View Attachment A — Rules & Legislation Committee, April 16, 2026 (part 2 of 3)

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Sea-Level Rise Black & Veatch 12-11
Table 12-4. Estimated Number of Equity Priority Community Members Exposed to Sea -Level Rise – 2100 Scenario
Sub-Areas
Equity Priority
Community
Thresholds1
EPC Population
Exposed2
% of Total
Population
Exposed to the
Hazard3
Central East Oakland 91-100 3,903 100.0%
81-90 0 0.0%
≤80 0 0.0%
Coliseum/Airport 91-100 2,225 100.0%
81-90 0 0.0%
≤80 0 0.0%
Downtown 91-100 0 0.0%
81-90 0 0.0%
≤80 3,982 83.4%
East Oakland Hills 91-100 0 0.0%
81-90 0 0.0%
≤80 0 0.0%
Eastlake/Fruitvale 91-100 5,841 84.5%
81-90 0 0.0%
≤80 108 1.6%
Glenview/ Redwood Heights 91-100 0 0.0%
81-90 0 0.0%
≤80 0 0.0%
North Oakland Hills 91-100 0 0.0%
81-90 0 0.0%
≤80 0 0.0%
North Oakland/Adams Point 91-100 0 0.0%
81-90 0 0.0%
≤80 35 39.5%
West Oakland 91-100 1,382 10.8%
81-90 3,419 26.7%
≤80 7,786 60.9%
Totals 91-100 13,351 43.5%
81-90 3,419 11.1%
≤80 11,911 38.8%
Sources: (City of Oakland 2023); (CGS n.d.)(City of Oakland 2025); (Hazus v6.1 2023) Notes: (1) These thresholds are determined by the City of Oakland to be the most burdened communities in the City in the General Plan EJ Element.
(2) Population, by census tract, within the EPC threshold exposed to the hazard. (3) EPC population exposed compared with total population in sub area.

12.2.3 Impact on General Building Stock
Table 12-5 summarizes the number of structures located within the two sea -level rise scenarios. Structures most vulnerable to sea -level rise are those situated on beaches and low-lying shorelines. These structures face increased risk of flooding, erosion, and long-term damage as sea levels continue to rise.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Sea-Level Rise Black & Veatch 12-12
Table 12-5. Estimated Number of Buildings Exposed to Sea-Level Rise 2050 Scenario 2100 Scenario
Sub-Area
Total
Buildings
Buildings
Exposed % Buildings
Buildings
Exposed % Buildings
Central East
Oakland
22,271 72 0.3% 684 3.1%
Coliseum/Airport 1,229 372 30.3% 697 56.7%
Downtown 5,087 1,167 22.9% 1,516 29.8%
East Oakland Hills 10,993 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
Eastlake/Fruitvale 17,046 509 3.0% 1,211 7.1%
Glenview/
Redwood Heights
11,192 0 0.0% 2 0.0%
North Oakland
Hills
10,125 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
North Oakland/
Adams Point
21,103 0 0.0% 56 0.3%
West Oakland 6,497 592 9.1% 2,862 44.1%
Total 105,543 2,712 2.6% 7,028 31,338
Sources: (City of Oakland 2025); (RSAP 2025)
Notes: Values based off of 2025 tax assessor data provided by Alameda County.

Table 12-6 and Table 12-7 present the number of buildings by building type exposed to the 2050 and 2100 sea level rise. Residential and commercial buildings are the most exposed to the sea level rise scenarios.

Table 12-6. Estimated Number of Buildings by Building Type Exposed to Sea-Level Rise, 2050 Scenario 2050 Scenario
Sub-Area
Total
Buildings Residential Commercial Industrial Agriculture Religion Government Education Total Central East
Oakland
22,271 11 50 9 0 0 2 0 72
Coliseum/Airport 1,229 167 136 47 0 5 17 0 372
Downtown 5,087 970 166 16 0 0 13 2 1,167
East Oakland
Hills
10,993 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Eastlake/Fruitvale 17,046 391 49 47 0 0 18 4 509
Glenview/
Redwood
Heights
11,192 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
North Oakland
Hills
10,125 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
North
Oakland/Adams
Point

21,103 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Sea-Level Rise Black & Veatch 12-13
2050 Scenario
Sub-Area
Total
Buildings Residential Commercial Industrial Agriculture Religion Government Education Total West Oakland

6,497 450 58 51 0 3 30 0 592
Total

105,543 1,989 459 170 0 8 80 6 2,712
Sources: (City of Oakland 2025); (RSAP 2025)
Table 12-7. Estimated Number of Buildings by Building Type Exposed to Sea-Level Rise, 2100 Scenario 2050 Scenario
Sub-Area
Total
Buildings Residential Commercial Industrial Agriculture Religion Government Education Total Central East
Oakland
22,271 461 136 67 0 2 16 2 684
Coliseum/Airport 1,229 426 169 67 0 5 28 2 697
Downtown 5,087 1,275 204 18 0 0 17 2 1,516
East Oakland
Hills
10,993 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Eastlake/Fruitvale 17,046 873 216 78 0 4 30 10 1,211
Glenview/
Redwood
Heights
11,192 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2
North Oakland
Hills
10,125 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
North
Oakland/Adams
Point

21,103 17 37 0 0 0 2 0 56
West Oakland

6,497 2,373 227 188 0 19 52 3 2,862
Total

105,543 5,425 991 418 0 30 145 19 7,028
Sources: (City of Oakland 2025); (RSAP 2025)

12.2.4 Impact on Community Lifelines
Table 12-8 and Table 12-9 provide the estimated number of community lifelines at risk to sea- level rise. The City has 508 community lifelines at risk to the 2050 scenario and 765 at risk to the 2100 scenario. The City’s existing coastal flood issues, including damaged infrastructure, impacted sewage systems, and road closures, will increase in frequency and extent, because rising seas will further elevate extreme tides. Several key assets such as the Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, rail lines connecting to the seaport of Oakland, and three wastewater treatment plants are vulnerable to future extreme tides (City of Oakland 2017).

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Sea-Level Rise Black & Veatch 12-14
Table 12-8. Estimated Community Lifelines Exposed to Sea-Level Rise (2050 Scenario) Planning Area
Communications
Energy
Food, Hydration,
Shelter
Hazardous
Materials
Health and
Medical
Safety and
Security
Transportation
Water Systems
Total
Central East
Oakland
5 1 0 18 0 0 8 0 32
Coliseum/Airport 61 1 0 101 0 6 19 1 189
Downtown 46 2 0 17 0 3 8 0 76
East Oakland Hills 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Eastlake/Fruitvale 2 1 0 29 0 2 8 1 43
Glenview/
Redwood
Heights
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
North Oakland
Hills
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
North
Oakland/Adams
Point
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
West Oakland 48 5 0 64 0 1 49 1 168
Total 162 10 0 229 0 12 92 3 508
Sources: (City of Oakland 2025); (RSAP 2025)
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Sea-Level Rise Black & Veatch 12-15

Table 12-9. Estimated Community Lifelines Exposed to Sea-Level Rise (2100 Scenario) Planning Area
Communications
Energy
Food, Hydration,
Shelter
Hazardous
Materials
Health and
Medical
Safety and
Security
Transportation
Water Systems
Total
Central East
Oakland
8 1 0 66 0 3 10 0 88
Coliseum/Airport 72 2 0 112 0 8 22 1 217
Downtown 52 2 0 30 0 7 15 0 106
East Oakland Hills 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Eastlake/Fruitvale 15 2 1 59 0 6 12 1 96
Glenview/
Redwood Heights
0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2
North Oakland
Hills
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
North
Oakland/Adams
Point
0 0 1 2 0 2 0 0 5
West Oakland 72 9 0 105 0 6 54 5 251
Total 219 16 2 376 0 32 113 7 765
Sources: (City of Oakland 2025); (RSAP 2025)

12.2.5 Impact on the Economy
Healthy coastal ecosystems support fisheries, tourism, human health, and public safety.

Many of these ecosystems are being transformed, degraded, or lost due in part to climate change, particularly sea-level rise and higher numbers of extreme weather events. As sea level continues to rise, repeated disruptions by coastal flooding will aggravate existing impacts on infrastructure, initiate cascading impacts on the larger economy, and burden people. Indirect ec onomic costs (such as lost business) and adverse socio-psychological impacts have the potential to negatively affect people and their communities (Cal OES 2023).

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Sea-Level Rise Black & Veatch 12-16
Table 12-10. Estimated Exposure to Sea-Level Rise, 2050 Scenario 2050 Scenario
Sub-Area
Total Building Value
(Structure and
Contents)
Value (Structure)
Exposed
Value (Contents)
Exposed
Total Building
Value
(Structure and
Contents
Exposed)
% of Total
Value
Exposed
Central East Oakland $17,986,229,601 $317,340,378 $329,487,689 $646,828,067 3.6% Coliseum/Airport $5,646,390,094 $2,034,687,079 $2,040,745,832 $4,075,432,911 72.2% Downtown $21,475,904,408 $1,262,339,866 $927,962,766 $2,190,302,632 10.2% East Oakland Hills $8,434,796,515 $0 $0 $0 0.0%
Eastlake/Fruitvale $20,713,824,637 $1,457,909,574 $1,065,723,599 $2,523,633,173 12.2% Glenview/ Redwood
Heights
$7,699,736,380 $0 $0 $0 0.0%
North Oakland Hills $9,022,389,851 $0 $0 $0 0.0%
North Oakland/Adams
Point
$26,981,073,354 $0 $0 $0 0.0%
West Oakland $11,010,987,509 $1,197,226,209 $1,168,682,151 $2,365,908,360 21.5% Total $128,971,332,346 $6,269,503,106 $5,532,602,036 $11,802,105,142 9.2% Sources: (City of Oakland 2025); (RSAP 2025)
Table 12-11. Estimated Exposure to Sea-Level Rise, 2100 Scenario 2100 Scenario
Sub-Area
Total Building Value
(Structure and
Contents)
Value (Structure)
Exposed
Value (Contents)
Exposed
Total Building
Value
(Structure and
Contents
Exposed)
% of Total
Value
Exposed
Central East Oakland $17,986,229,601 $1,336,142,248 $1,478,337,822 $2,814,480,070 15.6% Coliseum/Airport $5,646,390,094 $2,644,486,365 $2,628,731,834 $5,273,218,199 93.4% Downtown $21,475,904,408 $2,170,224,733 $1,769,691,211 $3,939,915,944 18.3% East Oakland Hills $8,434,796,515 $0 $0 $0 0.0%
Eastlake/Fruitvale $20,713,824,637 $2,437,959,739 $1,858,001,906 $4,295,961,645 20.7% Glenview/ Redwood
Heights
$7,699,736,380 $1,413,245 $1,413,245 $2,826,490 0.0%
North Oakland Hills $9,022,389,851 $0 $0 $0 0.0%
North Oakland/Adams
Point
$26,981,073,354 $144,788,612 $130,681,761 $275,470,373 1.0% West Oakland $11,010,987,509 $3,372,479,849 $3,079,932,621 $6,452,412,470 58.6% Total $128,971,332,346 $12,107,494,791 $10,946,790,398 $23,054,285,189 17.9% Sources: (City of Oakland 2025); (RSAP 2025)

12.2.6 Impact on Historic and Cultural Resources
The City’s historical and cultural assets and resources are vulnerable to sea -level rise , especially those located in low -lying coastal areas. Downtown Oakland ’s waterfront community, including the historic Jack London District, are vulnerable to sea-level rise and will need to adopt adaptive strategies to prepare existing infrastructure and future development to mitigate urban stormwater and high-tide flooding.

12.2.7 Impact on Ecosystems and Natural Resources
Sea-level rise and long -term erosion can result in migration of ecosystems inland. When coastal ecosystems are able to migrate inland, it can help to preserve coastal habitat acreage, but it comes at the expense of the former inland habitats that are replaced . However, i f beaches, wetlands, and other coastal habitats are unable to migrate inland as sea levels City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Sea-Level Rise Black & Veatch 12-17
rise—because of sediment availability, shoreline armoring, or other development that blocks natural migration —they can be lost to permanent inundation or degraded by saltwater intrusion. This can have resulting impacts related to land subsidence, loss of h abitat for fish and wildlife, and loss of aesthetic, recreational, and commercial uses (Cal OES 2023).

Sea-level rise could also lead to rising water tables and permanent inundation at contaminated sites , leading to the release of buried toxins. This is especially true in industrialized coastal areas (Cushing 2025) . This increases the potential of hazardous substances migrating through soil. A UC Berkeley study identified more than 5,200 state - and federally managed contaminated sites in the San Francisco Bay Area alone that could be impacted by rising groundwater (UC Berkeley 2023).

12.3 MITIGATION OPPORTUNITIES
Table 12-12 presents a range of potential opportunities for mitigating the sea-level rise hazard.

Table 12-12. Potential Opportunities to Mitigate the Sea-Level Rise Hazard Community Scale Organizational Scale Government Scale
Manipulate the Hazard
• Barriers (sea wall), only
when no nature-based
alternative is feasible
• Pumps
• Protect, preserve, and
restore beaches and
dunes
• Barriers (sea wall), only when
no nature-based alternative
is feasible
• Pump stations
• Protect, preserve, and
restore wetlands
• Protect, preserve, and
restore beaches and dunes
• Barriers (sea wall), only when no
nature-based alternative is feasible
• Pump Stations
• Protect, preserve, and restore wetlands
• Protect, preserve, and restore beaches
and dunes
Reduce Exposure and Vulnerability
• Voluntary retreat
• Elevate on fill above
sea-level rise elevation
• Elevate utilities above
sea-level rise elevation
• Use low-impact
development
• Floodproof
• Relocate out hazard zone
• Elevate on fill above sea-
level rise elevation
• Locate critical facilities or
functions outside hazard
area
• Use low-impact
development techniques
• Build redundancy for critical
functions or retrofit critical
buildings
• Maintain drainage facilities
that service your property
• Provide flood-proofing when
new critical infrastructure
must be located in coastal
areas
• Buyout/Relocation Program
• Promote open space uses in identified
high-hazard areas via techniques such
as planned unit developments,
easements, setbacks, greenways,
sensitive area tracks
• Adopt land development criteria such
as planned unit developments, density
transfers, clustering
• Institute low impact development
techniques
• Acquire vacant land or promote open
space uses in developing watersheds
to control increases in runoff
• Harden infrastructure
• Provide redundancy for critical
infrastructure nodes and systems
• Higher regulatory standards in sea-
level rise zones
• Require accounting of sea-level rise in
applications for new shoreline
development
• Facilitate managed retreat from, or
upgrade of, the most at-risk areas
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Sea-Level Rise Black & Veatch 12-18
Community Scale Organizational Scale Government Scale
• Implement tree management
programs
• Elevate roads that are vital/critical to
evacuation and local community
operations
• Include nature-based elements in
infrastructure adaptation projects (e.g.,
roads) such as living shorelines,
ecotone levees, and habitat restoration
to increase resilience
• Design or enhance existing drainage
systems for higher design storms to
provide increased capacity of the
drainage system
Build Local Capacity
• Buy flood insurance
• Develop household
plan, such as retrofit
savings, 72-hour self-
sufficiency during and
after an event
• Be informed and
understand future impacts
of sea-level rise on your
business
• Develop a Continuity of
Operations Plan
• Provide technical information and
guidance
• Promote the purchase of flood
insurance
• Enact tools to help manage
development in hazard areas (stronger
controls, tax incentives, information)
• Incorporate retrofitting or
replacement of critical system
elements in capital improvement plan
• Develop strategy to take advantage of
post-disaster opportunities
• Provide incentives to guide
development away from hazard areas
or to retrofit in place
• Provide residents with sea-level rise
inundation maps
• Develop an adaptive management
plan to address the long-term sea-
level rise
• Restore wetlands, marshes, mudflats,
oyster reefs, dunes, beaches, eelgrass,
kelp forests, living shorelines and other
coastal habitats to enhance resilience
and reduce wave impacts during
storms
• Preserve/restore tidal marshes to
enhance resilience and provide
multiple benefits, including absorbing
floodwaters and reducing wave
impacts during storms
• Conserve and protect coastal habitat
and non-habitat areas suitable for
habitat restoration
• Establish living shorelines (natural
elements including plants, reefs, and
oyster beds) to prevent erosion
• Incentivize voluntary retreat from
coastal hazard areas

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Severe Weather Black & Veatch 13-19

13. SEVERE WEATHER

13.1 HAZARD PROFILE

13.1.1 Description of the Hazard
Defining the Hazard
Severe weather refers to any dangerous meteorological phenomena with the potential to cause damage, serious social disruption, or loss of human life. The most significant severe weather events to impact the planning area are high winds and extreme heat. For this risk assessment, the term “severe weather” refers to these event types in aggregate. They are assessed as a single hazard for the following reasons:
• Records indicate that each of these weather event types has impacted the planning area to some degree, and all have similar frequencies of occurrence. • None of these weather event types have a clearly defined extent or location. Therefore, no quantitative, geospatial analysis is available to support exposure or vulnerability analysis; the analyses for this hazard are qualitative.

