, only to return after new irrigation techniques were introduced after 1905. More recently, Lancaster and the Antelope Valley had water supplies provided by the State Water Project reduced as a result of droughts in 1976, 1991, 2008, 2014, 2015 as well as other years when drought affected aqueduct sources in Northern California.
Drought can have a major economic, wildland/wildlife, and human impact. As of 2018, much of the population in the State of California remain under severe drought conditions after more than 6 years of drought (U.S.
Drought Monitor for California map
below). Additional details on the
impact of drought and climate
change on the Antelope Valley
Region are included in the Climate
Change section of this HMP.
It is important to note that drought
can have a secondary impact to
the hydro-electric power
generation capabilities of the
entire Western United States. As a
result, drought remains a concern
for the entire region. Drought is a
natural disaster that has in the past
affected the Antelope Valley.
Land subsidence as a result of
drought and increasing population
pressures on the water supply is
also a concern in the Antelope
Valley, although one with little
direct impact on the health and
safety of residents.
Map 7: California Drought Monitor, September 2018
Source: National Integrated Drought Information System
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Land Subsidence
Land subsidence is occurring within the Antelope Valley, including around wells close to the City of Lancaster. It is most often caused by the withdrawal of water from underground reservoirs. Subsidence from any cause accelerates maintenance problems on roads, lined and unlined canals, and underground utilities. Some serious effects of land subsidence include change of gradient along water conveyance canals, damage to roads, bridges and buildings, and collapse of water well casings. 4 Subsidence can also disturb buried energy infrastructure such as fuel and natural gas lines. Understanding and detecting land subsidence in very early stages is important to prevent these types of structural damage.
Figure 20: Land Subsidence in the Antelope Valley 1930-1992 Source: http://ca.water.usgs.gov/groundwater/poland/polfig.html
Lancaster has identified areas of the city that may be affected by subsidence, including the area north of Lancaster Boulevard and west of 10th Street West where the soils are classified as moderately expansive and warrant special design considerations. High shrink-swell potential is found in the general area between Avenue I and Avenue J to 75th Street W, and north of the City between 40th Street W and Sierra Highway.
The City has detailed programs in its Master Plan to mitigate building and fissuring issues caused by subsidence.
4 http://www.glenncountywater.org/documents/LandSubsidence.pdf Figure 19: Edwards Air Force
Base Fissure Caused by
Subsidence
Source: http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/fs-
103-03/
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California Aqueduct
The California State Water Project captures, stores, and conveys water to 29 water agencies throughout California. It is a system of pumping and power plants; reservoirs, lakes, storage tanks; canals, tunnels, and pipelines that bring water from the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the valleys of Northern and Central California to Southern California. The 444 mile long California aqueduct starts just south of Livermore and splits into two branches at the base of the Tehachapi Mountains northeast of Quail Lake. The east branch supplies water to the Antelope Valley and the Inland Empire. The East Branch of the Aqueduct passes through an uninhabited area at the extreme south west corner of Lancaster. An earthquake or other human generated event is unlikely to cause seiching or other flooding hazards that pose a danger to life and property but may impact water delivery and supply in the Antelope Valley.5 Los Angeles County Waterworks District 40 and AVEK
The Los Angeles County Waterworks District 40 (LACWD) serves Lancaster and many unincorporated communities in the Antelope Valley. LACWD is the largest supplier of drinking to water to Lancaster and many of the unincorporated communities in the Lancaster area, and additional water is purchased from other retail water agencies. LACWD purchases water from the Antelope Valley – East Kern Water Agency (AVEK), which is supplied by the State Water Project. Additional water demand is supplemented by groundwater pumped from the Antelope Valley Groundwater Basin by approximately 54 wells owned and operated by the LACWD. LAWCD currently serves approximately 174,000 people through 55,600 metered connections. The other retail water agencies that Lancaster purchases water from purchase water from AVEK, pump water through local wells, or a combination of both.
AVEK is a regional water importer and water wholesale supply organization that sells and distributes water to retail public and private water agencies. AVEC operates four water treatment sites in the Antelope Valley:
Acton Water Treatment Plant
Eastside Water Treatment Plant
Rosamond Water Treatment Plant
Quartz Hill Water Treatment Plant
The Quartz Hill Water Treatment Plant treats all of the imported water currently used in the Lancaster area.
Disruptions can occur to the water distribution system due to inadequate design and / or deteriorating conditions of ageing water transmission pipelines. This is especially true for Southern California, where much of the water supply is delivered by the State Water Project, 900 miles of canals, aqueducts, dams, and tunnels. This system is especially vulnerable to liquefaction damage caused by earthquakes.
5 http://www.avek.org/AVEK_UWMP_2010_072111.pdf
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Aircraft Crash
There are no major airports in the City of Lancaster, but there are numerous general aviation airports and airstrips, private airports, and heliports in the Antelope Valley. In addition, the Los Angeles County Sheriff operates a heliport in Lancaster.
The airports that pose the greatest risk to the area are Edwards Air Force Base, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, and Plant 42 in Palmdale, all government or government contracted stations used to test aircraft.
The airports within 35 miles of Lancaster are:
General Wm. J. Fox Airfield
LA / Palmdale Regional Airport / Air Force
Plant 42
Edwards Air Force Base
Rosamond Skypark Airport
Agua Dulce Airpark
Adelanto Airport
Mojave and Space Port
California City Municipal Airport
Mountain Valley Airport
Tehachapi Municipal Airport
Whiteman Airport
Private airports / airstrips in the area include:
Quail Lake Sky Park Airport
Little Buttes Antique Airfield Airport
Antelope Valley Service Center Heliport
Gray Butte Field
Crystal Airport
Bohunk's Airpark Airport
There is a small but existing risk of an aircraft crash in the Lancaster area. Nevertheless, if an aircraft were to crash, the impact would be limited to a localized area and would not disrupt the entire region.
Map 8: Airports within 35 miles
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Civil Unrest / Riot
Los Angeles County experienced the Los Angeles Civil Unrest in 1992 and the Watts Riots in 1965. During these periods, the Lancaster area suffered no loss of life or property. Similarly, during 2011 “Occupy LA” and other civil protests were staged in Los Angeles County and across the United States. The Occupy Lancaster group held small demonstrations, but there was little public disturbance or law enforcement intervention. Further, in May 2021, a protest revolving around claims of excessive force occurred after a video of the arrest of a suspect by law enforcement was widely published. A similar event occurred in July 2023, resulting in community demonstrations in the local area.
Incidents of civil unrest in the United States continued to occur. Root causes include political, economic, and social justice events. Nevertheless, the actual risk of a major civil disturbance in the Lancaster area is considered minimal.
Vulnerability and Loss Estimates
Assessing vulnerability is a three step process. The first step is to identify existing structures and critical facilities that are located within the hazard area. Government critical facilities are of particular concern because these buildings provide essential products and services to the general public that are necessary to preserve the welfare and quality of life in the region and fulfill important public safety, emergency response, and / or disaster recovery functions (see Critical Facilities and Infrastructure section and matrix for a listing of key sites).
Once existing structures and critical facilities are identified, the next step is to include an estimate of losses for the identified asset. Estimating potential loss involves assessing the damage, injuries, and financial costs likely to be sustained in a geographic area over a given period of time. This level of analysis involves using mathematical models.
The two measurable components of risk analysis are magnitude of the harm that may result and the likelihood of the harm occurring. Describing vulnerability in terms of dollar losses provides the community and the state with a common framework in which to measure the effects of hazards on assets. The last step in assessing the City’s vulnerability to hazards is to analyze development trends in the City.
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Critical Facilities and Infrastructure Overview
Critical facilities and infrastructure are resources that are vital to the continued delivery of key government services or that may significantly impact the public’s ability to recover from an emergency. For example, in order to provide Continuity of Operations (COOP) and Continuity of Government (COG) the city has developed its own Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The following lists are provided to illustrate the critical and essential facilities within the Lancaster area:
Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Stations
Los Angeles County Fire Stations
Retail, Commercial, and Industrial Sites
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Station
The Lancaster Sheriff’s station serves the City of Lancaster, as well as all unincorporated areas between Lake Los Angeles to the east and Neenach to the North West, up to the Los Angeles / Kern County border.
Lancaster Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Station
501 West Lancaster Boulevard
Lancaster CA 93534
Map 9: Los Angeles County Sheriff Station - Lancaster
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Los Angeles County Fire Stations
The following fire stations are located within the Lancaster area.
BATTALION 11
Fire Station #33 – Battalion
Headquarters
44947 Date Ave., Lancaster, 93534
Fire Station #78 17021 N Elizabeth Lake Rd., Palmdale, 93550 Fire Station #84 5030 W Avenue L-14, Quartz Hill, 93536 Fire Station #112 - CFF 8812 W Avenue E-8, Lancaster, 93535 Fire Station #117 44851 30th St. East, Lancaster, 93535 Fire Station #129 – Division
Headquarters
42110 6th St. West, Lancaster, 93534
Fire Station #130 44558 40th St. West, Lancaster, 93536 Fire Station #134 43225 N 25th St. W, Lancaster, 93534
Fire Station #135 1846 East Avenue K-4, Lancaster, 93535 Fire Station #140 - CFF 8723 Elizabeth Lake Rd., Leona Valley, 93550 Fire Station #157 - CFF 15921 Spunky Canyon Rd, Green Valley, 91350 Table 18: Lancaster Area Fire Stations
Map 10: Battalion 11 Fire Stations
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Lancaster Community Center
The Lancaster Community Center is located at 44611 Yucca Avenue and is operated by the City’s Community Services Department. The Community Center offers a variety of public services including children’s day camps, after school enrichment center programs, a Teen Space, computer lab, library, music room, dance room, arts & crafts room, game room, and special events.
Shopping Centers
The following shopping centers are located in the City of Lancaster:
Valley Central Way
Lancaster Boulevard (The BLVD)
Lancaster Commerce Center Shopping Center
West Lancaster Plaza Shopping Center
High Desert Plaza
Clock Tower Plaza
Lancaster Town Center
Lancaster Marketplace
Century Plaza East
Arenas and Sports Complexes
Antelope Valley Fair and Event Center
The Hanger (Home of the Lancaster Soundbreakers baseball team)
Figure 21: Lancaster Community Center
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Planned Development Projects
The following development projects are listed by the City of Lancaster, Planning Department’s Master Plans and Specific Plans. These adopted documents guide and regulate development within a particular geographic area of the City.
Development
Project Description
Amargosa Creek Amargosa Creek is aimed as a high quality development for an approximately 152-acre site located along 10th Street West between Avenue L and Avenue K-8 in the City of Lancaster.
Avanti North Avanti North is a 237.3-acre master-planned community containing five residential neighborhoods, two neighborhood parks, open space, and a backbone roadway network. Avanti North’s five residential neighborhoods provide up to 753 detached, single-family homes on lots ranging in size from a minimum of 5,250 square feet (s.f.) to a minimum of 8,750 s.f.
Avanti South Avanti South is a master planned community on approximately 307.7 acres within the southwestern portion of the City of Lancaster. The plan includes the following primary elements: 1,375 single family lots ranging from 2,800 to 7,500 square feet in size, including 431 age-targeted and active adult units; 325 multifamily units; L4 acres of Commercial uses; Over 3l- acres of parks and open space; Trail network; 12.8-acre Elementary school; 1.3-acre Fire station.
Downtown
Lancaster
The Downtown Lancaster Specific Plan is a community-based revitalization plan, focused on improving the downtown as a place of historic, cultural, social, economic, and civic vitality, creating a destination with a mix of commercial, residential, and transit uses, creating a pedestrian-friendly environment, and creating tools to implement community goals in the area. The plan identifies distinct zoning designations and form-based requirements for development in the downtown Lancaster Boulevard area. Allowable uses include retail, dining, entertainment, offices, art galleries, and museums.
Fox Field The City of Lancaster adopted the Fox Field Industrial Corridor Specific Plan in 1996, establishing zoning and development standards for the area surrounding the General William J. Fox Airfield in northwestern Lancaster. The Fox Field Specific Plan aims to encourage appropriate development while protecting the Airfield from incompatible land uses. As a result, residential land uses are prohibited in an approximately one-mile buffer around the Airfield. Allowable land uses for this area include office, research and development, commercial, light industrial, manufacturing/distribution, mixed-use business park, commercial recreation (including golf courses), and open space (including a 5,868.7 acre Business Park and to total gross area of 8,235.8 acres).
The area surrounding the General William J. Fox Airfield is additionally subject to requirements and development standards outlined in the General William J. Fox Airfield Land Use Compatibility Plan, which was adopted by the Los Angeles County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) in 2004.
Lancaster
Business Park
The City of Lancaster adopted Phases I & II of the Lancaster Business Park Specific Plan (BPSP) in 1987, with Phase III following in 1991. BPSP aims to ensure the coordinated and comprehensive development of a high-standard, innovative industrial center on a 157 acre site.
BPSP encourages development associated with light manufacturing, wholesaling, business and professional services, research and development, trade schools, and other supporting uses. Additional uses may be permissible when operated entirely within a building and designed so as not to cause or produce a nuisance for adjacent properties.
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Development
Project Description
Lancaster Health
District (LHD)
The City of Lancaster adopted the Lancaster Health District Specific Plan (LHD) in 2021, with the goal to develop the area surrounding the existing Antelope Valley Hospital into nationally acclaimed and regionally significant center of health, wellness, and innovation. LHD primarily aims to improve health outcomes, create a Medical District Core, leverage land and location, promote active mixed-use development, create a quality public realm, design for the local climate, and provide clear standards and guidelines. The planned area is divided into three subcategories: LHD - Edge, LHD - General, and LHD - Core. Allowed uses in these zones are typically limited to medical offices and services, with some supporting commercial and residential. Of the 272.4 acres within the planned area, over 110 acres is vacant or undeveloped.
Transit-Oriented
Development
(TOD) Zones
“T.O.D. Zones” means the Station Area (SA), Corridor Commercial (CC), Employment Commercial (EC), Workshop District (WD), Neighborhood Medium (NM), and Neighborhood Low (NL) zones. Over the past decade, the City of Lancaster has been updating its General Plan and Zoning Code – along with other planning documents that include the Lancaster Design Guidelines, the Master Plan of Trails and Bikeways, the Downtown Specific Plan, and vision plans for selected areas – with the goal of making Lancaster a more sustainable, livable, enjoyable, walkable, bikeable and valuable community.
A key strategy and central focus of this work has been to restore, intensify, and reanimate the City’s historic downtown and surrounding neighborhoods and corridors, an effort that has already yielded remarkable positive results in the form of the transformed Lancaster Boulevard (The BLVD) and a rebounding Downtown economy. The 2030 General Plan defines a set of Transit Village Planning Areas surrounding the Downtown core and directs that new zoning standards be prepared for these areas to implement more walkable, mixed-use, transit-oriented development patterns.
The City applied for and received a funding grant from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) – part of a larger Sustainable Communities grant that Metro received from the Strategic Growth Council – to
prepare these T.O.D. Zones for the
Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest
Transit Planning Areas.
These T.O.D. Zones provide a means of
implementing the community’s vision and
expanding the revitalization that is already
under way by providing unique and focused
development standards that enable and
promote high quality, walkable, mixed-use
and transit oriented neighborhoods
surrounding The BLVD core and the
Metrolink Station. They define
development standards and use standards
for the design of buildings and related site
improvements in the area.
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Land Use
The following Land Use maps provide an overview of the City of Lancaster development projects, healthcare facilities, existing commercial/retail space, and residential areas (Source: City of Lancaster, Planning Department).
Map 11: Land Use Map 1
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Map 12: Land Use Map 2
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Map 13: Land Use Map 3
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Map 14: Land Use Map 4
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Residential Development Projects (July 2023)
Map 15: Residential Development Projects
Source: City of Lancaster Community Development, Planning Department
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Critical Facilities and Infrastructure Matrix
The following sectors in the Lancaster area are essential due to the impact of a disaster on the pubic (e.g., large public meeting places, economy, or key infrastructure). Sixteen (16) specific sectors are listed in Presidential Policy Directive 21 (PPD-21) Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience. The Critical Facilities and Infrastructure Matrix below provides a summary of key governmental, utility, commercial, cultural, and historical sites in the region (City of Lancaster and adjacent areas). An understanding of critical facilities and infrastructure provides a basis of modeling current and future events and assists in focusing mitigation efforts.
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Critical Infrastructure
Sectors Description Critical Infrastructure Name
1. Chemical
Chemical manufacturers, pharmaceutical,
consumer products, agricultural chemicals, etc.
N/A
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Critical Infrastructure
Sectors Description Critical Infrastructure Name
2. Commercial Facilities
Public Assembly (e.g., arenas, stadiums,
aquariums, zoos, museums, convention centers),
Sports Leagues (e.g., professional sports leagues
and federations) Gaming (e.g., casinos), Lodging
(e.g., hotels, motels, conference centers), Outdoor
Events (e.g., theme and amusement parks, fairs,
campgrounds, parades), Entertainment and Media
(e.g., motion picture studios, broadcast media),
Real Estate (e.g., office/apartment buildings,
condominiums, mixed-use facilities, self-storage)
and, Retail (e.g., retail centers and districts,
shopping malls)
Aerospace Walk of Honor
Antelope Valley Rural Museum
Arroyo Plaza
Cedar Grove
Columbia Commercial Center
Commerce Center
Diamond Jim’s Casino
The Fire History Museum
Flight Test Historical Foundation
Fox Field Industrial Center
High Desert Business Center
High Desert Plaza
Lancaster Commerce Center
Lancaster Marketplace
Lancaster Business Park
Lancaster Town Center
Metropolitan Business Center
Milestones of Flight Air Museum
Museum of Art and History (MOAH)
Olympia Plaza
Quartz Hill Towne Centre
Sierra Highway Plaza
Sunrise Plaza
The BLVD
The Hanger
Town Center
Valley Central Center
Village Square
West Lancaster Plaza
Western Hotel Museum
(also Multiple Hotels in the City of
Lancaster)
3. Communications Terrestrial, satellite, and wireless transmission systems (major hubs, transmission/reception
centers, etc.)
Clear Channel Broadcasting
Frontier Communications
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Critical Infrastructure
Sectors Description Critical Infrastructure Name
4. Critical Manufacturing Primary metal manufacturing (iron and steel mills, ferro-alloys, aluminum, nonferrous metal
production and processing), machinery
manufacturing (engine, turbine, power
transmission), electrical equipment (electrical
equipment, appliance, and component
manufacturing), transportation equipment
manufacturing (motor vehicle, aerospace, railroad,
etc.)
BAE Systems
EM Aerospace Inc.
High Desert Distributing
Jant Aerospace Services
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Michaels Distribution Center
Morton Manufacturing
Northrop Grumman
Rite Aid Distribution Center
Sygma Distribution Center
The Boeing Company
5. Dams Dams, navigation locks, levees, hurricane
barriers, mine tailings impoundments, or other
similar water retention and/or control facilities
California Aqueduct East Bank
Fairmont Reservoir No .#2
Lake Palmdale and Palmdale Dam
Littlerock Dam and Reservoir
6. Defense Industrial
Base
Department of Defense (DoD), government, and
the private sector worldwide industrial complex
with the capabilities of performing research and
development, design, production, delivery, and
maintenance of military weapons systems,
subsystems, components, or parts to meet military
requirements
Edwards Air Force Base
China Lake Naval Weapons Center
Plant 42
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Northrop Grumman
The Boeing Company
Small to large sized businesses that
support the defense industry
7. Emergency Services First-responder disciplines that include:
emergency management, emergency medical
services, fire, hazardous material, law
enforcement, bomb squads, tactical
operations/special weapons assault teams, and
search and rescue
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Station -
Lancaster
Los Angeles County Fire Station #33
– Battalion Headquarters
Los Angeles County Fire Station #129
– Division Headquarters
Los Angeles County Fire Stations
#78, #84, #112 - CFF, #117, #130,
#134, #135, , #140 – CFF, #157 –
CFF
8. Energy Electricity, petroleum, natural gas, solar, and hydrogen
S. Calif. Edison Substations
Energy Transmission Lines
Hazardous Liquid Pipelines
Natural Gas Pipelines
Oil Pipelines
Solar Farms
Heliogen Hydrogen Plant
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Critical Infrastructure
Sectors Description Critical Infrastructure Name
9. Financial Services Banks, thrifts, credit unions, insurers, securities brokers/dealers, investment companies, financial
services, etc. Includes Bank / Financial
headquarters, loan processing centers, credit card
processing centers, data centers
Antelope Valley Bank
Bank of America
Chase Bank
Citizens Business Bank
Edwards Federal Credit Union
First City Credit Union
Mission Bank
Northrup Grumman Federal CU
Schools First Federal CU
U.S. Bank
Wells Fargo Bank
Wescom Credit Union
10. Food and Agriculture Farming, livestock, poultry, food distribution, etc. Antelope Valley Dream Center Antelope Valley Rescue Mission
Grace Resources
Helping Hands Feeding Children
One Love Food Ministry
11. Government Facilities General-use office buildings and special-use military installations, embassies, courthouses,
national laboratories, and structures that may
house critical equipment and systems, networks,
and functions as well as cyber elements that
contribute to the protection of sector assets (e.g.,
access control systems and closed-circuit
television systems) and the protection of
individuals who possess tactical, operational, or
strategic knowledge or perform essential functions
Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
CA Correctional Institute
China Lake Naval Weapons Base
City Hall
City Library
City Maintenance Yard
Community Center
Edwards Air Force Base
Highway Patrol
LA County Fire Dept. Stations
LA County Sheriff’s Station
Naval Air Station China Lake
Plant 42
Stanley Kleiner Activity Center
Lancaster Municipal Stadium
Lancaster Performing Arts Center
Lancaster National Soccer Center
Museum of Art and History
Education: Public and private universities, state
colleges, community colleges, private colleges
(education includes pre-kindergarten through 12th
grade schools which are not listed individually
here)
Antelope Valley College
Cero Coso Community College
Charter College
CSU Bakersfield Antelope Valley
CSULB Antelope Valley
Giligia College Lancaster Satellite
High Desert Medical College
Lancaster University Center
SJVC Antelope Valley
University of Antelope Valley
West Coast Baptist College
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Critical Infrastructure
Sectors Description Critical Infrastructure Name
National Monuments and Icons: Places listed in
the National Register of Historic Places, List of
National Historic Landmarks, icons, or other
recognized physical structures, objects, or
geographic sites
N/A
12. Healthcare and Public
Health
Public and private healthcare facilities including
hospitals and clinics.
Antelope Valley Health Center
Antelope Valley Hospital Medical
Center
High Desert Medical Health Center
Kaiser Permanente Health Center
Multi Ambulatory Care Center
Palmdale Regional Medical Center
Sierra Medical Plaza
13. Information
Technology
Public and private sector information systems
including the Internet
(see Communications Sector)
14. Nuclear Reactors,
Materials, and Waste
Nuclear power plants; non-power nuclear reactors
used for research, testing, and training; nuclear
materials used in medical, industrial, and
academic settings; nuclear fuel fabrication
facilities; decommissioning reactors; and the
transportation, storage, and disposal of nuclear
material and waste
(see Hospitals and Public Health Sector
for medical facilities that may use nuclear
materials)
15. Transportation Aviation, highways, maritime transportation, mass transit, pipeline systems, and rail
Roads and Highways:
o California State Route 14
o Sierra Highway
o State Route 138 Pearblossom
Highway
Mass Transit
o Metrolink
o Amtrak
o Commuter Bus (AVTA)
Pipelines (see Energy)
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Critical Infrastructure
Sectors Description Critical Infrastructure Name
Public and private airports, airstrips, and helipads Adelanto Airport Agua Dulce Airpark
Antelope Valley Service Center
Heliport
Apple Valley Airport
Bohunk's Airpark Airport
CA City Municipal Airport
Crystal Airport
Edwards Air Force Base
General William J Fox Airfield
Gray Butte Field
LA County Sheriff's Heliport
Little Buttes Antique Airfield Airport
Mojave Air and Space Port
Mountain Valley Airport
Palmdale Regional Airport
Quail Lake Sky Park Airport
Rosamond Skypark Airport
Tehachapi Municipal Airport
Victorville Airport
Postal & Shipping: High volume processing
facilities, delivery units, collection locations, retail operations, transport vehicles, postal/delivery
information and communications networks
Antelope, Lancaster
Cedar, Lancaster
Lake Hughes, Lake Hughes
Lancaster, Lancaster
Rosamond, Rosamond
16. Water and
Wastewater Systems
Drinking water and waste water LA County Waterworks District No. 40 Tertiary water treatment plant
Underground aquifers
Water reclamation and treatment
plants
Water storage tanks (multiple)
Other locations not
otherwise defined
Prisons and detention centers California State Prison, Lancaster Large religious centers (examples) Antelope Valley Christian Center Central Christian Church
Desert Vineyard Christian Fellowship
Desert Vineyard Christian Fellowship
Hindu Temple of Antelope Valley
Islamic Center of North Valley
Lancaster Baptist Church
Table 19: Critical Facilities and Infrastructure Matrix
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Principle Employers
The following list represents the top 10 employers in the City of Lancaster. In the event of a disaster, these organizations represent over 66% of the total employment base for the area.
Employer Employees Rank Percentage of Total
Valley Employment Category
Northrop Grumman 28,000 1 32.30% Defense Industrial Base Edwards Air Force Base 8,929 2 10.30% Defense Industrial Base County of Los Angeles 3,933 3 4.27% Government
China Lake Naval Weapons Center 3,700 4 3.00% Government Lancaster School District 2,600 5 4.54% Education
Antelope Valley Hospital Medical Center 2,425 6 2.65% Healthcare Antelope Valley Union High School
District
2,300 7 2.80% Education
Walmart 1,900 8 2.19% Retail
Antelope Valley Mall 1,800 9 2.08% Retail
Palmdale School District 1,792 10 2.07% Education
Sub-Total 57,379 66.20%
TOTAL 86,688
(All Employers)
100.00%
Table 20: Top 10 Employers
Source: City of Lancaster, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report YE June 2022 - Principal Employers Loss Estimates and Scenarios
Estimated Residential Building Exposure
The table below provides an estimate of the relative proportion of residential structure types in the area. The estimated impact in terms of number of structures for 1%, 5%, 10%, and 20% is provided for each scenario.
Category Residential
Buildings
Estimated 1%
Impact
Estimated 5%
Impact
Estimated 10%
Impact
Estimated 20%
Impact
1-unit, detached 38,539 385 1,927 3,854 7,708
1-unit, attached 930 9 47 93 186
2 units 570 6 29 57 114
3 or 4 units 2,195 22 110 220 439
5 to 9 units 3,130 31 157 313 626
10 to 19 units 1,168 12 58 117 234
20 or more units 4,788 48 239 479 958
Mobile home 4,192 42 210 419 838
Boat, RV, van, etc. 62 1 3 6 12
Total housing units 55,574 556 2,779 5,557 11,115 Table 21: Estimated Residential Building Counts by Type Source: US Census Bureau 2021 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
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Estimated Economic Exposure
The Estimated Economic Exposure represents the value of economic activity in the area that may be at risk during a disaster. The table below provides key economic data by sector (NAIC code) for 2017 (based on most recent available data). The total loss exposure for the City of Lancaster (per the Sales, Value of Shipments, or Revenue of Employer Firms) is $70,749,710 per day (based on 365 days per year.
Meaning of NAICS Code
Annual Sales,
Value of
Shipments, or
Revenue of
Employer Firms
($1,000)
Number of
Employer
Establishments
Number of Paid
Employees
Annual Payroll
($1,000)
Accommodation and Food Services $191,839 35.2 2,635 $40,481 Administrative and Support and Waste
Management and Remediation Services $192,917 42.4 2,691 $50,921 Construction $293,721 11.9 1,113 $51,686
Educational Services $94,230 58 1,420 $48,753
Finance and Insurance (662) $104,402 32.5 525 $26,379
Health Care and Social Assistance $956,171 19.4 6,967 $330,282 Other Services (except public
administration)(663) $59,014 39.3 661 $15,500
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services $261,010 27.8 1,890 $104,923 Retail Trade $1,463,590 20.8 5,086 $144,513
Transportation and Warehousing (661) $52,679 39.8 1,453 $56,665 Wholesale Trade $902,517 41.5 946 $52,211
Not Categorized $4,572,090 368.6 149,028 $922,314
Total for All Sectors $25,823,643 335.3 123,641 $4,419,386 Table 22: Estimated Economic Exposure
Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau (ABSCS2017.AB1700CSA01)
Figure 22: Sales and Annual Payroll
$0
$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
$2,000,000
$2,500,000
$3,000,000
$3,500,000
$4,000,000
$4,500,000
$5,000,000
Sales and Annual Payroll
Annual Sales, Value of Shipments,or Revenue of Employer Firms ($1,000) Annual Payroll ($1,000)
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The following table provides the estimated economic loss per day for several scenarios. The projected potential economic loss ranges from $125,000 per day (1% loss) to 2,496,000 per day (20% loss).
Meaning of NAICS Code
Annual Sales, Value
of Shipments, or
Revenue of
Employer Firms
($1,000)
Estimated Daily Sales,
Value of Shipments,
or Revenue of
Employer Firms
($1,000)
1% Loss
per Day
($1,000)
5% Loss
per Day
($1,000)
10% Loss
per Day
($1,000)
15% Loss
per Day
($1,000)
20% Loss
per Day
($1,000)
Accommodation and Food
Services $191,839 $525.59 $5.26 $26.28 $52.56 $78.84 $157.68 Administrative and Support and
Waste Management and
Remediation Services
$192,917 $528.54 $5.29 $26.43 $52.85 $79.28 $158.56
Construction $293,721 $804.72 $8.05 $40.24 $80.47 $120.71 $241.41 Educational Services $94,230 $258.16 $2.58 $12.91 $25.82 $38.72 $77.45 Finance and Insurance (662) $104,402 $286.03 $2.86 $14.30 $28.60 $42.90 $85.81 Health Care and Social
Assistance $956,171 $2,619.65 $26.20 $130.98 $261.96 $392.95 $785.89 Other Services (except public
administration)(663) $59,014 $161.68 $1.62 $8.08 $16.17 $24.25 $48.50 Professional, Scientific, and
Technical Services $261,010 $715.10 $7.15 $35.75 $71.51 $107.26 $214.53 Retail Trade $1,463,590 $4,009.84 $40.10 $200.49 $400.98 $601.48 $1,202.95 Transportation and
Warehousing (661) $52,679 $144.33 $1.44 $7.22 $14.43 $21.65 $43.30 Wholesale Trade $902,517 $2,472.65 $24.73 $123.63 $247.26 $370.90 $741.79 Not Categorized $4,572,090 $12,526.27 $125.26 $626.31 $1,252.63 $1,878.94 $3,757.88 Total for All Sectors $25,823,643 $70,749.71 $707.50 $3,537.49 $7,074.97 $10,612.46 $21,224.91 Table 23: Estimated Dollar Exposure per Day
Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau (ABSCS2017.AB1700CSA01) *The Other Services (except Public Administration) sector comprises establishments engaged in providing services not specifically provided for elsewhere in the classification system. Establishments in this sector are primarily engaged in activities, such as equipment and machinery repairing, promoting or administering religious activities, grantmaking, advocacy, and providing dry cleaning and laundry services, personal care services, death care services, pet care services, photofinishing services, temporary parking services, and dating services. Private households that engage in employing workers on or about the premises in activities primarily concerned with the operation of the household are included in this sector. Excluded from this sector are establishments primarily engaged in retailing new equipment and also performing repairs and general maintenance on equipment. These establishments are classified in Sector 44-45, Retail Trade. Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations; and Industry 814110, Private Households are out of scope.
Figure 23: Distribution of Sales, Value of Shipments, or Revenue of Employer Firms
$0 $500,000 $1,000,000 $1,500,000 $2,000,000 $2,500,000 $3,000,000 $3,500,000 $4,000,000 $4,500,000 $5,000,000 Accommodation and Food Services
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services Construction
Educational Services
Finance and Insurance (662)
Health Care and Social Assistance
Other Services (except public administration)(663)
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Retail Trade
Transportation and Warehousing (661)
Wholesale Trade
Not Categorized
Sales, Value of Shipments,or Revenue of Employer Firms ($1,000)
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 3-37 12/06/2024
City Finances
Property Taxes
Property taxes comprise a significant portion of the City of Lancaster’s budget. The table below provides a listing of the top 10 property tax payers (FY 2021-2022) that could be impacted by a disaster - resulting in a decrease in revenues to the City and a reduction in the overall economic base of the community.
Taxpayer 2021-2022 Taxable
Assessed Value Rank Percentage of Total City
Taxable Assessed
WestCore Bravo Lancaster LLC $86,436,298 1 0.61%
AG Cordova Park Owner LP $84,000,000 2 0.60%
Granada Villas REI LLC $66,001,292 3 0.47%
Walmart Stores Inc. $62,448,826 4 0.44%
AG Sienna Heights Owner LP $61,440,000 5 0.44%
Village Pointe Community Partners LP $54,250,000 6 0.39% Rami Darghalli Trust $52,659,729 7 0.37%
TA-High Desert LLC $52,089,177 8 0.37%
BYD Coach and Bus LLC $48,976,115 9 0.35%
Vereit Real Estate LP $47,460,707 10 0.34%
Top 10 Total $615,762,144 4.37%
Table 24: Top 10 Property Tax Payers
Source: City of Lancaster, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report YE June 2022 - Principal Tax Payers
City of Lancaster Tax Revenues By Source, Governmental Funds In addition to Property Taxes, Sales Taxes make up the majority of funding sources for the City. The table below depicts the historical revenue trends by category for the City of Lancaster from 2013 to 2022.
Fiscal Year *Property
Taxes
Transient
Occupancy
Intergovern
mental State
Shared
Sales Taxes
Measure LC Franchise
Taxes
Business
Licenses
Taxes
Other Taxes Total
2013 $14,142,727 $1,314,747 $16,254,549 $2,617,877 $906,896 $406,441 $35,643,237 2014 14,370,865 1,313,033 18,043,706 2,669,286 929,618 413,913 37,740,421 2015 19,252,156 1,614,404 18,540,150 2,821,855 915,740 428,651 43,572,956 2016 19,468,926 1,866,299 19,498,624 2,926,257 842,598 630,705 45,233,409 2017 20,423,770 2,064,522 20,462,687 4,706,453 932,469 991,873 49,581,774 2018 20,423,770 2,202,452 20,483,067 4,706,453 932,469 991,873 49,740,084 2019 22,583,607 2,211,230 23,611,132 7,637,948 920,998 885,093 57,850,008 2020 24,296,937 1,965,102 21,961,474 1,223,982 1,315,822 118,596 50,881,913 2021 26,148,244 2,012,943 26,734,737 5,070,608 7,731,919 729,798 1,010,653 69,438,901 2022 27,184,193 2,709,026 28,325,781 22,625,166 9,261,656 1,364,377 1,027,933 92,498,132
3.96% 34.58% 5.95% 19.78% 86.95% 1.71% 33.21%
Change (1,035,949) (696,083) (1,591,044) (17,554,558) (1,529,737 (634,579) (17,280) (23,059,231) 2013-2022 92.2% 106.0% 74.3% 253.8% 50.4% 152.9% 159.5% Table 25: Revenues by Sources - Last Ten Fiscal Years Year Ended June 30, 2022 (Modified Accrual Basis of Accounting) Source: City of Lancaster, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report YE June 2022 – Tax Revenues by Source *Since 2013 Property Taxes have been substantially less due to dissolution of Lancaster Redevelopment Agency
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 3-38 12/06/2024
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2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 3-39 12/06/2024
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Consequences
The following vulnerabilities by threat table summarizes the high level exposures within and near the City of Lancaster.