High Wind
Windstorms are generally short-duration events involving straight-line winds or gusts of over 50 miles per hour (mph), strong enough to cause property damage. Windstorms are especially dangerous in areas with significant tree stands and areas with exposed property, poorly constructed buildings, mobile homes (manufactured housing units), major infrastructure, and above-ground utility lines. A windstorm can topple trees and power lines, cause damage to residential, commercial and critical facilities, and leave tons of debris in its wake. There are seven types of damaging winds (NOAA n.d.):
• Straight -line winds —Any thunderstorm wind that is not associated with rotation; this term is used mainly to differentiate from tornado winds. Most thunderstorms produce some straight -line winds as a result of outflow generated by the thunderstorm downdraft.
• Downdrafts —A small-scale column of air that rapidly sinks toward the ground. • Downbursts —A strong downdraft with horizontal dimensions larger than 2.5 miles resulting in an outward burst or damaging winds on or near the ground. Downburst winds may begin as a microburst and spread out over a wider area, sometimes producing damage similar to a strong tornado. Although usually associated with thunderstorms, downbursts can occur with showers too weak to produce thunder. • Microbursts —A small, concentrated downburst that produces an outward burst of damaging winds on the surface. Microbursts are generally less than 2.5 miles across and short-lived, lasting only 5 to 10 minutes, with maximum wind speeds up to 168 mph. There are two kinds of microbursts: wet and dry. A wet microburst is Local Plan Requirement B1 – 44 CFR Part 201.6(c)(2)(i)
Include a description of the type, location, and extent for the identified hazards of concern and include information on previous occurrences of hazard events and the probability of future hazard events.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Severe Weather Black & Veatch 13-20
accompanied by heavy precipitation at the surface. Dry microbursts, common in places like the high plains and the west intermountain, occur with little or no precipitation reaching the ground.
• Gust front —A gust front is the leading edge of rain -cooled air that clashes with warmer thunderstorm inflow. Gust fronts are characterized by a wind shift, temperature drop, and gusty winds out ahead of a thunderstorm. Sometimes the winds push up air above them, forming a shelf cloud or detached roll cloud. • Derecho —A derecho is a widespread thunderstorm wind caused when new thunderstorms form along the leading edge of an outflow boundary (the boundary formed by horizontal spreading of thunderstorm-cooled air). The word “derecho” is of Spanish origin and means “straight ahead.” Thunderstorms feed on the boundary and continue to reproduce. Derechos typically occur in summer when complexes of thunderstorms form over plains, producing heavy rain and severe wind. The damaging winds can last a long time and cover a large area. • Bow echo—A bow echo is a linear wind front bent outward in a bow shape. Damaging straight-line winds often occur near the center of a bow echo. Bow echoes can be 200 miles long, last for several hours, and produce extensive damage to the ground.

Extreme Heat
Extreme heat is defined as temperatures that hover 10ºF or more above the average high temperatures for a region for several days or weeks (CDC, Heat Health 2024). Extreme heat events can lead to an increase in heat -related illnesses and deaths, cause drought, and impact water supplies. Such events do not typically impact buildings; however, losses may be associated with the urban heat island effect and overheating of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

Extreme heat is the primary weather-related cause of death in the United States. In a 10-year record of weather fatalities across the nation (2015-2024), excessive heat claimed more lives each year than floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes (NOAA n.d.). According to the California Climate Adaptation Strategy, heat waves have claimed more lives in California than all other declared disaster events combined. Despite this history, not a single heat emergency was proclaimed in California at the state or federal level between 1960 and 20 25, however the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information has recorded five heat and two excessive heat events within the San Francisco Bay Shoreline Zone which includes Oakland.

Heat waves do not strike victims imme diately, but their cumulative effects slowly cause harm to vulnerable populations. Older adults, children, and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat.

Cause of the Hazard
High Wind
Longer-period windstorms have two main causes: (1) large differences in atmospheric pressure across a region and (2) strong jet stream winds overhead. Horizontal pressure differences may accelerate the surface winds substantially as air travels from a region of higher atmospheric pressure to one of lower.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Severe Weather Black & Veatch 13-21
Extreme Heat
Extreme heat is caused by persistent high -pressure weather systems trapping warm air .

Climate change from human-caused greenhouse gases making these events more frequent and intense. The Urban Heat Island effect also causes extreme heat events, due to a densely built environment absorbing and re-emitting heat from the sun.

Summary of Potential Impacts
High Wind
There are direct consequences to the local economy resulting from windstorms related to both physical damage and interrupted services. Windstorms can result in collapsed or damaged buildings, damaged or blocked roads and bridges, damaged traffic signals, streetlights and parks, and other damage. Wind speeds as low as 32 mph can cause structural damage, and winds of 100 mph can destroy wood-frame structures.

Wind pressure can create a direct and frontal assault on a structure, pushing walls, doors, and windows inward. Conversely, passing winds can create lift and suction forces that act to pull building components and surfaces outward. As positive and negative forces impact a building’s doors, windows, and walls, the result can be roof or building component failures and considerable structural damage. The effects of winds are magnified in the upper levels of multi-story structures.

Debris carried along by extreme winds can contribute directly to loss of life and indirectly to the failure of protective building envelopes. Falling trees and branches can damage buildings, power lines, and other properties and infrastructure. Tree limbs breaking in winds of only 45 mph can be thrown over 75 feet, so overhead power lines can be damaged even in relatively minor windstorm events. During wet winters, saturated soils cause trees to become less stable and more vulnerable to uprooting from high winds. Utility lines brought down by summer thunderstorms have also been known to cause fires, which start in dry roadside vegetation. Electric power lines falling down to the pavement create the possibility of lethal electric shock.

Downed trees and power lines, and damaged property also can be major hindrances to emergency response and disaster recovery. Emergency response operations can be complicated when roads are blocked or when power supplies are interrupted. Industry and commerce can suffer losses from interruptions in electric service and from extended road closures.

Tornados, though rare, have occurred in Northern California and can cause localized damage. A tornado is a violent windstorm characterized by a twisting, funnel-shaped cloud extending to the ground. Tornadoes are most often generated by severe thunderstorm activity when cool, dry air intersects and overrides a layer of warm, moist air, forcing the warm air to rise rapidly. The damage caused by a tornado is a result of the high wind velocity and wind-blown debris, also accompanied by lightning or large hail. According to the NWS, tornado wind speeds normally range from 40 mph to more than 300 mph (NWS n.d.).

Extreme Heat
Extreme heat is one of the leading causes of weather -related deaths in the United States, killing more people than all other weather hazards (except hurricanes) combined. Heat- City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Severe Weather Black & Veatch 13-22
related illness includes a spectrum of illnesses ranging from heat cramps to severe heat exhaustion and life -threatening heat stroke. Heat-related illness results from the body’s inability to dissipate heat produced by metabolic activity, often as a result of increased ambient temperature. Heat waves can create immediate health effects and have harmful cumulative health effects over time. Elevated nighttime temperatures are likely to cause heat-related illness and mortality. When there is no break from the heat at night, it can cause discomfort and lead to health problems, especially for those who lack access to cooling and health care, which include people with low incomes or who are experiencing homelessness.

Other groups that are particularly vulnerable to heat stress include older adults, infants and children, people with chronic health conditions, people with disabilities, outdoor workers, people living in homes with poor insulation and others within identified Equity Priority Communities.

Extreme heat events do not typically impact buildings; however, losses may be associated with the urban heat island effect and overheating of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Extreme heat can increase stress applied on water, power, and transportation systems. Extreme heat can compromise infrastructure safety and reliability and cause issues such as train track buckling and road material softening.

Cascading Hazard Impacts
High Wind
High winds can quickly spread wildfires, inundating nearby areas with heavy smoke.

Extreme Heat
A secondary impact of extreme heat is poor air quality, which can occur during summer, when stagnant atmospheric conditions trap humid air and pollutants near the ground and closer to residents. Ozone, a major component of smog, is created in the presence of sunlight via reactions between chemicals in gasoline vapors and industrial smokestacks. Hot weather can increase ozone levels. High ozone levels often cause or worsen respiratory problems.

Public Safety Power Shutoff events (PSPSs) also are secondary hazards associated with severe weather. Under certain severe weather conditions, utility service providers shut off power to help prevent wildfire and keep communities safe. A combination of dry vegetation and high winds can uproot trees, blow branches onto power lines or create sparks if power lines contact one another. These conditions call for a PSPS. These outages occur across the state to prevent wildfires and keep communities safe. Table 13-1 shows the weather conditions that are monitored by utility service providers that trigger PSPS events. PSPS events can impact areas beyond where severe weather conditions are being observed due to the grid nature of electrical power distribution systems. S ustained periods of downtime could lead to significant economic impacts. Power outages can have an adverse effect on individuals requiring power for medical devices or mobility, Table 13-1. Triggers for Public Safety Power Shutoff Events Monitor Factor Metrics
Red Flag Warning A warning declared by the National Weather Service that weather conditions could lead to fire
and rapid spread.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Severe Weather Black & Veatch 13-23
Monitor Factor Metrics
Low Humidity 20% or lower humidity. Low humidity creates dry vegetation, which fuel fire.

High Winds Sustained wind speeds above 25 MPH and wind gusts above 45 MPH can cause fire to spread.

Utility Observations

On-the-ground findings from Utility crews.
(PG&E 2026)

13.1.2 Location
High Wind and Extreme Heat
High wind and extreme heat have the potential to happen anywhere in the planning area.

Extreme heat events may be exacerbated in the City where reduced air flow, reduced vegetation, and increased generation of waste heat can contribute to temperatures that are several degrees higher than in surrounding less urbanized areas.

The California Healthy Places Index (HPI): Extreme Heat Edition is a tool developed by the Public Health Alliance in partnership with the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation. The tool provides datasets on projected heat exposure for California, place -based i ndicators measuring community conditions, and sensitive populations. It also provides a list of resources and funding opportunities that can be used to address extreme heat.

The tool can be used to:
• Understand the underlying heat vulnerability and resilience characteristics of a community.
• Identify resources to mitigate the adverse effects of extreme heat. • Prioritize public and private investments, resources, and programs.

The HPI combines 25 community characteristics, based on the social determinants of health, into a single score for each California census tract. Neighborhood-by-neighborhood, the HPI maps data on social conditions that drive health — like education, job op portunities, and clean air and water. The HPI tool evaluates the relationship between 23 identified key drivers of health and life expectancy at birth — which can vary dramatically by neighborhood. Based on that analysis, it produces a score ranking from 1 to 99 that shows the relative impact of conditions in a selected area compared to all other such places in the state. The HPI scores and compares geographies across the state, now with the ability to view data neighborhood- by-neighborhood, providing an ev en more granular view of community wellbeing. Figure 13-1 shows the HPI Extreme Heat Edition data generated for the City of Oakland.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Severe Weather Black & Veatch 13-24

Figure 13-1. HPI Extreme Heat Edition Data Outputs for the City of Oakland Because of its expansive urban size, the City of Oakland can experience urban heat island effects, in which materials such as asphalt, concrete and other materials absorb the heat.

Radiation from the sun is absorbed by these surfaces during the day and re-radiated at night, raising ambient temperatures. Urban heat islands have high nighttime minimum temperatures compared to neighboring areas. Waste heat from air conditioners, vehicles, and other equipment contributes to the urban heat island effect. When te mperatures rise above 80 ºF, it could be 5 ºF hotter in the city’s industrial flatlands than in the Oakland Hills due to the urban heat island effect.

13.1.3 Extent
Measuring Intensity
High Wind
Damage from winds accounts for half of all severe weather reports in the lower 48 states.

Wind speeds can reach up to 100 mph and can produce a damage path extending for hundreds of miles. The Beaufort Wind Chart in Table 13-2 provides terminology and a description of potential wind impacts at different levels.

Table 13-2. Beaufort Wind Chart
Beaufort
Number
Range
(mph)
Terminology Description
0 0 Calm Calm. Smoke rises vertically.
1 1-3 Light air Wind motion visible with smoke.
2 4-7 Light breeze Wind felt on exposed skin. Leave rustle. 3 8-12 Gentle breeze Leaves and smaller twigs in constant motion. 4 13-18 Moderate
breeze
Dust and loose paper is raised. Small branches begin to move.
5 19-24 Fresh breeze Smaller trees sway.

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Beaufort
Number
Range
(mph)
Terminology Description
6 25-31 Strong breeze Large branches in motion. Whistling heard in overhead wires. Umbrella use is difficult.
7 32-38 Near gale Whole trees in motion. Some difficulty when walking into the wind.
8 39-46 Gale Twigs broken from trees. Car veer on road. 9 47-54 Severe gale Light structure damage.
10 55-63 Storm Trees uprooted. Considerable structural damage. 11 64-73 Violent storm Widespread structural damage.
12 74-95 Hurricane Considerable and widespread damage.

Source: (NWS n.d.)
Extreme Heat
In extreme heat, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death by overworking the human body. Extreme heat can cause heat exhaustion, in which the body becomes dehydrated, resulting in an imbalance of electrolytes. Without intervention, heat exhaustion can lead to collapse and heatstroke, which occurs when perspiration cannot occur and the body overheats. Without intervention, heatstroke can lead to confusion, coma, and death. Long-term exp osure to extreme heat can lead to damage to the brain, heart, and kidneys. Chronic conditions like respiratory conditions, diabetes and mental health disorders (due to sustained strain and sleep disruption) can also increase due to long-term exposure.

Warning Time
High Wind
NOAA issues watch, warning, and advisory information for high winds. Weather stations and media outlets warn residents of upcoming storms so they may prepare and plan accordingly.

Emergency alerts and warning are issued when needed.

Extreme Heat
Weather station reports, media reports and emergency alerts and warnings may be issued for extreme heat.

To better address heat risk and allow people to prepare for upcoming heat events, the NWS and CDC have developed the Heat Risk forecast (see Table 13-3), which provides a quick view of heat risk potential over the upcoming seven days. The heat risk is portrayed in a numeric (0-4) and color (green/yellow/orange/red/magenta) scale, which is similar in approach to the Air Quality Index or the UV Index. It p rovides one value each day that indicates the approximate level of heat risk concern for any location, along with identifying the groups who are most at risk.

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Table 13-3. NWS Heat Risk Forecasting System
Category Level Meaning
Green 0 No Elevated Risk
Yellow 1 Low Risk for those extremely sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration
Orange 2 Moderate Risk for those who are sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration
Red 3 High Risk for much of the population, especially those who are heat sensitive and those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration
Magenta 4 Very High Risk for entire population due to long duration heat, with little to no relief overnight

The NWS continues to issue excessive heat watches, excessive heat warnings and heat advisories to warn of an extreme heat event (a “heat wave”) within the next 36 hours.

If NWS forecasters predict an excessive heat event beyond 36 hours, then the NWS will issue messaging in the form of a special weather statement, emails and social media in the three- to seven-day timeframe. The NWS uses the Heat Risk Forecasting System to determine if an excessive heat watch/warning or heat advisory is warranted. The NWS i ssues the following types of heat-related advisories:
• Heat Advisory —Tied to events where Heat Risk output is on the orange/red (Level 2- 3) thresholds (orange will not be an automatic heat advisory). • Excessive Heat Watch/Warning — Tied to events where Heat Risk output is on the red/magenta (Level 3-4) thresholds.

The NWS will issue an excessive heat watch generally two to three days in advance. An excessive heat watch is a way to give the public and emergency officials a warning that extreme temperatures are expected. If significantly hot temperatures remain in the forecast for 24 to 28 hours, the excessive heat watch will be upgraded to an excessive heat warning, indicating that extreme heat has either arrived or is expected soon.

In Alameda County, although the summers are hot, the combination of high temperature and high humidity that is the requirement for the National Weather Service to declare a heat emergency is relatively rare.

According to a study published by the University of Berkely, California’s Department of Earth and Planetary Science, the over 300 existing heat indices used around the world by scientists to notify the public of extreme heat do not adequately communicate t he physiological risk to the human body. Many indices are not triggered due to lack of humidity, despite high temperatures. The varying criteria for a heat advisory endangers lives as people underestimate their overall risk. As climate change continues to cause record -breaking temperatures, scientists need to adjust indices to clearly and accurately communicate the dangers of extreme heat on any given day.

Worst -Case Scenario
High Wind
The worst-case scenario occurred in Alameda County in 1991 when the Tunnel Fire spread rapidly due to high winds. This fire was known for producing a firestorm - a phenomenon in which the fire generates its own weather. The intense heat created powerful winds that, City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Severe Weather Black & Veatch 13-27
combined with an already gusty day, rapidly fueled the fire’s spread. Winds blew in excess of 65 miles per hour and temperatures hit record high s into the nineties. Drought -stricken brush and freeze -damaged trees provided fuel for the already dire fire conditions. The fire burned over 1,500 acres within an area of 5.25 square miles, destroyed 3,810 dwelling units, killed 25, and left 150 injured. More than 10,000 people were evacuated and over $1 billion in damage was caused.

Extreme Heat
Extreme heat events are expected to increase in frequency in California, including the Bay Area. Increased temperatures will affect human health, public health systems, and the energy grid. The number of extreme heat days in the Bay Area may increase from the 1960- 1990 average of three to four events per year to an average of seven between 2035-2064 and an average of 15 between 2070 and 2099 (City of San Francisco 2023) This will increase the likelihood of heat-related illness and death, especially among the poor, the elderly and the very young.

13.1.4 Previous Occurrences
The following sections provide a review of previous severe weather occurrences in Alameda County which may or may not have had impacts within the City of Oakland.

Declarations
Federal Declarations
Between 1954 and 2025, the federal government declared that Alameda County experienced one disaster (DR) related to severe weather (wind or heat) (FEMA 2025).