Threats Earthquake
(>6.0M)
Severe
Windstorm Climate Change
Energy
Disruption /
Power Outage
Flood Wildfire Pandemic Hazardous
Materials Release
Terrorism and
Mass Violence
Major
Vulnerabilities
Unreinforced
Masonry
Structures
Regional Utility
Infrastructure
Hospitals and
Medical
Facilities
Freeways,
Bridges,
Overpasses
Local
Transportation
Infrastructure
(traffic control
systems, etc.)
Utility Pumping
Stations
Communications
Infrastructure
Commercial
Facilities
including
Shopping
Centers and
Gasoline
Stations
Above Ground
Utility
Infrastructure
Transportation
Routes Due to
Debris
Blockage
Residential
and
Commercial
Structures
Subject to Roof
and Tree
Damage
Personal
Property
Subject to
Wind and Tree
Damage
Local
Agriculture
Results in major
variances in
weather
resulting in an
increase in the
risk of drought,
wildfire, energy
shortages, and
flooding (refer
to specific
hazard
vulnerabilities)
Energy-
dependent
Residents
Hospitals and
Medical
Facilities
Local
Transportation
Infrastructure
(traffic control
systems, etc.)
Utility Pumping
Stations
Communication
s Infrastructure
Commercial
Facilities
including
Shopping
Centers and
Gasoline
Stations
Structures In or
Near Flood
Hazard Zones
Local Utility
Infrastructure
Streets, Bridges
and Roadways
in Flood Zones
Structures In or
Near Fire
Hazard Areas
(Urban
Interfaces)
Utility
Infrastructure
(Transmission
Lines and
Above Ground
Pipelines and
Storage
Facilities)
Streets, Bridges
and Roadways
in Fire Areas
In General, the
Elderly and
Very Young
Socially
Vulnerable
Persons with a
Higher Risk of
Health Issues
and/or Access
to Health Care
Transportation
Routes
(including
Freeways,
Highways, High
Volume
Roadways, and
Rail) Due to
Hazardous
Materials Spills
(on or nearby)
Residents,
Schools,
Industry, and
Businesses
within the
Hazardous
Materials
Release Zone
Large Public
Venues (Sports,
Arts, Theaters,
Shopping
Centers, etc.)
Schools and
Colleges
Utility
Infrastructure
(Substations,
Transmission
Lines, Pipelines,
Storage
Facilities, etc.)
Military / Defense
Industrial Sites
Prisons and Jails
Airports
Rail Stations and
Tracks
Government
Facilities
Table 26: Threats and Major Vulnerabilities
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 3-40 12/06/2024
The following consequences by threat table summarizes the estimated potential impact of severe disasters on the City of Lancaster.
Threats Earthquake
(>6.0M)
Severe
Windstorm Climate Change
Energy
Disruption /
Power Outage
Flood Wildfire Pandemic Hazardous
Materials Release
Terrorism and
Mass Violence Consequences
Casualties
Injuries and
Deaths
Widespread
Casualties
(ranging from
0 to 100’s or
more)
Widespread
Psychological
Trauma
Need for
Temporary
Morgue
Facilities
Potential
Casualties Due
to Structure
Damage and
Wind Blown
Debris (<100)
Widespread
Casualties
(ranging from 0
to 100’s or
more) due to
extreme
temperatures
(e.g., heat
related illness)
Potential
Casualties in
Vulnerable
Populations
(<100)
Increased
Traffic
Accidents
Localized
Casualties
(<100)
Localized
Casualties
(<100)
Long-term
Health Issues
or Premature
Deaths (ranging
from 0 to 100’s
or more)
Long-term
Health Issues
or Premature
Deaths (ranging
from 0 to 100’s
or more)
Local to
Widespread
Casualties (0 to
1000’s)
depending on
the type and
location of
incident
Widespread
Psychological
Trauma
Need for
Temporary
Morgue Facilities
Food and Water Temporary
Disruption to
Food and
Water Supplies
Possible
Temporary
Disruption to
Water Supplies
if Utility
Pumping
Stations are
Inoperable
Potential food
shortages or
major price
increases due
to crop damage
Reduced water
supplies
Lack of
Electricity
Resulting in
Refrigerated
Food Spoilage
and Disruption
of Food
Distribution
Outlets
Disruption to
Water Pumping
Stations
Possible
Temporary
Disruption to
Water Supplies
if Utility
Pipelines
Damaged
Potential
Disruption to
Water Pumping
Stations and
Above Ground
Pipelines
Potential for
Shortages Due
to Food
Supplier /
Processor /
Distribution
Disruptions
Possible
Temporary
Disruption to
Water Supplies
if Utility
Pipelines
Damaged
Possible
Temporary
Disruption or
Contamination to
Food and Water
Supplies
Shelter Damage to
Housing
Resulting in
Extensive
Mass Shelter
Requirements
(up to 1,600
displaced
people if 1% of
the population
requires
shelter)
Damage to
Housing
Resulting in
Shelter
Requirements
(less than 200
displaced
people if 0.1%
of the
population
requires
shelter)
No damage
however
increased
cooling
required due to
high
temperatures
or increased
heating
required due to
extreme low
temperatures
Temporary
Heating or
Cooling Shelter
Requirements
(less than 100
displaced
people if 0.05%
of the
population
requires shelter)
Damage to
Housing
Resulting in
Shelter
Requirements
(less than 200
displaced
people if 0.1%
of the
population
requires
shelter)
Damage to
Housing
Resulting in
Shelter
Requirements
(less than 100
displaced
people if 0.05%
of the
population
requires
shelter)
No Damage but
Make Cause
Temporary
Requirements
to Support Self-
Quarantined
Persons
Evacuation of
Local Areas
Due to a
Hazardous
Materials
Release
Resulting in
Temporary
Shelter
Requirements
Damage,
Contamination,
or Immediate
Threat to
Housing or
Transportation
Routes Resulting
in Extensive
Mass Shelter
Requirements
(up to 1,566
displaced people
if 1% of the
population
requires shelter)
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 3-41 12/06/2024
Threats Earthquake
(>6.0M)
Severe
Windstorm Climate Change
Energy
Disruption /
Power Outage
Flood Wildfire Pandemic Hazardous
Materials Release
Terrorism and
Mass Violence Consequences
Utilities /
Energy
Electricity
Natural Gas
Water
Waste
Treatment
and Disposal
Temporary
Loss of
Lifeline
Services
Damage to
Local
Infrastructure
(loss of
electrical,
natural gas,
and water
outages from
hours to
several weeks)
Local to
Regional
Electrical
Outages Due to
Above Ground
Transmission
Line Failures
Local to
Regional
Electrical
Outages
Reduced Water
Supplies
Local to
Regional
Outages
Caused by
System Failures
or Other
Incident (e.g.,
earthquake,
flood, fire, etc.)
Localized Loss
of Lifeline
Services and
Damage to
Local
Infrastructure in
Flood Zones
Local to
Regional
Outages Due to
Above Ground
Transmission or
Pipeline
Failures
N/A Local to
Regional
Outages Due to
Infrastructure
Damage from a
Hazardous
Materials
Release / Spill
Depending on the
Type/Location of the
Incident:
Possible
Temporary Loss
of Lifeline
Services
Potential
Damage to Local
Infrastructure
(loss of electrical,
natural gas, and
water outages
from hours to
several weeks)
Healthcare Hospital and
Clinic
Damage with
Concurrent
Influx of
Patients
Requiring
Critical Care
Up to 1,700
Injuries (if 1%
of the
population
requires
medical care)
Less than 200
Injuries (if 0.1%
of the
population
requires
medical care)
Hospital and
Clinic Patient
Increase (due
to extreme
temperatures)
Less than 100
Injuries (if
0.05% of the
population
requires
medical care)
Less than 200
Injuries (if 0.1%
of the
population
requires
medical care)
Less than 100
Injuries ( if
0.05% of the
population
requires
medical care(
Hospital and
Clinic Patient
Increase
Resulting in
Over Burdened
Healthcare
Facilities
Shortage of
Vaccines, N95
Masks, etc.
Increased
Emergency
Healthcare
Requirements
Depending on the
Type/Location of the
Incident:
Hospital and
Clinic Damage
Up to 1,566
injured people(
if 1% of the
population
requires
medical care)
Possible
Contamination of
Victims, First
Responders, and
Equipment
Transportation Local Road
and Bridge
Damage
Rail and
Station
Damage
Airport
Damage to
Runways and
Structures
Local Road and
Bridge Due to
Wind Blown
Debris
Local Road
and Bridge
Damage Due
to Extreme
Weather
Disruption to
Traffic Control
and Monitoring
Systems
Local Road and
Bridge Damage
in Flood Areas
Local Road and
Bridge Damage
in Wildfire
Areas
Mass Transit
Disruptions Due
to Pandemic-
related
Closures and/or
Lack of
Personnel
Resources
Disruption of
Transportation
Routes Due to
Hazardous
Materials Spills
(on or nearby)
Depending on the
Type/Location of the
Incident:
Local Road and
Bridge Damage
Rail and Station
Damage
Airport Damage
to Runways
and Structures
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 3-42 12/06/2024
Threats Earthquake
(>6.0M)
Severe
Windstorm Climate Change
Energy
Disruption /
Power Outage
Flood Wildfire Pandemic Hazardous
Materials Release
Terrorism and
Mass Violence Consequences
Economic
Impact
Short to Long
Term
Disruption to
the Local
Economy
Long Term
Business
Disruption
Extensive
Recovery
Costs for
Debris
Removal and
Structure
Repairs and
Replacement
Minimal
Disruption to
the Local
Economy
Recovery
Costs for
Debris
Removal and
Structure
Repairs
Short to Long
Term
Disruption to
the Local
Economy
Short Term
Disruption to
the Local
Economy
Short Term
Disruption to
the Local
Economy
Recovery Costs
for Debris
Removal and
Structure
Repairs and
Replacement
Minimal
Disruption to
the Local
Economy
Recovery Costs
for Fire
Damage Debris
Removal and
Structure
Repairs and
Replacement
Short Term
Disruption to
the Local
Economy
Short Term
Disruption to
the Local
Economy
Recovery Costs
for Hazardous
Materials
Removal and
Disposal
Short to Long
Term Disruption
to the Local
Economy
Long Term
Business
Disruption
Extensive
Recovery Costs
for Debris
Removal and
Structure Repairs
and Replacement
Table 27: Potential Consequences by Threats
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-1 12/06/2024
SECTION 4: MULTI-HAZARD GOALS AND STRATEGIES
This section describes the framework that focuses the plan on developing successful mitigation strategies.
The framework is made up of three parts: the Mission, Goals, and Strategies.
Mission
The mission of the City of Lancaster Hazard Mitigation Plan is to promote sound public policy and programs designed to protect the public, critical facilities, infrastructure, private and public property, and the environment from natural and manmade hazards. The mission is achieved by developing and implementing the Hazard Mitigation Plan to guide the Region towards creating and maintaining a safer and more sustainable community.
Hazard Mitigation Plan Goals
The Hazard Mitigation Plan goals describe the overall direction that the City of Lancaster departments, organizations, and citizens can take to minimize the impacts of hazards. The plan goals help to guide the direction of future activities aimed at reducing risk and preventing loss from hazards. The goals are stepping- stones between the broad direction of the mission and the specific recommendations that are outlined in the strategies.
To Protect Life, Property, Environment
Implement activities that assist in protecting lives by making homes, businesses, infrastructure, critical facilities, and other property to be more resistant to hazards with attention to addressing the needs of the socially vulnerable community based on:
o Socioeconomic Status
o Household Composition and Disability
o Minority Status & Language
o Housing & Transportation
Reduce losses and repetitive damages for chronic hazard events while promoting insurance coverage for catastrophic hazards.
Encourage preventative measures for existing and new development in areas vulnerable to hazards.
Public Awareness
Develop and implement education and outreach programs to increase public awareness of the risks associated with hazards.
Develop and implement education and outreach programs to increase public awareness of the mitigation measures associated with hazards.
Provide information on tools, partnership opportunities, and funding resources to assist in implementing mitigation activities.
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-2 12/06/2024
Partnership and Implementation
Strengthen communication and coordinate participation among and within public agencies, citizens, non-profit organizations, business, and industry to gain a vested interest in implementation. Encourage leadership within public and private sector organizations to prioritize and implement local and regional hazard mitigation activities.
Emergency Management
Establish policy to ensure implementation of mitigation projects for critical facilities, services, and infrastructure.
Make recommendations for updating local ordinances, city guidelines, codes, and permitting processes, and establish new ordinances that support mitigation. Strengthen emergency operations by increasing collaboration and coordination among departments, public agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses, and industry. Coordinate and integrate hazard mitigation activities (when appropriate) with emergency operations plans and procedures.
Floodplain Management
To support the Mission of the Hazard Mitigation Plan, the floodplain management program for the City of Lancaster consists of a combination of:
Permitting Process and Inspections
NFIP Participation, Monitoring, and Compliance
General Plan and Land Use Planning
Permitting Process and Inspections
The City of Lancaster’s Building & Safety Department is responsible for issuing permits and inspecting construction and development areas to ensure compliance to local codes including restrictions to reduce the threat of flood.
Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program
The City of Lancaster participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and conforms to the ongoing eligibility requirements as specified under 44 CFR §59.21. Copies of current FIRMs are provided in Annex F: Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
CID Community Name County Init FHBM
Identified
Init FIRM
Identified
Curr Eff
Map Date
Reg-
Emer
Date
Tribal
060672 LANCASTER LOS ANGELES 09/11/79 01/06/82 09/26/08 01/06/82 No Table 28: FEMA Community Status Book Report: California Source: http://www.fema.gov/cis/CA.html
Note: A Non-Special Flood Hazard Area (NSFHA) is an area that is in a moderate-to-low risk flood zone (Zones B, C, X Pre- and Post-FIRM). An NSFHA is not in any immediate danger from flooding caused by overflowing rivers or hard rains. However, it’s important to note that structures within a NSFHA are still at risk.
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-3 12/06/2024
Per 44 CFR 59.2(b) To qualify for the sale of federally-subsidized flood insurance a community must adopt and submit to the Administrator as part of its application, flood plain management regulations, satisfying at a minimum the criteria set forth at Part 60 of this subchapter, designed to reduce or avoid future flood, mudslide (i.e., mudflow) or flood-related erosion damages. These regulations must include effective enforcement provisions.
The current FEMA Community Status Book Report lists Lancaster’s acceptance and entry date meeting their requirements per 44 CFR 59 and Part 60 into the NFIP under the Reg-Emer Date. Per FEMA this date represents:
Regular Program – The final phase of a community’s participation in the NFIP. In this phase, a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) is in effect and full limits of coverage are available under the Act.
Emergency Program – The initial phase of a community’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, as prescribed by Section 1306 of the Act.
Lancaster is listed as part of the Los Angeles County Aggregate Communities that participate in the NFIP (Source: LAC Public Works and FEMA as of November 2023). Examples of how the City of Lancaster meets NFIP minimal requirements are documented below (‘General Plan – Flood Mitigation and Planning’ section).
NFIP Monitoring and Compliance
The City of Lancaster has a designated staff position responsible for ongoing monitoring and compliance to the requirements specified by under the NFIP. In addition, this person is responsible for managing NFIP and flood mitigation efforts within the jurisdiction and requesting flood map updates e.g., working with the City’s Emergency Management Coordinator and other stakeholders and requesting flood map updates (as required).
City of Lancaster NFIP Contacts
The following contacts are responsible for NFIP monitoring and compliance:
Stephen Carrillo Senior Engineer [email protected] Nick Godin City Engineer [email protected]
General Plan – Flood Mitigation and Planning
The Planning Department is responsible for maintaining and updating the General Plan. Floodplain management requirements and incorporation of flood mitigation as well as NFIP requirements are included in the General Plan. Specific information on Flooding and Drainage are included in the “Plan for Public Health and Safety” section.
FLOODING AND DRAINAGE
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-4 12/06/2024
The City of Lancaster is subject to periodic flooding, due to a combination of flat topography, nearby mountains, and surrounding washes. The increase in impervious surfaces resulting from development will increase the potential amount of runoff and local flooding.
While it may be desirable to capture debris in upstream basins as a means of facilitating the efficiency of flood control works and to establish basins to capture flood waters and recharge the groundwater basin, Edwards Air Force Base has expressed a desire that mud -laden storm waters be allowed to flow onto the dry lake beds located within the base as a means of ʺrechargingʺ the beds and preserving them as viable landing areas. In May 2005, FEMA updated the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) to reflect changes resulting from infrastructure improvements within the City that have been installed since the time of the last update of the maps in 1982.
Objectives, Policies, and Actions
Objective 4.2 Minimize the potential for loss of life, physical injury, property damage, and social disruption resulting from a FEMA 100-year flood.
Policy 4.2.1 Manage flood hazards to ensure an acceptable level of risk and to facilitate rapid physical and economic recovery following a flood through the identification and recognition of potentially hazardous conditions and implementation of effective standards for location and construction of development.
Specific Action 4.1.1 (a): In coordination with the City of Palmdale and Los Angeles County, update a regional drainage study, as applicable, and incorporate the results into the City’s master drainage plan.
Status: Implemented Responsibility: Public Works Department
Participation, Designee, and Implementation
The City of Lancaster actively participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which offers homeowners and individual communities’ access to flood insurance. Lancaster encourages residents and individual communities to participate in the NFIP regardless of their risk level. For nonparticipating communities, property owners in mapped floodplains may not be eligible for insurance through the NFIP but are encouraged to consider all insurance options.
Additional information regarding the designee to implement the addressed commitments and requirements of the NFIP, as well as the implementation of Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Provisions are included below.
Designee to Implement NFIP Commitments
The designee to Implement NFIP Commitments for the City of Lancaster is the Director of Public Works.
Further details are included in the City of Lancaster Code of Ordinance Chapter 17.40 Article III (17.4.180).
Implementation of Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Provisions The Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Provisions are key elements of floodplain management.
The intent is to ensure structures meet current floodplain management regulations, enhancing their resilience to future flood events. The implementation of Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Provisions include the steps below. Further details are included in the City of Lancaster Code of Ordinance Chapter 17.40 Article III (17.40.190).
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-5 12/06/2024
1. Damage Assessment:
a. Inspect structures and compare repair costs to 50% of pre-damage value
2. Permitting Process:
a. Ensure compliance with floodplain regulations before repairs start
3. Elevation and Floodproofing:
a. Require elevation or floodproofing to base flood elevation standards
4. Utility and Service Standards:
a. Design utilities to prevent water infiltration
5. Enforcement and Verification:
a. Certify and inspect compliance with regulations
6. Documentation for FEMA and Community Records:
a. Maintain records for FEMA and local compliance
Specific Action 4.1.1 (b): Following completion of the update of the regional drainage study outlined in Action 4.2.1(a), formulate a program for abatement of flood hazards within existing developed areas.
Status: Implemented Responsibility: Public Works Department
Specific Action 4.1.1 (c) : Ensure that no structure designed for human occupancy is constructed within the 100 -year floodplain without complying with the City’s flood plain ordinance. Retain undeveloped or vacant land within 100-year floodplains as very low density rural uses or open space where plans for construction of flood control facilities are absent. Lancaster General Plan 2030 Status: Existing program Responsibility: Public Works Department Time Frame: Ongoing Funding Source: Department budget, development review fees
Specific Action 4.1.1 (d): Require, as a prerequisite to development approval within the 100 -year floodplain, that information be submitted by a qualified civil or hydrological engineer certifying the 100-year base flood elevation.
Status: Existing program Responsibility: Public Works Department Time Frame: Ongoing Funding Source: Department budget, development review fees
Specific Action 4.1.1 (e):
Require, as a prerequisite to development approval, that drainage studies identify the facilities which are required to ensure that proposed development is adequately protected and that such development will not create or increase downstream or upstream flood hazards.
Status: Existing program Responsibility: Public Works Department Time Frame: Ongoing Funding Source: Department budget, development review fees
Specific Action 4.1.1 (f): Through the development review process, encourage the use of pervious paving materials in hardscape areas; swale designs in landscape or grassy areas which slow runoff and maximize infiltration; and the discharge of roof drainage into pervious, greenbelt and seepage pit areas to reduce increases in downstream runoff resulting from new developments.
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2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-6 12/06/2024
Status: Existing program Responsibility: Public Works and Planning Departments Time Frame: Ongoing Funding Source: Department budgets, development review fees
Specific Action 4.1.1 (g):
Require that street and storm drain flood control systems be designed to accommodate identified storm flows.
Status: Existing program Responsibility: Public Works Department Time Frame: Ongoing Funding Source: Department budget, development review fees
Specific Action 4.1.1 (h):
Ensure that major creeks, channels, and basins are kept clear of obstruction, and are regularly maintained.
Status: Existing program Responsibility: Public Works Department and County Flood Control District Time Frame: Ongoing Funding Source: Department budgets, Drainage Benefit Assessment District
Specific Action 4.1.1 (i) : Coordinate with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop an urban storm water management ordinance.
Status: New program Responsibility: Public Works Department Time Frame: Priority 3 Funding Source: Department budget
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Hazard Mitigation Plan
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Hazard Mitigation Strategies
The Hazard Mitigation Plan identifies action items developed and submitted through data collection, research, and the public participation process. Mitigation plan activities may be considered for funding through Federal and State grant programs as well as other funds made available to the City of Lancaster. To help ensure activity implementation, each action item includes estimated timeframes and a list of coordinating organizations.
Mitigation strategies were assigned a priority based on a combination of factors, including urgency, importance, and cost / benefit. Constraints may apply to some of the action items. These constraints may be a lack of city staff, lack of funds, or vested property rights which might expose the City to legal action as a result of adverse impacts on private property.
Hazard Mitigation Prioritization of Projects and Actions Lancaster Mitigation Project Benefit Cost Comparison and Prioritization According to the Disaster Mitigation Act (DMA) 44 CFR 201.6(c)(3)(iii)), local mitigation plans must contain a strategy (or action plan) whereby "Prioritization shall include a special emphasis on the extent to which benefits are maximized according to a cost benefit review of the proposed projects and their associated costs.
A comprehensive cost-benefit calculation is not required as part of the Hazard Mitigation Plan (per FEMA Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Review Guide) however a detailed cost-benefit analysis may be needed later if an application for federal mitigation grant funding is made).
Each of the projects listed on the following pages were reviewed and prioritized by the HMP Working Group and considered the expected benefit to the community versus the estimated cost. Other considerations included whether projects were already in progress or part of another effort, if funds were already budgeted or if additional budget funding was required, the availability of resources, ongoing maintenance requirements, and the timeline for completion (if known). The priority values assigned followed the basic criteria as defined below:
Priority 1
Immediate: The project provides a high benefit with relatively low to moderate cost and/or requires minimal implementation effort. Funding and/or resources may already be assigned or are readily available.
Priority 2 Important: The project provides a moderate benefit. Resources, costs and/or funding may need to be allocated or obtained.
Priority 3 Significant: The project provides a benefit but resources, costs and/or funding must be allocated.
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Hazard Mitigation Plan
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Prioritization Review
As part of this Hazard Mitigation Plan update, the HMP Working Group reviewed the previous project prioritization criteria in accordance with 44 CFR 201.6(d)(3). This review included considerations for changes since the previous approved HMP.
Benefit Prioritization and Categorization
Each of the mitigation projects were reviewed and prioritized by the HMP Working Group and considered the expected benefit to the community versus the estimated cost. Other considerations included whether projects were already in progress or part of another effort, if funds were already budgeted or if additional budget funding was required, the availability of resources, ongoing maintenance requirements, and the timeline for completion (if known).
Benefits were evaluated based on five major categories:
1. Protection of Life / Loss of Life Reduction (including the socially vulnerable)
2. Protection of Property / Property Loss Reduction
3. Protection of the Environment / Environmental Loss Reduction
4. Increase Public Awareness
5. Scope of Impact
The prioritization review incorporated an assessment of lessons learned and changes in current conditions including:
Financial Constraints and Funding Considerations
Regulatory and Legal Requirements
Political and Jurisdictional Changes
Development Patterns
Changes in Disaster Planning and Recovery Priorities (including Risk Assessments and priorities such as the needs of the socially vulnerable)
Post‐Disaster Conditions (as applicable)
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2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-9 12/06/2024
Mitigation Capabilities
The City of Lancaster provides the following general mitigation capabilities. Specific details are provided in the table below.
Planning & Regulatory
The city’s General Plan and Development Plans include specifications and restrictions to mitigate potential losses due to disasters. For example, development in high risk areas is restricted and mitigation requirements are specified in the city’s Development Plan. Additionally, the city’s Planning Department and Building & Safety Departments are responsible for mitigating the potential for losses due to disasters via local building codes, permitting processes, and local development planning. Furthermore, the city has adopted California State Building Codes and State Fire Marshal Codes (including National Fire Protection Association Codes) to mitigate the potential for disasters and their consequences.
Administration & Technical
Ultimately, the City Manager is responsible for hazard mitigation planning and the city has an Emergency Planning Department and/or designated Emergency Manager/Planner/Analyst or Public Safety representative that is responsible for monitoring and managing the city’s Hazard Mitigation activities and projects. As part of their responsibilities, this group/individual coordinates with the city’s Planning Department, Building Department, Community Development, Finance, and other departments to ensure that a continued focus on mitigation planning is maintained including future land use and development plans, local regulations, and permitting requirements. Additionally, the city maintains their General Plan and Safety Element that includes hazard mitigation provisions and requirements. Further, city resources such as Information Technology Departments support mitigation planning and development plans by providing GIS mapping resources, data analyses, and local reporting capabilities.
Financial
The city’s Finance Department works with other internal departments to obtain funding for mitigation projects and activities through their General Fund, project specific funding sources (including funding via other local agencies such as Caltrans, Metro, etc.), as well as State and Federal grant applications. See Section 4 Hazard Mitigation Goals and Strategies – Hazard Mitigation Strategy Projects for details on costs and funding sources.
Education & Outreach
The city provides mitigation and outreach capabilities which includes public bulletins sent via social media, city website, news releases, and the local CERT program. In addition, the city participates and distributes mitigation information developed by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Sheriff’s Department, and other county agencies. Additionally, the city provides the public with mitigation information from Cal-OES and FEMA.
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Mitigation Capability Lancaster
Planning & Regulatory Planning and Building Depts.
Lancaster General Plan
Lancaster Development Plan
CA State Building Code
CA State Fire Marshal Code
CA State Electrical Code
Lancaster Building Code
Admin & Technical The following Administrative and Technical departments, plans, and regulations support the City of Lancaster mitigation planning efforts:
Lancaster General Plan
Lancaster Safety Element
Administrative Analyst
City Departments (involved in Planning, Development, Building Codes, and Permitting)
Finance Department
Financial
See Section 4 Hazard Mitigation Goals and
Strategies – Hazard Mitigation Strategy
Projects for details on costs and funding
sources.
Lancaster General Fund
State of CA Grant
Federal Grant
HMEP Grant
Federal HMGP Funding
Education & Outreach Lancaster Facebook and “X” (Twitter) City News Releases
Lancaster CERT Program
Los Angeles Fire and Sheriff’s, County, Cal-OES, and FEMA Information Pamphlets
Expanding Mitigation Capabilities
The City of Lancaster is working to improve their mitigation capabilities. Each city’s ability to expand their individual mitigation capabilities is generally reliant upon their (1) available internal resources and (2) allocated budgets and (3) their ability to obtain outside financing via grant (HMGP, BRIC, etc.) and other funds such as Measure M and Measure R transportation programs. FEMA has provided guidance on additional means for cities to expand their mitigation efforts. These suggestions include:
1. Identify, adopt, and enforce the most current set of development codes and standards available.
Strongly encouraging new development to be constructed to higher standards than currently required, increasing resilience within the community.
2. Engaging parts of the community that may not be actively involved in mitigation efforts.
3. Expanding the number and types of organizations involved in mitigation planning and implementation, increasing both efficiency and bandwidth.
4. Fostering new relationships to bring underrepresented populations and partners to the hazard mitigation planning process.
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5. During the annual HMP review, seek opportunities to fund and expand and/or enhance the effectiveness of current mitigation actions.
6. During annual budgeting processes, identify new funding sources (bonds, grants, assessment districts, etc.) that can be used to support existing capabilities enhancements.
Specific details for the City of Lancasters future goals for expansion of their mitigation capabilities are provided in the table below.
Mitigation Capability Lancaster
Planning & Regulatory Continue to evaluate and improve planning requirements to mitigate the risk of wildfires, floods, and earthquakes in the city
Additional Planning, Permitting, Building Inspection, and Safety resources to better manage and facilitate future development and building efforts within the City of Lancaster
Improvements to the Lancaster Evacuation Plan (including evac routes, public awareness, and communications)
Additional monitoring and enforcement capabilities for flood mitigation in coordination with the Los Angeles County Public Works
Further incorporate the needs of the socially vulnerable (e.g., low income, elderly, etc.) into the Lancaster Development Plan
Admin & Technical A full time Emergency Planning and Mitigation Manager Obtain additional grant writing resources
Obtain additional and/or improve GIS mapping resources Financial Obtain additional mitigation project grants such as Federal HMGP Funding, BRIC and CDBG Funds
City and Private Funding (if Assessment District established) Additional funding to maintain and improve social media outreach Work with other local agencies to coordinate on projects and project funding on efforts that improve mitigation within the city
Education & Outreach Better public involvement and interest in mitigation planning Continue to leverage social media Facebook, “X” (Twitter), and Instagram to encourage hazard mitigation
Expand CERT capabilities which will promote mitigation actions at the local level
Economic Analysis of Mitigation Projects
FEMA's approaches to identify the costs and benefits and costs associated with hazard mitigation strategies, measures, or projects include a Benefit/Cost Review and more detailed Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA).
Conducting an economic analysis for a mitigation activity can assist the city in determining whether a project is worth undertaking now in order to avoid disaster-related damages later.
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Benefit-Cost Analysis Exemptions
The following categories of mitigation measures are exempt from the FEMA policy on Benefit-Cost analysis:
5% Initiative Projects: States, which receive a Presidential declaration, are eligible to use up to 5% of available HMGP funding at their discretion.
Tornado Initiative: States, which receive a Presidential declaration, are eligible to use up to an additional 5% of available HMGP funding at their discretion. Substantial Damage Waivers for acquisition of substantially damaged structures in 100-year floodplain.
Mitigation planning related grants.
Benefit-Cost Review
The Benefit-Cost Review process includes monetary as well as non-monetary costs and benefits associated with each action. Some projects can be extremely cost-effective but not as beneficial for the community at large. The Planning Team considered a wide variety of questions, such as:
How many people will benefit from the action?
How are the needs of the socially vulnerable addressed? How large an area is impacted?
How critical are the facilities that benefit from the action (e.g., is it more beneficial to protect the fire station than the administrative building, even though it costs more)? Environmentally, does it make sense to do this project for the overall community? The process emphasized a review of costs and benefits when prioritizing the mitigation actions and projects provided in this Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Benefit-Cost Analysis
The Benefit-Cost analysis is used to determine if the cost of investing in a specific mitigation project, i.e., the “cost” will result in reduced damages in the future, i.e., the “benefits” and if the loss prevented justifies the expenditure of funds for the project. If the benefit is greater than the cost, then the project is cost effective; if the benefit is less than the cost, then the project is not cost effective.
The Benefit-Cost Analysis is essentially the same for each type of hazard mitigation project. The only differences are the types of data that are used (e.g., if the project is for earthquake, flood, wind, or fire mitigation). To determine the Benefit-Cost, the project cost is compared to the anticipated dollar loss that will be prevented by the mitigation project. For example, if the project cost is $100,000 and the expected loss averted is $1,000,000, then the benefit exceeds the cost and is therefore cost effective.
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The ratio of the benefit versus the cost is 10:1 ($1,000,000 divided by $100,000). Priority is given to those projects with the highest Benefit-Cost Ratio or those projects with the greatest benefit to the community.
Benefit-Cost Methodology
For the City of Lancaster HMP, mitigation projects were reviewed and prioritized by the HMP Working Group which considered:
The expected benefit to the community according to the following categories:
o Protection of Life / Loss of Life Reduction
o Protection of Property / Property Loss Reduction
o Protection of the Environment / Environmental Loss Reduction o Protection of the Socially Vulnerable
o Increase Public Awareness
o Scope of Impact (i.e., the degree to which the project benefits the community or region) Costs: total estimated expense including ongoing maintenance requirements Constraints: the availability of resources, if funds were already budgeted or if additional budget funding was required, and the timeline for completion (if known) Other considerations included whether projects were already in progress or part of another effort (e.g., part of a County-wide program or existing city initiative)
Benefit-Cost Review Approach for Previous Mitigation Projects DMA 2000 does not require Hazard Mitigation Plans to include BCA’s for specific projects.6 Consequently previous mitigation projects (2018 and prior) utilized a Benefit-Cost Review approach.