Table 13-4. Federal Disaster Declarations for Severe Weather Event name Disaster Number Declaration Date
Severe winter storms, straight-
line winds, flooding, landslides,
and mudslides
DR-4699-CA, EM-3591
(consolidated into DR-4683)
April 4, 2023
Source: (FEMA 2025)
State Proclamations
Between 1954 and 2025, California included Alameda County in four state-proclaimed severe weather disasters (Cal OES 2025).

Table 13-5. State Disaster Proclamations for Severe Weather Event Name Disaster Number Proclamation Date
January 2017 Storms 2017-01 January 23, 2017
Late January 2017
Storms
2017-02 February 10, 2017
February 2017 Storms 2017-03 March 7, 2017
2022-2023 Early
Winter Storms
2023-01 January 4, 2023
Sources: (State of California 2023) (Cal OES 2025)
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USDA Declarations
Between 2012 and 2025, the USDA included Alameda County in nine declarations relating to severe weather (USDA 2025).

Table 13-6. USDA Declarations for Severe Weather
Event name Disaster Number Declaration Date
Wind, heat, excessive heat, fire,
wildfire, insects, drought
S3547 July 3, 2013
Wind, heat, excessive heat, fire,
wildfire, insects, drought
S3558 July 31, 2013
Wind, heat, excessive heat, fire,
wildfire, insects, drought
S3569 August 21, 2013
Wind, heat, excessive heat, fire,
wildfire, insects, drought
S3784 February 4, 2015
Wind, heat, excessive heat, fire,
wildfire, insects, drought
S3952 February 17, 2016
Excessive rain, hail, wind S4164 March 31, 2016
Excessive rain, hail, winds,
below-normal temperature
S4170 April 28, 2017
Excessive rain S4237 October 13, 2017
Heat, excessive heat S5353 January 13, 2022
Source: (USDA 2025)
Recent Events
For the 2026 LHMP update, severe weather events that impacted the City of Oakland since January 2000 are listed in the table below. For events prior to January 2000, refer to the 2021 LHMP.

Table 13-7. Recent Severe Weather Events Impacting the City of Oakland Date(s) of
Event
Event
Type
FEMA / State
Declaration
Number (if
applicable)
Alameda
County
included in
declaration? Description
June 14,
2000
Excessive
Heat
N/A N/A This unusual early summer record breaking
heat wave was responsible for 10 deaths in the
Bay Area and a large number of heat-related
injuries. Temperature of 103 degrees in San
Francisco tied the record high temperature.

High temperature caused overloading of
power resources and rolling blackouts were
implemented to keep the power system from
exceeding capacity, so many people lost
power for a period during the heat.

December
18, 2000
High
Winds
N/A N/A A gust of 71 mph was reported at the Oakland
North Remote Automated Weather Station in
Contra Costa County. Power to over 2500
customers was lost due to trees blowing into
power lines. Three cars were crushed by two
trees falling into the road in the Broadway
Terrace neighborhood. Trees blown down
across Highway 13 and the entry ramp to I-580
snarled traffic.

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Date(s) of
Event
Event
Type
FEMA / State
Declaration
Number (if
applicable)
Alameda
County
included in
declaration? Description
January 25,
2001
High
Winds
N/A N/A A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for
only the second time in 25 years for the San
Francisco Bay Area. No severe thunderstorms
were reported, but rotation was noted near
Richmond. There was damage from mainly
strong gradient winds and lightning strikes. A
number of trees were downed, causing power
outages in the Bay Area.

November
7, 2002
High
Winds
N/A N/A For a three-day period starting on November
7, rainfall totaling 2 to 5 inches fell across the
North Bay counties. Many trees and branches
were down, blocking roads and interrupting
power. Winds also blew down power poles and
lines. As many as 1 million homes were without
power at one time. A number of trees fell on
homes and automobiles. Total damage to the
area was estimated at $2.5 million.

December
14, 2003
High
Winds
N/A N/A High winds hit the Bay Area with winds
gusting to 62 mph at Las Trampas in the East
Bay Hills, causing thousands of power outages.

February
17, 2004
High
Winds
N/A N/A Strong winter storm produced a 74 mph wind
gust on Kregor Peak in the East Bay Hills.

January 19,
2010
High
Winds
N/A N/A High winds hit the Bay Area with winds
gusting to 62 mph that caused power outages.

February
15, 2011
High
Winds
N/A N/A High winds hit the Bay Area with winds
gusting to 60 mph and caused an estimated
$150,000 in damage.

April 8,
2013
High
Winds
N/A N/A Strong and gusty northwest winds impacted
the Bay Area, resulting in downed trees,
downed power lines, and broken windows. The
wind gusts were in excess of 35 mph with a
few locations over 60 mph.

May 1, 2013 High
Winds
N/A N/A Strong northeast winds which gusted up to 62
mph led to critical fire weather conditions.

October
27, 2013
High
Winds
N/A N/A Strong and gusty northwest winds up to 45
mph impacted the Bay Area resulting in
downed trees, downed power lines, toppled
scaffolding, and blown over tractor trailers.

October
24, 2016
High
Winds
N/A N/A Moderately strong winds occurred across the
region and caused an 80-foot tree to topple
over in a neighboring county.

January 3,
2017
High
Winds
2017-01 Yes The first in a series of three atmospheric river events between January 2 and January 10.

Strong winds, flooding, and debris flows
occurred throughout this event.

January 7,
2017
High
Winds
2017-02 Yes Potent atmospheric river brought heavy rain, strong southerly winds, and storm surge
issues. This atmospheric river followed a
normal to slightly above normal 3 month
period, meaning the grounds were saturated.

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Date(s) of
Event
Event
Type
FEMA / State
Declaration
Number (if
applicable)
Alameda
County
included in
declaration? Description
A tree fell on a woman in the East Bay Interior
Valleys region, resulting in her death.

February
6-7, 2017
High
Winds
2017-03 Yes An atmospheric river swept through the Bay
Area beginning on the night of February 6.

This system produced widespread roadway
flooding, debris flows, and strong winds
gusting over 50 knots.

June 10-11,
2019
Excessive
Heat
N/A N/A Multiple daily records were broken, and
multiple power outages were reported due to
the heat. More than 50,000 people across the
region lost power. One man died as a direct
result of heat related illness and two others
drowned while attempting to cool down. Hot
temperatures and dry grass resulted in a
vegetation fire that spread to a residence.

August 14,
2020
Excessive
Heat
N/A N/A A prolonged heat wave swept the Central
Coast and Bay Area for almost a week with
widespread record-breaking temperatures.

Multiple days of triple digit afternoon highs
were recorded inland with some coastal
locations reaching the mid-90s.

September
7-8, 2020
Excessive
Heat
N/A N/A Numerous high temperature records were
broken. Temperatures breached 110 degrees
across the interior with 90s along the coast.

Offshore winds increased flaring up some of
the wildfires that had been ignited during
August’s lightning storm. These winds also
enabled smoke from various wildfires across
the state to blanket much of the Bay Area.

January 19,
2021
Strong
Wind
N/A N/A A rare wintertime offshore wind event affected
the Greater Bay Area in mid to late January. It
was unusual given the long duration and wide
area coverage as well as the time of year.

Lower elevations were notably in excess of 40
mph. These winds resulted in tree damage,
downed trees, and downed powerlines
causing power outages.

March 21,
2023
Strong
Wind
N/A N/A A rapidly intensifying cyclone brought high
winds to the region. A High Wind Warning was
issued for the San Mateo Peninsula Coast, the
Santa Cruz Mountains, and the Central Coast.

In addition, a couple of Severe Thunderstorm
Warnings were issued in light of the expected
extreme winds for the Monterey and Santa
Cruz areas. Over 110,000 customers lost power
throughout the Bay Area and Santa Cruz
County as a result of the cyclone.

A tree fell on an unhoused man in his tent
near Lake Merritt in Oakland. Authorities
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Date(s) of
Event
Event
Type
FEMA / State
Declaration
Number (if
applicable)
Alameda
County
included in
declaration? Description
pronounced him dead on the scene. A tree fell
onto a white van traveling eastbound near the
area of Alpine Road and La Cuesta Drive just
west of Interstate 280 in Portola Valley. CHP
responded to the scene at 1:34 PM, cleared
some large branches, and found a man dead
inside. Alpine Road was closed west of
Interstate 280 in both directions.

April 3,
2023
Straight-
line
Winds
DR-4699-CA,
EM-3591
(consolidated
into DR-
4683)
Yes Strong winds, tornadoes, and heavy flooding
brought landslides, downed trees and left
residents stranded.

Sources: (FEMA 2025); (NOAA 2025); (Cal OES 2025)Future Conditions Future hazard conditions, including frequency and severity of future events, are discussed in the sections below.

Probability
High Wind
The City regularly experiences extreme wind events, especially when Diablo winds occur. The Diablo winds (or North winds) are strong, dry downslope winds most frequent in October with a declining frequency trend from November to June and minimum occurrence in the summer (McClung and Mass 2020). Based on historic events and projected conditions, there is a high probability of occurrence of at least one high wind event in the Planning Area every year.

Extreme Heat
Extreme heat events are becoming significantly more likely and intense in the Bay Area due to climate change, with projections showing major jumps in heat wave frequency and more "hot days", even in traditionally mild coastal areas, pushing temperatures an d risks far beyond historical norms. Based on recent events and projected conditions, there is a high probability of occurrence of at least one extreme heat event in the Planning Area each year.

Climate Change
High Wind
The Bay Area’s largest winter storms will likely become more intense, and potentially more damaging, in the coming decades (California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment 2018). It is uncertain whether high wind events are becoming more or less frequent under a changing climate. However, impacts from climate change are increasing the intensity and frequence of wildfires which spread quickly by high winds.

Extreme Heat
According to California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment, the San Francisco Bay Area average annual maximum temperature increased by 1.7°F (0.95 °C) from 1950 to 2005. Even City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Severe Weather Black & Veatch 13-32
with substantial global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the coming decades, the Bay Area will likely see a significant increase in temperature by mid-century. By the end of the century, the dif ference between lower and higher global emissions scenarios will make a major difference in how much Bay Area temperatures rise. While all parts of the Bay Area are projected to get warmer, inland areas will heat up more than coastal areas.

Warming near the coast will be affected by changes in fog and sea breeze, but the influence of climate change on these highly localized features of the Bay Area climate is poorly understood at this time (California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment 2018).

Potential Future Impacts
High Wind
According to population projections by the California Department of Finance, Alameda County’s population is expected to increase to 1.84 million by 2050. This represents an 11.5 percent increase from the 2025 population of 1.65 million (California Department of Finance 2025). While the City is mostly built out, redevelopment may increase the population and structural value exposed to high wind. Redevelopment creates an opportunity to build to a higher code. The City will be well-equipped to manage development with its building code, and the Safety Element of its General Plan.

Extreme Heat
Extreme heat events may increase power grid vulnerabilities as the population increases.

13.2 VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT

13.2.1 Summary of Vulnerability
The entirety of the City of Oakland is considered vulnerable to severe weather. To assess the City’s risk to the severe weather hazard, a qualitative assessment was conducted to analyze the severe weather hazard for the City.

13.2.2 Impact on Life, Health, and Safety
The entire population of the City of Oakland is exposed and vulnerable to the severe weather hazard.

High Wind
The impact of high wind events on life, health, and safety depends on several factors, including the severity of the event and whether adequate warning time was provided to residents. Downed trees, flying debris, and structural failures from high wind events can lead Local Plan Requirement B1 – 44 CFR Part 201.6(c)(2)(ii) The plan must include a description of the jurisdiction’s vulnerability to the hazards of concern and include an overall summary of the hazard’s impact on the community. The impacts need to include the types and numbers of existing and future buildings, infrastructure, and critical facilities located in the hazard areas, and estimate of potential dollar losses to vulnerable structures, and a description of land uses and development trends.

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to injuries, widespread power outages, disruption to transportation systems, and damage to homes and businesses.

Extreme Heat
Extreme heat events have potential health impacts including injury and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), populations most at risk to extreme heat events include the following: 1) people, especially children, with asthma; 2) People with heart disease; 3) pregnant women; 4) people 65 years of age or older ; 5) the general public who may overexert during work or exercise during extreme heat events; and 6) people who are working or exercising outside in the heat or lack air conditioning (CDC, Heat Health 2024).

Severe weather events disproportionately affect the socially vulnerable populations and may exacerbate existing inequality.

High Wind
Economically disadvantaged people are at high risk for high wind events because of the potential inability to afford up -to-code homes and buildings that are deemed safe from storms passing through.

Extreme Heat
Groups, such as the elderly, children, and those with pre -existing health conditions, are at higher risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. The Equity Priority Communities, largely located around sources of pollution, often have higher rates of health conditions such as asthma. Households lacking air conditioning or which cannot afford to run their air conditioning are also vulnerable.

Table 13-8. Estimated Number of Equity Priority Community Members Exposed to Severe Weather Sub-Areas
Equity Priority
Community
Thresholds1
EPC Population
Exposed2
% of Total
Population
Exposed to the
Hazard3
Central East Oakland 91-100 34,939 33.1%
81-90 23,907 22.6%
≤80 25,659 24.3%
Coliseum/Airport 91-100 4,879 100.0%
81-90 0 0%
≤80 0 0%
Downtown 91-100 0 0%
81-90 0 0%
≤80 15,144 70.1%
East Oakland Hills 91-100 0 0%
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Sub-Areas
Equity Priority
Community
Thresholds1
EPC Population
Exposed2
% of Total
Population
Exposed to the
Hazard3
81-90 0 0%
≤80 0 0%
Eastlake/Fruitvale 91-100 17,933 17.7%
81-90 13,346 13.2%
≤80 17,531 17.3%
Glenview/ Redwood Heights 91-100 0 0%
81-90 0 0%
≤80 0 0%
North Oakland Hills 91-100 0 0%
81-90 0 0%
≤80 0 0%
North Oakland/Adams Point 91-100 0 0%
81-90 0 0%
≤80 20,378 23.9%
West Oakland 91-100 2,553 7.8%
81-90 8,882 27.2%
≤80 20,979 64.3%
Totals 91-100 60,304 13.7%
81-90 46,135 10.5%
≤80 99,691 22.6%
Source: (City of Oakland 2023)
Notes: (1) These thresholds are determined by the City of Oakland to be the most burdened communities in the City in the General Plan EJ Element.
(2) Population, by census tract, within the EPC threshold exposed to the hazard. (3) EPC population exposed compared with total population in sub area.

13.2.3 Impact on General Building Stock
All buildings are exposed to the severe weather hazard.

High Wind
With high winds, damages are dependent on factors including wind speed, storm duration, and path of the storm track. Building construction also plays a major role in the extent of damage resulting from a severe weather event. Due to differences in construction, residential structures are generally more susceptible to wind damage than commercial and industrial structures. Wood and masonry buildings, in general, regardless of their occupancy class, tend to experience more damage than concrete or steel buildings. Furthermore, high- rise buildings are also very vulnerable structures as wind speed normally increases with height above ground level.

Extreme Heat
While extreme heat generally does not impact buildings, elevated temperatures increase the energy demand for cooling. Losses can be associated with the overheating of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

To summarize the potential impacts to the general building stock, the table below provides loss estimates, by percentage, of the replacement cost value.

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Table 13-9. General Building Stock Replacement Cost Values Sub-Area
Total
Buildings
Total
Replacement
Cost Value 10% of RCV 30% of RCV 50% of RCV
Central East
Oakland
22,271 $17,986,229,601 $1,798,622,960.10 $3,597,245,920.20 $8,993,114,800.50 Coliseum/Airport 1,229 $5,646,390,094 $564,639,009.40 $1,129,278,018.80 $2,823,195,047.00 Downtown 5,087 $21,475,904,408 $2,147,590,440.80 $4,295,180,881.60 $10,737,952,204.00 East Oakland
Hills
10,993 $8,434,796,515 $843,479,651.50 $1,686,959,303.00 $4,217,398,257.50 Eastlake/Fruitvale 17,046 $20,713,824,637 $2,071,382,463.70 $4,142,764,927.40 $10,356,912,318.50 Glenview/
Redwood
Heights
11,192 $7,699,736,380 $769,973,638.00 $1,539,947,276.00 $3,849,868,190.00 North Oakland
Hills
10,125 $9,022,389,851 $902,238,985.10 $1,804,477,970.20 $4,511,194,925.50 North Oakland/
Adams Point
21,103 $26,981,073,354 $2,698,107,335.40 $5,396,214,670.80 $13,490,536,677.00 West Oakland 6,497 $11,010,987,509 $1,101,098,750.90 $2,202,197,501.80 $5,505,493,754.50 Total 105,543 128,971,332,346 $12,897,133,234.60 $25,794,266,469.20 $64,485,666,173.00

13.2.4 Impact on Community Lifelines
All community lifelines within the City of Oakland are vulnerable to the direct and cascading impacts from severe weather events . Community lifelines that lack backup power generation capabilities are especially vulnerable.

High Wind
Facilities located near trees or power lines that are likely to fall are vulnerable. Roads and other transportation infrastructure could be blocked by downed trees or other debris.

Extreme Heat
Facilities used as cooling centers that do not have redundant power will not be able to provide services to the community during a PSPS event. Hospitals may be overwhelmed with patients suffering from heat -related illnesses and have diminished capacity to adequately care for other emergencies.