The following tables provide examples of the Benefit-Cost Review factors considered:
Benefit Factors Evaluation Score
Protection of Life/Loss of Life Reduction High / Medium / Low / None Protection of Property/Property Loss Reduction High / Medium / Low / None Protection of the Environment/Environmental Loss
Reduction High / Medium / Low / None
Increased Public Awareness High / Medium / Low / None
Scope of Impact
High (benefits the entire city or region)
Medium (benefits a large part of the city or region)
Low (benefits a targeted or limited area)
None
6 FEMA Publication 386-5, State and Local Mitigation Planning, Using Benefit-Cost Review in Mitigation Planning, May 2007
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Cost Factor Evaluation Score
More than $500K regionally or $50K locally High
$250K to $499K regionally or $25K to $49.9K locally Moderately High $100K to $249K regionally or $10K to $24.9K locally Medium $50K to $99K regionally or $5K to $9.9K locally Moderately Low Less than $50K regionally or $5K locally Low
In-house Time None
Constraint Factor Evaluation Score
Resources
No Resources Available
Limited Resources Available
Resources Allocated and Assigned
Funding
No Funds Available (Need to Obtain New Funding)
Limited Funds Available
Funds Allocated
Time
Rapid or Condensed Timeframe
Moderate Timeframe
No Time Constraints
The Benefit-Cost Model for New Mitigation Projects
For this Hazard Mitigation Plan update, new projects were evaluated using the latest Benefit-Cost Model methodology as outlined by FEMA (June 2019). This methodology incorporates more detailed analysis including the following:
Benefits
Avoided Physical Damages
o Structural Damage to Buildings or Infrastructure
o Contents Damage
o Damage to Historic/Cultural Resources
o Site Contamination
Avoided Loss of Service/Function
o Public/Non-profit Sector Buildings
o Critical Facilities
o Roads and Bridges
o Utilities (electric power, potable water, and wastewater) Avoided Fatalities/Casualties (for hazards with little or no warning time) o Fatalities ($6.9M each)
o Hospitalized ($2.3M each)
o Treat & Release ($61K each)
o Self-treat ($14K each)
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Avoided Displacement Costs
o Facilities Rent / Furniture Rental
o Moving Expenses
o Temporary Utilities
Avoided Emergency Management Costs (including debris removal and volunteer costs) Avoided NFIP Administrative Costs
Other Benefits
Societal Benefits
Social Benefit Value
Mental Stress & Anxiety $2,443/person
Lost Productivity $8,736/person
Environmental Benefits (minimum 0.75 BCR required)
Environmental Benefit Value
Green Open Space $8,308/acre/year
Riparian $39,545/acre/year
Wetlands $6,010/acre/year
Forest $554/acre/year
Marine & Estuary $1,799/acre/year
Costs
Costs include:
Construction Costs
Any Other Project-related Costs such as Title Searches, Permits, etc. Maintenance Costs
Any In-kind Contributions or Match from the Recipient or Sub-recipient
As indicated above FEMA BCA Toolkit automatically calculates the Benefits and Costs (based on the data input provided). Costs include ongoing maintenance and other factors. Consequently, BCA Cost calculations are higher than the initial implementation cost. Similarly, Benefits are accrued over the life of the project.
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The tables below provide BCA summaries of the City of Lancaster’s new mitigation projects.
New Mitigation Projects and Benefit-Cost Calculator Results
Using 3% Discount Rate
(For BRIC and FMA only)
Project Title Benefits (B) Costs (C) BCR
(B/C) Benefits (B) Costs (C) BCR
(B/C)
Business Continuity Plan
Education & Outreach $18,939,180 $444,414 42.61 $19,297,297 $448,263 43.05 Master Plan of Drainage
Construction Projects $11,181,337 $596,993 18.73 $11,238,474 $597,087 18.82 Construction of Drainage
Projects $11,181,337 $4,283,330 2.61 $11,238,474 $4,289,854 2.62
TOTAL $41,298,854 $5,324,737 7.76 $41,774,245 $5,335,204 7.83
The Project List beginning on the following page summarizes the projects developed by the City of Lancaster as part of this Hazard Mitigation Plan. Projects are categorized by type, status, and priority. Note: Multi- Hazard projects have wide applicability across all potential scenarios. Specific hazard type of projects are generally issue specific but may also support other disaster scenarios.
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Hazard Mitigation Plan
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Hazard Mitigation Plan Project Status Summary
The following matrix provides a summary of the Hazard Mitigation Projects implemented in the City of Lancaster, the current status, and their estimated benefit (e.g., impact on New Buildings, Existing Buildings, Infrastructure, and the Community).
The hazards addressed () focuses on the high risk hazards identified in the Risk Assessment (Section 3: Risk Assessment). The primary mitigation goals addressed () by each project are listed (per Section 4: Hazard Mitigation Goals, p. 4- 1), i.e., (1) Public Awareness; (2) Protect Life, Property, and the Environment; (3) Partnerships and Implementation; (4) Emergency Management. In addition, the issues addressed by each project are identified in terms of Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery ().
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Hazard Type /
Number Project
Windstorm
Earthquake
Energy
Disruption
Wildfire
Flood
Climate
Change
Pandemic
Hazmat
Release
Terrorism
Public Awareness
Protect Life,
Property and the
Environment
Partnerships and
Implementation
Emergency
Management
Mitigation
Preparedness
Response
Recovery
Status Priority Estimated Cost Estimated Benefit
Multi-Hazard
#1
Implement, Revise,
and Maintain the City
of Lancaster Hazard
Mitigation Plan
Continual
Updates
5-Yr Update
Complete and
Future
Updates
Ongoing
1 $20,000 to
$25,000
The Hazard Mitigation Plan provides a
roadmap for mitigation planning and
mitigation project implementation for the
City.
Implementation of the projects included in
the Hazard Mitigation Plan will result in a
reduction in disaster losses (life, property,
economy, etc.) and improve recovery
capabilities.
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Hazard Type /
Number Project
Windstorm
Earthquake
Energy
Disruption
Wildfire
Flood
Climate
Change
Pandemic
Hazmat
Release
Terrorism
Public Awareness
Protect Life,
Property and the
Environment
Partnerships and
Implementation
Emergency
Management
Mitigation
Preparedness
Response
Recovery
Status Priority Estimated Cost Estimated Benefit
Multi-Hazard
#2
Backup Power
Ongoing –
Investigating
Micro Grids
and Hydrogen
Power with
Possible
Regional
Disaster
Center
1 Ongoing
Maintenance Cost
(part of General
Fund and
possible grant
requests)
Ensuring that city-owned critical facilities
are identified and equipped with
emergency generators and fuel supplies
will mitigate the impact of multiple incidents
including power outages, major
earthquakes, floods, etc.
Backup power enables the City to maintain
operations, respond to emergencies, and
help ensure Continuity of Operations
(COOP) and Continuity of Government
(COG).
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Hazard Type /
Number Project
Windstorm
Earthquake
Energy
Disruption
Wildfire
Flood
Climate
Change
Pandemic
Hazmat
Release
Terrorism
Public Awareness
Protect Life,
Property and the
Environment
Partnerships and
Implementation
Emergency
Management
Mitigation
Preparedness
Response
Recovery
Status Priority Estimated Cost Estimated Benefit
Multi-Hazard
#3
Disaster Drills
Ongoing 1 $25,000 -
$49,000
Conducting annual drills helps to ensure
that City personnel are prepared to
respond to a variety of scenarios.
Joint exercises with local utilities and
VOADs such as the American Red Cross
will assist in better coordination with critical
lifeline services and disaster response
groups.
Increased effectiveness will help reduce
recovery timeframes - resulting in improved
public assistance capabilities and
decreased costs.
Multi-Hazard
#4
Emergency Shelter
Coordination
Ongoing 1 None – Internal
Time Only
Coordination with emergency shelter
providers such as the American Red Cross
and the Los Angeles County Department of
Social Services will enable the City to more
quickly provide shelter and basic services
to displaced residents – including plans for
addressing special needs.
Ensuring that Memorandums of
Understanding (MOU’s) are in place before
a disaster strikes will help to ensure that
the City is able to coordinate shelter
activities.
Multi-Hazard
#5
Evacuation Routes
Ongoing 1 None – Internal
Time Only
Alternate evacuation route planning and
better coordination with other agencies,
and jurisdictions will enable the City to
better coordinate public evacuations –
reducing and mitigating the threat to life
and safety.
Multi-Hazard
#6
Government
Coordination
Ongoing 1 None – Internal
Time Only
Improved working relationships and MOU’s
with local, state, and federal agencies as
well as better communications, planning,
and coordination of mitigation activities will
result in improved mitigation, response,
and recovery.
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Hazard Type /
Number Project
Windstorm
Earthquake
Energy
Disruption
Wildfire
Flood
Climate
Change
Pandemic
Hazmat
Release
Terrorism
Public Awareness
Protect Life,
Property and the
Environment
Partnerships and
Implementation
Emergency
Management
Mitigation
Preparedness
Response
Recovery
Status Priority Estimated Cost Estimated Benefit
Multi-Hazard
#7
Emergency Services
Contractors
Ongoing 1 None – Internal
Time Only
Identifying and tracking the critical vendors
and contractors required after a disaster
will enable the City to more rapidly acquire
needed resources.
Multi-Hazard
#8
Municipal Code
Review
Ongoing 1 None – Internal
Time Only
Building Code amendments and
enforcement will assist in mitigating the
impact of disasters such as earthquakes on
life/safety and structures (Building Codes
are updated every 3 years).
Requirements for automatic shut-offs,
flexible piping, etc. for new construction,
major repairs to existing structures, and
critical infrastructure will help to prevent
losses and reduce local area damage.
Multi-Hazard
#9
Mutual Water
Agreements
Ongoing–
Agreements
Completed
with Multiple
Water
Agencies with
Ongoing
Meetings
1 None – Internal
Time Only
Better coordination between the City and
local water agencies will decrease
response and recovery times in the event
of a water disruption.
Developing and implementing Mutual Aid
Agreements and Memorandums of
Understanding with local water providers
will mitigate the impact of a disruption to
local water supplies to the public.
Multi-Hazard
#10
Pre-Established
Contracts
Ongoing 1 None – Internal
Time Only
Implementing pre-established contracts
with local merchants to provide essential
supplies, materials, and/or function as local
distribution points for food, water, etc. will
provide the public with needed resources
following a disaster.
Emergency supplies will also assist the
City in maintaining Continuity of Operations
and Continuity of Government after a
disaster.
Multi-Hazard
#11
Public Hazard
Mitigation Education
and Planning
Ongoing 1 $5,000 - $24,000 Creation and development of additional mitigation education programs and
information will better enable the local
population to prepare for and mitigate the
impact of disasters.
Educational and awareness programs can
have an immediate impact on public
preparedness and mitigation and leverage
available funds to reach local households
and businesses.
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Hazard Type /
Number Project
Windstorm
Earthquake
Energy
Disruption
Wildfire
Flood
Climate
Change
Pandemic
Hazmat
Release
Terrorism
Public Awareness
Protect Life,
Property and the
Environment
Partnerships and
Implementation
Emergency
Management
Mitigation
Preparedness
Response
Recovery
Status Priority Estimated Cost Estimated Benefit
Multi-Hazard
#12
Sustainability Projects
Mitigation
Ongoing 1 None – Internal
Time Only
Integrating mitigation into the “Natural
Environment” section of the General Plan
will provide an immediate benefit by
supplementing existing natural hazard
mitigation actions into existing goals,
objectives, policies, and actions while
ensuring ongoing monitoring.
Multi-Hazard
#13
Critical Infrastructure
Assessment
Ongoing 2 None – Internal
Time Only
Identification and preparation of critical
facilities and infrastructure will mitigate the
impact of disasters on the local community
(e.g., public shelter sites) as well as help
ensure City Continuity of Operations.
Multi-Hazard
#14
Hazardous Waste
Hauling Study
Ongoing –
Coordination
with
Environmental
Services
Ongoing
2 $50,000 -
$100,000
Funding Issues to
be Resolved
Identification and preparation for a
hazardous materials release in the City will
enable responders to more effectively
manage recovery efforts.
Multi-Hazard
#15
Mitigation Funding
Sources
Ongoing 2 None – Internal
Time Only
Obtaining access to local hazard mitigation
funding will provide the resources needed
to implement mitigation projects.
Multi-Hazard
#16
Natural Resources
Protection
Ongoing 2 None – Internal
Time Only
Integrating natural resources programs
with mitigation activities will assist in
hazard prevention/mitigation such as flood
control and wildfire protection.
Multi-Hazard
#17
Public and Private
Partnerships
Ongoing 2 $4,999+ Encouraging public/private partnerships will assist in coordinating mitigation actions
prior to a disaster.
Public/private partnerships will also help to
better coordinate response and recovery
activities following a disaster.
Multi-Hazard
#18
Inventory At-Risk
Buildings and
Infrastructure
Ongoing 2 $4,999+Additional
Funding Required
for a Critical
Infrastructure
Plan and List of
Structures
An inventory of critical at-risk buildings and
infrastructure will enable the City to
develop site specific mitigation projects.
Issues include unreinforced masonry
structures, flood hazard areas,
public/private bridges, and vulnerable
transportation routes.
Multi-Hazard
#19
Advanced Community
Training
Ongoing 3 $4,999+ annually Promotion of advanced public training programs such as CPR, AED, and EMT
enhances community preparedness.
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-23 12/06/2024
Hazard Type /
Number Project
Windstorm
Earthquake
Energy
Disruption
Wildfire
Flood
Climate
Change
Pandemic
Hazmat
Release
Terrorism
Public Awareness
Protect Life,
Property and the
Environment
Partnerships and
Implementation
Emergency
Management
Mitigation
Preparedness
Response
Recovery
Status Priority Estimated Cost Estimated Benefit
Multi-Hazard
#20
Emergency
Preparedness Public
Awareness
Campaigns
Ongoing 3 $5,000 - $24,999
Annually
Additional
Funding Required
for TV Ads
Ongoing public awareness campaigns
provide a means for educating the public
about hazards and hazard mitigation.
Public awareness includes continued
information campaigns for mitigating the
threat of wildfires and earthquakes.
CERT programs provide greater public
preparedness and neighborhood level
response capabilities.
Multi-Hazard
#21
Ongoing Hazard
Mitigation Public
Comment Program
Ongoing 3 None – Internal
Time Only
An ongoing public comment and
participation program provides the local
community with a forum for providing their
input into the City’s Hazard Mitigation Plan.
There is currently an ongoing public web
survey that is regularly reviewed and will
be periodically updated.
Multi-Hazard
#22
Business Continuity
Plan & Outreach
New/Ongoing 3 $50,000 -
$100,000
Implement a Business Continuity Plan to
help local businesses becomes aware of
mitigation and preparedness strategies,
ensuring they are better equipped to
respond to natural disasters and manage
day-to-day operations.
Earthquake #1 Non-structural
Earthquake Mitigation
Ongoing 1 $4,999 +
Additional
Funding for
Printed Materials
and First Aid /
CPR Supplies
Providing information to the public to
encourage non-structural mitigation will
decrease injuries and losses from an
earthquake.
The City will use its internal capabilities
such as the City website, quarterly Outlook
publication, and City Newsletter to publish
articles and guidelines.
Providing First Aid / CPR and stop-the-
bleed kits to schools and businesses
enhances public awareness and protects
life
Earthquake #2 Analysis of
Earthquake Hazards
Pending
Funding
2 $50,000 –
$100,000
Identification of structures vulnerable to
earthquakes including liquefaction zones
will assist in developing earthquake
specific mitigation projects.
Implemented HAZUS and other tools to
map the local area which enables the City
to better identify vulnerable sites.
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-24 12/06/2024
Hazard Type /
Number Project
Windstorm
Earthquake
Energy
Disruption
Wildfire
Flood
Climate
Change
Pandemic
Hazmat
Release
Terrorism
Public Awareness
Protect Life,
Property and the
Environment
Partnerships and
Implementation
Emergency
Management
Mitigation
Preparedness
Response
Recovery
Status Priority Estimated Cost Estimated Benefit
Earthquake #3 Seismic Retrofit
Outreach Programs
Pending
Funding
3 $4,999 +
Additional
Funding for
Printed Materials
Providing homeowners with information on
retrofitting their homes will reduce losses
from an earthquake.
The City will distribute brochures and use
its internal capabilities such as the City
Departments, website, quarterly Outlook
publication, and City Newsletter to publish
retrofitting articles and guidelines.
Flood #1 FIRM (Flood
Insurance Rate
Maps) Monitoring
Ongoing 1 None – Internal
Time Only
FIRM reviews are ongoing. Change
requests are submitted as required.
Ongoing FIRM monitoring will help ensure
that high risk areas are identified and
action taken to reduce risk.
Existing or new policies, activities, and
tools will be used to improve mitigation
efforts.
Distributing printed materials promotes
public mitigation efforts
Flood #2 Floodplain
Management Plan
Ongoing 2 None – Internal
Time Only
Performing ongoing reviews of the City’s
Floodplain Management Plan will help
ensure that changes to local area flood
risks are identified and new mitigation
projects are developed (if needed).
Reviews will require internal time only. New
flood management projects (if needed) will
have to be budgeted.
Flood #3 Surface Water
Drainage Study
Ongoing 2 $50,000 -
$100,000
Monitoring and analysis of surface water
drainage obstructions, patterns, and risks
will mitigate flood damage.
Identified risks will be reviewed and high
risk areas will be subject to greater levels
of monitoring during flood conditions.
If needed new projects developed.
Additional funding will be required for new
projects and supplemental monitoring
capabilities.
Flood #4 Drainage and Flood
Control Maintenance
Ongoing and
New Projects
2 Greater than
$100,000
Targeted flood mitigation efforts to ensure
drainage systems are free of debris will
reduce the likelihood of flooding. New
projects will need to be budgeted.
Continuation of flood prevention activities
such as retention/detention basin
maintenance and updates to the Master
Plan will reduce the potential for flooding.
Flood #5 Master Plan of
Drainage
Construction Projects
New/Ongoing 2 $500,000 (per
project)
Plan and design construction projects
throughout the city in order to alleviate
floods from troubled spots throughout the
community.
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-25 12/06/2024
Hazard Type /
Number Project
Windstorm
Earthquake
Energy
Disruption
Wildfire
Flood
Climate
Change
Pandemic
Hazmat
Release
Terrorism
Public Awareness
Protect Life,
Property and the
Environment
Partnerships and
Implementation
Emergency
Management
Mitigation
Preparedness
Response
Recovery
Status Priority Estimated Cost Estimated Benefit
Flood #6 Construction of
Drainage Projects
New/Ongoing 2 $500,000 -
$2,000,000 (per
project)
Complete portions of the MPD that are vital
to moving flood and storm waters away
from communities.
Wildfire #1 Fire Outreach and
Education
Ongoing 1 $5,000 - $24,999 Enhancing existing outreach and educational programs will help ensure that
the homeowners, property managers, and
local businesses take action to reduce
wildfire risks, particularly in urban/wildland
interface areas.
Wildfire #2 Alternative
Firefighting Water
Sources
Ongoing 2 $5,000 - $24,999 Improved water storage and distribution capabilities will help ensure that water
resources are available in the event of a
major wildfire.
Improved communications between fire
jurisdictions and water districts will
enhance response capabilities in the event
of a major wildfire.
Wildfire #3 Federal Cost-Share
and Grant Programs
Ongoing 2 $0 - $4,999 Obtaining additional funds for coordination and mutual aid activities will better enable
the City to fund wildfire response
capabilities.
Wildfire #4 Cooperative Fire
Protection
Agreements
Ongoing 3 None – Internal
Time Only
Better coordination of mitigation activities
with the Los Angeles County Fire
Department and other agencies will assist
the City in its wildfire prevention efforts.
Windstorm #1 Utility Tree and Brush
Clearance Operations
Ongoing 2 None – Internal
Time Only
Better coordination with local utilities will
help ensure that the threat of windblown
tree and brush damage is reduced.
Windstorm #2 Critical Facilities Wind
Damage Mitigation
Retrofit
Ongoing 3 None – Internal
Time Only
Ensuring that critical facilities are protected
against wind driven damage will mitigate
the damage potential and loss of
functionality.
Updates to the building code will help
prevent windblown damage from flag
poles, antennas, and other structures.
Windstorm #3 Tree Vulnerability
Assessment and Tree
Trimming
Complete /
Maintenance
Ongoing
3 Greater than
$100,000
(includes tree-
trimming
contracts)
Reduced the threat of wind driven tree
damage to life/safety, utilities, structures,
and personal property.
Energy #1 Coordination with
Utilities
Ongoing 1 None – Internal
Time Only
Working with utilities and the California
Utilities Emergency Association to develop
mitigation programs and coordinate
activities to better prepare the City and
protect the public.
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-26 12/06/2024
Hazard Type /
Number Project
Windstorm
Earthquake
Energy
Disruption
Wildfire
Flood
Climate
Change
Pandemic
Hazmat
Release
Terrorism
Public Awareness
Protect Life,
Property and the
Environment
Partnerships and
Implementation
Emergency
Management
Mitigation
Preparedness
Response
Recovery
Status Priority Estimated Cost Estimated Benefit
Energy #2 Special Needs
Residents
Ongoing 1 None – Internal
Time Only
Addressing the requirements of special
needs residents and programs to ensure
ongoing power will mitigate the impact of
power outages.
Identification of requirements for special
needs populations will enable the City to
develop specific programs and projects to
protect at-risk populations.
Energy #3 Energy Needs and
Hazards Public
Outreach
Ongoing 3 $5,000 - $24,999 Public meetings to assess primary and secondary risks of power outages will
enable the City to target programs for at-
risk residents.
Identification of lifelines, critical facilities,
and services will allow the City to develop
mitigation projects that focus on key public
service providers.
Table 29: HMP Project Status Summary
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Hazard Mitigation Plan
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Hazard Mitigation Plan
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Strategy Organization
The Mitigation Strategies presented provide a listing of activities that the Region (normally through individual city departments) and citizens can implement to reduce risk. They reflect ongoing activities and future actions to be taken in order to reduce the loss of property and life.
The strategies are organized within the following matrix. Data collection, research and stakeholder participation were used to develop the hazard mitigation strategies listed. The following categories of information are provided for each strategy:
Hazard/HMP Project # : The type of hazard that the strategy addresses and HMP number. Multi-Hazard mitigation strategies provide strategies that can be applied to multiple or all hazards.
Project Name: Name of the mitigation project strategy.
Status Project status, e.g., Complete, Partially Complete, Ongoing, Removed (Cancelled), Discontinued, etc.
HMP Year Indicates whether project was brought over from a previous plan, or is being newly added.
Strategy Strategy description.
Action Items Actions that will be completed to implement (or continue) the strategy.
Coordinating Department
The department with regulatory responsibility to address the named hazard, or that is willing and able to organize resources, find appropriate funding, or oversee implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Participating departments are listed with the main department responsible in BOLD.
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
The estimated timeframe for implementation along with a general implementation priority.
Total Cost Estimated cost of the project.
Funding Source(s) Where the funding will be obtained.
Constraints
Constraints may apply. These constraints may include a lack of staff, lack of funds, or vested property rights which might expose the Region to legal action as a result of adverse impacts on private property.
Implementation Description and
Estimated Benefits
A brief description of activities associated with the project and the estimated benefits.
Plan Goals Addressed The plan goals addressed by each project are divided into four categories (see check boxes below) and are included as a method to monitor and evaluate mitigation plan progress.
Public Awareness Protect Life, Property, and the Environment Partnerships and Implementation Emergency Management
Detailed mitigation strategies for the City of Lancaster are provided in the following sections. The mitigation strategies provide detailed action items that support the strategy. Mitigation strategies were submitted from various departments within the city. Mitigation strategies were reviewed, prioritized, and approved by the Working Group.
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-29 12/06/2024
Hazard Mitigation Strategy Projects
The following Hazard Mitigation Strategies were included in the 2019 HMP, followed by the 2024 actions towards the end of each section. Additionally, each project heading includes whether it was a project brought over from the 2019 HMP or is being added as part of the 2024 HMP. The projects carried over from the 2019 HMP were assessed and deemed as necessary and/or ongoing.
An update on the status of each project from the previous HMP is provided in the following tables for multi- hazard and hazard specific projects. Additional information related to mitigation activities since the previous HMP are included (as applicable) under specific projects or as new projects.
The “Status” also indicates whether the project is new, ongoing, modified, or completed since the previous HMP. Additionally, the “HMP Year” along with the year specified in the project heading indicates whether the project is from the previous HMP or a new addition in this update. No projects were excluded from the plan since the previous 2019 update.
Multi-Hazard Mitigation Projects
Multi-Hazard #1: Implement, Revise, and Maintain the City of Lancaster Hazard Mitigation Plan (2019)
Status Implementation Continual / 5-Year Update Complete / Future Updates Ongoing HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Update the Hazard Mitigation Plan as needed.
Action Items
(recurring)
Conduct an annual review of the plan.
Implement and monitor all mitigation strategies within the stated time periods. Plan action items will continue to address at least one, if not all, plan goals: Public Awareness, Partnership and Implementation, Protect Life, Property, and the Environment, and Emergency Management.
Establish clear roles for participants.
Meet regularly to pursue and evaluate implementation of mitigation strategies. Establish measurable standards to evaluate mitigation policies and programs and provide a mechanism to update and revise the Mitigation Plan. Monitor hazard mitigation implementation by jurisdictions and participating organizations through surveys and other reporting methods. Develop updates for the Hazard Mitigation Action Plan based on new information. Provide training for Committee members to remain current on developing issues in the natural hazard loss reduction field.
Coordinating Department Administration
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing / Review Annually and Update HMP Every 5 Years
Priority 1
Total Cost None – Internal Time Only (if performed in-house) / $20K to $25K if Outsourced Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-30 12/06/2024
Multi-Hazard #1: Implement, Revise, and Maintain the City of Lancaster Hazard Mitigation Plan (2019) (continued)
Constraints Time (schedule); Internal Resources (time)
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
The Hazard Mitigation Plan was created in 2013 and 2018-2019 as part of the strategy.
This 2023-2024 version represents the latest update.
The Hazard Mitigation Plan provides a roadmap for mitigation planning and mitigation project implementation for the City. Implementation of the projects included in the Hazard Mitigation Plan will result in a reduction in disaster losses (life, property, economy, etc.) and improve recovery capabilities.
Plan Goals Addressed
X Public Awareness X Protect Life, Property, and the Environment X Partnerships and Implementation X Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-31 12/06/2024
Multi-Hazard #2: Backup Power (2019)
Status Ongoing Project
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Ensure that there are generators available during a power failure, schedule testing on the equipment, and create an equipment testing log to ensure backup power equipment is in working order.
Investigate the potential for future projects including micro grids and incorporation of hydrogen power for emergency use, possibly for the development of a Regional Disaster Center.
Action Items Manage and Maintain Backup Power at Critical Facilities Ensure an adequate supply of fuel is available for generators. Test all critical facility backup power generators.
As part of the testing process, rotate fuel stock.
Monitor backup power equipment for critical facilities. Maintain accurate records of equipment specifications and testing date information.
Assess the potential for micro grids and hydrogen power for emergency power. Review the capability of providing emergency power for a Regional Disaster Center.
Coordinating Department
/ Organization
Parks Department, Public Works
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/Every Year
Priority 1
Total Cost Ongoing Maintenance Cost
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule); Internal Resources (time)
Implementation
Description
Ensuring that city-owned critical facilities are identified and equipped with emergency generators and fuel supplies will mitigate the impact of multiple incidents including power outages, major earthquakes, floods, etc. Also assess new technologies including micro grids and hydrogen fueled emergency power systems.
Backup power will enable the City to maintain operations, respond to emergencies, and help ensure Continuity of Operations (COOP) and Continuity of Government (COG) including a possible Regional Disaster Center.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness Protect Life and Property
Partnerships and Implementation X Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-32 12/06/2024
Multi-Hazard #3: Disaster Drills (2019)
Status Ongoing Project
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Test emergency preparedness on an annual basis.
Action Items
Continue to test emergency response on an annual basis. Work with Southern California Edison, The Gas Company, the County of Los Angeles Water Works District 40, and other local utilities to participate in the disaster drills.
Work with the Sherriff’s Department and the County Fire Department in disaster drills.
Involve civic organizations such as the Red Cross and AVCERT in disaster drills.
Coordinating Department
/ Organization
Administration, Public Safety, Public Works / Utility Services Division, Public Works / Maintenance Services,
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/Every Year
Priority 1
Total Cost $25,000 - $49,000
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule); Internal Resources (time)
Implementation
Description
Conducting annual drills helps to ensure that City personnel are prepared to respond to a variety of scenarios.
Joint exercises with local utilities and VOADs such as the American Red Cross will assist in better coordination with critical lifeline services and disaster response groups.
Increased effectiveness will help reduce recovery timeframes - resulting in improved public assistance capabilities and decreased costs.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness Protect Life and Property
X Partnerships and Implementation X Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-33 12/06/2024
Multi-Hazard #4: Emergency Shelter Coordination (2019)
Status Ongoing Project
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Continue to coordinate with the Los Angeles County Department of Social Services and the American Red Cross to ensure availability of shelters.
Action Items Ensure Site Surveys for shelter sites are completed and/or updated. Ensure that Memos of Understanding for shelter sites are current or in place. Provide detailed instructions to shelter sites on how to set up when activated as an emergency shelter during an event.
Ensure shelters meet all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Conduct at minimum, yearly drills at the emergency shelters.
Coordinating Department Administration, Parks Department, Public Works, Public Safety Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/Every Year/When Planning Groups Meet
Priority 1
Total Cost None – Internal Time Only
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
Public / Private Partnership and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule); Internal Resources (time)
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
The City has identified shelter sites, although they do not publish the list. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services has the Operational Area responsibility for Care and Shelter during an emergency in conjunction with the American Red Cross. Shelter availability is part of the Care and Shelter Branch of Operations.
Coordination with emergency shelter providers such as the American Red Cross and the Los Angeles County Department of Social Services will enable the City to more quickly provide shelter and basic services to displaced residents – including plans for addressing special needs.
Ensuring that Memorandums of Understanding (MOU’s) are in place before a disaster strikes will help to ensure that the City is able to coordinate shelter activities. Assessing construction of the Multi Agency Regional Center and major evacuation shelter.
Assessing the implementation of micro grids as funding becomes available. Assessing possibilities of implementing strategies and upgrades in order to further strengthen the water supply to the shelter sites.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness Protect Life, Property, and the Environment X Partnerships and Implementation X Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-34 12/06/2024
Multi-Hazard #5: Evacuation Routes (2019)
Status Ongoing project
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Create alternate evacuation routes in case of an emergency event.
Action Items Create alternate evacuation routes.
Coordinate the maintenance of emergency transportation routes with the City’s Department of Public Works, the Department of Transportation, and neighboring jurisdictions.
Coordinating
Department
Public Works
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/Every 1 to 3 Years/When Planning Groups Meet
Priority 1
Total Cost None – Internal Time Only
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule); Internal Resources (time)
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
Alternate evacuation route planning and better coordination with other agencies, and jurisdictions will enable the City to better coordinate public evacuations – reducing and mitigating the threat to life and safety.
Assessing Genesis evacuation planning and county emergency route maps.
Assessing funding for emergency route outreach materials and route maintenance.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness X Protect Life, Property, and the Environment Partnerships and Implementation X Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-35 12/06/2024
Multi-Hazard #6: Government Coordination (2019)
Status Ongoing Project
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Coordinate with Federal and State agencies on recovery plans.
Action Items
Continue to coordinate with Federal and State agencies on response and recovery plans.
Coordinate staging area locations with Federal and State agencies. Coordinate with the State and the County of Los Angeles to develop local mitigation policies and Memorandums of Understanding that address power outages or other emergencies that will affect the California State Prison. Continue to improve communication between Caltrans and the City to create hazard mitigation and emergency response activities and plans. City agencies to continue to coordinate with each other to ensure public safety when planning land use efforts or reviewing development proposals. Continue to work on hazard mitigation activities with communication and electric providers and the Department of Transportation to assure rapid restoration of transportation capabilities after a hazard event.
Participate in Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) efforts.
Coordinating Department
/ Organization
Administration, Public Works, Planning, Public Safety
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/Every year/When Planning Groups Meet
Priority 1
Total Cost $12,000 to $20,000
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule); Internal Resources (time)
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
The City coordinates with the Air Force and the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure that land uses near air facilities are planned in a manner that is safe and protects quality of life.
The City coordinates with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) for management of hazardous materials. The CDPH approved the Hazardous Waste Management Plan for the County of Los Angeles. To comply with this plan, Lancaster adopted Ordinance No. 560 to establish a comprehensive application and review process as well as siting criteria for hazardous waste facilities. Improved working relationships and MOU’s with local, state, and federal agencies as well as better communications, planning, and coordination of mitigation activities will result in improved mitigation, response, and recovery.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness Protect Life and Property
X Partnerships and Implementation X Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-36 12/06/2024
Multi-Hazard #7: Emergency Services Contractors (2019)
Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Maintain a directory of pre-existing contractors in case of emergency services.
Action Items
Continue to maintain information on past contractors used and local contractors that best suit the City’s needs.
Maintain an inventory of vendors and contractors with the Sheriff and Fire Department to use if and when a hazard event warrants the need for a contractor’s particular services. Currently working on getting more agreements.
Coordinating
Department
Finance, Administration
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/Every Year
Priority 1
Total Cost None – Internal Time Only
Funding Source(s)
City – General Fund and/or
Public / Private Partnership and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule); Internal Resources (time)
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
Identifying and tracking the critical vendors and contractors required after a disaster will enable the City to more rapidly acquire needed resources.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness Protect Life, Property, and the Environment X Partnerships and Implementation X Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-37 12/06/2024
Multi-Hazard #8: Municipal Code Reviews (2019)
Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Continue to review the City’s Building, Energy, and Zoning Codes to determine what Code changes are necessary to support hazard and risk mitigation.
Action Items Conduct ongoing reviews for opportunities to integrate the City's Mitigation Plan and Goals into local building and development codes.
Coordinating Department
/ Organization
Public Works / City Engineering Division, Public Works / Capital Engineering, Public Works
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/Every 3 Years
Priority 1
Total Cost None – Internal Time Only
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule); Funding; Internal Resources (time) Implementation
Description
The City currently requires that all new developments comply with the most recent state Building Code seismic design standards. Lancaster’s Building Codes are updated every three (3) years.
Building Code amendments and enforcement will assist in mitigating the impact of disasters such as earthquakes on life/safety and structures (Building Codes are updated every 3 years).
Requirements for automatic shut-offs, flexible piping, etc. for new construction, major repairs to existing structures, and critical infrastructure will help to prevent losses and reduce local area damage.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness X Protect Life, Property, and the Environment Partnerships and Implementation Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-38 12/06/2024
Multi-Hazard #9: Mutual Water Agreements (2019)
Status
Ongoing – Agreements completed with multiple water agencies. Meeting regularly and seeking grant opportunities to add water infrastructure mitigation projects within the jurisdiction
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Continue to work with the various Antelope Valley water districts to manage and promote mutual aid during emergencies.
Action Items
Coordinate with Los Angeles Department of Public Works Water Works District 40 and the various local water districts.
Work with the Los Angeles Department of Public Works Water Works District 40 and the various local water districts to clarify roles and responsibilities in the event of an emergency.
Manage and establish Emergency Memorandums of Understanding with water purveyors.
Maintain MOU details as part of the Lancaster’s Emergency Operations Plan. Investigate grant opportunities to enhance capabilities to mitigate water disruptions in the jurisdiction.
Continue to work with local water agencies to improve capabilities and improve resiliency.