13.2.5 Impact on the Economy
Severe weather events can have short - and long -
lasting impacts on the City’s economy. Property
damage can be extensive to homes, businesses, and
infrastructure which can be costly to repair or replace.

These events can also disrupt local businesses due to
power outages and infrastructure damage, leading to
lost revenue. Overall, economic impacts include the
loss of business function (e.g., tourism, recreation), damage to inventory, relocation costs, wage loss, and rental loss due to the repair/replacement of buildings (NOAA n.d.).

Extreme winds can cause damage to structure and infrastructure resulting in significant repair or construction costs. Businesses may temporarily close if power is lost due to a wind event. Extreme heat events also have impacts on the economy, including loss of business function from power interruption and damage to and loss of inventory. Business-owners can According to FEMA’s National Risk
Index, Alameda County’s expected
annual losses from the following
severe weather events include:
• Heat Wave - $1.3 million
• Strong Wind - $20,036
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be faced with increased financial burdens due to unexpected repairs caused to the building (e.g., higher than normal utility bills, or business interruption due to power failure (i.e., loss of electricity, telecommunications).

Impacts on transportation lifelines affect both short -term (e.g., evacuation activities) and long-term (e.g., day -to-day commuting and goods transport) transportation needs. Utility infrastructure (power lines, gas lines, electrical systems) could suffer damage , and impacts can result in the loss of power, which can impact business operations and can impact heating or cooling provision to the population. Direct building losses are the estimated costs to repair or replace the damage caused to the building. T his is reported in the “Impact on General Building Stock” section discussed earlier. Business interruption losses are the losses associated with the inability to operate a business because of the wind damage sustained during the storm or the temporary livi ng expenses for those displaced from their home because of the event.

13.2.6 Impact on Historic and Cultural Resources
Historic structures and cultural resources are often not designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. High winds can cause substantial damage to these resources, leading to costly repairs or retrofits that must preserve the integrity and character of the original design.

Extreme heat poses additional risks. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures accelerates material degradation, making preservation efforts more challenging and expensive. Heat can cause building materials such as wood, stone, and metal to expand and contra ct, resulting in cracks, warping, and structural weakening over time. These impacts threaten the long-term stability and authenticity of historic and cultural assets.

13.2.7 Impact on Ecosystems and Natural Resources
Natural resources are highly vulnerable to extreme winds. Natural areas and parks may experience damage to trees and other plants. Extreme heat may cause rises in water temperatures, affecting fish populations and altering their distribution and breeding patterns. This can impact commercial and recreational fishing industries. Change in extreme temperatures can force species to migra te to cooler areas, disrupting existing ecosystems and potentially leading to the decline or extinction of species unable to adapt or move.

13.3 MITIGATION OPPORTUNITIES
Table 13-10 presents a range of potential opportunities for mitigating the severe weather hazard.

Table 13-10. Potential Opportunities to Mitigate the Severe Weather Hazard Community Scale Organizational Scale Government Scale
Manipulate the Hazard
• Plant trees to create
shade in urban areas.
• Remove concrete and
other hard surfaces and
• Plant trees in urban
areas experiencing
urban heat island
effects or with below
• Plant trees in urban areas experiencing
urban heat island effects or with below
average tree canopy coverage
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Severe Weather Black & Veatch 13-37
Community Scale Organizational Scale Government Scale
replace them with native
vegetation.
average tree canopy
coverage
• Remove concrete and
other hard surfaces and
replace them with
native vegetation
• Remove concrete and other hard
surfaces and replace them with native
vegetation
Reduce Exposure and Vulnerability
• Provide redundant power
• Plant appropriate trees
near home and power
lines (“Right tree, right
place” National Arbor Day
Foundation Program)
• Insulate residential and
non-residential
structures to provide
greater thermal
efficiency
• Provide redundant power
sources
• Get air conditioning
installed
• Relocate critical
infrastructure (such as
power lines)
underground
• Reinforce or relocate
critical infrastructure
such as power lines to
meet performance
expectations
• Install tree wire in place
of bare power lines
• Provide cooling centers
for employees
• Install “cool roofs” and
“green roofs.”
• Harden infrastructure such as locating
utilities underground
• Trim trees back from power lines
• Install “cool roofs,” “green roofs,” and
other green infrastructure
• Use the best available technology to
enhance the warning systems for all
severe weather events
Build Local Capacity
• Trim or remove trees that
could affect power lines
• Promote 72-hour self-
sufficiency
• Obtain a NOAA weather
radio
• Obtain an emergency
generator
• Trim or remove trees
that could affect power
lines
• Create redundancy
• Equip facilities with a
NOAA weather radio
• Equip vital facilities
with emergency power
sources
• Increase communication alternatives
• Enhance public awareness campaigns
to address actions to take during
extreme heat events
• Coordinate severe weather warning
capabilities and the dissemination of
warning among agencies with the
highest degree of capability
• Modify land use and environmental
regulations to support vegetation
management activities that improve
reliability in utility corridors
• Modify landscape and other ordinances
to encourage appropriate planting near
overhead power, cable, and phone lines
• Provide NOAA weather radios to the
public
• Review and update heat response plan
in light of climate change projections
• Promote programs that support
community-scale microgrids
• Evaluate and revise, as needed, building
codes to address and mitigate extreme
heat impacts on residents
• Green roofs can be up to 40 °F cooler
than typical roofs and reduce
community temperatures by up to 5 °F.

They can reduce building air
conditioning costs by up to 75 percent.

Green roofs provide benefits up to $14
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Severe Weather Black & Veatch 13-38
Community Scale Organizational Scale Government Scale
more per square foot than traditional
roofs
• Tree can lower surface temperatures by
providing shade and through
evapotranspiration, which can reduce
peak local summer temperatures by 2
ºF to 9° F. Shady areas can be between
20 ºF and 45 °F cooler than sunny areas,
providing safe resting places outside. A
study found cities see benefits
equivalent to $1.50 to $3 for every $1
invested in tree planting
• The Planting of native plants—
including along parking lots, streets,
and in yards—can provide cooling
effects. Vertical gardens, also referred to
as green or living walls, involve planting
on walls to provide shade for buildings.

This helps to cool the building and
surrounding area
• Any solutions that convert built
environments to natural environments
such as forests, wetlands, and
vegetation can aid in lowering
temperatures. Natural environments
and green vegetation provide more
shade, moisture, and evaporation than
built environments, all of which help
reduce temperatures. These systems
sequester carbon, helping to minimize
future warming

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Tsunami/Seiche Black & Veatch 14-1

14. TSUNAMI/SEICHE

14.1 HAZARD PROFILE

14.1.1 Description of the Hazard
Defining the Hazard
A tsunami is a series of high -energy waves that radiate outward like pond ripples from an area where a generating event occurs, arriving at shorelines over an extended period.

Tsunamis can be induced by earthquakes, landslides and submarine volcanic explosions.

Figure 14-1. Common Sources of Tsunamis
A seiche is a resonant, side-to-side movement of water in a closed or mostly closed body of water such as the San Francisco Bay or Lake Merrit.

Cause of the Hazard
Tsunamis are typically classified as local or distant, depending on the location of their source in comparison to where waves occur:
• The waves nearest to the generating source represent a local tsunami. Such events have minimal warning time, leaving few options except to run to high ground after a strong, prolonged local earthquake. Damage from the tsunami adds to damage from the triggering earthquake due to ground shaking, surface faulting, liquefaction, and landslides.
• The waves far from the generating source represent a distant tsunami. Distant tsunamis may travel for hours before striking a coastline, giving a community a chance to implement evacuation plans if a warning is received.

In the open ocean, a tsunami may be only a few inches or feet high, but it can travel with speeds approaching 600 miles per hour. As a tsunami enters the shoaling waters near a coastline, its speed diminishes, its wavelength decreases, and its height increases greatly. At the shoreline, tsunamis may take the form of a fast -rising tide, a cresting wave, or a bore (a large, turbulent wall-like wave). The bore phenomenon resembles a step-like change in the Local Plan Requirement B1 – 44 CFR Part 201.6(c)(2)(i)
Include a description of the type, location, and extent for the identified hazards of concern and include information on previous occurrences of hazard events and the probability of future hazard events.

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water level that advances rapidly (from 10 to 60 miles per hour). The first wave is usually followed by several larger and more destructive waves.

The configuration of the coastline, the shape of the ocean floor, and the characteristics of advancing waves play important roles in the destructiveness of the waves. Bays, sounds, inlets, rivers, streams, offshore canyons, islands, and flood control channels may cause various effects that alter the level of damage. Offshore canyons can focus tsunami wave energy, and islands can filter the energy. It has been estimated that a tsunami wave entering a flood control channel could reach a mile or more inland, especially if it enters at high tide.

The orientation of the coastline determines whether the waves strike head -on or are refracted from other parts of the coastline. A wave may be small at one point on a coast and much larger at other points.

A seiche is a resonant, side-to-side movement of water in a closed or mostly closed body of water such as Lake Merrit or the San Francisco Bay. It can be caused by a number of factors, but all feature resonance where the acting force is more or less in time with the natural sloshing frequency of the body of water. The USGS defines a seiche as the sloshing of a closed body of water from earthquake shaking. Unlike tsunamis, which are created by the sudden uplift of the sea floor, seismic seiches are standing waves set up on rivers, reservoirs, ponds, and lakes when seismic waves from an earthquake pass through the area.

Summary of Potential Impacts
The Safety Element of the Oakland General Plan describes the following risks to Oakland from tsunamis (City of Oakland 2023):
[…] tsunamis have not been a major problem in Alameda County or most of the Bay Area and have resulted in insignificant damage. Further, the hazard in the bay is much smaller than along the Pacific Coast, as the bay is an enclosed body of water.

From 1812 to 2000, NOAA recorded 22 tsunamis in the Bay Area.

Flooding from tsunamis would affect low -lying areas along San Francisco Bay and the Oakland Estuary, especially filled areas that are only a few feet above sea level.

Areas that could be flooded with several feet of water include the Bay Bridge landing, the outer and middle harbor of the Port of Oakland’s seaport, the San Leandro Bay shoreline (including Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline) and the Oakland International Airport’s shoreline. Areas along the inner harbor, Brooklyn Basin and the tidal c hannel would be sheltered by the island of Alameda. The likelihood of large-scale devastation in Oakland resulting from tsunamis appears to be small, especially as there would usually be several hours to evacuate residents and undertake other emergency preparations for most tsunamis approaching the coast.

Despite this small risk, there are portions Oakland, particularly along the shoreline, that are within a Tsunami Hazard Area, areas mapped by the California Department of Conservation that could be exposed to tsunami hazards during a tsunami event.

The Safety Element of the City of Oakland General Plan includes the following language related to seiche:
[…] Unlike tsunamis, which are created by the sudden uplift of the sea floor, seismic seiches are standing waves that occur when an earthquake passes through the area.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Tsunami/Seiche Black & Veatch 14-3
In Oakland, the only threat of large -scale damage from seiches appears to come from downstream flooding that would be caused by large volumes of water overtopping a dam or reservoir. Thus, the likelihood of large -scale devastation in Oakland resulting from seiches is minimal.

Cascading Hazard Impacts
Flooding from tsunamis would affect low -lying areas along San Francisco Bay and the Oakland Estuary, especially filled areas that are only a few feet above sea level . Areas that could be flooded with several feet of water include the Bay Bridge landing, the outer and middle harbor of the Port of Oakland’s seaport, the San Leandro Bay shoreline (including Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline) , West Oakland, and the Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport’s shoreline. Areas along the inner harbor, Brooklyn Ba sin and the tidal channel would be sheltered by the island of Alameda. The likelihood of large -scale devastation in Oakland resulting from tsunamis appears to be small, especially as there would usually be ample time to evacuate residents at risk.

14.1.2 Location
Low lying areas that are only a few feet above sea -level along the San Francisco Bay and Oakland Estuary are at highest risk. Most of the Alameda County coastline is in the tsunami inundation area, including the City of Oakland. Figure 14-1 shows the extent and the location of the tsunami inundation areas based on mapping that was prepared by California Department of Conservation in cooperation with the University of Southern California, California Geological Survey, and California Emergency Management Agency. This map does not represent risk from a single event but shows a composite area of risk that combines the inundation areas from a number of local and distant potential sources, inclu ding the Cascadia subduction zone, the Central Aleutians Island subduction zone, historical earthquake events, and other sources (City of Oakland 2021).

The inundation areas represent the maximum considered tsunami runup from a number of extreme, yet realistic, tsunami sources. The tsunami hazard zone is mostly influenced by a major earthquake directly off the coast of the Pacific Northwest ; however, distant sources can result in notable wave run ups. Additional tsunami mapping information is available from the California Department of Conservation and the Redwood Coast Tsunami Work Group (City of Oakland 2021).

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Tsunami/Seiche Black & Veatch 14-4

Figure 14-2. Tsunami Inundation Areas in the City of Oakland

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Tsunami/Seiche Black & Veatch 14-5

14.1.3 Extent
Tsunamis are a threat to life and property to anyone living near the ocean. From 1950 to 2025, 87 tsunamis were recorded in the United States. Nine of these events caused a total of 150 fatalities (NOAA 2025). Historically, tsunamis originating in the northern Pacific and along the west coast of South America have caused more damage on the west coast of the United States than tsunamis originating in Japan and the Southwest Pacific. A tsunami’s size and speed, as well as the coastal area’s form and depth, affect the impact of the tsunami.

Measuring Intensity
Tsunamis can be measured in terms of wave height, number of waves, and area inundated.

Warning Time
Tsunamis are difficult to detect in the open ocean; as their waves are generally less than 3 feet high. However, the cause of a tsunami (e.g., earthquake, landslide) and its distance from the coast can be used to determine the warning time (Cal OES 2023) . The first visible indication of an approaching tsunami may be either a rise or drop in water surface levels (NTHMP 2001):
• A drop in water level (draw down) can be caused by the trough preceding the advancing, large inbound wave crest. Rapid drawdown can create strong currents in harbor inlets and channels that can severely damage coastal structures due to erosive scour around piers and pilings. As the water’s surface drops, piers can be damaged by boats or ships straining at or breaking their mooring lines. The vessels can overturn or sink due to strong currents, collisions with other objects, or impact with the harbor bottom.
• The advancing tsunami may initially arrive as a strong surge increasing the sea level.

This can be similar to the rising tide, but the tsunami surge rises faster and does not stop at the shoreline. The strength of the accompanying surge can be deadly. Wais t- high surges can cause strong currents that float cars, small structures, other debris, and hazardous materials. Boats and debris are often carried inland by the surge and left stranded when the water recedes.

The National Tsunami Warning Center serves the continental United States, Alaska and Canada and is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The main mission of the warning center is to help protect life and property from tsunamis. To do this, warning center staff monitor for tsunamis and the earthquakes that may cause them, forecast tsunami impacts, issue tsunami messages, conduct public outreach and coordinate with partners to continually improve warning operations (NWS n.d.).

Tsunami warnings are issued by the National Tsunami Warning Center under the ANCTSUAT1 and ANCTSUATE products. The TSUAT1 product is a tabular formatted product that contains technical details of the tsunami including location, magnitude and forecasted arrival time(s). The TSUATE product is a narrative styled product that will contain the same warning/watch information as the TSUAT1 product, but presented in a less technical style suitable for the general public (NWS 2025).

Potential notifications are as follows (NOAA NWS 2024):

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Tsunami/Seiche Black & Veatch 14-6
• Tsunami Information Statement —A tsunami information statement is issued to specific recipients when an earthquake or tsunami has occurred. In most cases, information statements are issued to indicate the threat of a destructive basin-wide tsunami does not exist, in order to prevent unnecessary evacuations. • Tsunami Watch —A tsunami watch is typically issued for the California coastline when a tsunami may later impact the watch area.
• Tsunami Advisory —A tsunami watch is upgraded to a tsunami advisory if tsunami wave heights are forecast to be 0.3 meters to less than 1 meter. • Tsunami Warning —A tsunami watch is upgraded to a tsunami warning if tsunami wave heights are forecast to be 1 meter or larger.

The National Tsunami Warning Center will cancel/expire watches, warnings, or advisories if tide gauges and buoys indicate no significant tsunami was generated or if tsunami waves no longer meet the criteria for at least 3 hours. Local agencies may then iss ue all -clear messages based on observed local conditions.

This system is not considered to be effective for communities close to the tsunami source, because the first wave would arrive before the data could be processed and analyzed, and communications systems may be affected by the precipitating event. In this c ase, strong ground shaking would provide the first warning of a potential tsunami, and evacuations should begin immediately.

Sirens in Oakland
The City of Oakland has 25 sirens strategically placed through Oakland to alert community members of an emergency. These sirens produce different sounds to tell you how to stay safe during the emergency (City of Oakland 2025).
• If you hear a steady tone, you should shelter in place. • If you hear a slow wail tone, there might be a tsunami. • If you hear a fast wail tone, there might be a wildfire.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Tsunami/Seiche Black & Veatch 14-7

Figure 14-3. Emergency Siren Locations in Oakland
Worst -Case Scenario
The worst-case scenario for the planning area is a local tsunami or seiche event originating in the San Francisco Bay triggered by a seismic event. This can occur anytime, and the series of floodwater waves can carry damaging debris and cause environmental impacts.

14.1.4 Previous Occurrences
The following sections provide a review of previous tsunami/seiche occurrences impacting the City of Oakland.