Coordinating Department
/ Organization
Public Works / Utility Services Division, Administration, Public Works, Finance, Legal
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/Every Year/Quarterly for Water Agencies
Priority 1
Total Cost None – Internal Time Only
Funding Source(s)
City – General Fund and/or
Public / Private Partnership and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule); Internal Resources / Time
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
Better coordination between the City and local water agencies will decrease response and recovery times in the event of a water disruption. Mutual Aid Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding with local water providers will mitigate the impact of a disruption to local water supplies to the public.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness Protect Life and Property
X Partnerships and Implementation X Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-39 12/06/2024
Multi-Hazard #10: Pre-Established Contracts (2019)
Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Maintain or create pre-established contracts with local merchants to provide emergency items and materials in an emergency situation Action Items Manage and create new relationships with local merchants. Maintain contracts that would have these merchants provide certain goods to the city in case of an emergency situation, i.e. water, candles, canned food, etc.
Coordinating
Department
Administration, Finance
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/Every Year
Priority 1
Total Cost None – Internal Time Only
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
Public / Private Partnership and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule)
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
Pre-established contracts with local merchants to provide essential supplies, materials, and/or function as local distribution points for food, water, etc. provides the public with needed resources following a disaster.
Emergency supplies also assist the City in maintaining Continuity of Operations and Continuity of Government after a disaster.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness Protect Life, Property, and the Environment X Partnerships and Implementation X Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-40 12/06/2024
Multi-Hazard #11: Public Hazard Mitigation Education and Planning (2019) Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Create a comprehensive program that would educate public and private sector organizations, businesses, and citizens about hazard mitigation.
Action Items
Continue to identify instructive mitigation activities that can be applied to businesses, schools, and residences, such as nonstructural seismic retrofits. Continue to distribute information about flood, fire, earthquake, wind, and other forms of natural hazards to property owners in areas identified to be at risk through hazard mapping.
Encourage businesses to create business continuity and disaster recovery plans. Review and evaluate development permit applications; determine whether or not the development will take place in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Interpret floodplain boundaries and provide base flood elevation data when available. Continue to educate residents and businesses on the services that the City can and will provide during an emergency.
Continue to educate residents on where to find information in an emergency – television, social media, text messaging, local community gathering point, etc. Encourage community preparedness through public education outreach at public forums, events, workshops, gatherings, and safety fairs.
Utilize local print, radio and television media outlets as conduits for advertising public forums.
Maintain the Hazard Mitigation page on the City’s website including the Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Coordinating Department /
Organization
Communications, Administration, Public Works, Planning, , Public Safety, Finance, Building and Safety, Human Resources
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/Semi-annually
Priority 1
Total Cost $5,000 - $24,000
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule); Funding
Implementation
Description and Estimated
Benefits
Mitigation education programs and information better enable the local population to prepare for and mitigate the impact of disasters.
Educational and awareness programs can have an immediate impact on public preparedness and mitigation and leverage available funds to reach local households and businesses.
Plan Goals Addressed
X Public Awareness Protect Life, Property, and the Environment X Partnerships and Implementation Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-41 12/06/2024
Multi-Hazard #12: Sustainability Projects Mitigation (2019) Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Integrate mitigation recommendations from the Hazard Mitigation Plan into the “Plan for the Natural Environment” section of the General Plan when updated.
Action Items During each update, review the Natural Environment chapter of the General Plan to determine what policies and specifications need to be revised , changed, or require ongoing monitoring.
Coordinating Department
/ Organization
Planning
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/Every Year
Priority 1
Total Cost None – Internal Time Only
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP,
Identify Other Grants.
Constraints Time (schedule); Funding; Internal Resources (time) Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
The City’s General Plan includes a Plan for the Natural Environment that comprises goals, objectives, policies, and specific actions to address natural hazards. Updates of the City’s General Plan will add objectives and policies to reflect and implement the findings and mitigation plans from the City’s Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Integrating mitigation into the “Natural Environment” section of the General Plan provides an immediate benefit by supplementing existing natural hazard mitigation actions into existing goals, objectives, policies, and actions while ensuring ongoing monitoring.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness X Protect Life, Property, and the Environment Partnerships and Implementation Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-42 12/06/2024
Multi-Hazard #13: Critical Infrastructure Assessment (2019) Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Conduct an assessment of long term support for critical infrastructure.
Action Items Monitor and continue to evaluate what infrastructure is most crucial to the city during an emergency event.
Conduct assessments of key infrastructure in terms of long term support, i.e. what buildings have back-up generators, emergency materials, etc. to last for a designated period of time.
Establish a designated period of time for ‘long term’ support that critical infrastructure should be prepared for.
Coordinating Department Public Works, Administration, Parks Department, Public Safety, Planning Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/Every 6 Months
Priority 2
Total Cost None – Internal Time Only
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule), Funding, Internal Resources (time) Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
City Hall, the City Maintenance yard, Stanley Kleiner Activity Center, the Fairgrounds, Lancaster National Soccer Center, and the sewer lift station were identified as critical facilities.
City Hall has a functioning power generator with a fuel reserve to last seven (7) days.
The Maintenance Yard has installed an emergency generator for auxiliary power; 12V fuel pumps for backup fueling; installed 208V outlet in server room at Yard for APU.
Identification and preparation of critical facilities and infrastructure mitigate the impact of disasters on the local community (e.g., public shelter sites) as well as help ensure City Continuity of Operations.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness X Protect Life, Property, and the Environment Partnerships and Implementation X Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-43 12/06/2024
Multi-Hazard #14: Hazardous Waste Hauling Study (2019)
Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Document and understand the hazardous materials used and transported through the City (local and intrastate road, rail, and air) and create a plan to respond to potential transportation incidents.
Action Items Monitor existing hazardous materials transportation conditions. Manage the database and GIS maps to document existing facilities and thoroughfares that use or transport hazardous materials. Continue to share the data with the existing EOC software programs and all first responders.
Coordinating Department
/ Organization
Public Works, Administration, Public Works / Engineering Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Initial Effort Complete / Coordination with Environmental Services Ongoing – Funding Issues to be Resolved Ongoing/Plan funding
Priority 2
Total Cost $50,000 - $100,000
Funding Source(s) City - General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Internal Resources (skills) / Funding
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
The initial study was completed. The information gathered was used to evaluate the readiness levels of the EOC, field response crews, and CERT volunteers to determine future needs. There was a Cal OES grant in place to document haulers and routes. Continuing to coordinate with Environmental Services Identification and preparation for a hazardous materials release in the City enables responders to more effectively manage recovery efforts.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness X Protect Life, Property, and the Environment X Partnerships and Implementation X Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-44 12/06/2024
Multi-Hazard #15: Mitigation Funding Sources (2019)
Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Identify and pursue Federal, State, and Local mitigation grants and funds.
Action Items Monitored and receive notifications of grant opportunities at:
FEMA
Department of Transportation
State of California
Cal OES
California Energy Commission Grants
California Natural Resources Agency grants
Fire Management Assistance Grant Management Program
Other funding sources for structural and nonstructural retrofitting of structures that are identified as seismically vulnerable
Coordinating Department
/ Organization
Administration, Public Works, Planning, Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization, Parks Department, Finance
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing / Continuous Monitoring/Every Year
Priority 2
Total Cost None – Internal Time Only
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Internal Resources (time); Internal Resources (skills) Estimated Benefits Obtaining access to local hazard mitigation funding will provide the resources needed to implement mitigation projects.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness Protect Life, Property, and the Environment X Partnerships and Implementation Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-45 12/06/2024
Multi-Hazard #16: Natural Resources Protection (2019)
Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Adopt policies and implement ordinances that focus on protecting natural systems as a mitigation activity.
Action Items
Continue to review ordinances that protect natural systems and resources to apply mitigation strategies related to natural hazards. Continue to follow vegetation and restoration practices that assist in enhancing and restoring the natural and beneficial functions of the watershed. Participate in the review of the Multi-Jurisdictional Plan that provides a unified approach to natural resources management across multiple jurisdictions and levels of government.
Research funding sources for the Amargosa Creek Tree Habitat Restoration Project to implement tree habitat around the terminus basin of the Creek.
Determine if there are funds through FEMA, NFIP, or the California Natural Resources Agency.
I Grant applications underway for a section of the Amargosa Creek trails and bikeway development including pedestrian bridges and open space.
Coordinating Department
/ Organization
Public Works, Planning
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/Every Year
Priority 2
Total Cost None – Internal Time Only
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule); Internal Resources (time)
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
Integrating natural resources programs with mitigation activities will assist in hazard prevention/mitigation such as flood control and wildfire protection.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness X Protect Life, Property, and the Environment Partnerships and Implementation Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-46 12/06/2024
Multi-Hazard #17: Public and Private Partnerships (2019) Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy
Implement a study to determine the best strategy to encourage leadership within the public and private sector to coordinate with and collaborate on the implementation of local and regional hazard mitigation activities.
Action Items Involve private businesses in mitigation planning. Obtain funding to conduct additional training and outreach meetings.
Coordinating Department
/ Organization
Planning, Administration, Communications
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/As funding becomes available
Priority 2
Total Cost $4,999+
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule) / Additional Funding
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
Encouraging public/private partnerships assists in coordinating mitigation actions prior to a disaster.
Public/private partnerships also helps to better coordinate response and recovery activities following a disaster.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness Protect Life, Property, and the Environment X Partnerships and Implementation Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-47 12/06/2024
Multi-Hazard #18: Inventory At-Risk Buildings and Infrastructure (2019) Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Manage an inventory of buildings, bridges, roads, and other at-risk infrastructure in order to create mitigation projects to resolve any issues.
Action Items
Manage and maintain an inventory of unreinforced masonry, soft story buildings, and other seismically at-risk structures within the City. Maintain an inventory of buildings and developments within Special Flood Hazard Areas including issues found in the current LA County Bridge Inspection Reports and privately owned bridges.
Continue to identify critical infrastructure at risk from natural hazards events.
Develop strategies to mitigate risk to these facilities or to utilize alternative facilities should natural hazards events cause damages to the facilities. Continue to work with the Department of Transportation to identify any highways or roads that may be vulnerable to hazards.
Obtain funding to prepare a Critical Infrastructure Plan and list of structures to create a whole city plan.
Coordinating Department
/ Organization
Public Works / City Engineering Division
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/Every Year
Priority 2
Total Cost $4,999 + Additional funding for preparing a CI Plan and list of structures for a whole city plan.
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule); Internal Resources (time); Funding Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
Lancaster ensures that any new development proposal located within an area determined by the state to be a seismic hazard zone is conditioned for appropriate mitigation as part of its development review process. An inventory of critical at-risk buildings and infrastructure enables the City to develop site specific mitigation projects.
Issues include unreinforced masonry structures, flood hazard areas, public/private bridges, and vulnerable transportation routes.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness X Protect Life, Property, and the Environment Partnerships and Implementation Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-48 12/06/2024
Multi-Hazard #19: Advanced Community Training (2019)
Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Provide advanced emergency training for community members.
Action Items Promote CPR training for residents.
Promote EMT training for residents.
Seek funding for more Automatic External Defibrillators (AED). Promote additional training for residents and staff to be certified to operate AEDs already present at some public buildings within the Region. Promote Advanced Emergency Training for residents.
Obtain additional funding to create community courses for CPR and First Aid.
Coordinating
Department
Communications, Public Safety, Administration
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/Every Year
Priority 3
Total Cost $4,999+ annually
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
Public / Private Partnership and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Funding; Internal Resources (time)
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
Promotion of advanced public training programs such as CPR, AED, and EMT enhances community preparedness.
Plan Goals Addressed
X Public Awareness X Protect Life, Property, and the Environment X Partnerships and Implementation X Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-49 12/06/2024
Multi-Hazard #20: Emergency Preparedness Public Awareness Campaigns (2019) Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy A comprehensive program that educates public and private sector organizations, businesses, and citizens about local hazards and what to do in case of hazard events.
Action Items Provide the public with information regarding hazards and Continue to implement the “Ready Lancaster” Program.
Place public service TV shows on local cable channels. Feature hazard mitigation articles in the City’s quarterly Outlook Magazine and social media channels.
Obtain additional funding to support local TV adds to inform the public and promote disaster mitigation for events such as floods and earthquakes.
Coordinating Department Communications, Administration, Public Safety Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/Every Year/As Funding becomes available.
Priority 3
Total Cost $5,000 - $24,999 annually – Additional funds required for TV advertising Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
Public / Private Partnership and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule); Internal Resources (time); Funding Implementation Description
and Estimated Benefits
Los Angeles County, State, and Federal government established the California Fire Alliance which includes an information campaign aimed at educating the public about wildfire safety.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department developed the Ready Set Go Wildfire Action Plan to inform residents of actions they can take to keep them safe from wildfires.
LA County ShakeOut Exercise conducted annually.
CERT training is offered throughout the year to better prepare local residents and raise public awareness.
The City of Lancaster website has educational information about disaster preparedness.
Ongoing public awareness campaigns provide a means for educating the public about hazards and hazard mitigation.
Public awareness includes continued information campaigns such as “Ready Lancaster” for mitigating the threat of wildfires and earthquakes. CERT programs provide greater public preparedness and neighborhood level response capabilities.
Plan Goals Addressed
X Public Awareness X Protect Life, Property, and the Environment X Partnerships and Implementation Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-50 12/06/2024
Multi-Hazard #21: Ongoing Hazard Mitigation Public Comment Program (2019) Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Ongoing program for public participation of the Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Action Items
Continue to conduct public surveys.
Continue to invite public comment on mitigation projects and plans using public forums and City Council meetings.
Invite public comment on mitigation plans and natural hazards as part of the next General Plan update.
Coordinating Department
/ Organization
Administration
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/When City Council & Planning Teams Meet
Priority 3
Total Cost None – Internal Time Only
Funding Source(s)
City – General Fund and/or
Public / Private Partnership and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Resources
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
An ongoing public comment and participation program provides the local community with a forum for providing their input into the City’s Hazard Mitigation Plan.
There is currently an ongoing public web survey that is regularly reviewed and will be periodically updated.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness Protect Life and Property
X Partnerships and Implementation X Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-51 12/06/2024
Multi-Hazard #22: Business Continuity Plan Education & Outreach (2024) Status Ongoing
HMP Year New (2024 HMP)
Strategy Create a Business Continuity Plan for the City of Lancaster and promote to local businesses.
Action Items Obtain funding
Conduct Private Sector Outreach
Coordinating Department
/ Organization
Economic Development, Community Development, Administration Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
5 years
Priority 3
Total Cost $50,000 - $100,000
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Staff, time, funding
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
Implement a Business Continuity Plan and help local businesses become aware of mitigation and preparedness strategies, ensuring they are better equipped to respond to natural disasters and manage day-to-day operations.
Plan Goals Addressed
X Public Awareness X Protect Life and Property
X Partnerships and Implementation X Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-52 12/06/2024
Earthquake Mitigation Projects
Earthquake #1: Nonstructural Earthquake Mitigation (2019) Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Maintain outreach programs on nonstructural earthquake risk and mitigation activities.
Action Items
Continue outreach programs to encourage homeowners, schools, businesses, and hospitals to secure furnishings, storage cabinets, and utilities to prevent injuries and damage.
FEMA's publication “Reducing the Risks Nonstructural Earthquake Damage” included on the City’s website.
Continue to use the quarterly Outlook publication and City Newsletter to distribute mitigation articles.
Obtain additional funds for printed materials and to implement a program to purchase initial stop-the-bleed kits for First Aid and CPR supplies that can be provided to schools and businesses.
Coordinating Department
/ Organization
Administration, Public Safety, Communications
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/Every Quarter/As Funding becomes available
Priority 1
Total Cost $4,999 + Additional funding for printed materials and First Aid/CPR supplies Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Funding; Internal Resources (time)
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
Providing information to the public to encourage non-structural mitigation will decrease injuries and losses from an earthquake. This includes printed materials for the public.
The City uses its internal capabilities such as the City website, quarterly Outlook publication, and City Newsletter to publish articles and guidelines. Possibly obtain stop-the-bleed kits and additional First Aid and CPR supplies that can be provided to schools and businesses.
Plan Goals Addressed
X Public Awareness X Protect Life, Property, and the Environment X Partnerships and Implementation Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-53 12/06/2024
Earthquake #2: Analysis of Earthquake Hazards (2019)
Status Pending Funding
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Identify structures vulnerable to earthquakes, including those within liquefaction zones.
Action Items
Add GIS resources to enhance the City’s capabilities. Update the City of Lancaster earthquake HAZUS data using more localized data including the building inventory to improve accuracy of the vulnerability assessment for the City of Lancaster.
Conduct risk analyses incorporating HAZUS data and hazard maps using GIS technology to identify risk sites and further assist in prioritizing mitigation activities and assessing the adequacy of current land use requirements. Conduct seismic evaluations of vulnerable facilities within the City.
Coordinating Department
/ Organization
Public Works, Planning, Administration
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/As Funding becomes available.
Priority 2
Total Cost $50,000 – $100,000
Funding Source(s) City - General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Funding; Time (schedule); Internal Resources (time); Internal Resources (skills) Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
Adding to the City’s internal capabilities enables:
o Identification of structures vulnerable to earthquakes including liquefaction zones assists in developing earthquake specific mitigation projects. o Implementation of HAZUS and other tools to map the local area enables the City to better identify vulnerable sites.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness X Protect Life, Property, and the Environment Partnerships and Implementation X Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-54 12/06/2024
Earthquake #3: Seismic Retrofit Outreach Programs (2019) Status Pending Funding
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Develop outreach programs on seismic retrofitting.
Action Items
Obtain funding for designing, creating, and distributing printed materials to promote mitigation. Provide materials to the Building Department and other stakeholders.
Publish the “Is Your Home Protected from Earthquake Disaster? A Homeowner’s Guide to Earthquake Retrofit” (IBHS) publication on the City website. Continue to target development located in liquefaction zones or in unstable soils areas for intensive education and retrofitting resources. Continue to provide the Building Department with copies of existing strengthening and repair information for distribution.
Use the quarterly Outlook publication and City Newsletter articles to distribute mitigation articles.
Coordinating
Department /
Organization
Communications, Building and Safety, Administration
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/As Funding becomes available.
Priority 3
Total Cost $4,999 + Additional funding for printed materials Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Funding; Internal Resources (time)
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
Providing homeowners with information on retrofitting their homes will reduce losses from an earthquake.
The City distributes brochures and uses its internal capabilities such as the City Departments, website, quarterly Outlook publication, and City Newsletter to publish retrofitting articles and guidelines.
Additional funding required to develop and distribute other printed materials to promote mitigation.
Plan Goals Addressed
X Public Awareness X Protect Life, Property, and the Environment X Partnerships and Implementation Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-55 12/06/2024
Flood Mitigation Projects
Flood #1: FIRM (Flood Insurance Rate Maps) Monitoring (2019) Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Monitor the FIRM to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to life and property from flooding.
Action Items
Continue to contact FEMA to request needed FIRM changes. Identify policies, activities and tools that can be used to mitigate flooding. Prioritize and implement the projects recommended in the Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Develop flood mitigation projects as needed and attempt to secure funding to implement.
Coordinating Department /
Organization
Public Works, City Engineering
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/When Planning Teams Meet/as Funding becomes available Priority 1
Total Cost None – Internal Time Only
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Internal Resources (time)
Implementation
Description and Estimated
Benefits
FIRM reviews are continuously conducted as needed. Change requests are submitted as required. Ongoing FIRM monitoring helps to ensure that high risk areas are identified, and action taken to reduce risk.
Existing or new policies, activities, and tools are used to improve mitigation efforts.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness X Protect Life and Property
Partnerships and Implementation Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-56 12/06/2024
Flood #2: Floodplain Management Plan (2019)
Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy All City departments to review the current Floodplain Management Plan to ensure that it is current and to determine if further mitigation plans need to be implemented.
Action Items All City departments to review the Floodplain Management Plan. Quarterly meetings to review the plan, review potential mitigation projects, and determine funding strategies.
Coordinating Department /
Organization
Public Works, City Engineering
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/Every Quarter /When Planning Teams Meet
Priority 2
Total Cost None – Internal Time Only
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Funding; Internal Resources (time)
Implementation
Description and Estimated
Benefits
Performing ongoing reviews of the City’s Floodplain Management Plan helps ensure that changes to local area flood risks are identified and new mitigation projects are developed (if needed).
Reviews require internal time only. New flood management projects (if needed) will have to be budgeted.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness X Protect Life and Property
Partnerships and Implementation Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-57 12/06/2024
Flood #3: Surface Water Drainage Studies (2019)
Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Continue to identify surface water drainage obstructions for the City and its unincorporated areas to mitigate flood risks.
Action Items
Surface water drainage reviews include:
Mapping concrete channels, culverts, earthen flowlines, and street surface flow patterns.
Maintaining the inventory of culverts that historically create flooding problems and target for retrofitting.
Maintaining drainage basin concrete channels location maps. Monitoring the list of storm patrol locations subject to flooding. Managing the inventory of major urban drainage problems, identify causes, and create mitigation projects.
Identifying flood causes and creating mitigation projects.
Coordinating
Department /
Organization
Public Works, Maintenance Services Division, Utilities Services Division, Planning, Parks Department
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/Every year/ As Funding becomes available.
Priority 2
Total Cost $50,000 - $100,000
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA. HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule), Funding
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
Studies are complete at some facilities.
Monitoring and analysis of surface water drainage obstructions, patterns, and risks will mitigate flood damage.
Identified risks will be reviewed and high risk areas will be subject to greater levels of monitoring during flood conditions.
If needed new projects developed.
Additional funding will be required for new projects and supplemental monitoring capabilities.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness X Protect Life and Property
Partnerships and Implementation Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-58 12/06/2024
Flood #4: Flood Management Plan Drainage and Flood Control Maintenance (2019) Status Ongoing and New Projects
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Conduct regular maintenance of drainage systems and flood control structures.
Action Items Perform regular drainage system maintenance. Create a schedule to clear debris from support bracing underneath low-lying bridges and routinely clear and repair stormwater drains. Create a schedule to clear sediment build-up on riverbanks near aerial lines. Continue to update the Master Plan of Drainage.
Continue ongoing maintenance of the thirty-nine retention/detention basins in the City.
Flood Management Plan Project Examples:
Completed
20th Street East Storm Drain Extension at Avenue I
New
Deferred
20th St. W, Ave K-10 to Ave K-8 and 20th St W @ Ave L Drainage Repair Ave K Storm Drain Improvements, Yaffa to Challenger Way 20th Street East Line A
Eliminated
Ave K-12 Drainage Improvements 5th to 7th Sts E
Coordinating
Department /
Organization
Public Works, Planning, Administration
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing / Every Year
Priority 2
Total Cost Greater than $100,000
Funding Source(s) City – Other Fund (Drainage District) and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule), Funding
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
Targeted flood mitigation efforts to ensure drainage systems are free of debris will reduce the likelihood of flooding. New projects will need to be budgeted. Continuation of flood prevention activities such as retention/detention basin maintenance and updates to the Master Plan will reduce the potential for flooding.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness X Protect Life and Property
Partnerships and Implementation Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-59 12/06/2024
Flood #5: Master Plan of Drainage Construction Projects (2024) Status New / Ongoing
HMP Year New (2024 HMP)
Strategy Actively seek to alleviate flooding from trouble spots throughout the community by researching, planning, and designing construction projects as needed.
Action Items Seek funding to complete portions of MPD that are vital to moving flood and storm waters away from communities.
Coordinating
Department /
Organization
Public Works, Community Development, Parcs, Administration Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing / As Planning Teams & Budget Teams meet / As vacant land is developed Priority 2
Total Cost $500,000 (per project)
Funding Source(s)
City – General Fund and/or
Emergency Mitigation Funds / Emergency Management Grants and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Funding, Staff, Time
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
Will help plan / design mitigation projects throughout the 94 sq. miles of the City. Potential projects include:
o MPD Improvements, Basin at Ave M/32nd W to Ave K
o 45ᵗʰ W, Avenue J, and 40ᵗʰ W (SF, outlet, retention, MH pressure, etc.) o Avenue I Channel (Ave J to south of Avenue I), overflow to the north o 35ᵗʰ W, Ave L to Avenue K
o Ave H and Challenger Outlet repairs
o Emerald Cul-de-sac Improvements
o Tranquility Cul-de sac Improvements
o TR 61817/61818/61819 SD and Basin – Western insurance funds to clean and dedicate o KB Basin on the east side of the Emerald tract, design includes facilities to prevent channel from backflowing into the basin to the east
o MSD Projects
o Tranquility – to cut channel wall and replace with tubular steel to increase opening for drainage
o Emerald – to lay gravel for mobile pump and access route to end of channel, grading of outlet to re-direct overflow and return to overland drainage. o Southwest corner 20ᵗʰ E/Avenue H-8, to remove wall installed within ROW without permit.
o USD Projects
o 20ᵗʰ E drainage, from basin to inlet at approximately Avenue H-10 Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness X Protect Life and Property
Partnerships and Implementation X Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-60 12/06/2024
Flood #6: Construction of Drainage Projects (2024)
Status New / Ongoing
HMP Year New (2024 HMP)
Strategy Actively seek to alleviate flooding from trouble spots throughout the community by completing construction projects
Action Items Seek funding to complete portions of MPD that are vital to moving flood and storm waters away from communities.
Coordinating
Department /
Organization
Public Works, Community Development, Parcs, Administration Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing / As Planning Teams & Budget Teams meet / As vacant land is developed Priority 2
Total Cost $500,000 - $2,000,000 (per project)
Funding Source(s)
City – General Fund and/or
Emergency Mitigation Funds / Emergency Management Grants and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Funding, Staff, Time
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
Complete / connect flood mitigation projects throughout the 94 sq. miles of the City.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness X Protect Life and Property
Partnerships and Implementation X Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-61 12/06/2024
Wildfire Mitigation Projects
Wildfire #1: Fire Outreach and Education (2019)
Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy
Enhance outreach and education programs to mitigate wildfire hazards and to reduce or preventing the exposure of citizens, public agencies, private property owners and businesses to wildfire hazards.
Action Items
Coordinate with the Los Angeles County Fire Department to visit urban interface neighborhoods and rural areas to conduct education and outreach activities. Coordinate with the Los Angeles County Fire Department to present specific community-based demonstration projects of fire prevention and mitigation in the urban interface.
Coordinate with the Los Angeles County Fire Department to establish neighborhood "drive-through" activities that pinpoint site-specific mitigation activities so that fire crews can give property owners personal suggestions and assistance.
Coordinating
Department /
Organization
Public Safety, Administration
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/Every Year/When Planning Teams Meet
Priority 1
Total Cost $5,000 - $24,999
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund / Other Fund – Fire District and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Internal Resources (time)
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
The Los Angeles County Fire Department has implemented the following outreach and mitigation activities:
Citizens Emergency Response Training (CERT) is conducted throughout the year in various areas including urban interface.
Information is available at every fire station on disaster preparedness (floods, wildfires, and earthquakes).
Ready Set Go Program / Wild Land Fire Prevention and Emergency Survival Guide programs and handouts.
Annual Fire Service Day, a Department-wide Open House for the community Annual Brush Clearance Program – Mitigation Compliance. Every urban interface residence is visited.
Fire Prevention Week activities.
Enhancing existing outreach and educational programs will help ensure that the homeowners, property managers, and local businesses take action to reduce wildfire risks, particularly in urban/wildland interface areas.
Plan Goals Addressed
X Public Awareness X Protect Life and Property
X Partnerships and Implementation Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-62 12/06/2024
Wildfire #2: Alternative Firefighting Water Sources (2019) Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Continue to identify and coordinate alternative firefighting water sources within the City and unincorporated areas.
Action Items
Coordinate water storage facilities with fire-resistant electrical pump systems in developments outside of Fire Protection District 5 that are not connected to a community water or hydrant system.
Communicate to fire jurisdictions and water districts on all hydrant outages and water shortage information.
Coordinating
Department /
Organization
Administration, Public Works
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/When Planning Teams meet
Priority 2
Total Cost $5,000 - $24,999
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund / Other Fund – Fire District and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule); Funding
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
The Fire Department’s current strategy:
Identified water source system outside the community water / hydrant grid system:
o The use of the California Aqueduct System via helicopter(s) o Residential Sprinkler systems with water tank and fire department connection Requirements established through Fire Prevention Division Inspections conducted by Fire Station personnel
Communications with water districts:
o Jurisdictional stations report the outage/shortage to fire dispatch Dispatch will contact the local water district to send representatives to the pumping station
o Local water districts can report issues to fire dispatch and relayed to jurisdictional stations.
Improved water storage and distribution capabilities will help ensure that water resources are available in the event of a major wildfire. Improved communications between fire jurisdictions and water districts will enhance response capabilities in the event of a major wildfire.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness X Protect Life and Property
X Partnerships and Implementation X Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-63 12/06/2024
Wildfire #3: Federal Cost-Share and Grant Programs (2019) Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Identify and apply for Federal cost share and grant programs.
Action Items
Continue to monitor opportunities to fund fire mitigation activities, programs include:
Fire Management Assistant Grant (FMAG)
Master Mutual Aid (California Disaster and Civil Defense Master Mutual Aid Agreement)
Automatic Aid
Initial Action Zone
Mutual Threat Zone
Mutual Aid Zone
Assistance By Hire
All of these programs are related to events that require the deployment of resources. The City will work with the Los Angeles County Fire Department to determine eligibility in each program and devise a strategy to apply for grants and aid after fire events.
Coordinating
Department /
Organization
Public Safety, Administration
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/as Funding becomes available.
Priority 2
Total Cost $0 - $4,999
Funding Source(s) Federal Grants and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule), Funding
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
Obtaining additional funds for coordination and mutual aid activities will better enable the City to fund wildfire response capabilities.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness Protect Life and Property
X Partnerships and Implementation X Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-64 12/06/2024
Wildfire #4: Cooperative Fire Protection Agreements (2019) Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy
Develop, approve, and promote Cooperative Fire Protection Agreements and partnerships to clarify roles and responsibilities and to provide for fire mitigation activities and suppression preparedness.
Action Items
Continue to identify fire, paramedic, and emergency needs that require partnerships with other organizations.
Coordinate with Cal OES and the Los Angeles County Fire Department to establish Cooperative Fire Protection Agreements.
Coordinating
Department /
Organization
Public Safety, Administration
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/When planning teams meet
Priority 3
Total Cost None – Internal Time Only
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule), Internal Resources (time)
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
Better coordination of mitigation activities with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and other agencies assist the City in its wildfire prevention efforts.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness Protect Life and Property
X Partnerships and Implementation X Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-65 12/06/2024
Windstorm Mitigation Projects
Windstorms #1: Utility Tree and Brush Clearance Operations (2019) Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Work with local utility companies to encourage compliance with State and Local tree and brush clearance and integrity guidelines.
Action Items Continue to work with Southern California Edison (SCE) to manage the City’s risk as part of its windstorm mitigation plan.
Coordinating
Department /
Organization
Public Works, Administration, Planning, Parks Department Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/When Planning Teams Meet/When Funding becomes available Priority 2
Total Cost None – Internal Time Only
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Funding
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
The City trims street trees as needed around street lights and at SCE’s request.
SCE is diligent about trimming trees near power lines.
Better coordination with local utilities will help ensure that the threat of windblown tree and brush damage is reduced.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness X Protect Life and Property
X Partnerships and Implementation Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-66 12/06/2024
Windstorms #2: Critical Facilities Wind Damage Mitigation Retrofit (2019) Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Retrofit critical facilities as needed to mitigate against wind damage.
Action Items
Monitor and identify critical facilities that can be retrofitted to reduce future wind damage.
Anchor roof-mounted heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units. Update zoning codes as needed to regulate placement of flag poles and antennas near buildings.
Manage and maintain existing lightning protection systems to prevent roof cover damage.
Coordinating
Department /
Organization
Administration, Planning, Building Division, Parks Department, Public Works Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/When Planning Teams Meet
Priority 3
Total Cost None – Internal Time Only
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule); Internal Resources (time)
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
Ensuring that critical facilities are protected against wind driven damage will mitigate the damage potential and loss of functionality. Updates to the building code will help prevent windblown damage from flag poles, antennas, and other structures.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness X Protect Life and Property
Partnerships and Implementation Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-67 12/06/2024
Windstorms #3: Tree Vulnerability Assessment and Tree Trimming (2019) Status Complete / Maintenance Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Conduct a tree vulnerability assessment to better understand the wind threat to the urban forest and to create mitigation strategies.
Action Items
Track tree damage caused by severe wind events.
Identify at-risk trees.
Incorporate findings into Hazard Mitigation Plan in order to estimate losses and create mitigation projects.
Issue tree trimming contracts
Coordinating
Department /
Organization
Public Works, Administration, Parks Department
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Complete / Ongoing/As needed based on Tree Vulnerability Assessment/As Funding becomes available
Priority 3
Total Cost Greater than $100,000 (includes tree-trimming contracts) Funding Source(s) City - General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule), Funding
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
Reduced the threat of wind driven tree damage to life/safety, utilities, structures, and personal property.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness X Protect Life and Property
Partnerships and Implementation Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-68 12/06/2024
Energy Mitigation Projects
Energy #1: Coordination with Utilities (2019)
Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Work with public utilities and the California Utilities Emergency Association (CUEA) to devise mitigation programs.
Action Items
Worked with the CUEA to understand its existing partnerships and mitigation plans for the Lancaster area.
Coordinated with the CUEA and public utilities (SCE, The Gas Company, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, etc.) to coordinate mitigation activities in the case of an energy event.
Coordinating
Department /
Organization
Public Works, Administration
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/When Planning Teams meet
Priority 1
Total Cost None – Internal Time Only
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule), Internal Resources (time)
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
Working with utilities and the California Utilities Emergency Association to develop mitigation programs and coordinate activities better prepares the City and protects the public.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness Protect Life and Property
X Partnerships and Implementation X Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-69 12/06/2024
Energy #2: Special Needs Residents (2019)
Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Continue to manage programs and services for special needs residents.
Action Items
Work with Southern California Edison to plan for assistance programs for special needs customers with the City.
Encouraged special needs residents (life safety, medical, etc.) to acquire emergency power capabilities.
Promoted NIXLE emergency notification participation among residents and promote the program to as part of the Public Safety Fair held every September and via the City’s website.
Coordinating
Department /
Organization
Administration
Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/When Planning Teams meet
Priority 1
Total Cost None – Internal Time Only
Funding Source(s) City – General Fund and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule)
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
Addressing the requirements of special needs residents and programs to ensure ongoing power mitigates the impact of power outages.
Identification of requirements for special needs populations enables the City to develop specific programs and projects to protect at-risk populations.
Plan Goals Addressed
Public Awareness Protect Life and Property
X Partnerships and Implementation X Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4-70 12/06/2024
Energy #3: Energy Needs and Hazards Public Outreach (2019) Status Ongoing
HMP Year Carried Over (2019 HMP)
Strategy Continue to collect information from the public to understand energy needs and the potential for secondary accidents in the event of a power outage.
Action Items
Continue to conduct surveys and/or hold public meetings or other outreach sessions to understand the energy needs of the community, including energy dependent medical needs, as well as gain an understanding of the secondary accidents that will affect the community a result of power outages (car accidents, chemical spills, industrial accidents, etc.).
Monitor and evaluate critical facilities, lifelines, and services that will not function normally during a power event.