Declarations
Federal Declarations
Between 1954 and 2025, FEMA has not included Alameda County in any tsunami -related disasters (DR) or emergencies (EM) (FEMA 2025).

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Tsunami/Seiche Black & Veatch 14-8
State Proclamations
Between 1962 and 2025, the State of California did not issue any emergency proclamations for tsunami-related events for Alameda County (Cal OES 2025).

USDA Declarations
There have been no USDA declarations for tsunami/seiche for Alameda County (USDA 2025).

Significant Events
California has been impacted by numerous tsunami events. In 1859, a tsunami generated by an earthquake in Northern California generated 15 -foot wave heights near Half Moon Bay.

The 1868 earthquake on the Hayward Fault is reported to have created a local tsunami in the San Francisco Bay. In 1960, Pacifica experienced high water resulting from a Magnitude-9.5 earthquake off the coast of Chile. The tsunami generated by a 1964 Alaskan earthquake caused wave heights of 10 to 23 feet off the Coast of Northern Cal ifornia, Oregon, and Washington. Eleven people were killed in Crescent City as a result of this tsunami. Along the coast of San Francisco, Marin, and Sonoma Counties, maximum wave heights of about 4 feet were recorded, and no significant damage was experie nced. The 2011 Japan earthquake generated a Pacific-wide tsunami that significantly impacted the Santa Cruz area, causing over $100 million in damage, flooding the harbor where boats were tossed and docks damaged, closing beaches, and leading to two fatali ties as surges inundated the coast. On January 15, 2022, the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano created a tsunami that impacted the entire Pacific Ocean basin and was the largest tsunami to impact California, with 1.42-meter waves in Santa Cruz, since 2011.

Recent Events
For the 2026 LHMP update, tsunami events that impacted the City of Oakland since January 2020 are listed in the table below. For events prior to January 2020, refer to the 2021 LHMP.

Table 14-1. Recent Tsunami Events Impacting the City of Oakland Date(s) of
Event
Event
Type
FEMA / State
Declaration
Number (if
applicable)
Alameda
County
included in
declaration? Description
December
5, 2024
Earthquake
(M7.0)
- - An M7.0 earthquake offshore of Cape
Mendocino, CA caused three runups
measuring up to 0.09 meters. There were
no reports of damages associated with
this event. The City issued alerts using the
tsunami siren system.

Source: (NOAA-NCEI 2025); (FEMA 2025); (Cal OES 2025)

14.1.5 Future Conditions
Future hazard conditions, including frequency and severity of future events, are discussed in the sections below.

Probability
The 22 tsunami events known to have impacted Alameda County and the City of Oakland over 170 years amount to a tsunami event every 7.8 years on average. Most of these events City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Tsunami/Seiche Black & Veatch 14-9
were minor (3 feet or less of runup) (City of Oakland 2021) . Tsunamis originating in , and impacting, the Pacific are rare and generally occur on average every ten to twelve years (NPS 2024). The National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program rates the risk to the U.S. west coast from the tsunami hazard as high to very high (Dunbar 2015).

Climate Change
Although tsunamis are not directly related to climate change, there is the possibility that the earthquakes and landslides that create tsunamis could be impacted by climate change.

Some scientists say that melting glaciers could induce tectonic activity. Heavy rainfall could cause soil instability that may increase the likelihood of landslides int o water bodies, which can generate tsunamis. Increases in severe storms may result in an increased probability of seiches. Rising seas could result in an increase in wave runup when tsunamis occur. Even modest rises in sea level will dramatically increase the frequency and intensity of flooding when a tsunami occurs, as the tsunami can travel further inland. Future smaller tsunamis could have the same impact as larger tsunamis today (Cal OES 2023).

Potential Future Impacts
According to population projections by the California Department of Finance, Alameda County’s population is expected to increase to 1.84 million by 2050. This represents an 11.5 percent increase from the 2025 population of 1.65 million (California Department of Finance 2025). While the City is mostly built out, redevelopment may increase the population and structural value exposed to the sea-level rise hazard.

14.2 VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT

14.2.1 Summary of Vulnerability
Overall, tsunami vulnerability in the City of Oakland occurs everywhere within the vicinity of the coastal shoreline. For this LHMP, California Geological Survey ( CGS) tsunami hazard information was used to perform a quantitative vulnerability assessment of the tsunami hazard for the City of Oakland. Potential losses for the hazard area were estimated using the Hazus flood module.

14.2.2 Impact on Life, Health, and Safety
The populations most vulnerable to the tsunami hazard are individuals with barriers to evacuation who reside near beaches, low-lying coastal areas, tidal flats and river deltas that empty into ocean-going waters. The table below shows the estimated population in the City located in the tsunami hazard area. Approximately 4.4% of the City’s total population is living within the hazard area.

Local Plan Requirement B1 – 44 CFR Part 201.6(c)(2)(ii) The plan must include a description of the jurisdiction’s vulnerability to the hazards of concern and include an overall summary of the hazard’s impact on the community. The impacts need to include the types and numbers of existing and future buildings, infrastructure, and critical facilities located in the hazard areas, and estimate of potential dollar losses to vulnerable structures, and a description of land uses and development trends.

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Table 14-2. Estimated Number of Persons Living in the Tsunami Hazard Area Sub-Area Total Population1 Population Exposed2 % Total
Central East Oakland 105,554 68 0.1%
Coliseum/Airport 4,879 1,614 33.1%
Downtown 21,616 3,518 16.3%
East Oakland Hills 31,326 0 0.0%
Eastlake/Fruitvale 101,468 3,237 3.2%
Glenview/ Redwood Heights 32,929 0 0.0%
North Oakland Hills 24,816 0 0.0%
North Oakland/Adams Point 85,380 0 0.0%
West Oakland 32,669 11,014 33.7%
Total 440,637 19,450 4.4%
Sources: (CGS 2025) (City of Oakland 2025) (Hazus v6.1 2023) Notes: (1) Population calculated using 2020 Census data from Hazus v6.1. (3) Percent of residential buildings exposed multiplied by the Estimated Population.

As a result of a significant tsunami event, residents may be displaced or require temporary to long term sheltering. The number of people requiring shelter is generally less than the number displaced as some displaced persons use hotels or stay with family or friends following a disaster eve nt. Table 14-3 summarizes the estimated number of displaced households and persons seeking short -term sheltering caused by a tsunami event impacting the entirety of the tsunami hazard area.

Table 14-3. Estimated Tsunami Impact on Persons and Households Sub-Area
Tsunami Hazard Area
Displaced
Households
Short-Term
Shelter
Central East Oakland 56 1
Coliseum/Airport 1,302 75
Downtown 3,061 77
East Oakland Hills 0 0
Eastlake/Fruitvale 2,231 108
Glenview/ Redwood Heights 0 0
North Oakland Hills 0 0
North Oakland/Adams Point 0 0
West Oakland 9,251 312
Total 15,900 573
Source: (FEMA 2018); City of Oakland 2017; City of Oakland 2025 Note: Calculated using a Census tract level, general building stock (GBS) analysis in Hazus 6.1, and adjusted to reflect the estimated population.

Equity Priority Communities
For this LHMP update, the composite score of each census tract is divided into three categories (91 -100, 81 -90, and ≤80) based on social vulnerabilities . Populations in these categories are recognized as communities facing social vulnerabilities creating additional barriers in the face of natural hazards (Equity Priority Communities). The cost of measures to City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Tsunami/Seiche Black & Veatch 14-11
protect properties from tsunami and seiche risks can place a financial burden on lower- and middle-income residents. Relocation may also be challenging due to high expenses, limited availability of accessible housing, or the time required to make housing accessible.

Individuals over the age of 65 face additional vulnerabilities. Physical limitations may make evacuation during tsunami or seiche events more difficult, requiring extra time or outside assistance. They are also more likely to need medical care, which may be unavailable due to isolation during such events (Cal OES 2023).

Table 14-4. Estimated Number of Equity Priority Community Members Exposed to Tsunami Sub-Areas
Equity Priority
Community
Thresholds1
EPC Population
Exposed2
% of Total
Population
Exposed to the
Hazard3
Central East Oakland 91-100 68 100.0%
81-90 0 0.0%
≤80 0 0.0%
Coliseum/Airport 91-100 1,614 100.0%
81-90 0 0.0%
≤80 0 0.0%
Downtown 91-100 0 0.0%
81-90 0 0.0%
≤80 3,518 100.0%
East Oakland Hills 91-100 0 0.0%
81-90 0 0.0%
≤80 0 0.0%
Eastlake/Fruitvale 91-100 3,237 100.0%
81-90 0 0.0%
≤80 0 0.0%
Glenview/ Redwood Heights 91-100 0 0.0%
81-90 0 0.0%
≤80 0 0.0%
North Oakland Hills 91-100 0 0.0%
81-90 0 0.0%
≤80 0 0.0%
North Oakland/Adams Point 91-100 0 0.0%
81-90 0 0.0%
≤80 0 0.0%
West Oakland 91-100 276 2.5%
81-90 2,012 18.3%
≤80 8,549 77.6%
Totals 91-100 5,195 26.7%
81-90 2,012 10.3%
≤80 12,067 62.0%
Source: (City of Oakland 2023)
Notes: (1) These thresholds are determined by the City of Oakland to be the most burdened communities in the City in the General Plan EJ Element.
(2) Population, by census tract, within the EPC threshold exposed to the hazard. (3) EPC population exposed compared with total population in sub area.

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14.2.3 Impact on General Building Stock
All structures along beaches, low-lying coastal areas, tidal flats, and river deltas are vulnerable to a tsunami. The table below displays the number of structures located in the tsunami hazard area. Overall, 5,071 structures are exposed to the tsunami hazard . Of the structures exposed, the majority ( 3,916) are residential structures, followed by commercial structures (680), and industrial buildings (333). Overall, 4.8% of structures in the City of Oakland are located in the tsunami hazard area.

Table 14-5. Estimated Number of Structures Located in the Tsunami Hazard Area Sub-Area Total Buildings
Total Buildings
Exposed % Total
Central East Oakland 22,271 119 0.5%
Coliseum/Airport 1,229 503 40.9%
Downtown 5,087 1,207 23.7%
East Oakland Hills 10,993 0 0.0%
Eastlake/Fruitvale 17,046 573 3.4%
Glenview/ Redwood Heights 11,192 0 0.0%
North Oakland Hills 10,125 0 0.0%
North Oakland/Adams Point 21,103 0 0.0%
West Oakland 6,497 2,669 41.1%
Total 105,543 5,071 4.8%
Sources: (CGS 2025); (City of Oakland 2025); (Hazus v6.1 2023) Notes: Values based off of 2025 tax assessor data provided by Alameda County Table 14-6. Estimated Number of Buildings, by Structure Type, Located in the Tsunami Hazard Area Sub-Area
Total
Buildings
Tsunami Hazard Area
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Agriculture
Religion
Government
Education
Total
Buildings
Central East Oakland 22,271 7 76 29 0 0 7 0 119
Coliseum/Airport 1,229 309 122 46 0 4 21 1 503
Downtown 5,087 1,014 167 15 0 1 9 1 1,207
East Oakland Hills 10,993 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Eastlake/Fruitvale 17,046 409 84 49 0 0 26 5 573
Glenview/ Redwood Heights 11,192 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
North Oakland Hills 10,125 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
North Oakland/Adams Point 21,103 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
West Oakland 6,497 2,177 231 194 0 13 50 4 2,669
Total 105,543 3,916 680 333 0 18 113 11 5,071
Sources: (CGS 2025); (City of Oakland 2025); (Hazus v6.1 2023) Notes: Values based off of 2025 tax assessor data provided by Alameda County.

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14.2.4 Impact on Community Lifelines
Table 14-7 provides the number of community lifelines located in the tsunami hazard area.

The City has 608 community lifelines located in the tsunami hazard area . Community lifelines impacted by tsunami are likely to experience damage and access issues that could lead to functional downtime. Several key assets such as the Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, rail lines connecting to the seaport of Oakland, and three wastewater treatment plants are vulnerable to tsunami (City of Oakland 2017).

Table 14-7. Estimated Community Lifelines Located in the Tsunami Hazard Area Planning Area
Communications
Energy
Food, Hydration,
Shelter
Hazardous
Materials
Health and
Medical
Safety and
Security
Transportation
Water Systems
Total
Central East
Oakland
5 1 0 36 0 0 4 0 46
Coliseum/Airport 63 1 0 96 0 8 22 1 191
Downtown 42 2 0 18 0 2 12 0 76
East Oakland Hills 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Eastlake/Fruitvale 5 1 0 34 0 2 9 1 52
Glenview/
Redwood Heights
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
North Oakland
Hills
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
North
Oakland/Adams
Point
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
West Oakland 70 9 0 99 0 7 53 5 243
Total 185 14 0 283 0 19 100 7 608
Sources: (City of Oakland 2025); (CGS 2025)

14.2.5 Impact on the Economy
Table 14-8 presents the value (structure and contents) of buildings located in the tsunami hazard area. In total, $16.9 billion in replacement cost value is exposed to the tsunami hazard.

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Table 14-8. Building Values Located in the Tsunami Hazard Area Sub-Area
Total
Replacement
Cost Value
Value
Structure
Exposed
Value
Contents
Exposed Total Exposed % Exposed
Central East
Oakland $17,986,229,601 $557,801,713 $603,044,791 $1,160,846,504 6.5% Coliseum/Airport $5,646,390,094 $2,157,040,115 $2,136,374,314 $4,293,414,429 76.0% Downtown $21,475,904,408 $1,273,930,018 $919,038,933 $2,192,968,951 10.2% East Oakland Hills $8,434,796,515 $0 $0 $0 0.0%
Eastlake/Fruitvale $20,713,824,637 $1,734,878,086 $1,336,678,561 $3,071,556,647 14.8% Glenview/
Redwood Heights $7,699,736,380 $0 $0 $0 0.0%
North Oakland
Hills $9,022,389,851 $0 $0 $0 0.0%
North
Oakland/Adams
Point
$26,981,073,354 $0 $0 $0 0.0%
West Oakland $11,010,987,509 $3,227,520,006 $3,019,159,268 $6,246,679,274 56.7% Total $128,971,332,346 $8,951,169,938 $8,014,295,866 $16,965,465,804 13.2% Sources: (CGS 2025); (City of Oakland 2025); (Hazus v6.1 2023) Notes: Values based off of 2025 tax assessor data provided by Alameda County Table 14-9 presents the value (structure and contents) of buildings located in the tsunami hazard area. In total, $3.5 billion in replacement cost value (2.8% of the total replacement cost value for the City) is anticipated to be damaged by a tsunami event that impacts the entirety of the tsunami hazard area.

Table 14-9. Estimated Exposure and Total Value of Damages from the Tsunami Hazard Area Sub-Area
Total
Replacement
Cost Value
Buildings
Impacted
Value
Structure in
$ Damaged
Value
Contents in $
Damaged
Total Value
(Structure and
Contents in $)
Damaged
% of Total
Value
Damaged
Central East
Oakland $17,986,229,601 61 $17,575,391 $55,478,228 $73,053,619 0.4% Coliseum/Airport $5,646,390,094 160 $314,334,990 $678,786,535 $993,121,526 17.6% Downtown $21,475,904,408 1,026 $178,276,997 $292,666,155 $470,943,152 2.2% East Oakland Hills $8,434,796,515 0 $0 $0 $0 0.0%
Eastlake/Fruitvale $20,713,824,637 433 $303,880,853 $428,155,108 $732,035,961 3.5% Glenview/
Redwood Heights $7,699,736,380 0 $0 $0 $0 0.0%
North Oakland
Hills $9,022,389,851 0 $0 $0 $0 0.0%
North
Oakland/Adams
Point
$26,981,073,354 0 $0 $0 $0 0.0%
West Oakland $11,010,987,509 1,595 $355,210,110 $939,561,779 $1,294,771,889 11.8% Total $128,971,332,346 3,275 $1,169,278,342 $2,394,647,805 $3,563,926,147 2.8% Sources: (CGS 2025); (City of Oakland 2025); (Hazus v6.1 2023) Notes: Calculated using a user-defined (UDF) analysis in Hazus 6.1.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Tsunami/Seiche Black & Veatch 14-15

14.2.6 Impact on Historic and Cultural Resources
Historic structures are at high risk of damage from tsunamis. These structures are unlikely to be built to modern building code requirements which can help reduce the damage from a tsunami. Outdoor cultural sites are also likely to be heavily damaged by a tsunami event.

14.2.7 Impact on Ecosystems and Natural Resources
Ecosystems within the inundation areas for tsunamis and seiches that can withstand periodic inundation, such as wetlands, may be relatively unharmed by minor events.

However, severe events that result in larger inundation areas may result in negative environmental impacts due to sediment, erosion, debris, saltwater and pollutant contamination of soil and water bodies, and other impacts (Cal OES 2023).

14.3 MITIGATION OPPORTUNITIES
Table 14-10 presents a range of potential opportunities for mitigating the tsunami hazard.

Table 14-10. Potential Opportunities to Mitigate the Tsunami Hazard Community Scale Organizational Scale Government Scale
Manipulate the Hazard
• Implement tsunami
construction measures
at a project level,
including elevated
living spaces and debris
deflection structures
• Implement tsunami
construction measures at a
project level, including
elevated living spaces and
debris deflection
structures
• Build wave abatement structures (e.g.,
sea walls and Tetrapods)
Reduce Exposure and Vulnerability
• Construct or relocate
structures outside of
hazard area
• Elevating structures
above the inundation
levels
• Apply personal property
mitigation techniques
to residential structures
(e.g., anchoring
foundations and
foundation openings to
allow flow through)
• Locate structure or mission
critical functions outside of
hazard area whenever
possible
• Elevating structures above
the inundation levels
• Construct vertical
evacuation shelters
• Locate structure or functions outside of
hazard area whenever possible
• Harden infrastructure for tsunami
impacts
• Relocate identified critical facilities
located in tsunami high hazard areas
• Adopt higher regulatory standards that
will provide higher levels of protection
to structures built in a tsunami
inundation area
• Use tsunami mapping and land use
planning to guide development away
from high-risk areas
• Construct vertical evacuation shelters
Build Local Capacity
• Develop and practice a
household evacuation
plan
• Become educated
about the risk exposure
from the tsunami
hazard and ways to
minimize that risk
• Understand tsunami
warning signs and
signals
• Develop and practice a
corporate response and
evacuation plan
• Educate employees on the
risk exposure from the
tsunami hazard and ways
to minimize that risk
• Use probabilistic tsunami mapping and
land use guidance from the State
• Provide incentives to guide
development away from hazard areas
• Improve the tsunami warning and
response system
• Provide residents with updated tsunami
hazard and inundation maps for the
coast and vulnerable inland
waterbodies
• Join NOAA’s Tsunami Ready program
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Tsunami/Seiche Black & Veatch 14-16
Community Scale Organizational Scale Government Scale
• Develop and communicate evacuation
time products and routes
• Enhance the public information
program to include risk reduction
options for the tsunami hazard
• Develop products useful for tsunami
mitigation and recovery
• Restore wetlands, marshes, and oyster
reefs, and install living shorelines to help
reduce wave impacts
• Preserve/restore tidal marshes
• Establish living shorelines (plants and
natural elements designed to stabilize
and protect coastlines) to prevent
erosion
• Incentivize voluntary retreat from
coastal hazard areas

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Wildfire Black & Veatch 15-1

15. WILDFIRE

15.1 HAZARD PROFILE

15.1.1 Description of the Hazard
Defining the Hazard
Wildfire is any uncontrolled fire occurring on undeveloped land that requires fire suppression. Wildfires can be ignited by natural forces such as lightning, or by human activity such as smoking, campfires, equipment use, and arson. Wildfire can also be ignited by the transport of burning embers by high winds miles away from the initial ignition source. The potential for significant damage to life and property exists in or in close proximity to areas designated as “wildland/urban interface areas,” where development is adjacent to densely vegetated areas.

Cause of the Hazard
In California, wildfire is common due to the combination of complex terrain, Mediterranean climate that annually facilitates rain-free periods lasting several months, productive natural plant communities that provide ample fuels, and ample natural and anthropogenic ignition sources. The State has an extensive history of severe wildfire events and faces the probability of future events that are even more destructive than those of the past (Cal OES 2023).

Flammable expanses of brush, diseased timberland, overstocked forests, hot and dry summers, extreme topography, intense fire weather wind events, summer lightning storms, and human acts all contribute to California’s wildfire threat. Wildfires are generally classified as follows:
• Ground fires occur when fuel ignites and burn underground. Ground fires may eventually burn through the ground surface and become surface fires. • Surface fires burn on the surface of the ground and are primarily fueled by low-lying vegetation.
• Ladder fuels are vegetation that allow surface fires to climb into the tree canopy and become crown fires.
• Crown fires spread from treetop to treetop spread at a rapid pace. Crown fires are often pushed by wind and can be extremely intense (Cal OES 2023).

Wildfire spreads include phases of ignition, active spread, fully developed and decay. During the ignition phase, wildfires can be sparked by natural causes or human activities.

Approximately 85 percent of wildfires in the United States are caused by human activities (Short 2022). Early detection of ignition is the most critical but challenging thing to minimize the fire’s impact.

Local Plan Requirement B1 – 44 CFR Part 201.6(c)(2)(i)
Include a description of the type, location, and extent for the identified hazards of concern and include information on previous occurrences of hazard events and the probability of future hazard events.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Wildfire Black & Veatch 15-2
The active spread phase is when the fire begins to grow rapidly, driven by dry vegetation, extreme winds and terrain. Fires in California have been found to spread up to 14 times faster under high winds, like the Diablo winds, present in the East Bay, which exacerbate fire intensity and movement. Diablo winds in the Bay Area are strong, hot, and dry northeasterly winds flowing from inland mountains, named after the Diablo Range, that significantly increase wildfire risk in Northern California, especially in fall. High winds not only accelerate the fire’s spread but also carry embers and firebrands over long distances, igniting new spot fires far ahead of the main fire. These flying embers can travel up to a mile or more, making it difficult to predict and contain t he advancement of fire . Firefighting and resource coordination during this phase is challenging as high winds can hinder the deployment of aerial resources, such as water-dropping helicopters and firefighting planes.

In the fully developed phase, the fire reaches its peak intensity, consuming significant fuel and spreading aggressively. Extreme heat from wildfires can create pyrocumulonimbus clouds, which can spark new fires miles away. These clouds can exacerbate fire spread by generating erratic winds and even sparking new fires through lightning strikes.

In the decay phase, fire intensity decreases as it runs out of fuel or is under control. However, lingering hotspots can reignite under the favoring conditions.

Summary of Potential Impacts
California wildfires have devastating impacts, including loss of life, homes, and livelihoods, along with significant environmental and economic consequences, including air and water quality issues, and increased mental health challenges.

Human impacts include:
• Loss of Life and Property-Wildfires can cause fatalities and destroy homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
• Displacement and Evacuation -Hundreds to thousands of people are forced to evacuate their homes, leading to temporary or long-term displacement. • Air Quality Issues -Wildfire smoke contains harmful pollutants that can exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, and even lead to premature death. • Mental Health Impacts-The trauma and uncertainty associated with wildfires can lead to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. • Economic C osts-Wildfires cause significant economic losses, including property damage, business closures, and increased insurance premiums.

Environmental impacts include:
• Air Pollution-Wildfire smoke releases pollutants into the atmosphere, impacting air quality and human health both locally and downwind.
• Water Quality Issues -Ash and debris from fires can contaminate water sources, and burned watersheds are prone to increased flooding and erosion. • Habitat Loss and Ecosystem Changes-Wildfires can destroy forests and other habitats, leading to changes in vegetation and wildlife populations. • Marine Ecosystems-Firefighting runoff and ash can enter coastal waters, potentially harming marine life and ecosystems.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Wildfire Black & Veatch 15-3
• Soil Erosion-Burned areas are more vulnerable to erosion, which can lead to landslides and further damage to the environment.

Economic impacts include:
• Property and Capital Losses-Wildfires can cause billions of dollars in property damage and economic losses.
• Increased Insurance Premiums -The cost of wildfires can lead to higher insurance premiums or even un-insurability for homeowners and businesses. • Tourism Impacts -Wildfires can disrupt tourism and negatively impact local economies.
• Supply Chain Di sruptions-Wildfires can disrupt transportation and supply chains, leading to shortages and price increases.

Cascading Hazard Impacts
Wildfires can generate a range of secondary effects, which in some cases may cause more widespread and prolonged damage than the fire itself. A major fire can lead to ancillary effects such as landslides in steep ravine areas and flooding due to the effects of silt in local watersheds. Wildfires cause the contamination of reservoirs, destroy transmission lines and contribute to flooding. They strip slopes of vegetation, exposing them to greater amounts of runoff. This in turn can weaken soil and cause failu res on slopes, sometimes several years after a wildfire.

Ember Activity
Damages in numerous fire events globally such as the January 2025 LA Wildfires have been attributed to ember activity over radiant heat and direct flame losses . In addition to the impact of embers on properties, embers are responsible for accelerating the fire front and creating spot fires, which generate significant challenges for fire suppression. The ember risk of a property refers to the likelihood that a property will sustain damage because of embers.

The ember risk of a property is a function of many factors of the built and natural environment, and is further influenced by the decisions made by agencies and residents of the surrounding community. Factors of the built environment include choice of building materials, the shape and orientation of homes, distance between structures, and the presence of shade sails, decks and pergolas. Other include the presence of screens covering ventilation openings, absence of flammable materials or vegetation near the house, the availability of firefighting resources such as water supplies, and emergency responder access to the property.

Impacts from Smoke
Wildfires can have a significant effect on air quality, especially with prolonged periods of burning combined with climatic conditions. Smoke generated by wildfire consists of visible and invisible emissions that contain particulate matter (soot, tar, water vapor, and minerals), gases (carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides), and toxics (formaldehyde, benzene). Emissions from wildfires depend on the type of fuel, the moisture content of the fuel, the efficiency (or temperature) of combustion, and the weather.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Wildfire
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The danger of wildfire smoke comes primarily from particulate matter, consisting of fine particles that are 2.5 micrometers (about a ten -thousandth of an inch) or less in diameter (PM2.5). On a given day, California wildfires can produce 10 times more PM2.5 air pollution than is produced by all other pollution sources combined (Associated Press 2020) . The small particles in PM2.5 pollution are capable of reaching deep into the lungs, causing a host of complications, including significantly increased risks of heart disease, respiratory disease, asthma, and premature mortality. Health problems related to wildfire smoke exposure can be as mild as eye and respiratory tract irritation and as serious as worsening of heart and lung disease, including asthma, and even death. Smoke from wildfires that burn homes and other structures can contain toxic materials such as asbestos and heavy metals. Studies indicate that wildfire smoke is up to 10 times more harmful than other forms of PM2.5 pollution (Aguilera, et al. 2021).

Not all individuals are equally exposed to the hazard of wildfire smoke, nor are they equally vulnerable. Outdoor workers and unhoused individuals have especially high exposure to outdoor air, and younger individuals are especially vulnerable to unhealthy air. Because PM2.5 pollution affects the immune and cardiovascular systems, other vulnerable populations include people with medical conditions, including diabetes and heart and lung conditions.

These vulnerable populations together represent a significant fraction of the Ca lifornia population and indicate inequity in impacts. See Section 15.2.2 for additional details.

At least 95 percent of Californians suffered unhealthy levels of particle pollution due to wildfires in 2020 (Los Angeles Times 2020) . Worse air quality leads to illnesses, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations for chronic health conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other respiratory and cardiovascular conditions as well as increased risk for respiratory infections, which all result in greater health costs to the State (Romley, Hackbarth and Goldman 2010, Wang, Aaron and Madrigano 2019, Inserro 2018).

Wildfire Protection Responsibility in California
Hundreds of local, state, and federal agencies have fire protection responsibility for wildfires in California. To address wildfire jurisdictional responsibilities, the California state legislature adopted legislation establishing the following responsibility areas:
• Federal Responsibility Areas (FRAs) —FRAs are fire -prone wildland areas that are owned or managed by a federal agency such as the US Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service, or US Department of Defense. Primary financial and rule -making jurisdictional authority rests with the federal land agency. In many instances, FRAs are interspersed with private land ownership or leases. Fire protection for developed private property is usually not the responsibility of the federal land management agency; structural protection responsibility is that of a local government agency.
• State Responsibility Areas (SRAs) —SRAs are lands in California where CAL FIRE has legal and financial responsibility for wildfire protection and where CAL FIRE administers fire hazard classifications and building standard regulations. SRAs are defined as lands that meet the following criteria:
o Are county unincorporated areas
o Are not federally owned
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Wildfire Black & Veatch 15-5
o Have wildland vegetation cover rather than agricultural or ornamental plants o Have watershed or range/forage value
o Have housing densities not exceeding three units per acre.

Where SRAs contain built environment or development, the responsibility for fire protection of those improvements (non-wildland) is that of a local government agency. • Local Responsibility Areas (LRAs) —LRAs include land in cities, cultivated agriculture lands, non -flammable areas in unincorporated areas, and lands that do not meet the criteria for SRA or FRA. LRA fire protection is typically provided by city fire departments, fire protection districts, and counties, or by CAL FIRE under contract to local governments. LRAs may include flammable vegetation and areas where the financial and jurisdictional responsibility for improvement and wildfire protection is that of a local government agency.

State law requires local governments to update the safety elements in their general plans to recognize wildfire risks in SRAs and “Very High” Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs) (based on statewide criteria). The safety element must include information and policies on unreasonable risk from potential hazards, including fire. The state encourages integration among jurisdictions to enhance mitigation and prevention efforts.

CAL FIRE is required to classify the severity of fire hazards in areas of California. The State Fire Marshal is mandated to classify lands within both State Responsibility Areas and Local Responsibility Areas into FHSZs.

15.1.2 Location
FHSZs fall into one of the following classifications:
• Moderate
• High
• Very High
The FHSZ maps are developed using a science-based and field-tested model that assigns a hazard score based on the factors that influence fire likelihood and fire behavior. Many factors are considered such as fire history, existing and potential fuel (natur al vegetation), predicted flame length, blowing embers, terrain, and typical fire weather for the area.

In February 2025, the State Fire Marshal released maps for the Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones. State government code requires the State Fire Marshal to make recommendations of fire hazard severity zones to local municipalities for the ir designation and adoption by ordinance. The State Fire Marshal map proposed to remove large portions of the Oakland Hills that had been designated as Very Fire Hazard Severity Zone and rezone as moderate and high severity zones or would not be labeled wi th any severity zone designation. The City did not agree with the decision by CAL FIRE to reduce the land area in Oakland. By adopting its own map, the City is demonstrating and protecting its long - standing interest in proactive prevention efforts in neigh borhoods known to be at greatest risk because of a multitude of hazards. In May 2025, Oakland City Council adopted an ordinance to designate the Oakland Fire Hazard Severity Zone.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Wildfire Black & Veatch 15-6
The California laws that require FHSZs include California Public Resources Code 4201 -4204, California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 1280 and California Government Code 51175 -

89. The City of Oakland has enhanced the CAL FIRE FHSZ data and enhanced it with pertinent local data to identify fire hazard severity zones within the City. Figure 15-1 shows the enhanced FHSZs within the Local Responsibility Area (LRA) , as adopted by the City of Oakland in May 2025.

15.1.3 Extent
Measuring Intensity
Fire intensity describes the energy released from the fire or characteristics of the fire behavior such as flame length and rate of spread. A widely used measure of fire intensity is fire line intensity, which is the rate of heat transfer per unit length of the fire line (measured in kW m−1) and represents the radiant energy release in the flaming front. Fireline intensity is a good measure of how likely the fire is to propagate and how dif ficult it will be to stop, and thus, it is a critical component of f ire behavior models used to inform fire suppression activities. Very seldom is fire line intensity actually measured, rather it is generally inferred based on flame length, which has been found to correlate with fire line intensity; however, this correlation has not been widely tested.

Factors that influence wildfire intensity include the following:
• Fuel—The type, amount, and moisture content of vegetation (fuel) significantly impact intensity.
• Topography —Steep slopes and canyons can concentrate wind and fuel, increasing intensity.
• Weather —Hot, dry, and windy conditions exacerbate fire intensity.

Understanding wildfire intensity is important because it can aid planners and first responders as follows:
• Fire behavior prediction —Intensity helps predict how a fire will spread and behave. • Fire suppression strategies —Understanding intensity is crucial for determining the most effective firefighting tactics.
• Risk assessment —Intensity helps assess the potential danger to communities and ecosystems.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Wildfire
Black & Veatch 15-7
Figure 15-1. City of Oakland Fire Hazard Severity Zones

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Wildfire Black & Veatch 15-8
Warning Time
Wildfires are often caused by humans, intentionally or accidentally. There is no way to predict when one might break out. Since fireworks often cause brush fires, it is known that extra risk occurs around the Fourth of July. Dry seasons and droughts greatly increase fire likelihood .

Dry lightning may trigger wildfires. Severe weather can be predicted, so special attention can be paid during weather events that may include lightning. Reliable NWS lightning warnings are available on average 24 to 48 hours prior to a significant electrical storm.

The most common and effective methods used currently to detect wildfires in California are remote sensing and satellite monitoring. Satellites like NASA’s MODIS and VIIRS provide real- time data on fire location, size , and intensity. These tools help identify new ignitions and monitor fire progression, even in remote areas. Thermal imaging from drones and ground - based radar complements satellite data, offering high-resolution insights for on-the-ground operations. California is also using an artificial intel ligence (AI)-powered wildfire detection system using AI to train a forest -based camera network to recognize early signs of fire (https://alertcalifornia.org/).

There have been many controlled or prescribed burns implemented to reduce excess vegetation, like thinning dense forests and clearing underbrush, to mitigate fire severity.

These efforts may model the methods that Native Americans used to manage the landscape and reduce buildup of fuels with intentional fire activities. There have been efforts to test conducting controlled burns with the help of robots. Autonomous helicopters have demonstrated the ability to detect and suppress fires independently.

Additionally, t here are computational models with wildland -urban interface extensions, which simulate fire spread through communities. These tools incorporate data on vegetation, structure materials and fire dynamics to reconstruct past events and predict future risks.

Worst -Case Scenario
The worst-case scenario occurred within Alameda County in 1991. The Tunnel Fire , also known as the Oakland -Berkely Hills fire of 1991 , devastated the Oakland Hills, a complex wildfire environment and one of the highest risk areas in the country.