Continue to create mitigation strategies to assist the public during a power event.
Examples include plans for residents to use hospital facilities to recharge medical devices and educational programs for residents to understand what city services will not be available.
Coordinating
Department /
Organization
Administration, Communications, Public Works, Public Safety Timeline/Completion
Date/Priority
Ongoing/When Planning Teams meet
Priority 3
Total Cost $5,000 - $24,999
Funding Source(s)
City – General Fund and/or
City – Other Fund and/or
Public / Private Partnership and/or
BRIC, FMA, HMGP
Constraints Time (schedule); Funding
Implementation
Description and
Estimated Benefits
Public input to assess primary and secondary risks of power outages enables the City to target programs for at-risk residents.
Identification of lifelines, critical facilities, and services allows the City to develop mitigation projects that focus on key public service providers.
Plan Goals Addressed
X Public Awareness Protect Life and Property
Partnerships and Implementation Emergency Management
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-1 12/06/2024
SECTION 5: PLAN MONITORING, EVALUATION, UPDATES, AND
ADOPTION
This section details the formal process that will ensure that the City of Lancaster Hazard Mitigation Plan is an active and relevant document. This section includes a schedule for monitoring and evaluating the plan and adopting a revised update every five years.
Additionally, a description of how the City of Lancaster will integrate public participation throughout the plan maintenance process is provided. Finally, this section includes an explanation of how Lancaster intends to incorporate the mitigation strategies outlined in this plan into existing planning mechanisms such as the General Plans Capital Improvement Plan, Building & Safety Codes and other programs and or plans within the City.
Implementation and Plan Adoption
The City of Lancaster has the authority to promote sound public policy regarding hazards and was responsible for adopting the Lancaster Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan was adopted and submitted to the State Hazard Mitigation Officer at the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). Cal OES is responsible for submitting the plan to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for review. The review includes the criteria outlined in FEMA Mitigation Planning Final Rule 44 CFR Part 201 (September 2009). Upon acceptance by FEMA, Lancaster will become eligible for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds.
Lancaster is dedicated to involving the public in the Hazard Mitigation Plan process. Members of the public, businesses, and other interested parties such as: neighboring communities, agencies, businesses, academia, and nonprofits had the opportunity to provide feedback on local area risks and the Hazard Mitigation Plan.
In addition, ongoing public participation in the Hazard Mitigation Plan is promoted by the City to encourage public review of the HMP and provide feedback and suggestions for improvement through:
Annual surveys (see Citizen Emergency Preparedness Survey) Television bulletins
Public E-mails
Social media
Handouts at City Hall and other public locations
City website
Training classes and public events (CERT, CPR, etc.)
Emergency exercises
Lancaster’s Emergency Management Coordinator is responsible for ensuring ongoing public participation.
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-2 12/06/2024
Coordinating Body
The Lancaster Hazard Mitigation Plan Working Group was responsible for coordinating and undertaking the formal review process. HMP Working Group members are responsible for ensuring that reviews and updates to the plan are performed on an ongoing basis, as working groups meet. The review process includes an evaluation of the goals and action items to determine their relevance to changing conditions within the City and surrounding region, as well as changes in State or Federal policy to ensure that the HMP addresses current and expected conditions. The HMP Working Group also reviews the risk assessment portion of the plan to determine if this information should be updated or modified. In addition, the LVMCOG Governing Board and Planning Group were responsible for ensuring that reviews and updates to the plan were performed. Further, the LVMCOG Governing Board and Planning Group provide coordination between the cities, intra-city departments, and with other public agencies.
Monitoring, Evaluating, and Updating the Plan for Goals and Priorities When evaluating the plan for effectiveness, the HMP Working Group will monitor the progress of mitigation actions, public awareness and engagement, as well as cost-effectiveness of mitigation projects. The HMP Working Group will also assess whether the plan’s priorities and goals remain relevant and aligned with the jurisdictions needs. While there have been no changes in priorities since the last plan update (as specified within Section 1: Overall Changes in Priority), the participants will evaluate the effective of the plans goals and priorities by monitoring:
1. Progress toward protecting life, property, and the environment: This will be assessed by reviewing the completion status of mitigation projects, analyzing reductions in repetitive losses from severe hazard events, and conducting vulnerability assessments to determine whether the needs of socially vulnerable communities are being effectively addressed. Additionally, development trends in hazard-prone areas will be reviewed to ensure preventative measures are being implemented.
2. Public awareness efforts: The effectiveness of education and outreach programs will be reviewed by collecting and analyzing data from community surveys, event participation rates, and feedback received from public workshops and stakeholder engagement activities. Key metrics will include awareness levels of hazard risks and familiarity with available mitigation measures.
3. Partnerships and implementation strategies: These will be evaluated through stakeholder surveys and interviews to measure the effectiveness of communication and coordination among public agencies, non-profits, businesses, and citizens. The Working Group will also review meeting attendance records, interagency agreements, and the progress of collaborative projects to ensure active leadership and participation in mitigation activities.
4. Emergency Management: The effectiveness of this goal will be evaluated by tracking the implementation and impact of mitigation projects for critical facilities and infrastructure, assessing updates and compliance with ordinances and guidelines, and reviewing the outcomes of collaborative efforts among departments, agencies, and organizations
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-3 12/06/2024
Additionally, the HMP Working Group will hold meetings with respective departments and stakeholders to evaluate the plan for effectiveness following a disaster, annually, and at time of 5-year update. The HMP Working Group will conduct annual reviews of the Hazard Mitigation Plan; a public meeting is to be held annually or when deemed necessary by the HMP Working Group or City Council. The meetings will provide the public a forum where they can express their concerns, opinions, or ideas about the plan. In addition, the Emergency Management Coordinator and Hazard Mitigation Working Group use the following activities to monitor, evaluate, and update the HMP. These activities may include obtaining mitigation project updates from responsible departments, reviewing the City’s risks, and evaluating ongoing internal and public feedback on the HMP.
Frequency Activity Description
Monthly Evaluate (as needed) any major shifts in the City’s profile (demographics) or risks Respond to issues or requirements to support the HMP and/or mitigation projects Quarterly Review the status of HMP mitigation projects and work with the assigned departments responsible to obtain feedback on progress, budget requirements, and/or needs Attend Area B meetings to obtain information on changes to HMP requirements or mitigation strategy updates, solicit input, and coordinate with neighboring cities on mitigation planning Annually Evaluate the HMP on an annual basis to determine the effectiveness of programs, and to reflect changes in development or programs that may affect mitigation priorities Hazard Mitigation Plan Working Group members are responsible for monitoring and evaluating the progress of the mitigation strategies in the plan
The HMP Working Group is also responsible for providing updates to the HMP The HMP Working Group will review the goals and action items to determine their relevance to changing conditions within the Region, as well as changes in State or Federal policy, and to ensure they are addressing current and expected conditions The HMP Working Group will also review the risk assessment portion of the plan to determine if this information should be updated or modified, given any new available data The Emergency Management Coordinator will provide the City Manager with an update on the status of the program as well as any requirements (if any) for the next fiscal year One year prior to the next 5-year update, begin the process for conducting comprehensive update to the HMP including a review of potential funding sources and coordination opportunities with other communities and private-sector partners. The incumbent Emergency Management Manager will oversee the plan update process.
As Needed Benefit / Cost Analysis (pre and post project implementation) Changes in local area risks, vulnerabilities, consequences, and capabilities After Action Reports from actual incidents
The HMP Working Group is comprised of representatives from City departments that support mitigation planning and conducts meetings to review local planning efforts and evaluate progress on mitigation efforts.
The HMP Working Group will report progress to the Emergency Management Coordinator (who will update the City Manager for submission to the City Council) and work with other City departments to implement the mitigation strategies contained in this Hazard Mitigation Plan. The City departments responsible for the various action items identified in Section 4: Hazard Mitigation Goals and Strategies will report on the status of their projects, the success of various implementation processes, difficulties encountered, success of coordination efforts, and which strategies require revision. Furthermore, ongoing public involvement will be included in the plan update process. Public notices will be provided via the city’s website and public notices as well as through ongoing training and exercise events.
2024 City of Lancaster
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-4 12/06/2024
Public Involvement Mechanisms
Public involvement is a key component of hazard mitigation planning (per 44 CFR §201.6(c)(4)(iii)). The City of Lancaster provides access of the Hazard Mitigation Plan to the public and continues to involve the public in the Hazard Mitigation Planning, Implementation, and Maintenance process through several mechanisms:
Distribution
Method Description
City Web Page Downloadable online copies of the Hazard Mitigation Plan are posted on the City of Lancaster website.
Members of the public may provide feedback via:
o City of Lancaster (661) 723-6000
Links to mitigation and preparedness resources are provided via the City web site which includes the “Ready Lancaster” Program which assists residents in preparing for a disaster by providing instructions on Building a Kit, Maintaining a Kit, and Developing a Family Plan.
Other Public Safety downloads are provided such as:
o Preparedness for the Home (PDF)
o Your 12-Month Plan (PDF)
o Your Family Plan (PDF)
o Your Disaster Kit (PDF)
o Disaster Kit Checklist (PDF)
o Fire Extinguishers (PDF)
o Shelter-In-Place (PDF)
o Utilities (PDF)
o Other Considerations for: Children, the
Elderly & Disabled, and Animals
Publications from Other Agencies
Ready.gov and Ready Kids
Sesame Street – Let’s Get Ready
National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Outreach Activities & Resources A Homeowner’s Guide to Erosion Control
County of Los Angeles Emergency Survival Program
American Red Cross
City of Los Angeles Community Emergency Response Team Family Emergency Communication Guide (PDF)
Family Communication Plan Fillable Card (PDF)
Emergency Plan for Families(PDF)
Emergency Plan for Kids (PDF)
Pet Owners (PDF)
Family Emergency Communication Planning Document (PDF) Family Emergency Communication Plan Wallet Cards (PDF) Know Your Alerts and Warnings (PDF)
City Facilities Mitigation brochures and handouts are made available at designated City-owned facilities including City Hall.
Public Surveys Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation, and Risk Surveys will be used to provide feedback opportunities to the public regarding hazard mitigation planning, prioritization of mitigation efforts and risks, and community mitigation and preparedness needs.
Public Meetings
and Events
Local Disaster Preparedness Events.
City Council Meetings (as applicable per published Agenda items).
Local Media Emergency Preparation and Disaster Mitigation Information Posted in Local News Media (including links to the HMP, Hazard Survey, and Planning Meetings).
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Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-5 12/06/2024
Distribution
Method Description
Emergency Preparation and Disaster Mitigation Tips and Announcements via City TV Information Bulletins and social media.
Training
Programs
Mitigation and response activities are included in ongoing CERT Program training.
Public Forums and Workshops
In addition to ongoing web page, social media, and public service announcements the City of Lancaster conducts preparedness events. In addition, the City holds events and participate in National Preparedness Month (annually in September). Furthermore, the City has established a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program that promotes preparedness, planning, and mitigation. Finally, a public forum was conducted to obtain public input to the Hazard Mitigation Plan from all residents and stakeholders.
Incorporation of the Previous HMP
The City of Lancaster incorporated the previous Hazard Mitigation Plan into the current Hazard Mitigation Plan by reviewing the status and progress of the prior mitigation projects. Projects were evaluated for completion and ongoing need. Completed projects were designated as “Complete”, ongoing projects were assessed on their ongoing validity as well as the need for any additional support requirements, and mitigation efforts no longer needed were “Closed”. Furthermore, each key section of the previous HMP were reviewed and updated. Key sections revised included:
Section 2: Community Profile
Section 3: Risk Assessment
Section 4: Hazard Mitigation Goals and Strategies
Sections 6 through 14: Specific Hazards including the addition of two new sections for Pandemic and Hazardous Materials Releases
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Hazard Mitigation Plan
2024 City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 5-6 12/06/2024
Incorporation of the HMP into Existing Plans, Procedures, and Planning Mechanisms The goals of this HMP are focused on four major categories (see Section 1: Introduction, Hazard Mitigation Plan Goals for details). These goals are:
Protect Life, Property, and the Environment
Public Awareness
Partnerships and Implementation
Emergency Management
In particular, the goal to Protect Life, Property, Environment is a fundamental component and has been integrated into existing efforts including plans, procedures, and planning mechanisms. Examples include:
HMP Goal #1: Protect Life, Property, and the Environment Goals Integration of Hazard Mitigation Efforts into Existing Efforts Implement activities that assist in
protecting lives by making homes,
businesses, infrastructure, critical
facilities, and other property more
resistant to hazards with attention
to addressing the needs of the
socially vulnerable community
Controlling and limiting new development in high hazard areas Identification of potential areas of risk and incorporation of mitigation strategies into capital improvement plans to reduce future losses Considering the needs of the socially vulnerable including factors such as:
o Socioeconomic Status
o Household Composition and Disability
o Minority Status & Language
o Housing & Transportation
Reduce losses and repetitive
damages for chronic hazard events
while promoting insurance
coverage for catastrophic hazards
Identification of high-risk flood hazard zones and updating Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)
Promoting mitigation planning and the benefits of insurance coverage through public information efforts and the enforcement of local code requirements
Encourage preventative measures
for existing and new development
in areas vulnerable to hazards
Implementation of Land Use Plans to restrict new development to designated areas
Enforcement of Building and Safety Codes including requiring mitigation efforts in new development projects
Creation of buffer zones between urban, rural, and public land interfaces to reduce the threat of wildfire, landslide, and flood losses
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Hazard Mitigation Plan
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Each of the plans, reports and documents listed above were reviewed and incorporated as appliable into this hazard mitigation plan. For example:
The California Mitigation Plan was reviewed to validate the list of hazards to the City of Lancaster.
Additionally, information from specific sections of the CA Mitigation Plan including Earthquake and Geological Hazards, Flood Hazards, Fire Hazards, and Other Hazards were used to guide the Risk Assessment of this hazard mitigation plan and determine if any applicable mitigation strategies could be utilized. Additionally, Annex 1 was used to verify Section 1 Introduction in terms of the applicable laws, policies, and regulations specifying the need for mitigation programs by the City of Lancaster. The Los Angeles County All Hazard Mitigation Plan was reviewed and used to confirm the Risk Assessment of this hazard mitigation plan as well as the details regarding specific hazards such as earthquake, flood, wildfire, and other risks such as climate change, terrorism, and hazardous materials release. Additionally, the county plan was used to determine if any of its mitigation strategies could be utilized by the City of Lancaster.
The Los Angeles County OA Emergency Response Plan was used to evaluate and incorporate key concepts of its hazard analysis into the Risk Assessment section of this hazard mitigation plan.
Further, the mitigation section was reviewed to determine if any of the included mitigation efforts could be used by the City of Lancaster.
Additionally, other studies and reports were also used as a research basis for individual hazard sections.
Specific source references are included in each hazard section.
Examples of how the HMP was incorporated into existing planning mechanisms such as the General Plan, Capital Improvement Projects, and City Building and Safety Codes (including municipal zoning codes and enforcement of code requirements), and other local ordinances are provided below.
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Hazard Mitigation Plan
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General Plan
The City of Lancaster General Plan 2030 provides the City’s long-term outlook for the future and is a reflection of the community’s vision of the City. The General Plan identifies the types of development that will be allowed, and the general pattern of future development. The Plan contains goals, objectives, policies and specific actions that provide the framework for achieving the community’s long-term vision. All subdivisions, public works, redevelopment projects, zoning decisions, and other various implementation tools must be consistent with the General Plan. The General Plan was adopted on July 14, 2009, and the horizon year for the adopted General Plan is currently 2030.
During the next General Plan update, the City will include a re-evaluation of local area risks the potential to incorporate additional mitigation actions. Key areas of the General Plan that included hazard risks and mitigation measures include:
General Plan
Section
Topic Mitigation and Planning Impact
Section III: Plan for
Public Health and
Safety
Geology and
Seismicity
Implementation of seismic design standards pursuant to local and state design codes to mitigate the impact of earthquakes (includes existing and new development within the City).
Flooding and
Drainage
Enactment of regional drainage studies and updates to the City’s Master Drainage Plan to reduce the threat of flooding. Specific actions include the prohibition of human occupancy development within 100-year floodplains unless compliant with the City’s floodplain ordinance and maintenance of waterways.
Hazardous Materials Coordination with the County of Los Angeles to manage hazardous materials within the City. Includes enforcement of the California Environmental Quality Act in addition to the Los Angeles County Hazardous Waste Management Plan.
Crime Prevention
and Protection
Services
The City of Lancaster contracts with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for police services. The City Manager and Public Safety Office coordinates with the Sheriff to prevent and mitigate criminal activity in the City as well as other risks such as the threat of terrorism.
Fire Prevention and
Suppression
Services
Fire protection in the City of Lancaster is provide by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The City works with the Fire Department to ensure adequate resources are available to conduct annual fire prevention and suppression services along with conducting mitigation efforts such as fire prevention and education programs. Further, Policy 4.7.1c of the General Plan promotes mitigation by requiring that the City, “Involve fire department personnel in the development review process for all new development proposals through participation in the Development Review Committee and by referring development requests to the Los Angeles County Fire Department for review and comment.” Further, Policy 4.7.2 necessitates that the City, “Ensure that the design of new development minimizes the potential for fire.” Finally, the General Plan includes specific fire mitigation elements such as the requirement that fire resistant roofs be used for all residential developments, the implementation of fire sprinklers, and the involvement of the community in fire prevention activities.
Disaster The General Plan specifies that the City maintain a comprehensive
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General Plan
Section
Topic Mitigation and Planning Impact
Preparedness disaster preparedness plan and the ability to implement that plan are critical to the safety of residents and businesses during an emergency.
Section VI: Plan for
Municipal Services
and Facilities
Flood Control and
Drainage
The General Plan includes incorporation of the Lancaster Master Plan of Drainage and specific provisions to mitigate the threat of flooding to the area. This includes coordination with other local agencies and cities to mitigate the risk of flood caused by new development. In addition, the General Plan incorporates updates to the latest published Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) into the City’s flood management strategy.
Furthermore, General Plan Policy 15.1.3 requires the following:
15.1.3a: In conjunction with the preparation of the Capital Improvements Program, annually review available sources used to fund local flood control improvements.
15.1.3b: Review current drainage improvement design standards to ensure that important biological communities and
groundwater recharge areas in natural drainage channels are not negatively impacted by existing or proposed
facilities.
15.1.3c: Periodically evaluate the adequacy of existing drainage facilities and the need for new facilities in accordance with performance criteria listed in Objective 15.1.
15.1.3d: Designate and protect such lands as will be needed for master planned drainage facilities.
15.1.3e: Consider drainage and flood control facilities for joint use with recreation facilities, where feasible.
In addition, General Plan Policy 15.1.4 specifies that the City: Ensure that mitigation is provided for all development in recognized flood prone areas. Any mitigation of flood hazard in one area shall not exacerbate flooding problems in other areas.
15.1.4a: As part of the development review process, require individual developments to install sufficient drainage
facilities to provide all-weather access and protection as per FEMA requirements.
Section VIII: Plan
for Physical
Development
Define Land Use
Categories
There are thirteen land use designations which define urban, rural, and public open space uses. By incorporating buffer zones between developed areas and potential hazard zones, the City mitigates the potential for future losses to lives and property. Hazard zones are described in Section III of the General Plan and include geologic, flood, and fire risk areas.
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Capital Improvement Projects
The City of Lancaster Adopted Budget & Five Year Capital Improvement Program (FY 2020-2021) includes specific drainage and flood hazard mitigation actions to reduce the threat of loss within the City.
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT/PRIORITIZATION
Projects included in the CIP budget are developed using master plans, studies, observation, and staff, council and citizen input. Each department proposes projects, determines the scope of work to be accomplished, develops estimates and prioritizes their proposals. Capital projects are often adopted using a “corridor” approach where the City is viewed as paths or corridors running either north and south or east and west through the city. A corridor may contain a master planned drainage facility, (in or out of the street right-of-way), incomplete street improvements, need for sewer or waterlines, warranted traffic signal or lack of other improvement. There may be needed improvements due to traffic safety concerns, drainage or flooding problems, or environmental issues. At times solutions are bundled together as a single project to address the concerns, problems or issues within the same general area. Street resurfacing is prioritized using the City’s Pavement Management System. There are various needs throughout the City and projects are adopted and prioritized with these needs in mind.
Additionally, the City’s Master Plan of Complete Streets requires flood mitigation as part of future Capital Improvement projects.
MASTER PLAN OF COMPLETE STREETS
Design Guidance
Chicanes typically consist of a set of 2 or 3 curb extensions set in an alternating pattern. Signage and striping should be used to help alert and guide motorists along the curves on the roadway. Landscaping and vegetated planted in chicanes should be low growing to maintain clear sight distances. The desired design speed of the street should help inform the degree of horizontal deflection (i.e., the lateral movement of vehicles around the chicane).
Chicanes should be designed to address any drainage concerns. Achieving the traffic calming benefits of chicanes can be achieved by using striping and plastic bollards to demarcate the areas where the curb extensions would be.
3.5.4 LANDSCAPED MEDIANS
Design Guidance
Where possible, vegetated gutters and bioswales should be included in the median to expand stormwater drainage efforts along the roadway.
Appropriate plant materials will vary depending on local conditions and maintenance. Typically, low growing, low maintenance, low water use plants are appropriate. Design should account for impact of raised median on emergency vehicle movement and access. Trees should be located from a crosswalk or from the limit line at an intersection to provide adequate visibility.
Landscape medians with trees should be large enough to accommodate soil volume and be adequately separated from the travel lanes.
Gateway signs or elements, art, pathways on wide medians, and other elements can also be provided on medians. If a median is particularly wide, seating and recreational elements may be provided.
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In addition to the above referenced Capital Improvement efforts, the City of Lancaster General Plan 2030, Policy 15.1.3 requires specific actions to mitigate the risk of flood. Specific actions include:
15.1.3a: In conjunction with the preparation of the Capital Improvements Program, annually review available sources used to fund local flood control improvements.
City Building and Safety Codes
The City Council has adopted the Residential Zones (Chapter 17.08 of the Lancaster Municipal Code) to implement the goals and objectives of latest General Plan (see General Plan section above for details related to mitigation planning). The Residential Zones include regulations and guidelines for development in the City’s Residential Zones including the management of uses, as well as standards for site and building design.
On March 26, 2013, the City Council approved Ordinance No. 989 for the comprehensive revision of the Residential Zoning Ordinance and other zoning code amendments for implementation of Housing Element specific actions. An extract of the requirement is provided below:
Section 17.08.340 Residential Planned Development (RPD) A. Purpose and Intent. The purpose and intent of the residential planned development (RPD) is to allow for project designs that do not entirely meet the regulatory standards in Chapter 17.08 (Residential Zones) but do meet the design objectives of the General Plan and Design Guidelines. The RPD promotes high-quality, well-planned developments with residential features and amenities beyond those typical of conventional development, including innovative site layout and design, high-quality architecture, enhanced pedestrian connections and provision of trails, parks and open space. The RPD also allows for project design that is sensitive to the unique physical characteristics of the site (such as clustering units to avoid development in flood-prone areas ), as well as infill scenarios, or other circumstances that warrant special methods of development.
The planning mechanisms described above were used to support ongoing and future mitigation efforts and projects as part of incorporating this HMP into the City’s existing planning mechanisms, procedures, and projects (see Ongoing Implementation Through Existing Programs section below for additional details).
Furthermore, as each of these elements are updated, the City considers the potential for including additional mitigation strategies to further resilience within the area and reduce the risk of loss. This is accomplished through discussions with key City departments including the City Manager’s Office, Finance, Planning, Engineering, Economic Development, and Public Safety as well as through public input efforts.
Ongoing Implementation Through Existing Programs
The Hazard Mitigation Plan addresses statewide planning goals and legislative requirements through its General Plan, Capital Improvement Projects, and City Building and Safety Codes. The Hazard Mitigation Plan provides a series of recommendations - many of which are closely related to the goals and objectives of existing planning programs within the City. This provides the City of Lancaster with an opportunity to implement recommended mitigation action items through existing programs and procedures.
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The mechanisms in which the City integrates the recommendations from the Hazard Mitigation Plan include:
The HMP Project Manager and Emergency Management Coordinator leads the Hazard Mitigation Working Group. This group is comprised of representative from each of the city departments involved in mitigation planning and implementation. The HMP Project Manager and Emergency Management Coordinator works with these departments to review existing projects as well as coordinate the addition of new mitigation projects into the HMP. Departments involved in the process include (as required):
Building & Safety
Capital Programs
City Engineering
Community Development
Finance
Parks, Arts, Recreation and
Community Services
Planning
Public Safety
Public Works
Utility Services
Non-City Entities
o Los Angeles County Fire Department
o Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
The meetings of the Hazard Mitigation Working Group provide an opportunity for team members to report back on the progress made on the integration of mitigation planning elements into city planning documents and procedures.
Risk assessments and planning elements contained within the HMP are incorporated (as needed) into the City of Lancaster General Plan as part of the General Plan update process as well as local development requirements. Examples include the Master Drainage Plan, Site Specific Plans (e.g., Fox Field Corridor, the BLVD., etc.), Plan for Public Health & Safety (geology and seismicity, flooding, hazardous materials, fire prevention and suppression, disaster planning, etc.), Plan for Municipal Services and Facilities (e.g., flood control and drainage), and Plan for Physical Development (community design, land use patterns, and general land use plans).
Adoption and Implementation
The City of Lancaster has adopted the Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Hazard Mitigation Working Group is responsible for plan implementation. The HMP Project Manager and Emergency Management Coordinator serves as a convener to facilitate the Hazard Mitigation Working Group meetings. Plan implementation and evaluation are a shared responsibility among all of the Hazard Mitigation Working Group Members. The HMP Working Group is responsible for providing information gained from committee meetings with staff and community members in the City.
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PART II: HAZARD SPECIFIC INFORMATION
SECTION 6: SEVERE WIND
The Nature of the Severe Wind Threat
Severe windstorms pose a significant risk to life and property by creating conditions that disrupt essential systems such as public utilities, telecommunications, and transportation routes. High winds have the potential to cause damage to local homes and businesses from falling trees and debris. In addition, windstorms increase the risk of wildfire as the moisture content decreases in brush and vegetation on hillsides, especially in urban interface areas.
History of Severe Wind Events in the Lancaster Area
Windstorms are a regional threat and impact the Antelope Valley (including the City of Lancaster). The following table lists 385 events with winds 50 Knots (57.54 miles per hour - Beaufort wind force: 10 Storm Winds) or higher reported between 10/01/2000 and 10/31/2023.
Column Definitions Wind Magnitude Definitions
'Mag': Magnitude Measured Gust:'MG'
'Dth': Deaths Estimated Gust:'EG'
'Inj': Injuries Measured Sustained:'MS'
'PrD': Property Damage Estimated Sustained:'ES'
'CrD': Crop Damage
Date Time T.Z. Type Mag Dth Inj PrD CrD
02/21/2023 22:49 PST-8 High Wind 58 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 01/09/2023 14:30 PST-8 High Wind 56 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 12/10/2022 23:30 PST-8 High Wind 62 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 11/08/2022 09:23 PST-8 High Wind 70 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 12/14/2021 02:20 PST-8 High Wind 55 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 10/11/2021 12:57 PST-8 High Wind 52 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 02/13/2021 23:50 PST-8 High Wind 52 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 03/12/2019 23:16 PST-8 High Wind 59 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 03/27/2017 14:00 PST-8 High Wind 51 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 11/27/2016 09:00 PST-8 High Wind 54 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 03/27/2016 12:55 PST-8 High Wind 55 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 01/31/2016 18:00 PST-8 High Wind 50 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 04/14/2015 12:56 PST-8 High Wind 56 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 04/26/2014 17:53 PST-8 High Wind 55 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 04/15/2013 11:55 PST-8 High Wind 52 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 04/08/2013 14:56 PST-8 High Wind 59 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 05/22/2012 18:00 PST-8 High Wind 52 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 03/06/2012 22:09 PST-8 High Wind 54 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 04/25/2011 22:56 PST-8 High Wind 58 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 03/20/2011 06:55 PST-8 High Wind 67 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 03/07/2011 10:44 PST-8 High Wind 51 kts. MS 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 12/29/2010 19:14 PST-8 High Wind 57 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 01/20/2010 17:56 PST-8 High Wind 62 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 01/18/2010 12:00 PST-8 High Wind 53 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 12/12/2009 21:00 PST-8 High Wind 55 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 05/12/2009 15:38 PST-8 High Wind 50 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K
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Date Time T.Z. Type Mag Dth Inj PrD CrD
04/14/2009 15:36 PST-8 High Wind 52 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 06/04/2008 02:48 PST-8 High Wind 50 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 05/21/2008 12:38 PST-8 High Wind 53 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 02/24/2008 21:54 PST-8 High Wind 73 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 02/02/2008 22:36 PST-8 High Wind 56 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 01/06/2008 01:36 PST-8 High Wind 53 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 01/04/2008 19:36 PST-8 High Wind 58 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 12/06/2007 19:43 PST-8 High Wind 70 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 12/06/2007 19:36 PST-8 High Wind 64 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 10/20/2007 20:30 PST-8 High Wind 50 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 04/12/2007 09:38 PST-8 High Wind 56 kts. MG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K 03/27/2007 11:30 PST-8 High Wind 50 kts. EG 0 0 0.00K 0.00K Table 30: Severe Wind History for the Antelope Valley 10/01/2000 and 10/31/2023 Source: National Centers for Environmental Information, NOAA
In 2009, NOAA researchers published a paper entitled, The Palmdale Wave: An Example of Mountain Wave Activity on the Lee Side of the San Gabriel Mountains, by Kaplan and Thompson (2009) which stated that:
In areas of mountainous terrain, weather forecasters are presented with significant challenges due to the complex interaction between the atmosphere and the underlying hills, mountains, and valleys. One challenge, in particular, is the formation of orographic waves. In an orographic wave event, very strong, terrain-induced winds occur either where the winds are flowing perpendicular to the mountain ridgelines or they can occur on the downwind side, or lee of the mountains.
In either case, the phenomena are classified as mountain wave winds. (Whiteman 2000). In the most significant mountain wave wind events, winds in excess of 75 mph - and sometimes more than 100 mph have been observed. These winds can produce significant property damage and their associated severe turbulence and wind shear pose a significant hazard to aviation.
In the most significant mountain wave wind events, winds in excess of 75 mph - and sometimes more than 100 mph have been observed. These winds can produce significant property damage and their associated severe turbulence and wind shear pose a significant hazard to aviation.
The study cited the December 2007 winter storm which generated significant mountain wave events over portions of Los Angeles County. During this storm, wind gusts in excess of 75 mph were recorded across several foothill communities including Little Rock, Pearblossom, and Lake Palmdale. According to the study, forecasters at the National Weather Service office in Los Angeles/Oxnard have nicknamed the event the “Palmdale Wave.”
The Antelope Vally shows a consistent pattern throughout the years that demonstrate the ongoing occurrence of windy conditions in the area. For example, in January 2019 severe winds in the Antelope Valley caused by the “Palmdale Mountain Wave” impacted the cities of Lancaster, Palmdale, Lake Palmdale, Poppy Park, Grass Mountain and Valyermo. These winds measured over 50 miles per hour with gusts of more than 70 mph (National Weather Service). As consequence of the risk of high wind conditions in the area and the threat of “Palmdale Mountain Wave” events in the region (in addition to Santa Ana Wind conditions), the City of Lancaster has determined that “windstorms” pose a significant risk to the community.
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Causes and Characteristics of Windstorms in the Lancaster Area Windstorm events in the Lancaster area can be caused by short term topographically influenced high wind gusts such as the “Palmdale Mountain Wave” as well as extended
duration Santa Ana wind conditions. “Santa Ana Winds”
typically occur between October and February. Santa Ana winds are characterized by strong dry offshore winds
originating from the Great Basin and Upper Mojave Desert.
Wind temperatures can range from extremely hot to cold.
Damage can occur directly from the high wind speeds
generated or from the secondary effects of very low
humidity, which increases the threat of wildfires, particularly in the fire-prone chaparral country.
Stakeholder Input and Participation
To identify the threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences of a severe wind event on the Lancaster Region, each member of the Planning Group provided their input during planning meetings (see Annex D: Lancaster HMP Planning Meetings) and follow-up discussions. Specific topics of discussion included if any hazard priorities have changed since the previous HMP, how changes in the community have impacted the risk of each hazard, and what new mitigation actions can be taken. In addition, each member of the Planning Group as well as members of the public provided the input via online surveys (see Annex B:
Public Emergency Preparedness and Risk Survey, Annex C: Working Group HMP Risk Assessment Survey, and Annex D: Planning and Public Involvement).
Windstorm Hazard Identification
Given the location and topography of Lancaster, severe windstorms are common. Windstorms in the Antelope Valley pose a threat to life, property, utility delivery systems, infrastructure, and transportation. Furthermore, if a severe windstorm results in a prolonged utility disruption, it may be necessary to utilize private and public resources to aid in the care and sheltering of displaced residents. In addition, the economic impact of providing shelter, conducting repairs, and the disruption to local business can result in economic losses to the entire area and require the services of certified arborists.
The risk of trees falling is one of the more significant hazards resulting from high wind events. The leafy canopy and structural elements of a tree crown present a drag type barrier to winds. Trees naturally minimize wind drag through the re-orientation of leaves and through the independent motion of limbs and branches, thus reducing the transfer of uniform sway motion forces to the trunk. The Beaufort Wind Scale (BWS) specifically notes problems with trees as wind speeds increase. The BWS references the likelihood of whole tree motion as wind speeds exceed 32 miles per hour (MPH), twig breakage at 39 MPH and whole tree wind- throw as wind speeds exceed 55 MPH. The susceptibility of trees to wind-throw can be influenced by the general structural condition of the trees, the location of the trees in reference to wind patterns and the level and frequency of pruning maintenance.
Figure 24: Santa Ana Winds (Feb 2002)
SOURCE: NASA/JPL-Caltech)
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The following chart depicts the Beaufort scale which is used to estimate wind strengths.
Beaufort
Force
Speed
(MPH) Wind Description - State of Sea - Effects on Land 0 Less 1 Calm - Mirror-like - Smoke rises vertically
1 1-3 Light - Air Ripples look like scales; No crests of foam - Smoke drift shows direction of wind, but wind vanes do not
2 4-7 Light Breeze - Small but pronounced wavelets; Crests do not break - Wind vanes move; Leaves rustle; You can feel wind on the face
3 8-12 Gentle Breeze - Large Wavelets; Crests break; Glassy foam; A few whitecaps - Leaves and small twigs move constantly; Small, light flags are extended
4 13-18 Moderate Breeze - Longer waves; Whitecaps - Wind lifts dust and loose paper; Small branches move
5 19-24 Fresh Breeze - Moderate, long waves; Many whitecaps; Some spray - Small trees with leaves begin to move
6 25-31 Strong Breeze - Some large waves; Crests of white foam; Spray - Large branches move; Telegraph wires whistle; Hard to hold umbrellas
7 32-38 Near Gale - White foam from breaking waves blows in streaks with the wind - Whole trees move; Resistance felt walking into wind
8 39-46 Gale - Waves high and moderately long; Crests break into spin drift, blowing foam in well-marked streaks - Twigs and small branches break off trees; Difficult to walk 9 47-54 Strong Gale - High waves with wave crests that tumble; Dense streaks of foam in wind; Poor visibility from spray - Slight structural damage
10 55-63 Storm - Very high waves with long, curling crests; Sea surface appears white from blowing foam; Heavy tumbling of sea; Poor visibility - Trees broken or uprooted; Considerable structural damage 11 64-73 Violent Storm - Waves high enough to hide small and medium sized ships; Sea covered with patches of white foam; Edges of wave crests blown into froth; Poor visibility - Seldom experienced inland; Considerable structural damage
12 >74 Hurricane - Sea white with spray. Foam and spray render visibility almost non-existent – Widespread damage. Very rarely experienced on land.
Table 31: Beaufort Scale
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Estimated Impact of an Event
If a severe windstorm were to occur, the consequences to local populations and housing could be significant.
The table below provides the estimated consequences of a disaster using a 1% loss baseline for the population and number of housing units impacted. In addition, the socially vulnerable populations (those 65 and over, individuals with disabilities, those living in poverty, and the unhoused population) are particularly at risk due to challenges in securing shelter, increased physical vulnerability to high winds, and limited access to resources for recovery. Using a 1% loss baseline, an estimated 186 persons aged 65 and over, 140 persons with a disability, and 293 persons in poverty could be affected. While it is difficult to quantify the impacts of a severe wind event on the unhoused population, they are also highly vulnerable to severe wind events due to their lack of shelter, limited access to resources, and exposure to hazardous conditions.
Category Lancaster
(U.S. Census 2023 Estimate)
Impact if a 1% Loss
Occurs
Population 166,236 1,662
Persons 65 and Over 18,619 186
Persons With a Disability 13,964 140
Persons in Poverty 29,258 293
Total Housing Units** 55,137 551
Median Home Value $368,800 3,688
Total Estimated Housing
Impacts $20,334,525,600 More than $203.3M
Table 32: Estimated Population and Economic Loss of a Windstorm **2020 Decennial Census
Based on a 1% loss projection, more than 1,600 people could be significantly impacted and more than 550 homes damaged resulting in over $203 million in losses (see City of Lancaster Community Profile section for population, housing, and economic data).
Impact of Climate Change
Climate change has a regional impact. As a result, Lancaster and neighboring cities are subject to windstorms. The impact of severe windstorms in the region will have a similar impact to Lancaster and neighboring cities due to wind caused events such as power outages, property damage, and an increase in the intensity and length of wind driven wildfires (which are exasperated by sporadic high rainfall years leading to increased vegetation growth followed by lengthy periods of drought).
Impact of Land Use Development
Developed areas in Lancaster may be at greater risk of wind driven structural damage as well as wildfires.
However, it is not anticipated that future development densities and/or local land use plans will change since building codes require minimum standards to mitigate the threat of wind driven damage. Regardless, a greater emphasis on regulations related to brush clearance to prevent catastrophic wildfires could occur as well as additional monitoring of tree management programs.
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Impact of Population Patterns
Population patterns are expected to remain unchanged due to severe wind. Secondarily, if a wind driven wildfire were to occur in the City of Lancaster, a short term change in population may occur but it is anticipated that the rebuilt areas would return to current levels.
Risk of Future Wind Events
For the City of Lancaster the perceived risk of future severe wind events was estimated by the Working Group using the following weighted formula:
Risk = (0.45 x Probability) + (0.30 x Magnitude/Severity) + (0.15 x Warning Time) + (0.10 x Duration)
Probability Magnitude / Severity Warning Time Duration
Level ID Value Level ID Value Level ID Value Level ID Value Unlikely 1 Negligible 1 Less than 6 hrs 4 Less than 6 hrs 1 Possibly 2 Limited 2 6 to 12 hrs 3 Less than 24 hrs 2
Likely 3 Critical 3 12 to 24 hrs 2 Less than one wk 3
Highly Likely 4 Catastrophic 4 More than 24 hrs 1 More than one wk 4 The result was a wind risk rating of 3.13 (see Annex C Working Group HMP Risk Assessment Survey for general descriptors and degree of risk):
Hazard Probability Magnitude Warning Time Duration Risk Severe Windstorm 3.88 2.86 1.86 2.50 3.13
Severe Windstorm Overall Probability
According to the FEMA National Risk Index, the Los Angeles region records the chance of a windstorm as
0.2 events per year.
Disasters Declarations and Emergency Proclamations
FEMA disaster declarations allow state, tribal, and local governments to access federal aid for disaster response and recovery when overwhelmed. Similarly, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) issues proclamations to mobilize state resources and streamline procedures.
FEMA Disasters Declarations
No disaster declarations.
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Cal OES Open State of Emergency Proclamations
Proclamation Date: 9/16/22 || Tropical Storm Kay
Tropical storm conditions brought heavy rainfall and strong winds across southern California, causing flooding and debris flows. The storm system, including debris flows, also damaged or destroyed roads in Imperial, Inyo, Los Angeles, and Riverside counties.
Proclamation Date: 1/4/23 || December 2022-January 2023 storms
Severe winter storms struck California causing high winds, and expected flooding, and widespread power outages. This declaration was a hazard to the entire state of California.
Windstorm Vulnerabilities
Windstorms can result in damage to structures, disrupt utilities, and require emergency tree services (i.e. limb failures, clearance of private property trees fallen into roadways, etc.). Wind damage and power outages in the Lancaster area are a common occurrence, and the impact of a severe windstorm can be significant, thus mitigation planning can reduce losses when wind events occur. Specific windstorm related issues are outlined below.
Life and Property
Detached tree limbs and building elements present a hazard to life and property as well as infrastructure.
Furthermore, utility providers and emergency services such as Southern California Edison (SCE), can be overwhelmed during a major event. At risk populations include assisted care facilities like the Mayflower Gardens Retirement Community and home-bound residents that are dependent on electrical power (see Utilities and Infrastructure section below). For example, in December 2011, the City of Pasadena, California experienced a severe windstorm with reported gusts near 100 MPH. The resulting power outages and debris impacted residents for weeks. Additionally, in January 2019 sustained winds over 50 miles per hour with gusts of more than 70 mph occurred in the Antelope Valley.
Utilities and Infrastructure
Windstorms can cause structural damage to buildings and other critical infrastructure, including Lancaster City Hall and Antelope Valley Hospital. Overhead electrical and telephone lines are particularly vulnerable to damage from wind and debris as are microwave and satellite facilities, including Los Angeles County Fire Station 33 or Fire Station 117, and their communication and operational capabilities. There are multiple high- voltage transmission lines that run throughout the Antelope Valley that are vulnerable to high wind events.
High winds commonly occur during winter storms and can cause trees to bend, sag, or fail (tree limbs or entire trees) which then come into contact with nearby power lines. Fallen trees can cause short-circuiting and conductor overloading. Wind-induced damage to the power system causes power outages to customers, incurs cost to make repairs, and in some cases can lead to ignitions that start wild land fires. In order to prepare for such events, Southern California Edison (SCE) has developed its own Hazard Mitigation Plan.
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Transportation
Windblown debris, tree limbs and wind thrown trees can damage traffic control apparatus, block roadways like Avenue J and Sierra Highway, damage vehicles, and cause extreme traffic congestion - impeding emergency and vehicles and hampering repair efforts. Likewise, blowing sand and dust can dramatically reduce visibility, causing traffic accidents and further damage vehicles.
Increased Fire Threat
The Antelope Valley is subject to Santa Ana Winds with regards to their impact on fire conditions. Winds can serve as a catalyst in the foothill and mountain areas to spread fire at a rapid rate. Prolonged winds during the warmer months of the year can decrease vegetation moisture levels and increase the ignition potential in dry underbrush. When urban / wildland interface fires occur, Santa Ana Wind conditions can drive flames and increase the spread speed and severity of the fire. This is a concern of wildfires near homes, especially where brush clearance has been lax. While there is a minimal risk for wildfires in the City of Lancaster, wildfires in the surrounding areas such as Quartz Hill can have a serious impact on health conditions, transportation, public services, and utilities within the City.
In response to the threat of downed power lines during high wind periods, SCE began a public notice campaign to reiterate its policy that utility power may be shut-off during high fire risk periods.
For the Lancaster area, areas vulnerable to the impact of severe winter storms including flooding and severe winds, such as the neighborhoods near the Antelope Valley Freeway (CA-14), riverine pathways like the Amargosa Creek area, and Quartz Hill. Although the primary concern is loss of life and injuries, other specific vulnerabilities are listed below in terms of:
• Property Loss
• Critical Infrastructure
• Business and Industry
Figure 25: SCE Power Shutoff Notice
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Windstorm Mitigation Strategies
Interagency Efforts
In the case of buildings and structures, the likelihood of structural element detachment is influence by local building code requirements, the location of buildings in reference to wind patterns, and in the level of maintenance and upkeep. In addition, one of the strongest and most widespread existing mitigation strategies pertains to tree clearance.
Currently, California State Law and LA County Fire Code requires utility companies to maintain specific clearances (depending on the type of voltage running through the line) between electric power lines and all vegetation (Fire Code section 325.1 Electrical Transmission Lines). Furthermore, homeowners are required to allow a utility company to comply with the law.
Failure to provide access to utility power lines can result in liability to the homeowner for damages or injuries resulting from a vegetation hazard. Many insurance companies do not cover these types of damages if the policy owner has refused to allow the hazard to be eliminated.
Continuous upgrades to engineering design criteria based on the latest industrial progress, geotechnical findings and Code revisions are being conducted. For instance, Dynamic Shake Table Tests were recently made mandatory for certain equipment in addition to analytical design.
Lancaster Mitigation Activities
In order to mitigate the impact of windstorms, the City of Lancaster works with the local utility companies to encourage them to comply with State and Local tree clearance and integrity guidelines. Lancaster’s Maintenance Services Division maintains a trimming and pruning schedule to ensure that City trees do not pose a risk to public safety. Lancaster also conducts public awareness campaigns and community outreach programs to educate the community on how to protect life and property before, during, and after windstorm events.7
In order to mitigate the impact of windstorms, the City of Lancaster conducts a tree vulnerability assessment to better understand the wind threat to the urban forest and to create mitigation strategies. The city utilizes this assessment to monitor when pruning and trimming is necessary to mitigate the risk of falling trees and large branches onto people, structures, electrical lines, vehicles, and roadways.
Additionally, this effort aims to reduce damage from windstorms in order to benefit at-risk populations in the area such as elderly and younger residents who require transportation and electrical power. The reason these activities are a benefit is that unmaintained tree branches could be blown off in a windstorm and cause damage harmful to at-risk individuals due to blocked roads limiting access to medical care, downed power lines, and damage to homes.
7 City of Lancaster Hazards Mitigation Plan
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SECTION 7: EARTHQUAKE
The Nature of the Earthquake Threat
Earthquakes occur at the boundaries of the Earth’s tectonic plates as they move relative to one another. The tectonic boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate in California is along the San Andreas Fault. The fault is a transform boundary where the plates are sliding horizontally past one another.
The risk of earthquakes in Southern California is exacerbated by the fact that the two plates are inhibited in their motion by what is known as the “Big Bend”. In this section of the San Andreas, the fault curves to the west then curves back to the north. This creates a barrier to simple lateral motion. This bend is a convergent (restraining) bend, creating a localized collision of tectonic plates, generating a tremendous amount of
compression stress.
To release this stress, additional faults have formed over time.
The “Big Bend” of the San Andreas Fault is thought to be responsible for much of the complexity of faulting in Southern California.
The map below depicts several parallel faults to the San Andreas Fault. These four faults are considered to be responsible for approximately half of the significant earthquakes in the region.
Map 17: Parallel Faults to the San Andreas Fault
SOURCE: http://www.earthquakecountry.info/roots/socal-faults.html
Map 16: San Andreas Fault "Big Bend"
SOURCE: http://nationalatlas.gov/articles/geology/features/sanandreas.html Lancaster
North American Plate
Pacific
Plate
The “Big Bend”
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Earthquakes in Southern California
Earthquakes occur every day in Southern California. Most are small with a magnitude less than 2.5 Mw8. The following map depicts recent seismic activity in the Lancaster region as of October 20, 2023.
Map 18: Recent Earthquakes In or Near Lancaster
SOURCE: Southern California Seismic Network (SCSN)
8 The Moment Magnitude is preferred to the Richter Magnitude for earthquakes larger than 6M. As the magnitude surpasses 6.5M (Richter), all events begin to take on the same magnitude values. The Moment Magnitude keeps its integrity and delineates the different values greater than 6.5Mw.
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History of Significant Earthquakes in Southern California The chart below provides examples of significant earthquakes in Southern California since 1857.
Date Time Location Mw
06.05.2021 10:55 PM Calipartria 5.3
06.24.2020 10:40 PM Lone Pine 5.8
06.03.2020 6:32 PM Searles Valley 5.5
07.05.2019 8:19 P.M. Ridgecrest 7.1
04.20.2010 3:40 P.M. Baja California 7.2
07.09.2008 11:42 A.M. Chino Hills 5.4
12.22.2003 11:15 A.M. San Simeon 6.5
10.16.1999 2:46 A.M. Hector Mine 7.1
06.10.1998 4:06 P.M. Tejon Ranch 5.4
03.18.1997 7:24 A.M. Calico 5.3
11.27.1996 12:17 P.M. Coso 5.3
01.17.1994 4:30 A.M. Northridge 6.7
05.27.1993 9:47 P.M. Wheeler Ridge 5.2
07.11.1992 11:14 A.M. Mojave 5.7
06.28.1992 4:57 A.M. Landers 7.3
06.28.1992 8:05 A.M. Big Bear 6.3
04.22.1992 9:50 P.M. Joshua Tree 6.1
06.28.1991 7:43 A.M. Sierra Madre 5.8
11.24.1987 5:15 A.M. Superstition Hills 6.6
10.01.1987 7:42 A.M. Whittier Narrows 5.9
07.08.1986 2:21 A.M. North Palm Springs 5.7
10.15.1979 4:16 P.M. Imperial Valley 6.4
02.09.1971 6:01 A.M. San Fernando 6.6
04.09.1968 6:29 A.M. Borrego Mountain 6.6
07.21.1952 3:52 A.M. Kern County 7.5
04.10.1947 7:58 A.M. Manix 6.5
05.18.1940 8:37 P.M. Imperial Valley 6.9
03.10.1933 5:54 P.M. Long Beach 6.4
11.04.1927 5:51 P.M. Offshore Lompoc 7.1
06.29.1925 7:42 A.M. Santa Barbara 6.8
04.21.1918 2:31 P.M. San Jacinto 6.8
12.25.1899 4:25 A.M. San Jacinto / Hemet 6.7
02.24.1892 11:20 P.M. Laguna Salada 7.3
01.09.1857 8:24 A.M. Fort Tejon 7.9
Table 33: Significant Southern California Earthquakes Since 1857 SOURCE: Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) and the California Institute of Technology (Cal Tech) Lancaster was uninhabited at the time of the 1857 quake but would have suffered significant damage if it were populated. Lancaster has felt many of the earthquakes on this list, and the Manix, Kern County, and San Fernando Earthquake epicenters were in close proximity. In addition, the Lancaster area experienced a
5.7 M w event on July 11, 1992 with an epicenter in Mojave. More recently the 2020 5.8 M w Lone Pine earthquake occurred about 140 miles away.
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Even though a major earthquake has not directly struck the City of Lancaster in recent years, the threat of earthquake in the entire Southern California region remains high considering the major faults underlying the area (see Earthquake Faults in or Near the Lancaster Region section below). Further, the USGS estimates that the probabilities of a major earthquake in the Los Angeles region within the next 30 years are:
93% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 6.7
75% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 7
36% that an earthquake measuring magnitude 7.5
Causes and Characteristics of Earthquakes
Earthquake Faults in or Near the Lancaster Region
There are multiple fault zones in the
Lancaster area. The San Andreas Fault
lies 9 miles south of Lancaster, the
Garlock fault lies 20 miles northwest, and
throughout the Antelope Valley there are
small faults created by the stress buildup
from the San Andreas. The small Llano
Fault runs under Palmdale, although
there is no history of quakes on this fault.
Although the San Andreas Fault is
capable of producing an earthquake with
a magnitude greater than 8 M w, a 6.8 –
7.6 M w earthquake along the western
portion of the Garlock Fault can be just as
destructive as a quake on the San
Andreas Fault.
Fault Map
Number Fault Name Potential
Magnitude Length Distance to
Lancaster
Direction
from
Lancaster
Recurrence
Interval
(years)
1 Garlock 6.8 – 7.6 160 miles 20 miles NW 200 - 3000
2 Llano Unknown 4.5 miles 29 miles SE Unknown
3 San Andreas 6.8 – 8.0 750 miles 9 miles S 50 - 300
4 San Fernando 6.0 – 6.8 10.6 miles 35 miles SW 200
5 Sierra Madre 6.0 – 7.0 46.6 miles 35 miles SW Unknown 6 Verdugo 6.0 – 6.8 13.1 miles 35 miles NE Unknown
7 White Wolf 6.5 – 7.5 37.3 miles 51 miles SE Unknown
Table 34: Major Faults around the Lancaster Area
Not visible on the map is the Anacapa-Dume Fault off the coast of Santa Monica. In 1989 it generated a
5.0 Mw earthquake that caused damage in Lancaster. The fault runs roughly from the ocean off of Santa Monica to just south of the Channel Islands, and is capable of generating a 6.5 – 7.3 Mw earthquake and has a recurrance of approximately 500 years.
2 Map 19: Earthquake Faults in the Greater Lancaster Region SOURCE: U.S. Geological Survey and California Geological Survey, 2006, Quaternary fault and fold database for the United States, accessed 2/14/2013, from USGS Web site:
http//earthquakes.usgs.gov/regional/qfaults/
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Two additional faults not visible on the map are the Owens Valley Fault, a 68.4 mile long fault 147 miles north of Lancaster that is capable of generating a 6.5 – 8.2 Mw earthquake, and the Sierra Nevada Fault, a 149.1 mile long fault 133 miles north of Lancaster that is capable of generating a 6.0 – 7.2 M w earthquake. The 1872 Lone Pine Earthquake on the Owens Valley fault is believed to have shaken the Lancaster area violently, and a similar event today would cause heavy damage.
A portion of the San Andreas Fault is exposed in Palmdale where the 14 freeway intersects Avenue S. Called the “Palmdale Road Cut”, the fault line was exposed when the 14 freeway was constructed.
Figure 26: Palmdale Road Cut
SOURCE: http://www.sanandreasfault.org/Visit.html
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Lancaster Region Earthquake Probability
According to the California Geological Survey and U.S. Geological Survey earthquake analysis, the following regional map depicts the Level of Earthquake Hazard in the Southern California Region. Based on this analysis, the City of Lancaster area will on average experience stronger earthquake shaking more frequently.
Map 20: Southern California Shaking Potential
SOURCE: California Geological Survey and U.S. Geological Survey
According to the analysis, “This map shows the relative intensity of ground shaking in California from anticipated future earthquakes. The shaking potential is calculated as the level of ground motion that has a 2% chance of being exceeded in 50 years, which is the same as the level of ground-shaking with about a 2500-year average repeat time. Relatively long-period (1.0 second) earthquake shaking is shown here. Long- period shaking affects tall, relatively flexible buildings, but also correlates well with overall earthquake damage. Although the greatest hazard is in areas of highest intensity as shown on the map, no region is immune from potential earthquake damage. Expected long-term average earthquake damage in California exceeds $3 billion per year.”
Additionally, a major earthquake cause a considerable number of casualties, as well as extensive damage to buildings, infrastructure, communications, utilities, and critical facilities. The effects would be aggravated by aftershocks and secondary effects such as fires and landslides. In the event of a catastrophic earthquake, the capacity of the region to respond on its own would quickly become overwhelmed and assistance from surrounding municipalities, as well as the state and federal governments would be needed.
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Furthermore, following a major earthquake:
Extensive search and rescue operations would be required The demand for emergency medical care would increase
Food and temporary shelter would have to be provided for displaced people
Finally, it is likely emergency operations would be hampered by the loss of critical infrastructure and roads, damage to critical facilities, disruption of utilities, and communications disruptions. During the recovery period, extensive efforts would be required to remove debris, clear roadways, demolish unsafe structures, restore public utilities, and provide continuing care for the affected population including temporary shelters for displaced people. Finally, secondary issues such as hazardous materials releases and civil unrest could further strain resources.
Earthquake Scenarios
HAZUS San Andreas Earthquake Scenario
The City of Lancaster developed the following HAZUS scenario based on a 7.0M earthquake along the San Andreas Fault.
Longitude -118.31
Latitude 34.66
Earthquake Magnitude 7.00
Depth (km) 10.00
Rupture Length (km) 42.66
Rupture Orientation (degrees) 0.00
Attenuation Function West US, Extensional 2008 – Strike Slip
Building Damage Estimate
HAZUS estimated that approximately 6,438 buildings will be at least moderately damaged. This represents over 13% of the buildings in the region.
Expected Building Damage by Occupancy
Category None Slight Moderate Extensive Complete
Count (%) Count (%) Count (%) Count (%) Count (%)
Agriculture 36 0.13 18 0.12 12 0.22 4 0.43 1 0.58
Commercial 976 3.49 443 2.99 352 6.63 111 12.18 25 11.62 Education 44 0.16 19 0.13 12 0.22 3 0.38 1 0.37
Government 24 0.08 11 0.08 9 0.18 4 0.39 1 0.41
Industrial 189 0.68 93 0.63 82 1.555 29 3.23 8 3.70
Other
Residential 2,373 8.47 1,518 10.24 1,342 25.27 540 59.20 124 57.19 Religion 91 0.33 40 0.27 27 0.51 9 0.99 2 1.07
Single
Family 24,281 86.67 12,682 85.55 3,473 65.41 212 23.19 54 25.07 Total 28,015 14,823 5,310 912 217
Table 35: HAZUS Expected Building Damage by Occupancy
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Expected Building Damage by Building Type (All Design Levels) Category None Slight Moderate Extensive Complete
Count (%) Count (%) Count (%) Count (%) Count (%)
Wood 25,211 89.99 13,212 89.13 3,596 67.73 210 23.00 58 26.80 Steel 269 0.96 131 0.88 139 2.61 50 5.44 14 6.28
Concrete 301 1.07 144 0.97 100 1.87 38 4.12 9 4.27
Precast 232 0.83 107 0.72 104 1.96 35 3.81 7 3.15
RM
Reinforced
Masonry
672 2.40 195 1.31 175 3.29 60 6.54 7 3.37
URM
Unreinforced
Masonry
76 0.27 44 0.29 .37 0.70 14 1.48 6 2.58
MH
Manufactured
Housing
1,256 4.48 991 6.69 1,159 21.83 507 55.61 116 53.56
Total 28,015 14,823 5,310 912 217
Table 36: HAZUS Expected Building Damage by Building Type
Essential Facility Damage
Before the earthquake, the region has 535 hospital beds available for use. On the day of the earthquake, the model estimates that only 369 hospital beds (73.00%) will be available for use by patients already in the hospital and those injured by the earthquake. After one week, 97.00% of the beds will be back in service.
By 30 days, 100.00% will be operational.
Classification Total
# Facilities
At Least Moderate
Damage > 50%
Complete
Damage > 50%
With Functionality
>50% on Day 1
Hospitals 3 0 0 3
Schools 52 0 0 45
EOCs 0 0 0 0
Police Stations 3 0 0 2
Fire Stations 1 0 0 0
Table 37: HAZUS Essential Building Damage Estimate
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Expected Damage to Transportation Systems
System Component
Number of Locations
Locations /
Segments
With at Least
Moderate
Damage
With Complete
Damage
With Functionality >50%
After Day 1 After Day 7
Highway
Segments 169 0 0 169 169
Bridges 38 0 0 38 38
Tunnels 0 0 0 0 0
Railways
Segments 5 0 0 5 5
Bridges 1 0 0 1 1
Tunnels 0 0 0 0 0
Facilities 0 0 0 0 0
Light Rail
Segments 1 0 0 1 1
Bridges 0 0 0 0 0
Tunnels 0 0 0 0 0
Facilities 1 0 0 1 1
Bus Facilities 0 0 0 0 0
Airport
Facilities 1 0 0 1 1
Runways 1 0 0 1 1
Table 38: HAZUS Expected Damage to Transportation Systems
Note: Roadway segments, railroad tracks and light rail tracks are assumed to be damaged by ground failure only. If ground failure maps are not provided, damage estimates to these components will not be computed.
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Expected Utility System Facility Damage
System Total #
# Locations
With at Least
Moderate
Damage
With Complete
Damage
With Functionality >50%
After Day 1 After Day 7
Potable Water 0 0 0 0 0
Waste Water 0 0 0 0 0
Natural Gas 0 0 0 0 0
Oil Systems 0 0 0 0 0
Electrical Power 0 0 0 0 0
Communication 3 0 0 3 3
Table 39: HAZUS Expected Utility System Facility Damage
Expected Utility System Pipeline Damage
System Total Pipelines Length (kms) Number of Leaks Number of Breaks Potable Water 6,186 822 205
Waste Water 3,712 589 147
Natural Gas 2,475 169 42
Oil 0 0 0
Table 40: HAZUS Expected Utility System Pipeline Damage
Expected Potable Water and Electric Power System Performance System Total # of
Households
Number of Households
At Day 1 At Day 3 At Day 7 At Day 30 At Day 90
Potable Water
51,382
3,786 1,728 15 0 0
Electric Power 2,341 1,452 595 112 3
Table 41: HAZUS Expected Potable Water and Electric Power System Performance
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Induced Earthquake Damage
Debris Generation
HAZUS estimates the amount of debris that will be generated by the earthquake. The model breaks the debris into two general categories: a) Brick/Wood and b) Reinforced Concrete/Steel. This distinction is made because of the different types of material handling equipment required to handle the debris.
The model estimates that a total of 0.13 million tons of debris will be generated. Of the total amount, Brick/Wood comprises 43.00% of the total, with the remainder being Reinforced Concrete/Steel. If the debris tonnage is converted to an estimated number of truckloads, it will require 5,080 truckloads (@25 tons/truck) to remove the debris generated by the earthquake.
Shelter Requirement
HAZUS estimates the number of households that are expected to be displaced from their homes due to the earthquake and the number of displaced people that will require accommodations in temporary public shelters. The model estimates 375 households to be displaced due to the earthquake. Of these, 283 people (out of a total population of 168,146) will seek temporary shelter in public shelters.
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Casualties
HAZUS estimates the number of people that will be injured and killed by the earthquake. The casualties are broken down into four (4) severity levels that describe the extent of the injuries. The levels are described as follows:
Severity Level 1 Injuries will require medical attention but hospitalization is not needed Severity Level 2 Injuries will require hospitalization but are not considered life-threatening Severity Level 3 Injuries will require hospitalization and can become life threatening if not promptly treated Severity Level 4 Victims are killed by the earthquake
The casualty estimates are provided for three (3) times of day: 2:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. These times represent the periods of the day that different sectors of the community are at their peak occupancy loads. The 2:00 AM estimate considers that the residential occupancy load is maximum, the 2:00 PM estimate considers that the educational, commercial and industrial sector loads are maximum and 5:00 PM represents peak commute time.
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4
2 AM
Commercial 2 0 0 0
Commuting 0 0 0 0
Educational 0 0 0 0
Hotels 0 0 0 0
Industrial 4 1 0 0
Other Residential 69 13 1 3
Single Family 60 6 1 0
Total 135 21 2 3
2 PM
Commercial 131 30 4 8
Commuting 0 0 0 0
Educational 56 13 2 4
Hotels 0 0 0 0
Industrial 31 7 1 2
Other Residential 19 4 0 1
Single Family 14 2 0 0
Total 251 56 8 15
5 PM
Commercial 96 22 3 6
Commuting 0 0 0 0
Educational 5 1 0 0
Hotels 0 0 0 0
Industrial 19 4 1 1
Other Residential 26 5 1 1
Single Family 23 3 0 0
Total 168 35 5 9
Table 42: HAZUS Estimated Casualties
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Economic Loss
The total economic loss estimated for the earthquake is $770.49 (millions of dollars), which includes building and lifeline related losses based on the region's available inventory. The following three sections provide more detailed information about these losses.
Building Related Losses
The building losses are broken into two categories: direct building losses and business interruption losses.
The direct building losses are the estimated costs to repair or replace the damage caused to the building and its contents. The business interruption losses are the losses associated with inability to operate a business because of the damage sustained during the earthquake. Business interruption losses also include the temporary living expenses for those people displaced from their homes because of the earthquake.
The total building-related losses were $758.75 (millions of dollars); 15% of the estimated losses were related to the business interruption of the region. By far, the largest loss was sustained by the residential occupancies which made up over 69% of the total loss.
The table below provides a summary of the losses associated with the building damage.
Category Area Single
Family
Other
Residential Commercial Industrial Others Total
Income
Losses
Wage 0.00 1.07 21.47 0.44 1.10 24.07
Capital Related 0.00 0.46 16.19 0.26 0.29 17.19
Rental 7.53 5.84 7.59 0.13 0.53 21.63
Relocation 26.16 6.67 12.33 0.77 4.43 50.36
Sub total 33.70 14.04 57.59 1.59 6.34 113.26
Capital
Stock
Losses
Structural 42.69 15.13 18.58 2.42 4.86 83.67
Non-Structural 238.17 80.72 64.76 8.83 17.34 409.83
Content 82.53 19.84 33.59 5.52 8.71 150.20
Inventory 0.00 0.00 0.66 1.07 0.06 1.79
Sub total 363.39 115.70 117.59 17.84 30.98 645.49
Total 397.09 129.74 175.18 19.43 37.32 758.75
Table 43: HAZUS Building Related Loss Estimates
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Transportation and Utility Lifeline Losses
For the transportation and utility lifeline systems, HAZUS computes the direct repair cost for each component only. There are no losses computed by HAZUS for business interruption due to lifeline outages.
System Component Inventory Value
(millions of dollars)
Economic Loss
(millions of dollars)
Loss Ratio (%)
Highway
Segments 2,166.33 $0.00 0.00
Bridges 63.61 $0.82 1.29
Tunnels 0.00 $0.00 0.00
Sub total 2,230 0.80
Railways
Segments 27.72 $0.00 0.00
Bridges 0.14 $0.01 4.35
Tunnels 0.00 $0.00 0.00
Facilities 0.00 $0.00 0.00
Sub total 28 0.00
Light Rail
Segments 21.69 $0.00 0.00
Bridges 0.00 $0.00 0.00
Tunnels 0.00 $0.00 0.00
Facilities 2.66 $0.51 19.22
Sub total 24 0.50
Bus
Facilities 0.00 $0.00 0.00
Sub total 0 0.00
Airport
Facilities 10.65 $3.24
Runways 37.96 $0.00 30.45
Sub total 49 3.20 0.00
Total 2,330.80 4.60
Table 44: HAZUS Transportation Loss Estimates
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System Component Inventory Value Economic Loss Loss Ratio (%) Potable Water
Pipelines 0.00 $0.00 0.00
Facilities 0.00 $0.00 0.00
Distribution Line 123.70 $3.70 2.99
Sub total 123.70 $3.70
Waste Water
Pipelines 0.00 $0.00 0.00
Facilities 0.00 $0.00 0.00
Distribution Line 74.24 $2.65
Sub total
Natural Gas
Pipelines 0.00 $0.00 0.00
Facilities 0.00 $0.00 0.00
Distribution Line 49.50 $0.76 1.54
Sub total 49.50 $0.76
Oil Systems
Pipelines 0.00 $0.00 0.00
Facilities 0.00 $0.00 0.00
Distribution Line 0.00 $0.00
Sub total 0.00 $0.00
Electrical Power
Facilities 0.00 $0.00 0.00
Sub total 0.00 $0.00
Communication Facilities 0.40 $0.05 13.14
Sub total 0.35 $0.05
Totals 247.81 $7.16
Table 45: HAZUS Utility Lifeline Loss Estimates
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ShakeMap Scenarios
Predicted ground shaking patterns throughout Southern California for hypothetical scenario earthquakes are available from the United States Geological Survey as part of their on-going “ShakeMap” program. These maps are provided in terms of Instrumental Intensity, which is essentially Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) estimated from instrumental ground motion recordings. The following scenarios depict strong ground shaking patterns for the 1994 Northridge Earthquake and four hypothetical scenario events; M 6.7 1994 Northridge Earthquake
M 7.8 Earthquake on the San Andreas Fault ShakeOut Scenario M 6.7 Earthquake on the San Fernando Fault Scenario
M 6.7 Verdugo Fault Scenario
M 7.9 Fort Tejon Earthquake Scenario
Modeling various scenarios is useful in estimating the likely impact to local populations, infrastructure, and facilities. This information can be used to assist emergency managers and the public to better prepare for future events.
1994 Northridge Earthquake
The most recent significant seismic event
in the area was the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake. In terms of human impact,
60 people were killed, more than 7,000
injured, and 20,000 were left homeless in
the greater Los Angeles Basin.
The shaking heavily damaged
communities throughout the
San Fernando Valley, Simi Valley, and
the areas north and west of Los Angeles.
It is estimated that the event resulted in
$20 billion in losses (USGS). More than
1,600 buildings were “red-tagged” as
unsafe to enter and another 7,300
buildings were “yellow tagged” and
restricted to limited entry. Thousands of
other structures experienced minor
damage. The impact to local
infrastructure included sink holes in local
roads, damaged water lines, ruptured gas
lines, electrical power outages, pipeline
distribution systems damage, and
communications disruptions.
Furthermore, seven major freeway
bridges in the area collapsed and 170 were damaged, including the Interstate 5 / Highway 14 Interchange south of Lancaster, disrupting traffic in the Antelope Valley – Los Angeles region for weeks following the earthquake.
Map 21: Northridge Earthquake ShakeMap
SOURCE: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/shakemap/sc/shake/Northridge/
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San Andreas Fault ShakeOut Scenario
A San Andreas Earthquake has been used as the
scenario for the annual ShakeOut Earthquake
Exercise and also serves as a basis for statewide
emergency response exercises.
Over 300 scientists, engineers, and others
developed the San Andreas ShakeMap to study the
likely consequences of a 7.8 Mw earthquake on the
San Andreas Fault with an epicenter at
Bombay Beach, on the Salton Sea in
Imperial County. The scenario estimates over 1,800
deaths, 50,000 injuries, $200 billion in damages and
other losses, and severe, long lasting disruptions
with regional implications.