At the time this plan was written, CAL FIRE records list the Tunnel Fire as the 5 th most destructive in the State (CAL FIRE 2026) . According to the U.S. Forest Service in 1995, the Tunnel Fire was the costliest urban-wildland fire and one of the worst fires involving life and property since the Great San Francisco Earthquake and Fire of 1906 (USDA Forest Service City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Wildfire Black & Veatch 15-9
1995). This fire was known for producing a firestorm - a phenomenon in which the fire generates its own weather. The intense heat created powerful winds that, combined with an already gusty day, rapidly fueled the fire’s spread. Winds blew in excess of 65 miles per hour and temperatures hit record high s into the nineties . Drought -stricken brush and freeze - damaged trees provided fuel for the already dire fire conditions. The fire burned over 1,500 acres within an area of 5.25 square miles , destroyed 2,900 dwelling units, killed 25, and left 150 injured. More than 10,000 people were evacuated and over $1 billion in damage was caused.

15.1.4 Previous Occurrences
The following sections provide a review of previous wildfire occurrences in Alameda County.

Declarations
Federal Declarations
Between 19 70 and 2025, The federal government declared that Alameda County experienced 2 disasters (DR) or emergencies (EM) related to wildfire (FEMA 2025).

Table 15-1. Federal Disaster Declarations for Wildfire
Event Name Disaster
Number
Event Date(s)
Forest and Brush Fires DR-295-CA September 29, 1970
Oakland Hills Fire DR-919-CA October 22, 1991
Source: (FEMA 2025)
State Proclamations
Between 1954 and 2025, California included Alameda County in 4 state-proclaimed wildfires disasters that were not declared as Federal disasters, as noted in Table 15-2.

Table 15-2. State Disaster Proclamations for Wildfire
Event Name Disaster Number Proclamation Date
Fires and Explosions - September 14, 1962
1970 Fires DR-295 September 24 – November 14, 1970
East Bay Hills Fire DR-919, 91-05 October 22, 1991
Freeway Collapse Fire 2007-03 April 29, 2007
Source: (Cal OES 2025)
USDA Proclamations
Between 2012 and 2025, USDA has included Alameda County in five declarations relating to wildfire; however, the event name is noted as a drought (U.S. Department of Agriculture 2025).

Table 15-3. USDA Disaster Declarations for Wildfire
Event Name Designation Number Effective Dates
Drought-FAST TRACK S3547 May 7 – July 1, 2013
Drought-FAST TRACK S3558 June 4 – July 29, 2013
Drought-FAST TRACK S3569 May 25 – August 19, 2013
Drought-FAST TRACK S3784 January 2, 2015 - Continuing
Drought-FAST TRACK S3952 January 1, 2016 – Continuing
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Wildfire Black & Veatch 15-10
Source: (USDA 2025)
Note: The USDA classifies fire and wildfire within drought events.

Summary of Significant Events
The most significant wildfire in recent history was the 1991 Tunnel Fire (aka Oakland Hills Fire and East Bay Hills Fire). The fire started October 19 and was brought under control on October 23. It burned 1,520 acres, destroyed more than 3,200 structures, and had 25 confirmed deaths. Northeasterly winds, known as Diablo Winds, that periodically occur in the fall contributed to the growth of the grass fire eventually generating its own wind, now known as a firestorm (East Bay Regional Park District 2025).

Recent Events
For the 2026 LHMP update, wildfire events that impacted the City of Oakland since January 2020 are listed in the table below. For events prior to January 2020, refer to the 2021 LHMP.

Table 15-4. Recent Wildfire Events Impacting the City of Oakland Date(s) of
Event
Event
Type
FEMA / State
Declaration
Number (if
applicable)
Alameda
County
included in
declaration? Description
October 22,
2024
Keller Fire - - 15 acres burned in the area of Edwards
Ave. and Mountain Boulevard, in the City
of Oakland
Sources: (CAL FIRE 2025b); (FEMA 2025); (NOAA NCEI 2025); (Cal OES 2025)

15.1.5 Future Conditions
Future hazard conditions, including frequency and severity of future events, is discussed in the sections below.

Probability
Wildfire is a common hazard in the Bay Area. In the past 60 years the region has experienced over 500 wildfires, including fast -moving and dangerous wildfires like the 2017 North Bay fires, which killed 31 residents and destroyed more than 8,000 structures . Wildfire risk is increasing in some of the communities located in the Bay Area due to climate change (Association of Bay Area Governments 2025).

With two FEMA disaster declarations in 55 years (1970 to 2025) the annual probability for wildfire events within the City is relatively low based on past events, with one major wildfire every 27 years. It is important note that while infrequent, the fires have been devastating.

Climate Change
According to California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment, the San Francisco Bay Area average annual maximum temperature increased by 1.7°F (0.95 °C) from 1950 to 2005. Even with substantial global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the coming decades, the Bay Area will likely see a significant increase in temperature by mid-century. By the end of the century, the dif ference between lower and higher global emissions scenarios will make a major dif ference in how much Bay Area temperatures rise. (California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment 2018).

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Wildfire Black & Veatch 15-11
Precipitation in the Bay Area will continue to exhibit high year -to-year variability - “booms and busts” - with very wet and very dry years. Warming temperatures combined with expansion of the wildland -urban interface are projected to increase f ire risk in most of the Bay Area, though risks may decline in some areas as they become more heavily urbanized (California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment 2018).

Climate change may also increase the frequency of lightning strikes. A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture which is one of the key items for triggering a lightning strike. The number of lightning strikes across the continental United States is likely to increase by about 12% for every degree of rise in global temperature. Lightning strikes cause approximately half the wildfires in the United States (Romps, Seeley, Vollaro, and Molinari 2014). If the frequency of lightning strikes increases, the potential for wildfires from these strikes also increases.

According to California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment, if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, California is likely to see a 50 percent increase in fires larger than 25,000 acres as well as a 77 percent increase in average area burned by 2100. Numerous climactic drivers will influence wildfire risk differently between California regions:
• Increasing Temperatures —Wildfire risk in the Northern California region is rising in tandem with increasing temperatures. Mixed f orests in the Oakland Hills that experience drought are also more susceptible to wildfire. High heat not only influences fire risk directly but can also produce indirect impacts. Warming temperatures will likely worsen air quality due to extended agriculture fallowing. This, in turn, can exacerbate health impacts from wildfire smoke. • Shifting Wind Patterns —The Santa Ana, Sundowner, and Diablo winds will continue to shape wildfire activity across Southern, Central, and Northern California, respectively. Modelers are still working to determine how these wind events will be impacted by climate change.
• Shifting Insect Habitat — Bark beetle infestations, observed in forests near Oakland, are increasing due to climate change, leading to higher tree mortality and reduced carbon storage. As more trees die, the amount of fuel for wildfire grows, which can, in turn, increase both the frequency and intensity of these fires. • Human Impacts —Across all of California’s landscapes human factors, such as development patterns and risk mitigation strategies, will have a direct impact on communities’ ability to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Local decisions are a large factor in determining mitigation efforts in a community.

Potential Future Impacts
In the Bay Area, future fire activity will be driven by both changes in urban development and changes in climate (California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment 2018) . According to population projections by the California Department of Finance, Alameda County’s population is expected to increase to 1.84 million by 2050. This represents an 11.5 percent increase from the 2025 population of 1.65 million (California Department of Finance 2025) .

While the City is mostly built out, redevelopment may increase the population and structural value exposed to the wildfire hazard.

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15.2 VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT

15.2.1 Summary of Vulnerability
A quantitative analysis was conducting using the City of Oakland’s Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) dataset adopted by the City in May 2025. For the purposes of this assessment, an asset (population, structures, critical facilities, and lifelines) is considered exposed and potentially vulnerable to the wildfire hazard if it is located in the very high FHSZ. In general, wildfire risk is highest where wooded areas abut development. Ember activity can create additional indirect vulnerabilities.

15.2.2 Impact on Life, Health, and Safety
Potential losses from wildfire include impacts to human health and life (of residents and emergency responders), structures, infrastructure and natural resources. In addition, wildfire events can have major economic impacts from the initial loss of structures and the subsequent loss of revenue from destroyed business and decreas ed tourism. The most vulnerable populations include emergency responders and those within a short distance of the interface between the built environment and the wildland environment. First responders are exposed to the dangers from the initial incident and after-effects from smoke inhalation and heat stroke.

Larger and more intense wildfires are creating the potential for greater smoke production and chronic exposures in the U.S. Wildfire smoke contains particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and various volatile organic compounds and can signifi cantly reduce air quality, both locally and in areas downwind of fires (CDC 2024a). The effects from wildfires can range from eye and respiratory tract irritation to more serious disorders, including reduced lung function, bronchitis, exacerbation of asthma and heart failure, and premature death. Children, pregnant people, and the elder ly are especially vulnerable to smoke exposure (USEPA 2025).

Based on the analysis, an estimated 61,417 people, or 13.9% of the City’s population, are located in the FHSZ.

Table 15-5. Estimated Number of Persons Living in the Very High FHSZ Sub-Area Total Population1 Population Exposed2 % Total
Central East Oakland 105,554 7 0.0%
Coliseum/Airport 4,879 0 0.0%
Downtown 21,616 0 0.0%
East Oakland Hills 31,326 24,364 77.8%
Eastlake/Fruitvale 101,468 0 0.0%
Local Plan Requirement B1 – 44 CFR Part 201.6(c)(2)(ii) The plan must include a description of the jurisdiction’s vulnerability to the hazards of concern and include an overall summary of the hazard’s impact on the community. The impacts need to include the types and numbers of existing and future buildings, infrastructure, and critical facilities located in the hazard areas, and estimate of potential dollar losses to vulnerable structures, and a description of land uses and development trends.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Wildfire Black & Veatch 15-13
Sub-Area Total Population1 Population Exposed2 % Total
Glenview/ Redwood Heights 32,929 10,203 31.0%
North Oakland Hills 24,816 24,394 98.3%
North Oakland/Adams Point 85,380 2,448 2.9%
West Oakland 32,669 0 0.0%
Total 440,637 61,417 13.9%
Sources: (CAL FIRE 2025a); (City of Oakland 2025); (Hazus v6.1 2023) Notes: (1) Population calculated using 2020 Census data from Hazus v6.1. (2) Percent of residential buildings exposed multiplied by the Estimated Population.

Equity Priority Communities
For this LHMP update, the composite score of each census tract is divided into three categories (91 -100, 81 -90, and ≤80) based on social vulnerabilities . Populations in these categories are recognized as communities facing social vulnerabilities creating additional barriers in the face of natural hazards (Equity Priority Communities). Wildfires disproportionately impact vulnerable communities, including low -income households, migrants, non -English speakers, older adults, and individuals with health conditions or access and functional needs. Barriers such as immigration concerns, shared housing arrangements, and language delays hinder access to aid and evacuation information. Fires also drive -up housing costs, displacing affected residents and increasing homelessness, while indigenous communities face cultural losses and older adults struggle with mobility.

Beyond property and job loss, wildfires disrupt food systems and heighten mental health challenges like stress and anxiety, especially among equity-priority groups living in high-risk areas (Cal OES 2023).

While this analysis identified no Equity Priority Communities within the City’s mapped fire hazard severity zones, individuals in Equity Priority Communities could be vulnerable to secondary impacts from wildfires such as smoke and exposure to fire risk due to ember activity. The smoke impacts could include respiratory/cardiovascular health issues due to limited access to clean air shelters and resources, and increased risk due to inadequate housing. The vulnerability to ember activity could be associated with sub-standard housing and vegetation management. To estimate this population, a 3-mile buffer was added to the FHSZ mapping, following the standard practice utilized under “ember -cast” modeling. The results of this supplemental analysis are shown in Table 15-6.

Table 15-6. Estimated Number of Equity Priority Community Members Exposed to Wildfire in FHSZ Buffer Area
Sub-Areas
Equity Priority
Community
Thresholds1
EPC Population
Exposed2
% of Total
Population
Exposed to the
Hazard3
Central East Oakland 91-100 34,939 33.1%
81-90 23,907 22.6%
≤80 25,659 24.3%
Coliseum/Airport 91-100 0 100.0%
81-90 0 0.0%
≤80 0 0.0%
Downtown 91-100 0 0.0%
81-90 0 0.0%
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Wildfire Black & Veatch 15-14
Sub-Areas
Equity Priority
Community
Thresholds1
EPC Population
Exposed2
% of Total
Population
Exposed to the
Hazard3
≤80 9,860 60.4%
East Oakland Hills 91-100 0 0.0%
81-90 0 0.0%
≤80 0 0.0%
Eastlake/Fruitvale 91-100 17,933 17.7%
81-90 13,346 13.2%
≤80 17,531 17.3%
Glenview/ Redwood Heights 91-100 0 0.0%
81-90 0 0.0%
≤80 0 0.0%
North Oakland Hills 91-100 0 0.0%
81-90 0 0.0%
≤80 0 0.0%
North Oakland/Adams Point 91-100 0 0.0%
81-90 0 0.0%
≤80 20,378 23.9%
West Oakland 91-100 263 1.6%
81-90 5,632 33.8%
≤80 10,783 64.7%
Totals 91-100 58,104 13.8%
81-90 42,885 10.2%
≤80 84,220 20.1%
Source: (City of Oakland 2023)
Notes: (1) These thresholds are determined by the City of Oakland to be the most burdened communities in the City in the General Plan EJ Element.
(2) Population, by census tract, within the EPC threshold exposed to the hazard. (3) EPC population exposed compared with total population in sub area.

15.2.3 Impact on General Building Stock
Buildings located in the very high FHSZ maps adopted by the City of Oakland are exposed and considered vulnerable to the wildfire hazard. Buildings constructed of wood or vinyl siding are generally more likely to be impacted by the fire hazard than buildings constructed of brick or concrete. Table 15-7 presents the estimated number of buildings located in the very high FHSZ . Table 15-8 presents the number of buildings by structure type. Of the structures exposed, the majority (23,028) are residential structures, followed by commercial structures ( 156), and government buildings (80). Overall, 22.1% of structures in the City of Oakland are located in the very high FHSZ.

Table 15-7. Estimated Number of Buildings Located in the Very High FHSZ Sub-Area Total Buildings
Total Buildings
Exposed % Total
Central East Oakland 22,271 5 0.02%
Coliseum/Airport 1,229 0 0.00%
Downtown 5,087 0 0.00%
East Oakland Hills 10,993 8,954 81.45%
Eastlake/Fruitvale 17,046 0 0.00%
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Wildfire
Black & Veatch 15-15
Sub-Area Total Buildings
Total Buildings
Exposed % Total
Glenview/ Redwood Heights 11,192 3,474 31.04%
North Oakland Hills 10,125 9,966 98.43%
North Oakland/Adams Point 21,103 937 4.44%
West Oakland 6,497 0 0.00%
Total 105,543 23,336 22.11%
Sources: (CAL FIRE 2025a); (City of Oakland 2025); (Hazus v6.1 2023) Notes: Values based off of 2025 tax assessor data provided by Alameda County.

Table 15-8. Estimated Number of Buildings, by Structure Type, Located in the Very High FHSZ Sub-Area
Total
Buildings
Very High FHSZ
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Agriculture
Religion
Government
Education
Total
Buildings
Central East Oakland 22,271 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 5
Coliseum/Airport 1,229 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Downtown 5,087 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
East Oakland Hills 10,993 8,838 43 1 0 14 39 19 8,954
Eastlake/Fruitvale 17,046 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Glenview/ Redwood Heights 11,192 3,445 10 0 0 6 5 8 3,474 North Oakland Hills 10,125 9,812 100 0 1 8 32 13 9,966
North Oakland/Adams Point 21,103 931 2 0 0 0 2 2 937
West Oakland 6,497 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 105,543 23,028 156 1 1 28 80 42 23,336
Sources: (CAL FIRE 2025a); (City of Oakland 2025); (Hazus v6.1 2023) Notes: Values based off of 2025 tax assessor data provided by Alameda County.

Building Codes and Associated Vulnerability
Modern building codes significantly reduce wildfire vulnerability by mandating fire-resistant materials, construction practices, and features like enclosed eaves and meshed vents, ultimately increasing the likelihood of home survival in high-risk areas. Every wildfire creates an opportunity to mitigate future wildfire risk through recover y with the application of strong codes and standards.

The State of California is a mandatory building code state. California first mandated building code adopted locally in 1978 with state legislation (SB 331, Robbins) requiring that building standards be unified in a single code within the California Code of Regulations, designated as Title 24, the California Building Standards Code. The basis for the California Building Code has always been the International Building Code (IBC), or its predecessor, the Uniform Building Code (UBC). The IBC (International Buil ding Code) has always included requirements for fire and smoke protection features, but the first edition of the IBC, which was adopted in 2000, was the first time these requirements were codified in a single, comprehensive building code. Chapter 7 of the IBC includes detailed requirements for fire and smoke protection features, including the following:

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Wildfire Black & Veatch 15-16
• Fire-resistance-rated construction: This includes requirements for the fire resistance of structural members, walls, partitions, and horizontal assemblies. • Fire alarm systems: The IBC specifies requirements for the installation and maintenance of fire alarm systems.
• Fire suppression systems: The IBC includes requirements for fire suppression systems, such as sprinkler systems.
• Smoke control systems: The IBC includes requirements for smoke control systems, such as smoke vents and exhaust fans.