San Fernando Earthquake
The 6.7 M w earthquake that struck on February 9,
1971 at 6:00 A.M. killed 65 people, injured more than
2,000, and caused property damage estimated at
$505 million (USGS). The shaking heavily damaged
communities throughout the San Fernando Valley
and greatly damaged schools throughout the Los
Angeles basin, caused landslides throughout the
San Gabriel Valley and the mountains north of Los
Angeles, as well as damaged buildings in downtown
Los Angeles. Two hospitals collapsed. Twelve
overpass bridges and two freeway interchanges
collapsed in Los Angeles County and a portion of the
Van Norman Dam collapsed, prompting evacuations
over fears of a dam failure.
Quake related landslides closed all connector roads
between Los Angeles and Lancaster, and the newly
constructed Newhall Pass interchange connecting
the Golden State Freeway with the Antelope Valley
Freeway collapsed. Travel between Lancaster and
Los Angeles required a major detour through San
Bernardino.
Map 22: San Andreas Fault Scenario ShakeMap
Map 23: San Fernando Earthquake ShakeMap
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Verdugo Fault Scenario
A 6.7 M w earthquake on the Verdugo fault would result in Lancaster and the Antelope Valley experiencing Strong to Very Strong shaking and potential damage would be Light to Moderate.
1857 Fort Tejon Earthquake Scenario
One of the largest quakes in United States history was the Fort Tejon quake in 1857. Estimated to be 7.9 Mw, the quake originated in Parkfield, Monterrey County and traveled along the San Andreas Fault for over 360 miles. Named the Fort Tejon earthquake because the fort was the closest population center to the epicenter, a quake of similar scale today would cause Violent to Extreme shaking and Heavy to Very Heavy damage in the Lancaster area as the fault passes through what is modern-day Palmdale (adjacent to and south of Lancaster).
Other Nearby Earthquake Events
The City of Lancaster is adjacent to the San Andreas Fault, where the “Big Bend” occurs. Stress from the Big Bend is responsible for the creation of the Garlock Fault, the only major east – west oriented earthquake fault in California, which runs along the Tehachapi Mountains north of Lancaster. While in historic times there have been no major events on the Garlock Fault, it is known to generate sympathetic quakes (such as a 5.7 event near Mojave on July 11, 1992 related to the Landers Earthquake) due to stress buildup. Groundwater removal has also generated a seismic event on the fault. The Garlock Fault is an active fault and is capable of generating a 6.8 - 7.6 M w earthquake. The Anacapa-Dume Fault generated a 5.0 M w earthquake in 1989 that caused damage in Lancaster. The fault runs roughly from the ocean off of Santa Monica to just south of the Channel Islands. Lancaster has felt the Joshua Tree, Landers, Big Bear, and Hector Mine Quakes, and infrastructure was seriously affected during the Northridge and San Fernando earthquakes.
Map 24: Verdugo Fault Scenario
Map 25: 1857 Fort Tejon Quake Scenario
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Stakeholder Input and Participation
To identify the threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences of a major earthquake on the Lancaster Region, each member of the Planning Group provided their input during planning meetings (see Annex D: Lancaster HMP Planning Meetings) and follow-up discussions. Specific topics of discussion included if any hazard priorities have changed since the previous HMP, how changes in the community have impacted the risk of each hazard, and what new mitigation actions can be taken. In addition, each member of the Planning Group as well as members of the public provided the input via online surveys (see Annex B: Public Emergency Preparedness and Risk Survey, Annex C: Working Group HMP Risk Assessment Survey, and Annex D:
Planning and Public Involvement).
Earthquake Hazard Identification
A major earthquake impacting the Lancaster area will likely result in casualties, damage to structures, and disruptions to critical infrastructure (roads, bridges, lifelines, etc.). In addition, the long-term impact to the local economy can be significant. The examples listed below provide brief descriptions of the types of impacts that can be anticipated.
Casualties
Collapsed structures or falling debris can kill or injure hundreds of people and trap others. Trained search and rescue teams will be needed to pull many of the injured from badly damaged or partially collapsed structures. However, it may take rescuers many hours, perhaps days, after the earthquake to free trapped people.
Additionally, damage to the transportation infrastructure could impede emergency responders from reaching the site of a collapse. Furthermore, The Antelope Valley Hospital and local urgent care centers may not be able to provide care to the injured due to overcrowding and damage to their facilities.
Structures
In most California communities, (including areas in the Lancaster area), many buildings were built before 1994 when building codes were not as strict as after the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. In addition, retrofitting is not required except under certain conditions and can be expensive. Therefore, the number of buildings at risk in the Southern California area remains a concern. The City of Lancaster is a mixture of pre- and post- 1994 construction. Lancaster considers all commercial structures built prior to 1994 vulnerable and city codes enforce upgrades and retrofitting under defined circumstances.
Transportation Infrastructure
Residents in the Antelope Valley region commute frequently by automobiles and public transportation. An earthquake can greatly damage bridges, tunnels, roads, railways, highways, and freeways. Although Caltrans has retrofitted numerous freeway bridges in California, there are still some that are not retrofitted. The Federal Highway Administration requires that bridges listed on the National Bridge Inventory be inspected every two (2) years. The resulting disruption caused by a major earthquake can hamper emergency response efforts and the normal movement of people and goods. Life and commerce within the region is highly dependent on the transportation infrastructure and the economic recovery of the region depends on how quickly repairs are completed. Recovery would begin with inspectors from local and state transportation agencies evaluating damage and recommending closures, scheduling immediate repairs, and studying more extensive repairs and replacement.
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Lifelines
Lifelines include water, natural gas, electric power generation and distribution systems, fuel pipelines, sewer and telecommunications systems. Ground shaking and amplification can cause pipes to break, power and telephone lines to fall, and damage cell phone and radio towers. A disruption to lifelines will hamper rescue, recovery, and rebuilding efforts as well as interrupt the distribution of important information to the public.
Examples include:
Ground shaking and ground deformation can damage pipelines and may rip them apart.
Furthermore, if soils liquefy, pipelines may float or move laterally with the blocks of soil displaced by lateral spreading.
Water pumping stations and wells are dependent on electrical power that may be unavailable in the days following an event.
Damage to sewage pipelines and wastewater facilities can result in waste spills and system failures.
Damage to natural gas lines can result in fires or explosions, as well as service disruptions. Traditional electric power used in the Lancaster region is transported via a system of high-voltage transmission lines. Electrical transmission lines (overhead lines, power poles, and underground utility conduits) and distribution facilities (substations) can be disrupted or damaged. Ground failures such as landslides could damage lines and may take months to repair depending on accessibility. In addition, large porcelain insulators, bushings, and transformers are vulnerable to moderate ground motions and damaged transformers may take months to replace. Redundancies built into the electrical grid should mitigate some of the impact; however a major earthquake will almost certainly disrupt the local electrical grid.
Solar power generated and used in the Lancaster region is created within the city from solar panels placed on schools, businesses, and residences, from small solar farms within city limits, and from a large solar farm in the Antelope Valley. The solar panels and transmission lines (utility conduits that connect to electrical overhead lines) can be disrupted or damaged. Ground failures such as landslides or subsidence could damage solar farms and may take months to repair. Communications systems are vulnerable to overload in the minutes and hours following a major event. The communications infrastructure is comprised in part of hard-wired telephone and cable TV systems, microwave transmission stations, cellular telephone systems, and radio systems.
Cellular systems are dependent on the hardwired connections between cell towers and land-based telephone systems. Hardwired systems and the cell phone infrastructure are owned and operated by private companies such as AT&T, Verizon and Charter Communications. Hazardous materials spills from ruptured storage tanks and pipelines.
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Socially Vulnerable Populations
The socially vulnerable populations in Lancaster, especially the elderly (over the age of 65, approximately 11% of the population) and individuals with disabilities (about 10% of households), are particularly susceptible to the impacts of a severe earthquake. These groups may rely heavily on utilities like electricity to maintain medical devices and supplies, as well as on the availability of local healthcare and other essential support services.
Additionally, economically disadvantaged residents, including those living below the poverty line (around 19% of the population) and the unhoused population, face heightened risks. Damage to housing can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, especially if living spaces are damaged or destroyed. Moreover, damage to infrastructure and limited mass transportation options can further restrict access to critical resources such as food and water, while also limiting mobility to reach jobs or services.
Fire
Downed power lines or broken natural and fuel gas pipelines can trigger fires. Furthermore, multiple fire emergencies may occur simultaneously. Major incidents will demand a larger share of resources and smaller fires may receive little or insufficient resources. Also, it may be more difficult for fire departments to respond to fire emergencies if fire stations suffer building damage. Damage to water pipelines may occur resulting in insufficient water supplies. Finally, loss of electricity may cause pump failures resulting in a loss of water pressure in some communities, further hampering firefighting efforts.
Economy
Economic impacts include direct property damage, lost business output and productivity, business failures, business relocations, and a long term reduction in the economic base of the community. Damage to roads, bridges and buildings can impact the private sector’s ability to conduct business as well as reduce consumer traffic.
Consequently, companies that experience only minimal physical loss could suffer significant customer and revenue loss. Small businesses are especially vulnerable since they generally have fewer resources and are less likely to have prepared or planned for such an event.
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Estimated Impact of an Event
If a major or great earthquake were to occur, the consequences to local populations, employment, and housing will be significant. The table below provides the estimated impact of a disaster using a 10% loss baseline. In addition, the socially vulnerable populations (those 65 and over, individuals with disabilities, those living in poverty, and the unhoused population) are particularly at risk due to challenges in accessing safe shelter, evacuation routes, and post-disaster recovery resources. Using a 10% loss baseline, an estimated 1,862 persons aged 65 and over, 1,396 persons with a disability, and 2,926 persons in poverty could be affected. Although it is difficult to quantify the impacts on the unhoused population, they are especially vulnerable to earthquakes due to their lack of stable shelter and limited access to emergency resources. Displacement, injuries, and prolonged recovery periods further exacerbate their risks in such scenarios.
Lancaster Estimated Impact of an Event
Category
(U.S. Census 2023 Estimate) Lancaster Total Impact if a 10% Loss Occurs Population 166,236 16,624
Persons 65 and Over 18,619 1,862
Persons With a Disability 13,964 1,396
Persons in Poverty 29,258 2,926
Total Employment* 86,688 8,669
Total Housing Units** 55,137 5,514
Median Home Value $368,800 36,880
Total Estimated Housing Impact $20,334,525,600 More than $2.0B Table 46: Estimated Population and Economic Loss of an Earthquake *City of Lancaster Comprehensive Annual Report Fiscal Year End 2021 **2020 Decennial Census
Based on a 10% loss projection, more than 16,600 people would be displaced or significantly impacted and more than 8,600 jobs could be lost (either temporarily or permanently). Also, more than 5,500 homes could be damaged or destroyed, resulting in over $2.0 billion in losses (see City of Lancaster Community Profile section for population, housing and economic data).
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Impact of Climate Change
Currently, earthquake research has not established a direct link between climate change and seismic activity that could impact the City of Lancaster. Consequently, climate change is not considered a contributor to the frequency or intensity of seismic events.
Impact of Land Use Development
The City of Lancaster has adopted the California State Building Code and maintains their own local requirements and development plans to control land use and development within their jurisdiction. New development including commercial reconstruction and residential remodel projects within Lancaster are required to meet or exceed the latest seismic codes. Older structures may be more susceptible to damage from severe earthquakes.
Impact of Population Patterns
The population of Lancaster has shown a slight increase. As new development projects are completed within Lancaster, an increase in the population and population densities may be expected to increase. As a consequence, if a severe earthquake occurs, a large number of residents can be expected to be impacted.
Risk of Future Major Earthquake Events
For the City of Lancaster the perceived risk of future earthquake events (greater than 6.0 Mw) was estimated by the Working Group using the following weighted formula:
Risk = (0.45 x Probability) + (0.30 x Magnitude/Severity) + (0.15 x Warning Time) + (0.10 x Duration)
Probability Magnitude / Severity Warning Time Duration
Level ID Value Level ID Value Level ID Value Level ID Value Unlikely 1 Negligible 1 Less than 6 hrs 4 Less than 6 hrs 1 Possibly 2 Limited 2 6 to 12 hrs 3 Less than 24 hrs 2
Likely 3 Critical 3 12 to 24 hrs 2 Less than one wk 3
Highly Likely 4 Catastrophic 4 More than 24 hrs 1 More than one wk 4
The result was a major earthquake (greater than 6.0 M) risk rating of 3.29 (see Annex C Working Group HMP Risk Assessment Survey for general descriptors and degree of risk):
Hazard Probability Magnitude Warning Time Duration Risk Earthquake (Greater
than Magnitude 6) 3.13 3.00 4.00 3.88 3.29
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Earthquake Overall Probability
Additionally, the FEMA National Risk Index for the Los Angeles Region indicates a 0.983% chance of an earthquake per year.
Disasters Declarations and Emergency Proclamations
FEMA disaster declarations allow state, tribal, and local governments to access federal aid for disaster response and recovery when overwhelmed. Similarly, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) issues proclamations to mobilize state resources and streamline procedures.
FEMA Disasters Declarations
Declaration Date: July 8, 2019 || California Earthquakes || DD# EM-3415-CA
Earthquakes remain a hazard in Los Angeles County and the Lancaster area.
Cal OES Open State of Emergency Proclamations
No open emergency proclamations declared.
Earthquake Vulnerabilities
Liquefaction
Buildings above liquefiable soils may settle or tip due to a loss of load bearing capacity of the soil. Liquefaction occurs when soil grains in loose, saturated silty, sandy, or gravel soils attempt to rearrange themselves in a denser configuration when subjected to strong earthquake ground motions. The resulting increase in pressure of the water in the voids of the soil temporarily transforms the soil into a fluid, causing the soil to lose much if its strength. As the pore-water pressure builds, ground water and liquefied soil may find their way to the surface, creating sand boils on the ground surface. Several types of damaging ground failures can occur due to liquefaction, including lateral spreading, ground settlement, and sink holes.
Lateral spreading occurs when the subsurface soil liquefies. Gravity and inertial forces from the earthquake cause the mass to move downslope. Lateral spreading can occur on very shallow slopes (nearly flat ground), and they can cause ground displacements ranging from inches to tens of feet. This type of movement can damage utilities and structures supported by shallow or deep foundations. The California Department of Conservation has identified potential liquefaction zones in the Lancaster area along the length of Little Rock Wash, the vicinity of Amargosa Creek extending from the area north of Quartz Hill to the northeast to the Los Angeles-Kern County line, and at the Apollo Community Regional Park. A small liquefaction zone is in the area of Avenue M and 40th Street West.9
9 Department of Conservation, California Geological Survey, Seismic Hazard Zone Report for the Lancaster East 7.5-Minute Quadrangle, Los Angeles County, California, 2005, Department of Conservation, California Geological Survey, Seismic Hazard Zone Report for the Lancaster West 7.5-Minute Quadrangle, Los Angeles County, California, 2005, Department of Conservation, California Geological Survey, Seismic Hazard Zone Report for the Sleepy Village Quadrangle, Los Angeles, California, October 2003, Department of Conservation, California Geological Survey, Seismic Hazard Zone Report for the Rosamond Quadrangle, Los Angeles County, California, 2005, Department of Conservation, California Geological Survey, Seismic Hazard Zone Report for the Ritter Ridge Quadrangle, Los Angeles County, California, 2003.
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There is development in the liquefaction area in the vicinity of the Amargosa Creek. The area extends north- east through the populated areas around Highway 14 and Avenue H. Most of the area of this liquefaction area is unpopulated, but there are homes and businesses in or adjacent to the zone.
South of Lancaster in the Lake Elizabeth area near the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains is a large liquefaction zone, and throughout the Antelope Valley north of Lancaster there are pockets of areas identified as potential liquefaction zones, most of which are associated with creeks or bodies of water, such as the Sewage Disposal Ponds off of Highway 14 and West Avenue D near Rosamond.
Map 26: Department of Conservation Liquefaction Map
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Landslide
The severity of seismically induced landslides and related damage is dependent on the level of ground shaking and groundwater conditions at the time of the earthquake. In the City of Lancaster the California Department of Conservation has identified two potential landslide areas, both at 40 th Street West and Avenue M West. In the mountain areas to the south and east of Lancaster there is a history of earthquake related landslides, and there are multiple identified landslide areas.10
Map 27: Liquefaction Area Map
Liquefaction and landslides can cause significant damage to critical infrastructure, cause long term business and industry closures resulting in significant economic losses, and damage or destroy commercial and residential properties. Lancaster's soil composition can amplify the effects of ground shaking during an earthquake. Areas with loose, sandy soil are susceptible to liquefaction, where the ground temporarily behaves like a liquid, causing buildings and infrastructure to sink or tilt. Areas near bodies of water, such as Lake Palmdale, may have higher water tables, leading to saturated soil conditions that are more prone to liquefaction. High groundwater levels, often exacerbated by heavy rainfall or poor drainage, can contribute to soil saturation, and increase the likelihood of liquefaction.
10 Ibid.
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California Earthquake Mitigation Legislation
Code Development
Earthquakes often result in revisions and improvements in building codes. The 1933 Long Beach Earthquake resulted in the Field Act, affecting school construction. The 1971 San Fernando Earthquake brought another set of increased structural standards. Similar re-evaluations occurred after the 1989 Loma Prieta and 1994 Northridge Earthquakes. These code changes have resulted in stronger and more earthquake resistant structures.
The Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone Act requires the State Geologist to delineate “special studies zones” along known faults in California. Cities and counties affected by the zones must regulate certain development “projects” within the zones. The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act was passed in 1972 to mitigate the hazard of surface faulting to structures for human occupancy. This state law was a direct result of the 1971 San Fernando Earthquake, which was associated with extensive surface fault ruptures that damaged numerous homes, commercial buildings, and other structures (SOURCE: California Geological Survey).
The 1990 Seismic Hazards Mapping Act requires the California State Geologist to identify and map zones prone to seismically induced liquefaction, ground-shaking, landslides, and other forms of ground failure resulting from earthquakes. The California Department of Conservation operates the Seismic Mapping Program for California. Further, the California Legislature has passed laws to strengthen the built environment and protect citizens. There are over 200 laws in the State Code related to earthquake safety.
All new development within Lancaster complies with all current State and Los Angeles County Building Codes. The following table provides a partial list of California Laws on earthquake safety.
Reference Description
Government Code Section 8870-8870.95 Creates Seismic Safety Commission.
Government Code Section 8876.1-8876.10 Established the California Center for Earthquake Engineering Research.
Public Resources Code Section 2800-
2804.6
Authorized a prototype earthquake prediction system along the central San Andreas Fault near the City of Parkfield
Public Resources Code Section 2810-2815 Continued the southern California Earthquake Preparedness Project and the Bay Area Regional Earthquake Preparedness Project.
Health and Safety Code Section 16100-
16110
The Seismic Safety Commission and State Architect will develop a state policy on acceptable levels of earthquake risk for new and existing state-owned buildings.
Government Code Section 8871-8871.5 Established the California Earthquake Hazards Reduction Ac t of 1986.
Health and Safety Code Section 130000-
130025
Defined earthquake performance standards for hospitals.
Public Resources Code Section 2805-2808 Established the California Earthquake Education Project.
Government Code Section 8899.10-
8899.16
Established the Earthquake Research Evaluation Conference.
Public Resources Code Section 2621-
2630.
Established the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act.
Government Code Section 8878.50-
8878.52
Created the Earthquake Safety and Public Buildings Rehabilitation Bond Act of 1990.
Education Code Section 35295-35797 Established emergency procedure systems in kindergarten through grade 12 in all the public or private schools.
Health and Safety Code Section 19160-
19169
Established standards for seismic retrofitting of un-reinforced masonry buildings.
Health and Safety Code Section 1596.80-
1596.879
Required all child day care facilities to include an Earthquake Preparedness Checklist as an attachment to their disaster plan.
Table 47: Partial List of California Laws on Earthquake Safety SOURCE: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html
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Earthquake Mitigation Strategies
Lancaster Mitigation Activities
In order to minimize the potential for loss of life, physical injury, property damage, and social disruption resulting from seismic ground shaking and other geologic events, the City of Lancaster has enacted the following policies:
Enforcement of Building Code.
o Enforce of the requirements of the 2010 California Building Code (CBC). This Code addresses all provisions associated with geologic and seismic regulations. Lancaster requires the review of plans and inspection of all such structures considering the best management practices in site design and building construction methods.
o Require that all new developments comply with the most recent California Building Code seismic design standards and additional supplemental design criteria. o Implement the provisions of Title 24 of the State Building Code pertaining to siting, seismic design, and review of critical, sensitive, and high‐occupancy structures. o Provide expedited reviews of any State seismic‐related revisions to the California Building Code for adoption and implementation.
o Amended the California Building Code for the City of Lancaster to require upgrades to existing commercial buildings based on valuation for new construction and requires upgrades when repairing or replacing fire and / or disaster damaged buildings. Structural Review
o Review existing critical and essential structures for significant siting, design, or construction problems that would make them vulnerable in an earthquake. o Create an inventory of at-risk buildings within the city. Two buildings have been identified as of this time.
o Implement a program for upgrading seismically hazardous (unreinforced masonry) buildings within the City pursuant to the provisions of SB 547.
o Assist the efforts of the State and local entities responsible for regular maintenance of the California Aqueduct and the Little Rock Dam to reduce the risk of seismic failure and to ensure that water levels are kept at or below the designed safe water levels, thereby reducing the risk of overtopping.
Construction Standards
o Require specialized soils reports in areas suspected of having problems with bearing strength and in areas suspected of having problems with expansive soils, soil settlement, and subsidence.
o Ensure that new development proposals located within an area determined by the State of California to be a seismic hazard zone are conditioned for appropriate mitigation. Community Outreach
o Encourage purchase of earthquake insurance by publishing articles in community newsletters and communications.
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SECTION 8: ENERGY DISRUPTION
The Nature of the Energy Threat
Energy is a critical force that powers business, manufacturing, the transportation of goods and services, as well as homes. The energy infrastructure in the United States consists of thousands of miles of electric transmission lines, oil and natural gas pipelines, and other geographically dispersed energy related resources. Energy infrastructure threats can be a result of natural or man-made disasters or a result of energy related issues such as spikes in demand during peak energy use, unanticipated power plant or refinery shutdowns, transmission system congestion, and equipment or system failures. Any of these events can result in the reduction of supply and disrupt distribution.
Energy Overview
The City of Lancaster generates more solar power kilowatts per capita than any other city in California. There are three solar farms within city limits; the Sierra Sun Tower, a 5MW concentrating solar power plant, and Del Sur I and Del Sur II, 19MW farms that generate 32 GWh each. Lancaster is connected to the Southern California Edison (SCE) grid, and power generated by the city is sold to SCE. The image below shows solar energy production in the Antelope Valley, as well as hydro and wind energy produced in Kern County that are transmitted to Los Angeles through the Lancaster area.
Source: Esri, CGIAR, USGS | California State Parks, Esri, TomTom, Garmin, SafeGraph, FAO, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS, USFWS | California Energy Commission
Map 28: Energy Production Sites in Kern County and Antelope Valley Area
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Source: Esri, CGIAR, USGS | California State Parks, Esri, TomTom, Garmin, SafeGraph, FAO, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS, USFWS | California Energy Commission Solar and Wind Power
Lancaster is taking steps to become the “alternative energy capital of the world” and is a leader in the renewable energy field. Lancaster has implemented plans toward becoming “net zero city”, a city that generates the same amount of energy from sustainable resources as it consumes in traditional energy sources. Lancaster is replacing its fleet of cars with hybrid-electric and CNG powered vehicles where possible and is working toward becoming energy independent by supporting solar and wind projects.
Solar projects within the city include small solar installations, solar panels on city and privately owned buildings, programs for homeowners to obtain solar panels for their homes, and construction of a solar powered minor league baseball stadium. In March, 2013, Lancaster announced its plans to require developers to install solar panels on new construction homes. Outside of Lancaster city limits are two large solar farms that sell power to Southern California Edison.
In the Tehachapi Pass north of Lancaster are large wind farms that sell power to Southern California Edison.
Currently there are no wind farms in the Antelope Valley, although Lancaster has modified its city codes to encourage residents to install wind turbines on their property.
Map 30: Solar Power Generation Sites in Lancaster
Source: Esri, CGIAR, USGS | California State Parks, Esri, TomTom, Garmin, SafeGraph, FAO, METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS, USFWS | California Energy Commission Map 29: Antelope Valley and Lancaster Electric Transmission Lines
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Hydrogen Power
On May 9, 2023 the City of Lancaster announced its winning proposal under the U.S. Department of Energy H2 Twin Cities 2022 program that will launch the Pacific Hydrogen Alliance (PHA). The alliance involves the City of Lancaster and Namie Town, Japan as mentors for the County of Hawai’i, Hawaii on the development and deployment of hydrogen energy solutions at the municipal level.
In 2022, the City of Lancaster signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with Heliogen, Inc., a California-based renewable energy technology company that uses concentrating solar thermal systems to convert sunlight into steam, heat, power, and green hydrogen fuel. Heliogen will build its Proxima hydrogen facility in Lancaster. This green hydrogen generation facility will support the city’s vision to become a model for hydrogen production in the U.S.
Historical Record of Power Outages
History of Energy Outages in Southern California
Power outages are not uncommon in Southern California, and the region is at risk of outages caused by seismic activity and windstorms. Lancaster was not affected by the large power outages in Southern California that occurred in 2000 – 2001, 2005, and 2011, but is occasionally affected by localized unplanned power outages. Large power outages / events in Southern California include:
Event Year Event Affected Areas Cause
2019
October 9 to
November 1
Public Safety Power Shutoff
(PSPS) Events
Multiple counties in California were
subjected to PSPS from by Southern
California Edison (SCE), Pacific Gas and
Electric Company (PG&E), and San
Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E).
Sustained strong dry winds
resulted in multiple PSPS
events to reduce the potential
for wildfires due to downed
power lines and blown debris.
2014 Pasadena Power Outage Several thousand home and businesses in Pasadena experienced a prolonged
blackout.
Man-made: Mylar balloon
tangled in power lines.
2014 Los Angeles County
Blackouts
More than 50,000 homes were without
power in Los Angeles County.
Natural: Winter storms.
2013 Los Angeles County Power
Outage
Power outage impacting more than
69,000 homes in Los Angeles County
including parts of Calabasas and
Westlake Village.
Undetermined: Downed power
lines.
2011 Southwest Blackout California – San Diego, Orange, Riverside, and Imperial Counties. Also
affected states in Northern Mexico, as
well as counties in Arizona.
Man-made: human error.
2011 Southern California
Windstorm
More than 340,000 homes were without
power in Los Angeles County including
the San Gabriel Valley, Westchester,
Highland Park, South Los Angeles, and
the San Fernando Valley.
Natural: Downed trees caused
by high winds brought down
power lines resulting in major
power outages in the region.
2005 Los Angeles Blackout The City of Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley,
Hollywood
Man-made: human error
2004 Rolling Blackouts Forced blackouts in local communities from Calabasas to Simi Valley.
Technology: Power company
equipment failure.
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Event Year Event Affected Areas Cause
2000 – 2001 California Electricity Crisis The State of California Man-made: energy shortages caused by market manipulation,
regulation and deregulation,
price caps, supply and demand.
1996 Western North American
Blackouts
Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho,
Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New
Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas,
Utah, Washington and Wyoming, Alberta,
British Columbia, and Baja California
Norte in Mexico.
Man-made: trees too close to
power lines caused systemic
failures.
Table 48: Large Power Outages in Southern California
In addition, human error is a potential cause of power failures. In fact, large power outages in other areas of California have been caused by human error (December 1998, San Francisco), structural failure (1982, Tracy, California), and earthquakes (1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake).
History of Oil and Fuel Events in Southern California
In the State of California there are 123,753 miles of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline, transmission, gathering and distribution lines. There are natural gas transmission pipelines that run throughout the Lancaster area and a hazardous liquids pipeline that runs north of the city through Edwards Air Force Base.
There have been no significant pipeline events reported in the Lancaster area. The Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHSMA) reported one significant pipeline event in Southern California involving excavation damage caused by a third party to a Pasadena pipeline in 2003 that caused $61,147 in damages.11 Additionally, in 2021, a significant oil spill occurred near Long Beach, California, from an underwater pipe connected to an oil production platform offshore. According to authoritative agencies including the U.S. Coast Guard, PHMSA, NOAA, among others, it was estimated to have released approximately 24,696 gallons.12
Causes and Characteristics of Energy Events
Energy threats can be categorized into four types of events:13 Deliberate attacks caused by people – (e.g. terrorists, criminals, hackers, delinquents, employees) Natural disasters caused by nature (e.g., floods, wind, earthquakes) Accidental events caused by technological failure, human error, or other causes (e.g., pipeline rupture, chemical spills, nuclear system failure, traffic accidents, etc.) Systemic threats caused by the physical inability of the energy delivery system (generation and distribution) to meet demand
11 PHSMA California Significant Events Listing: http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/comm/reports/safety/IncDetSt_st_CA_flt_sig.html?nocache=2134 12 Story Maps ARCGIS https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/c469a794e6be48049ee0e29f23ca2038 13 The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) State Energy Assurance Guidelines
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Deliberate Attacks
Deliberate attacks are intentional, malicious acts caused by people that are aimed at personnel, equipment, infrastructure, or computer systems (cyber-attacks). Many power plants and other infrastructure are remotely controlled by supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. SCADA systems are vulnerable to attack by hackers who can access the system and perform acts of sabotage against a target, and an attack against SCADA can shut down an energy provider’s operations. A deliberate attack such as a Denial of Service attack can slow or shut down a provider’s Web site and make it difficult for customers to access personal or billing information.
Deliberate attacks in the Lancaster / Antelope Valley area in the past have included acts of vandalism of equipment at solar installations. Physical attacks can target distribution points, transmission lines, and pipelines.
Natural Disasters
Natural hazard events have the potential to cause disruptions in the energy supply. Lancaster is vulnerable to natural hazards that affect the power supply due to its location in the high desert, its proximity to multiple earthquake faults, valley flooding, storms, brush fires outside of the city limits, and subsidence on the valley floor. In the Lancaster area, the following types of events can cause outages or other energy disruptions:
Drought
Earthquakes / Liquefaction
Flooding
Severe Storms
Subsidence
Landslides / Mudflows / Debris Flows
Wildfires
Windstorms
While the effects of any one of these natural events should be localized and effect only part of an area, it is probable that a widespread event such as a drought, severe storm, or earthquake will cause widespread energy outages and disrupt the delivery of electricity, natural gas, CNG, petroleum, and other energy products.
Accidental Events
Accidental events that cause energy disruptions can be due to technological failure, chemical spills, nuclear contamination, pipeline rupture, nuclear system failure, or accidental actions or inaction including human error. Accidents can be a localized event such as a car crashing into a power pole or can be more widespread such as the Southwest Blackout of 2011 that was caused by an employee making repairs at an electrical substation. As the energy infrastructure ages, there is the possibility of equipment failure that can cause intermittent power or pipeline failures.
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Systemic Threats
Systemic threats affect the entire energy distribution and production network, including production plants and distribution infrastructure. Systemic events occur when energy delivery systems are physically unable to meet demand. Examples of systemic threats include gasoline or petroleum shortages, as well as electrical shortages caused when increased use strains the system during peak events such as a heat wave.
Stakeholder Input and Participation
To identify the threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences of a major energy disruption on the Lancaster Region, each member of the Planning Group provided their input during planning meetings (see Annex D:
Lancaster HMP Planning Meetings) and follow-up discussions. Specific topics of discussion included if any hazard priorities have changed since the previous HMP, how changes in the community have impacted the risk of each hazard, and what new mitigation actions can be taken. In addition, each member of the Planning Group as well as members of the public provided the input via online surveys (see Annex B: Public Emergency Preparedness and Risk Survey, Annex C: Working Group HMP Risk Assessment Survey, and Annex D: Planning and Public Involvement).
Power Outage Hazard Identification
A large power outage in the City of Lancaster that happens during the hottest part of summer or the coldest part of winter will likely result in injury and in extreme cases fatalities. An outage at any time will disrupt roads, highways, lifelines, public services, and the general health of local residents. The examples listed below provide brief descriptions of the types of impacts that can be anticipated.
Injuries
There is a potential for injuries both at home and on the roads during a power outage. During an outage, traffic signals will no longer function, creating the potential for automobile and pedestrian accidents. If the outage occurs at night, streetlights will not work, increasing the probability of accidents and corresponding injuries. Emergency responders will have difficulty navigating traffic if the outage causes traffic issues on city streets, and police will probably be used to manage traffic at high-volume intersections, reducing their ability to respond to accident sites. Finally, injuries and fatalities as a result of smoke from household generators and fumes from gas appliances or barbeque equipment are common during power outages.
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Transportation Infrastructure
Residents in the Lancaster area commute frequently by automobiles and public transportation. A power outage will affect usability of roads, railways, highways, and freeways. Traffic signals and streetlights will not work, and Metrolink Train service to the Antelope Valley will stop until power is returned.
Lifelines
Many lifelines are dependent on power, including water pumping stations, food distribution, telecommunications systems, some natural gas and fuel pipelines, and sewage systems. A power outage will prevent these systems from running normally as they are reliant on electricity for operations. A disruption to lifelines will impede the ability to distribute important information to the public, as well as endanger public health and safety. Examples include:
Water pumping stations, wells, and sewage treatment plants are dependent on electrical power.
While the pumping stations have backup generators in case of power outages, an extended outage may affect the ability of the stations to provide or preserve the safety of water. Perishable foods are dependent on refrigeration provided by electrical power. Without electricity, these foods expire relatively quickly, leading to the potential of foodborne illness. The telecommunications infrastructure is comprised in part of hard-wired telephone and cable TV systems, microwave transmission stations, cellular telephone systems, and radio systems. Industries dependent on the telecommunications sector include oil and gas, electric power, transportation, emergency services, government services, water, and banking and finance. Most telecommunications providers have backup power plans and agreements to procure the fuel needed to run during a power outage, although an extended outage may impede the ability of telecommunications providers to continue to deliver service to the dependent industries. Some gas and fuel pipelines may be dependent on electricity at pumping and filtering stations. Utility offices and command centers may be reliant on gas or other fuels to maintain continuity of operations.
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Services
Public facilities are electricity dependent and will be disrupted during a power outage. An extended outage will affect the ability of some organizations to continue to provide public services as well as affect the ability of residents to function normally. Examples include:
Most hospitals have backup generators to get through short power outages and plans to get through longer outages and battery systems to keep critical equipment functioning. Nevertheless, generators have been known to fail during power outages. In the case of generator failures, hospitals may have to move patients to other facilities and postpone scheduled non-emergency services. Emergency call centers are dependent on electricity to run and to dispatch emergency services.
During a power outage they may be out of service until the power returns. An outage may cause pump failures that result in a loss of water pressure in some areas, hampering firefighting efforts.
ATMs and banks rely on electricity to provide money and services. Credit card and point of sale systems rely on electricity to process transactions. Without access to banks and ATMs, cash may be in short supply during a power outage, and many stores will only be able to accept cash transactions. Some stores will not be able function as cash registers, inventory systems, and electronic entry doors are dependent on electricity.
Gas stations rely on electricity to power gas pumps; therefore many gas stations will be inoperable during a power outage.
Government services that rely on banking, transportation, or communications, such as electronic checks, may be delayed during an outage.
Vehicle charging stations require consistent power sources from electrical utilities.
Personal Safety
There will be risks to personal safety during a prolonged power outage. A prolonged outage will compromise medications that require refrigeration (such as diabetes medications) and access to home medical equipment. Closed pharmacies mean lack of access to prescription refills. Stress caused by power outages may exacerbate existing medical conditions such as respiratory disease, asthma and cardiovascular conditions. Power outages may stress people trapped in elevators, subways, mines, or other enclosed or isolated spaces.14 Home accidents such as food and carbon monoxide poisoning increase, and heat related illness or hypothermia is a concern depending on the location and date of the outage.15
14 G. Brooke Anderson and Michelle L. Bell, Lights out: "Impact of the August 2003 power outage on mortality in New York, NY", Epidemiology. 2012 March; 23(2): 189–193.
15 Broder J, Mehrotra A, Tintinalli J., "Injuries from the 2002 North Carolina ice storm, and strategies for prevention", Injury. 2005 Jan;36(1):21-6.
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Economy
Direct economic impacts due to power outages include lost business output and productivity, property damage, government overtime costs, and commodities losses caused by a lack of refrigeration. Indirect impacts include diversion of capital investments into blackout protection systems. 16 Estimated permanent economic losses from the thirteen hour Southwest Blackout in September 2011 resulted in losses between $97 to $118 million dollars. 17 Manufacturing companies may suffer heavy losses from a power outage, caused by production line losses, equipment failure, and fires and explosions. Companies outside of the manufacturing sector will likely suffer minimal physical loss in a power outage but can suffer significant customer and revenue loss. Small businesses are especially vulnerable as they generally have fewer resources and are less likely to have prepared or planned for such an event.
Estimated Impact of an Event
If a widespread power outage were to occur, the consequences to local populations, retail, services, production, transportation, and manufacturing will be substantial. The table below provides the estimated impact of a disaster using a 1% loss baseline using U.S. Census data for the City of Lancaster (2017 latest survey).
Lancaster Estimated Impact of an Event
Table 49: Estimated Economic Loss due to an Energy Outage Source: US Census Bureau 2017
16 Electricity Consumers Research Council, "The Economic Impacts of the August 2003 Blackout" 17 National University System Institute for Policy Research, "Economic impact of September 9th Power Outage"
Category
City Of Lancaster
Sales, Value of Shipments, or Revenue of
Employer Firms ($1,000)
Daily Average
($1,000)
Estimated Daily
Loss @1%
($1,000)
Accommodation and Food Services $191,839 $526 $5.26
Administrative and Support and Waste
Management and Remediation Services
$192,917 $529 $5.29
Construction $293,721 $805 $8.05
Educational Services $94,230 $258 $2.58
Finance and Insurance(662) $104,402 $286 $2.86
Health Care and Social Assistance $956,171 $2,620 $26.20 Other Services (Except Public
Administration)(663)
$59,014 $162 $1.62
Professional, Scientific, and Technical
Services
$261,010 $715 $7.15
Retail Trade $1,463,590 $4,010 $40.10
Transportation and Warehousing (661) $52,679 $144 $1.44 Wholesale Trade $902,517 $2,473 $24.73
Unclassified $761,889 $2,087 $20.87
Totals $5,333,979 $14,615 $ 146
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Based on a 1% loss projection, over $146,000 in losses can be expected per day in the event of an energy outage or shortage based on the table above. More than 1,600 people would be displaced or significantly impacted. In addition, the socially vulnerable populations (those aged 65 and over, individuals with disabilities, those living in poverty, and the unhoused) are particularly at risk due to reliance on energy- dependent medical devices, limited financial resources for alternative solutions, and increased vulnerability to extreme temperatures. Using a 1% loss baseline, an estimated 186 persons aged 65 and over, 140 persons with a disability, and 293 persons in poverty could be affected. While the impact on the unhoused population is challenging to quantify, they face heightened risks during energy outages due to limited access to alternative energy sources, disruptions to critical services, and potential exposure to extreme temperatures or unsafe living conditions.
Lancaster Estimated Impact of an Event (cont’d)
Category
(U.S. Census 2023 Estimate) Lancaster Total Impact if a 1% Loss Occurs Population 166,236 1,662
Persons 65 and Over 18,619 186
Persons With a Disability 13,964 140
Persons in Poverty 29,258 293
Impact of Climate Change
The City of Lancaster depends on Southern California Edison for electrical power and Southern California Gas Company for natural gas services. Consequently, climate change driven events such as wildfire, flooding, landslides, debris flows, and mudflows can damage the power infrastructure and pipelines resulting in a cut-off of energy to Lancaster. Additionally, ongoing drought in the Western U.S. can cause limits to hydro-electrical power capabilities resulting in brown outs and blackouts in the region.
Impact of Land Use and Development
Since the City of Lancaster depends on Southern California Edison for electrical power and Southern California Gas Company for natural gas services, a regional energy disruption may impact the whole city or cause sporadic outages in one or more area. Ongoing energy disruptions are not anticipated to impact land use or development in Lancaster, other than require SCE to maintain brush and tree clearance around power lines and SCG to maintain their pipeline infrastructure.
Impact of Population Patterns
The City of Lancaster depends on Southern California Edison for electrical power and Southern California Gas Company for natural gas services. Energy disruptions are not expected to change population patterns in Lancaster.
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Energy Disruption Probability
Although the probability of an energy disruption is difficult to predict, the FEMA National Risk Index indicates
2.1 lightning events per year, 0.5 tornado events per year, 0.2 strong wind events per year, and 2.6 winter weather events per year in the Los Angeles region, which can trigger energy disruptions.
Disasters Declarations and Emergency Proclamations
FEMA disaster declarations allow state, tribal, and local governments to access federal aid for disaster response and recovery when overwhelmed. Similarly, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) issues proclamations to mobilize state resources and streamline procedures.
FEMA Disasters Declarations
No disaster declarations.
Cal OES Open State of Emergency Proclamations
Proclamation Date: 8/31/22 || Heat/Energy
Significant heatwaves across the entire state strained Californias power grid, threatening to cause energy disruption. The proclamation urged the state residents to conserve electricity.
Proclamation Date: 1/4/23 || December 2022-January 2023 storms
Severe winter storms struck California causing high winds, and expected flooding, and widespread power outages. This declaration was a hazard to the entire state of California.
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Oil, Fuel and Water Hazard Identification
Disruption to the distribution of oil, fuel or water to Lancaster can result in illness, injury, and fatalities. Pipeline breaks will disrupt roads, highways, lifelines, public services, and the general health of local residents. An explosion or accident at a distribution or pipeline center may cause injury or death, as well as threaten water and air quality. Businesses and public services without gas and water will be forced to scale back operations or close. The examples listed below provide brief descriptions of the types of impacts that can be anticipated.
Injuries and Fatalities
There is a potential for injuries to industry employees, the public, and first responders who are in close proximity to a pipeline if there is an accident. If the accident results in an explosion or a large release of fumes, there is a potential for deaths and the destruction of property. Since 2003 there have been 252 fatalities and 1,081 injuries caused by significant pipeline accidents in the United States.18
Lifelines
Natural gas, fuel and water pipelines are part of the critical infrastructure that provides lifelines to communities. A disruption to these lifelines will impede the ability to provide potable water, natural gas, and fuel that the public depends on to ensure its health and safety. Examples include:
Water pumping stations, wells, and sewage treatment plants are dependent on electrical power.
While pumping stations have backup generators in case of power outages, an extended outage may affect the ability of the stations to provide or preserve the safety of water. This will have public health implications to children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, and affect the ability of some businesses to remain open.
The delivery of gasoline and fuel is necessary to ensure that transportation is not interrupted, and that first responders have the ability to use the correct vehicles and equipment necessary to provide services.
Restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and any establishments that require fuel and hot water to wash utensils and tools and to regulate temperature will not be able to operate at full capacity.
Economy
Direct economic impacts due to power outages include lost business output and productivity, property damage, and the loss of product. According to the Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Association (PHMSA), since 2008 there have been more than $12 billion in losses due to significant pipeline accidents.18 Businesses dependent on natural gas, CNG and water may suffer heavy losses from a shortage or loss of any of these fuel sources that will cause production line stoppages and equipment failure.18
18 PHSMA California Significant Incidents:
https://portal.phmsa.dot.gov/analytics/saw.dll?Portalpages&PortalPath=%2Fshared%2FPDM%20Public%20Website%2F_portal%2FSC%20Incident%20Trend& Page=Significant
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Risk of Future Energy Disruption Events
The Western Electricity Coordinating Council report, “WECC Reliability Risk Priorities Trends and Summary Overview, Source: Quantum Planning, October 7, 2021” provided a summary of electrical power system reliability risk priorities which indicates future risks to the electrical generation and grid system and power delivery reliability. A copy of their table is provided below:
RISK KEY: LOW MODERATE HIGH SEVERE
Reliability
Risk Priority
Short Term: Now-4
yrs. Medium Term: 5-10 yrs. Long Term: 10-20 yrs. Comments * Resource
Adequacy &
Performance
More long-term coordinated planning
across the
Interconnection may reduce, mitigate, or
avoid risk
More complete and accurate data for
DPS/DER/BTM resources can reduce risk
but must be addressed in the short- term
with integrated modeling tools
DER and BTM operating plans and data
must be visible to each other, and
modeling tools must include an integrated
BPS/DPS power system
Extreme natural events are accelerating
Risk is largely
dependent on the
interplay of the other
risk priorities and will
follow their trajectory
As more Distributed Power Systems / Distributed
Energy Resources / Behind the Meter
(DPS/DER/BTM) resources and transmission come
online, missing and incomplete data will compromise
modeling and planning
Extreme natural events will have increasing impacts
Uncoordinated transmission planning is an emerging
risk
The evolution of cyberthreats remains a high risk to
the electric power system
Changing
Resource Mix
Pace of change is uncoordinated across
the Interconnection, driven by economics,
the push towards clean energy, and
policy/regulation to address climate
change
Risk is driven by slow actions to
modernize the grid and optimize planning
across the Interconnection
The pace of change is
increasing due to
pressures to address
climate change and
the push towards
renewables
The pace of uncoordinated change and mix begins to
outpace planning and system adjustments The ability
of system planning and system operating adjustments
to keep pace with the rate of change and mix is critical in avoiding severe risk
Distribution
System &
Customer
Load
Impacts
The distribution system will see the
most diverse and significant changes
due to push towards increased
electrification, increased adoption of
electric vehicles, state, and local
pushes to address climate change,
and moves towards renewables, with
corresponding load increases
The DPS could have more impacts on
the BPS than any other risk factor
other than Extreme Natural Events
The pace of change is
increasing, and new
system modeling tools
and data are needed
to model a future
integrated BPS/DPS
power system
The pace of change and
mix begins to outpace
planning, operating
adjustments, and system
modeling tools
The pace of change and
mix could overwhelm
the pace of system
planning, integration
actions, and operating
adjustments
Extreme
Natural
Events
* Primary drivers: Climate change and
warming accelerating
* Increasing warming – both in
temperature and number of areas
affected - in the Western
Interconnection
* Widespread precipitation pattern
changes
* No short-, medium-, or long-term
actions can prevent significant
increases in events and intensity in the
20-year timeframe
Heat and droughts are
intensifying, wildfire
seasons beginning
much earlier -
Hydropower already
being negatively
impacted
Occurrence of events
spread and intensify
Clusters of mixed events
within and across the
Interconnection’s state
and provincial regions
become more common
Extreme events-many
clustered- are
widespread across the
Interconnection Impacts
from events in adjacent
northern and eastern
interconnections are
common
Table 50: WECC Reliability Risk Priorities: Summary Overview ∗ This table summarizes observations, issues, and potential actions related to WECC’s Reliability Risk Priorities.
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For the City of Lancaster the perceived risk of future energy disruption events (power outage) was estimated by the Working Group using the following weighted formula:
Risk = (0.45 x Probability) + (0.30 x Magnitude/Severity) + (0.15 x Warning Time) + (0.10 x Duration)
Probability Magnitude / Severity Warning Time Duration
Level ID Value Level ID Value Level ID Value Level ID Value Unlikely 1 Negligible 1 Less than 6 hrs 4 Less than 6 hrs 1 Possibly 2 Limited 2 6 to 12 hrs 3 Less than 24 hrs 2
Likely 3 Critical 3 12 to 24 hrs 2 Less than one wk 3
Highly Likely 4 Catastrophic 4 More than 24 hrs 1 More than one wk 4 The result was a power outage risk rating of 3.07 (see Annex C Working Group HMP Risk Assessment Survey for general descriptors and degree of risk):
Hazard Probability Magnitude Warning Time Duration Risk Power Outage 3.25 3.17 3.14 1.88 3.07
Energy Disruption Overall Probability
Since the overall probability of an energy disruption is difficult to assess due to variability in external factors and the location of power generation units relative to natural hazards, the overall probability is often perceived (as outlined above) rather than precisely quantified.
Power Outage Vulnerabilities
The major concern regarding the impact on communities from power outage events is the failure of critical infrastructure and the danger to public health. Critical infrastructure failures may require days or weeks to repair. The impact to business and industry can result in immediate and long term economic loss.
Figure 27: Infrastructure Interdependencies
Source: FCC Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau
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Critical Infrastructure
Critical infrastructure can fail during a power outage, especially if the event lasts longer than a few days.
Outages will affect water and sewer systems, pipelines, transportation networks, emergency facilities, telecommunications networks, hospitals, and other essential sites. Power outages that last a few hours may be an inconvenience as most critical infrastructures have generators or backup power capabilities, but prolonged outages will affect the usability of generators and the accessibility of fuel sources. The failure of services such as the sewage system may pose a hazard to the health of the local community.
Many of these infrastructures are dependent on each other. Pipelines depend on electricity, and while fuel can be used to run generators, once the existing fuel supplies run out it is difficult to procure new supplies without electricity. If gasoline is unavailable, the transportation systems become unreliable. These “infrastructure interdependencies” can create larger issues during a power outage.
Business and Industry
Power outages impact businesses by causing shutdowns during the course of the event. Damage to physical property, interruptions in the supply chain, damage to refrigerated or heated goods that rely on electricity to maintain a certain temperature, and losses to goods on production lines that have to shut down at the time of the event are expected during a power outage. Some computer based businesses will not be able to function without access to the Internet.
Public Health and Safety
A Yale University study of the August 2003 blackout that affected the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States and parts of Canada showed an increase in accidents and illness that lead to an increased number of deaths during the event.19 A study by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for the same event showed an increase in foodborne related illness as a direct result of the outage.20 Injuries due to slips and falls and heat related illness or hyperthermia are commonly reported during power outages.
Hospitals become full as people try to plug in electricity dependent medical equipment or procure prescription medications.
19 Lights out: Impact of the August 2003 power outage on mortality in New York, NY 20 New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, "Diarrheal illness detected through syndromic surveillance after a massive power outage: New York City, August 2003"
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Natural Gas, Oil, and Water Distribution Vulnerabilities The United States is heavily dependent on transmission pipelines to distribute energy and fuel sources.
Virtually all natural gas, which accounts for about 28 percent of energy consumed annually, is transported by transmission pipelines. Increased urbanization is resulting in more people living and working closer to existing natural gas transmission pipelines that were placed prior to government agencies adopting and implementing land use and other pipeline safety regulations.
Compounding the potential risk is the age and gradual deterioration of natural gas, oil, and water transmission systems due to natural causes. Significant failure, including pipeline breaks and explosions, can result in loss of life, injury, property damage, and environmental impacts. Causes of and contributors to pipeline failures include construction errors, material defects, internal and external corrosion, operational errors, control system malfunctions, outside force damage, subsidence, and seismicity.
Map 31: Pipeline Map
Source: National Pipeline Mapping System, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
California is reported to have 115,292 miles of natural gas transmission pipelines. No complete seismic hazard mitigation inventory for pipeline networks exists in California. Additionally, growth in population, urbanization, and land development near natural gas transmission pipelines, together with the addition of new facilities to meet new demands, may increase the likelihood of gas pipeline damage due to human activity and the exposure of people and property to pipeline failures.
Earthquakes
Liquefaction is a significant contributor to pipeline failure after an earthquake. When soil liquefies, it can lose all shear strength or shear resistance, essentially becoming a fluid with the density of soil. If a pipeline or any other underground structure has a density less than the liquefied soil, it is then subjected to buoyant forces and thrust to the surface. This happens with underground pipes, tanks, and other low ‐density structural and non‐structural components. Pipelines subjected to significant displacement may develop leaks or breaks.
These may be caused by ground deformation or by strong ground shaking. Ground deformation may include fault rupture as well as landslides, liquefaction, or subsidence.
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Critical Infrastructure
Critical infrastructure can fail during a power outage caused by an earthquake, especially if the event is prolonged and lasts longer than a few days. Outages will affect pipelines, and prolonged electrical outages will affect the usability of generators and the accessibility of fuel sources as pipelines depend on electricity.
Once existing fuel supplies run out it is difficult to procure new supplies without electricity. If gas is unavailable, the transportation systems become unreliable. These “infrastructure interdependencies” can create larger issues during a power outage.
Wells, water pumps, dams and reservoirs are dependent on electricity. Most utility wells and pumps are equipped with backup generators, but if there is a power failure that disrupts the ability to procure additional fuel supplies for the generators, these systems can also fail as part of the infrastructure interdependencies mentioned above. The table below provides examples of energy provider sources and dependencies which highlights the importance of the continual flow of electricity in the long term.
Dependency Energy
Type
Electrical
Utilities
Natural Gas
Utilities Solar Power Wind Power
Electricity / Transmission Lines
Natural Gas / Pipelines
Petroleum Fuel / Pipelines
Sunlight / Transmission Lines
Water Sources (Hydro Electric Dams)
Sustained Winds
Table 51: Infrastructure Interdependency Matrix
Note: While there are no major wind farms within the city limits of Lancaster, the Tehachapi Pass wind farm is a major provider of electricity with approximately 710 megawatts (950,000 hp) produced by an estimated 3,400 wind turbines.
Business and Industry
The loss of fuel or water directly impact businesses as businesses and industry cannot function without fuel and potable water as well as waste water capabilities. The manufacturing, services, retail, and public health and safety sectors are all reliant on gas and water to provide products and services. Without fuel there will be fewer people on the roads and in the shopping districts to purchase goods and services, and small businesses may open for fewer hours, if at all.
Public Health and Safety
Immediate threats to health and public safety in the event of a pipeline leak, break, or explosion are those caused by physical injury and the leak of hazardous materials into the air and water supply. Threats to health in the event that fuel and / or water and / or waste water facilities are unavailable due to an event include the spread of foodborne and communicable diseases.
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Lancaster, as well as all cities within the Southern California region are vulnerable to power outages. Major concerns regarding the impact on communities from power outage events is the failure of critical infrastructure and the danger to public health. Critical infrastructure failures may require days or weeks to repair. In addition, the impact to business and industry can result in immediate and long-term economic loss. Additionally, equipment may be damaged and result in increased recovery costs to residents, businesses, commercial, and industrial organizations. Finally, vulnerable populations dependent on electrical power for medical devices and air conditioning or heating are at risk.
Energy Mitigation Strategies
Building codes, zoning ordinances, and growth and development plans can be used to mitigate power disruptions and to plan mitigation strategies. Building codes can be used to ensure that minimum required construction standards are met to safeguard public health and safety and can also be used to increase a community's ability to deal with electrical outages by requiring that facilities are adequately prepared for power disruptions. Zoning ordinances can specify the type of land use that is acceptable in various locations in a community, and thus affect the electric power requirements of an area as areas zoned "residential" will have a different electricity profile than areas zoned "commercial" or "industrial." Electric power companies develop projections of long-term demand as a starting point for planning the expansion of electric power generation, transmission, and distribution facilities. In general, the shorter the planning horizon and the larger the geographic resolution used, the more likely the demand forecast will be representative of the actual situation. Communities can base zoning ordinances on these growth and development projections.21 Southern California Edison (SCE) provides power to the Lancaster area and is responsible for managing the power supply. The City of Lancaster has no jurisdiction over SCE or its operations. Lancaster has adopted the 2010 California Electrical Code as its Lancaster Electrical Code to regulate the installation, arrangement, alteration, repair, maintenance, use and operation of electrical wiring, connections, fixtures, equipment and other electrical appliances. Lancaster has also added the following sections to the code:
15.12.030 - Dangerous electrical equipment. This section defines what is considered dangerous electrical equipment and requires that the equipment be replaced, repaired, reinstalled, reconstructed or removed.
15.12.040 - Solar photovoltaic systems. This section defines regulates disconnecting means for solar photovoltaic multiple arrays.
21 Cal EMA “Power Disruption Toolkit”
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The City of Lancaster has adopted the 2010 California Energy Code as its Lancaster Energy Code that regulates the construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, conversion, and, occupancy of all structures and certain equipment.
The City of Lancaster has adopted the County of Los Angeles water ordinance as its Lancaster water ordinance.
Lancaster regulates the use of wind energy systems within city limits in its General Code:
17.40.590 - Wind energy conversion systems. This section specifies standards for all wind energy conversion systems in zones in which they are allowed or allowed subject to the granting of a conditional use permit.
17.40.690 - Co-located small wind energy systems (CSWES). This section specifies the construction and use of CSWES on commercial and industrial lots within the city limits of the City of Lancaster.
The City can use building and energy codes, zoning regulations, and planning documents to mitigate the potential for natural gas, oil, and water pipeline disruptions, as well as ensure public safety and to plan for future energy needs and outages.
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SECTION 9: WILDFIRE
The Nature of the Wildfire Threat
Fire is a natural part of the ecosystem in Southern California. However, wildfires present a substantial hazard to life and property in communities that are built within or adjacent to hillsides and mountainous areas.
Consequently, there is a significant potential for losses due to fire in the area, including wildland and urban fires).
Historical Record of Significant Fires
The table below provides a summary of the Top 20 Most Destructive Wildfires in California according to the California Division of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) as of September 2023.
Table 52: CAL FIRE Top 20 Most Destructive Wildfires
Source: CAL FIRE
Stakeholder Input and Participation
To identify the threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences of a major wildfire on the Lancaster Region, each member of the Planning Group provided their input during planning meetings (see Annex D: Lancaster HMP Planning Meetings) and follow-up discussions. Specific topics of discussion included if any hazard priorities have changed since the previous HMP, how changes in the community have impacted the risk of each hazard, and what new mitigation actions can be taken. In addition, each member of the Planning Group as well as members of the public provided the input via online surveys (see Annex B: Public Emergency Preparedness and Risk Survey, Annex C: Working Group HMP Risk Assessment Survey, and Annex D:
Planning and Public Involvement).
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Causes and Characteristics of Wildfires
Southern California has two distinct areas of risk for wildland fire. First, the foothills and lower mountainous areas which are often covered with scrub brush or chaparral. Second, the higher elevation mountains which contain large forest areas. In fact, the magnitude of the 2003 fires that struck Southern California were the result of three primary factors: (1) severe drought, accompanied by a series of storms that produced thousands of lightning strikes and windy conditions; (2) an infestation of bark beetles that has killed thousands of mature trees; and (3) the effects of wildfire suppression over the past century that led to a build-up of brush and small diameter trees in the forests. Additionally, several of the most recent severe wildfires in California were caused by power lines / electric utility infrastructure (Camp Fire, Tubbs Fire, Valley Fire, Witch Fire, and Woolsey Fire). However, for the City of Lancaster, the risk of wildfire is lower due to its desert environment, lack of combustible vegetation, and limited developed hillsides.
Wildfire Hazard Identification
Urban / Wildland Interface Fires
The National Wildland Coordinating Group defines urban / wildland interface as “the line, area, or zone where structures and other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuel.” In terms of urban / wildland interface fires, there are three categories of concern:
The classic urban / wildland interface exists where well-defined urban and suburban development presses up against open expanses of wildland areas;
The mixed urban / wildland interface is characterized by isolated homes, subdivisions and small communities situated predominantly in wildland settings; Occluded urban / wildland interfaces exist where islands of wildland vegetation occur inside a largely urbanized area.
The wildland area surrounding Lancaster and most of the Antelope Valley are made up of desert plant communities that have fairly low combustibility, and it is unlikely that a major firestorm would proceed through the valley floor and threaten urbanized areas. There may be an increased risk of wildfire in the neighborhoods surrounding the Prime Desert Wildland Preserve (roughly bounded by West Avenues K-4 and K-10 and 40th Street West and 35 th Street West). Wildfire risks may increase during times of high wind conditions where grass has grown and dried during the hot summer temperatures.
Fire Severity Zones
CAL Fire classifies the severity of fire hazard areas in California. Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps arose from major destructive fires, prompting the recognition of these areas and strategies to reduce wildfire risks.
Legislative response led to mandated mapping across California under the California Public Resources Code 4201-4204, encompassing all State Responsibility Areas (SRA). The State Fire Marshal is mandated to classify lands within State Responsibility Areas into Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ). Fire Hazard Severity Zones fall into one of the following classifications: Moderate, High, and Very High. The California laws that require Fire Hazard Severity Zones include California Public Resources Code 4201-4204, California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 1280 and California Government Code 51175-89.
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The FHSZ maps below show the areas of fire risk near or within the City of Lancaster signified by the foothills west of central Lancaster.
Source: County of Los Angeles Bureau of Land Management, Esri, HERE, Garmin, USGS, NGA, EPA, USDA, NPS
Source: County of Los Angeles Bureau of Land Management, Esri, HERE, Garmin, USGS, NGA, EPA, USDA, NPS
Map 32: City of Lancaster FHSZ Map
Map 33: City of Lancaster FHSZ West of 110th St W
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Estimated Impact of an Event
If a major wildfire were to occur, the consequences to local populations and housing in urban interface areas will be significant. The table below provides the estimated impact of a disaster using a 0.1% loss baseline. In addition, the socially vulnerable populations (those aged 65 and over, individuals with disabilities, those living in poverty, and the unhoused), are particularly at risk due to evacuation challenges, health risks from smoke exposure, and limited resources for recovery. Using a 0.1% loss baseline, an estimated 19 persons aged 65 and over, 14 persons with a disability, and 29 persons in poverty could be affected. Although the exact impact on the unhoused population is difficult to quantify, they are particularly vulnerable to wildfires due to their exposure to open environments, lack of shelter, and limited ability to evacuate safely. Additionally, disruptions to essential services further magnify their risks during and after wildfire events.
Category
Lancaster Total Impact if a 0.1% Loss Occurs
(U.S. Census 2023 Estimate)
Population 166,236 166
Persons With a Disability 13,964 14
Persons 65 and Over 18,619 19
Persons in Poverty 29,258 29
Total Employment* 86,688 87
Total Housing Units** 55,137 55
Median Home Value $368,800 369
Total Estimated Housing Impact $20,334,525,600 More than $20.3M Table 53: Estimated Population and Economic Loss of a Wildfire *City of Lancaster Comprehensive Annual Report Fiscal Year End 2021 **2020 Decennial Census
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Based on a 0.1% loss projection, more than 160 people would be displaced or significantly impacted, about 87 jobs lost (either temporarily or permanently), and about than 55 homes could be damaged or destroyed resulting in over $20.3 million in losses (see Community Profile section for population, housing, and economic data).
Map 34: CAL FIRE Severity Zone Map – Lancaster and Palmdale Region
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Critical Infrastructure
Wildfires can pose significant risks to critical infrastructure, particularly during peak fire seasons. Key facilities such as Lancaster City Hall, Antelope Valley Hospital, and Southern California Edison (SCE) power transmission lines are vulnerable to fire damage, which can lead to widespread disruptions in services. Wildfires can severely impact overhead electrical lines, causing power outages that affect thousands of residents, particularly those dependent on electricity for medical needs. In addition, transportation networks such as State Route 138 and State Route 14 are critical for evacuation and emergency response but can become blocked or damaged during wildfires, impeding both civilian and emergency traffic. These disruptions to critical
Impact of Climate Change
For the City of Lancaster, climate change has led to an increase in the potential impact of wildfires.
Sporadic higher rainfall years cause local vegetation growth to become denser followed by frequent drought conditions greatly increases the risk of wildfires across Lancaster and the Antelope Valley region.
This risk is especially significant due to dry and windy conditions.
Impact of Land Use and Development
The City of Lancaster manages land use and has restrictions on development within the city to mitigate the risk of wildlife. Additionally, as part of Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles County Fire Department is the primary agency responsible for overall wildfire programs within the area.
Impact of Population Patterns
The population of Lancaster has shown a slight increase. However, it is not expected that an increase in the risk to local residents due to a wildfire will occur and population patters are expected to remain unchanged. However, all residents may be subject to secondary effects such as smoke and poor air quality. Furthermore, commercial and residential projects within Lancaster must comply with setback requirements to ensure clear space between areas of high fire hazard. If a wildfire occurs, future development plans may increase the number of restrictions on new development or redevelopment projects, particularly residential properties near open spaces.
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Disasters Declarations and Emergency Proclamations
FEMA disaster declarations allow state, tribal, and local governments to access federal aid for disaster response and recovery when overwhelmed. Similarly, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) issues proclamations to mobilize state resources and streamline procedures.
FEMA Disasters Declarations
Declaration Date: September 1, 2021 || California Caldor Fire || DD# EM-3571-CA
While wildfires remain a hazard in Los Angeles County and the Lancaster area, the Caldor Fire did not directly impact the Lancaster area.
Cal OES Open State of Emergency Proclamations
Proclamation Date: 9/25/20 || Creek Fire / Bobcat Fire / I-10 Freeway
The Creek fire and Bobcat fire occurred near the Lancaster area but did not directly impact the region, besides possible smoke, and debris in the area. Additionally, the I-10 freeway fire occurred roughly 92 miles from the Lancaster area, likely not having any direct impact.
Risk of Future Wildfire Events
For the City of Lancaster the perceived risk of future wildfire events was estimated by the Working Group using the following weighted formula:
Risk = (0.45 x Probability) + (0.30 x Magnitude/Severity) + (0.15 x Warning Time) + (0.10 x Duration)
Probability Magnitude / Severity Warning Time Duration
Level ID Value Level ID Value Level ID Value Level ID Value Unlikely 1 Negligible 1 Less than 6 hrs 4 Less than 6 hrs 1 Possibly 2 Limited 2 6 to 12 hrs 3 Less than 24 hrs 2
Likely 3 Critical 3 12 to 24 hrs 2 Less than one wk 3
Highly Likely 4 Catastrophic 4 More than 24 hrs 1 More than one wk 4
The result was a wildfire risk rating of 2.48 (see Annex C Working Group HMP Risk Assessment Survey for general descriptors and degree of risk):
Hazard Probability Magnitude Warning Time Duration Risk Wildfire 2.13 2.00 4.00 3.29 2.48
While the wildfire risk in Lancaster may be relatively low, hilly and mountainous areas surrounding Lancaster have an increased risk of wildfire. Fires in the areas surrounding Lancaster can create air quality problems, and health hazards may exist for elderly or infirm persons because of smoke and possible heat exposure.
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Transportation issues may arise if fires affect the ability of commuters to use Highway 14 or the Sierra Highway, both of which have been closed in the past due to wildfire activity. Wildland fires can require evacuation of portions of the population, revised traffic patterns to accommodate emergency response vehicle operations, and restrictions on water usage during the period of the emergency. An increase in hospital emergency treatments and transportation needs to such treatment centers may place an increased demand on city resources. The loss of some utilities may also be anticipated.22
Wildfire Overall Probability
For the Los Angeles Region, the FEMA National Risk Index indicates a 0.808% chance of a wildfire occurring every year.
Wildfire Vulnerabilities
Base Hazard Factors
In order to determine the "base hazard factor" of specific wildfire hazard sites and interface areas, several factors must be taken into account. Categories used to assess the base hazard factor include:
Topography
Fuels
Weather
As indicated by the Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps (SRA and LRA) Lancaster can be affected by wildfires. Areas where residential or commercial development intermingles with wildland vegetation in Lancaster are particularly vulnerable. These areas often have a higher risk of wildfires due to the proximity of combustible materials to ignition sources. If a wildfire occurs in addition to the risk to lives and health, significant damage to critical infrastructure can occur as well as long term business and industry closures resulting in significant economic losses, and damage or destruction of commercial and residential properties.
Topography
Topography influences the movement of air, thereby directing a fire’s course. In general, if the percentage of uphill slope doubles the rate of fire spread doubles. Gulches and canyons can funnel air and act as chimneys, which intensify fire behavior and cause the fire to spread faster. Unfortunately, hillsides with hazardous topographic characteristics are also desirable, residential areas in many communities. This underscores the need for wildfire hazard mitigation and increased education and outreach to homeowners living in interface areas.
22 City of Lancaster Emergency Operations Plan 2010
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Fuels
An important element in understanding the danger of wildfire is the availability of diverse fuels in the landscape, such as natural vegetation, manmade structures and combustible materials. A house surrounded by brushy growth rather than cleared space allows for greater continuity of fuel and increases the fire’s ability to spread. After decades of fire suppression “dog-hair" thickets have accumulated, which enable high intensity fires to flare and spread rapidly.
In addition, fuel is a key factor in wildfire behavior. Fuel is classified by volume and by type. Volume is described in terms of “fuel loading,” or the amount of available vegetative fuel. In the Lancaster area there is only one fuel type – the Joshua Tree forests in proximity to the city.
Weather
Weather patterns combined with certain geographic locations can create a favorable climate for wildfire activity. Areas where annual precipitation is less than 30 inches per year are extremely fire susceptible. This is a definite classification of the Lancaster area. Southern California is known for its lack of precipitation and its years of droughts.
High-risk areas in Southern California share a hot, dry season in late summer and early fall when high temperatures and low humidity favor fire activity. The “Santa Ana” winds, which are heated by compression as they flow down to Southern California from Utah, create a particularly high risk, as they can rapidly spread what might otherwise be a small fire. Wind bends the flames to pre-heat the fuel ahead and can carry fire brands up to a quarter mile or more ahead of the flame front. The majority of catastrophic fires that Southern California has experienced have occurred in the months of September, October, and November when Santa Ana Winds typically occur. Wind is considered to be the primary factor that influences fire spread.
Recent concerns about the effects of climate change (particularly drought) have contributed to concerns about wildfire vulnerability. Drought also leads to less frequent irrigation which can contribute to wildfires. For example, from 2007 to 2009 Southern California experienced drought conditions. This corresponds to the most recent years when significant wildfires have occurred.