Working under the premise that any structure not built to Chapter 7 of the IBC standards would be more vulnerable to fire starts from ember transport by high winds, and that any structure not held to any codes or standards would be the most vulnerable, an exposure analysis was performed using the date of construction as an identifier for potential vulnerability. Table 15-9 shows residential building counts in the following categories:
• Structures built before 1978, where codes and standards were not required by state mandate.
• Structures built between 1978 and 2000, where codes and standards applied to new construction, but not with specificity to smoke and fire protection. • Structures built after 2000 where application of Chapter 7 of the IBC is applied.

Table 15-9. General Building Stock by Date of Construction Building Code Milestone Residential (includes multi-family) Built before 1978 80,015
Built between 1978 and 2000 10,157
Built after 2000 7,897
Total 98,069

With over 80,000 residential structures built before 1978, there could be an assumed level of vulnerability to that building stock from wildfire risk, assuming exposure to ember casting from regional wildfires. The degree of vulnerability is uncertain, but any structure built before 1978, surrounded by tree canopy, would be considered to be the highest degree of risk.

15.2.4 Impact on Community Lifelines
All community lifelines located in the FHSZ are exposed and vulnerable to the wildfire hazard and are likely to experience functional downtime following wildfire events that could increase the overall impact of such events. Wildfires can have an impact on water supplies because of residual pollutants like char or debris landing in water resources which can clog wastewater pipes, culverts, etc. Wildfires may also impact transportation routes, blocking residents and commuters from getting in and out of the City during a wildfire event because of heavy smoke making it difficult to drive, or where the flames have close proximity to the roadways, making the route an unsafe passageway.

Table 15-10 provides the number of community lifelines located in the FHSZ. The City has 205 community lifelines are located in the FHSZ.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Wildfire Black & Veatch 15-17
Table 15-10. Estimated Community Lifelines Located in the FHSZ Sub-Area
Communications
Energy
Food, Hydration,
Shelter
Hazardous
Materials
Health and
Medical
Safety and
Security
Transportation
Water Systems
Total
Central East
Oakland 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
Coliseum/Airport 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Downtown 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
East Oakland Hills 19 1 0 18 0 20 14 1 73
Eastlake/Fruitvale 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Glenview/
Redwood Heights 2 1 0 2 0 6 11 0 22
North Oakland
Hills 51 3 0 14 0 18 16 0 102
North
Oakland/Adams
Point
0 1 0 0 0 1 5 0 7
West Oakland 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 72 6 0 34 0 45 47 1 205
Sources: (CAL FIRE 2025a); (City of Oakland 2025)

15.2.5 Impact on the Economy
Wildfire can have both positive and negative effects on local economies. Positive effects come from economic activity generated in the community during fire suppression and post- fire rebuilding. These may include forestry support work, such as building fire lines and performing other defenses, or providing firefighting teams with food, ice, and amenities such as temporary shelters and washing machines.

However, local economies only experience positive effects if fire suppression spending and contracting is done locally. In addition, future benefits are only possible if the fire stimulates, rather than stops, economic development efforts associated with r ecovery and forest restoration.

Among other negative economic effects for communities, wildfires can burn timber, make recreation and tourism unappealing, and affect agricultural production. Local communities often become concerned about the effects of smoke on health and safety, as well .

Depending on the severity and location of a wildfire, post-disaster recovery can come with a considerable price tag. Factors that affect state and local budgets in the long -term include the following:
• Replacement of lost facilities and associated infrastructure, • Watershed and water quality mitigation, and
• Sensitive species and habitat restoration.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Wildfire Black & Veatch 15-18
Of the City’s $128.9 billion in total replacement cost values of structures, 14.9% ($19.2 billion) are exposed to the FHSZ.

Table 15-11. Estimated Replacement Cost Value of Buildings Located in the FHSZ Sub-Area
Total
Replacement
Cost Value ($)
Value
Structure ($)
Exposed
Value Contents
($) Exposed Total Exposed
% Total
Exposed
Central East
Oakland $17,986,229,601 $2,893,183 $2,157,715 $5,050,898 >0.1% Coliseum/Airport $5,646,390,094 $0 $0 $0 0.0%
Downtown $21,475,904,408 $0 $0 $0 0.0%
East Oakland Hills $8,434,796,515 $4,515,923,133 $2,599,533,194 $7,115,456,327 84.4% Eastlake/Fruitvale $20,713,824,637 $0 $0 $0 0.0%
Glenview/
Redwood Heights $7,699,736,380 $1,499,475,231 $832,702,291 $2,332,177,522 30.3% North Oakland
Hills $9,022,389,851 $5,685,183,713 $2,976,066,202 $8,661,249,915 96.0% North
Oakland/Adams
Point
$26,981,073,354 $751,974,922 $389,584,708 $1,141,559,630 4.2% West Oakland $11,010,987,509 $0 $0 $0 0.0%
Total $128,971,332,346 $12,455,450,182 $6,800,044,108 $19,255,494,290 14.9% Sources: (CAL FIRE 2025a); (City of Oakland 2025); (Hazus v6.1 2023) Notes: Values based off of 2025 tax assessor data provided by Alameda County.

15.2.6 Impact on Historic and Cultural Resources
The impact to historic cultural resources from direct and indirect exposure to fire and fire - related activities may be swift and detrimental. Buildings may burn, cultural landscapes may be destroyed by trenching, archeological sites may erode. Fire and fire -related activities, however, may be beneficial. Fire may restore a fire -maintained cultural landscape and encourage growth of vegetation valued by Native American communities, or clear out flammable wood around a historic cabin to create defensible space.

15.2.7 Impact on Ecosystems and Natural Resources
Fire is a natural process in most terrestrial ecosystems, affecting the types, structure, and spatial extent of native vegetation. Fire can act as a catalyst for promoting biological diversity and healthy ecosystems, reducing buildup of organic debris, releasing nutrients into the soil, and triggering changes in vegetation community composition (California Department of Fish and Wildlife 2022d). However, in some circumstances, it can also cause severe negative environmental impacts, such as the following:
• Soil Erosion —The protective covering provided by foliage and dead organic matter is removed, leaving the soil fully exposed to wind and water erosion. Accelerated soil erosion occurs, causing landslides and threatening aquatic habitats (California Ecosystems Climate Solutions 2020).
• Reduced Agricultural Resources —Wildfire can have disastrous consequences on agricultural resources, removing them from production and necessitating lengthy restoration programs (Philip 2019).

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Wildfire Black & Veatch 15-19
• Spread of Invasive Plant Species —Non-native woody plant species frequently invade burned areas. When weeds become established, they can dominate the plant cover over broad landscapes, and become difficult and costly to control (U.S.

Department of the Interior, Office of Wildland Fire 2022). • Disease and Insect Infestations —Unless diseased or insect-infested trees are swiftly removed, infestations and disease can spread to healthy forests and private lands.

Timely active management actions are needed to remove diseased or infested trees (The White House n.d.).
• Destroyed Endangered Species Habitat —Wildfire can have negative consequences on endangered species by degrading their habitat (Butcher, Kristin 2019).
• Soil Sterilization —Some wildfires burn so hot that they can sterilize the soil. Topsoil exposed to extreme heat can become water repellant, and soil nutrients may be lost (FireSafe Sonoma 2020).
• Damaged Fisheries —Fisheries can suffer from increased water temperatures, sedimentation, and changes in water quality (NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology 2022); (Beakes, et al. 2014). • Damaged Cultural and Historical Resources —The destruction of cultural and historic resources may occur, scenic vistas can be damaged, and access to recreational areas can be reduced (National Park Service 2021).

15.3 MITIGATION OPPORTUNITIES
Table 15-12 presents a range of potential opportunities for mitigating the wildfire hazard.

Table 15-12. Potential Opportunities to Mitigate the Wildfire Hazard Community Scale Organizational Scale Government Scale
Manipulate the Hazard
• Clear potential
fuels on property
such as dry
overgrown
underbrush and
dead, dying, or
diseased trees
• Clear potential
fuels on property
such as dry
overgrown
underbrush and
dead, dying, or
diseased trees
• Clear potential fuels on property such as dry
overgrown underbrush and dead, dying, or
diseased trees
• Implement best management practices on
public lands
Reduce Exposure and Vulnerability
• Create and
maintain
defensible space
around structures
and provide water
on site
• Locate outside of
hazard area
• Mow regularly
• Use fire-resistant
building materials
• Create and
maintain
defensible space
around structures
and infrastructure
and provide water
on site
• Locate outside of
hazard area
• Use fire-resistant
building materials
• Use fire-resistant
plantings in buffer
• Create and maintain defensible space around
structures and infrastructure
• Locate outside of hazard area
• Enhance building code to include use of fire-
resistant materials in high hazard area
• Use fire-resistant plantings in buffer areas of
high wildfire threat
• Consider higher regulatory standards (such as
Class A roofing)
• Establish biomass reclamation activities
• In high-risk areas, use heat-resistant materials
like welded steel, and avoid heat-susceptible
materials like polyvinyl chloride and high-
density polyethylene
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Wildfire Black & Veatch 15-20
Community Scale Organizational Scale Government Scale
areas of high
wildfire threat
Build Local Capacity
• Employ
techniques from
the National Fire
Protection
Association’s
Firewise
Communities
program to
safeguard home
• Identify alternative
water supplies for
fire fighting
• Install/replace
roofing material
with non-
combustible
roofing materials
• Support Firewise
community
initiatives
• Create/establish
stored water
supplies to be
utilized for
firefighting
• More public outreach and education efforts,
including an active Firewise program
• Possible weapons of mass destruction funds
available to enhance fire capability in high-risk
areas
• Identify fire responses and alternative
evacuation routes
• Seek alternative water supplies
• Become a Firewise community
• Use academia to study impacts/solutions to
wildfire risk
• Establish/maintain mutual aid agreements
between fire service agencies
• Develop, adopt, and implement integrated
plans for mitigating wildfire impacts in wildland
areas bordering on development
• Consider the probable impacts of climate
change on the risk associated with the wildfire
hazard in future land use decisions
• Provide incentives for existing structures to be
hardened against wildfire
• Use tools to detect, forecast, and take action
ahead of wildfire
• Manage invasive species that are susceptible to
increased wildfire risk
• Create riparian corridors in wildfire hazard areas
as fire breaks
• Incorporate nature-based wildfire risk reduction
buffers into existing ecosystem-friendly land
uses (e.g., green space, trains, or parks)

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Hazards of Interest Black & Veatch 16-1

16. HAZARDS OF INTEREST
After reviewing the previous plan and considering options for other hazards of interest to address, the LHMP Steering Committee (SC) selected a limited number of hazards of interest to include in the development of this Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. The sections below provide short profiles of each hazard of interest, including a qualitative discussion of their potential impact in the Planning Area. No formal risk assessment was performed and the hazards are not included in the risk ranking.

16.1 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND RADIOLOGICAL INCIDENTS
As an urban city, the day-to-day operations of industry and human activity often also mean use, handling, or production of hazardous materials. Exposure to hazardous materials can result in lung damage, cancer, cardiovascular disease, low birth weight infa nts, and other negative health outcomes that reduce life expectancy. Hazardous sites and materials threaten environmental quality and can result in soil and groundwater contamination. This is especially true of sites that used hazardous materials before ad option of current environmental regulations. Exposure to hazardous materials can also result in lung damage, cancer, cardiovascular disease, low birth weight infants, and other negative health outcomes that reduce life expectancy.

There are approximately 1,700 documented hazardous materials sites currently identified within the city. The vast majority of these sites are concentrated in areas with industrial and uses in East and West Oakland. About 57 percent of sites have been “closed” to indicate that they have completed remediation and/or have demonstrated that existing site uses do not present a significant risk to human health or the environment. Almost a quarter of all sites are actively being remediated and five percent of thes e sites are operational facilities that are currently certified to handle hazardous materials.

Risks associated with hazardous sites, closed or not, may be worsened by seismic activity, flooding, groundwater intrusion, or new development. Excavation and grading work that occur during construction have the possibility to expose the public to contaminated materials either through physical contact or hazardous vapors. Mismanagement or mishandling of contaminated groundwater and soil may spread contamination through surface water runoff or airborne dust, increasing the public’s exposure to these hazards.

The Safety Element of the Oakland General Plan includes detailed maps and discussion of hazardous materials (City of Oakland 2023).

16.2 PUBLIC HEALTH INCIDENTS
Climate scientists and public health experts warn that climate change will increase the risk of infectious disease transmission and potential pandemics. The COVID -19 pandemic has demonstrated the indispensable role of cooperation and coordination across a wide range of sectors, including city departments, public organizations, businesses, nonprofits, and the community, in effectively responding to and planning for future public health emergencies.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Hazards of Interest Black & Veatch 16-2
In the event of a public health emergency, the coordination and acquisition of medical/health mutual aid resources involves federal, state, and local agencies as well as the private sector (hospitals, medical supply vendors, ambulance companies, etc.). The Oakland Fire Department and Oakland Department of Human Services will work with the Alameda County Department of Public Health to coordinate medical and health responses. At the State level, Cal OES responds to and aids in the recovery from emergencies within the State of California under the authority of the California Services Act, California Disaster Assistance Act, and the Stafford Act. Cal OES is responsible for managing disaster recovery and aiding local governments, special districts, certain nonprofit organizations, individuals, businesses, and agricultural communities impacted by disasters.

The California Department of Public Health contains the Emergency Preparedness Office, which maintains and manages the Medical and Health Coordination Center, distributes funds to local health departments for disaster planning, and operates the California Health Alert Network. The Department also manages the Climate Change & Health Equity Program, whose goal is to systematically integrate work from climate change planning and public health planning with policies and principles that promote equity. To plan f or an effective, coordinated response, the City is also preparing a Pandemic Annex of the Emergency Operations Plan, which provides an overview of considerations for City response to a global pandemic affecting the Bay Area. One of the key assumptions of any pandemic planning model is that vulnerable populations, including people of color, will tend to experience worse health outcomes because of historic and current impacts of systemic racism. As part of the next update of the Integrated Preparedness Plan, the City will incorporate the best available data on racial disparities and policy recommendations from the Pandemic Annex to keep Oaklanders safe and healthy (City of Oakland 2023).

Alameda County Public Health Department has an array of programs and services to protect the health and safety of County residents. The agency serves 1.5 million residents in unincorporated county areas and 13 cities (Albany, Emeryville, Alameda, Piedmont, Oakland, San Leandro, Hayward, Union City, Fremont, Newark, Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore; the City of Berkeley has its own health department). The backbone of Public Health includes assessments of the health status of residents, disease prevention and co ntrol, community mobilization and outreach, policy development, education, and assurance of access to quality medical and health care services. To be effective, they actively seek community involvement – partnerships with grass roots and corporate entities , with individuals and groups.

16.3 TERRORISM, ACTIVE ATTACKER , CYBERTERRORISM, CIVIL UNREST Terrorism, active attacker incidents, cyberterrorism and civil unrest are similar in that they are all human -caused criminal activities. Some rise to the level of a disaster, and some are more localized.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defines terrorism as “the unlawful use of force or violence committed by a group or individual against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in f urtherance of political or social objectives.” It could also include use of weapons of mass destruction, cyber terrorism (communications and information systems), or agroterrorism (disruption to food City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Hazards of Interest Black & Veatch 16-3
supplies). In April 2021, the City of Oakland prepared a Terrorism Annex to the Emergency Operations Plan to facilitate an effective local response to a terrorist attack on the city. As part of the next update of the Integrated Preparedness Plan, the City will incorporate policy recommendations from the Terrorism Annex to protect against potential terrorist attacks (City of Oakland 2023).

Civil unrest refers to acts of violence and disorder detrimental to the public law and order. It includes riots, vandalism, insurrections, unlawful obstructions, or assemblages. Federal law defines “civil disorder” as any public disturbance involving acts of violence by assemblages of three or more persons, which causes an immediate danger of or results in damage or injury to the property or person of any other individual.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Hazard Ranking Black & Veatch 17-1

17. HAZARD RANKING
Based on the risk assessment, the hazards of concern are ranked as the risk they pose to the City. Results are as follows:

The prioritization and categorization of identified hazards for Oakland is based principally on the Priority Risk Index (PRI), a tool commonly used in hazard mitigation planning, to measure the degree of risk for identified hazards in a particular Planning Area. The PRI described below, was used to assist the City in identifying hazards that pose the most significant threat to the City. Results are depicted on Table 17-1 and a description of the calculations is below.

Table 17-1. Natural Hazard Risk Ranking
Hazard Probability Impact
Spatial
Extent
Warning
Time
Climate
Change QAF PRI
Risk
Ranking
Dam
Failure .30 .30 .20 .40 .40 0 1.6 Low
Drought 1.2 .30 .80 .10 .40 0 2.8 Medium
Earthquake 1.2 .60 .80 .40 0.0 2.0 5.0 High
Flood 1.2 .60 .60 .10 .40 0 2.9 Medium
Landslide .60 .60 .60 .40 .40 0 2.6 Medium
Sea-Level
Rise 1.2 .30 .2 .40 .40 0 2.5 Medium
Severe
Weather 1.2 .90 .80 .20 .40 0 3.5 High
Tsunami/
Seiche .60 .30 .60 .20 0.0 0 1.7 Low
Wildfire .90 .60 .60 .30 .40 2.0 4.8 High
Notes: PRI value 1 to 1.9 = Low Hazard Risk Ranking
PRI Value 2.0 to 2.9 = Medium Hazard Risk Ranking
PRI Value ≥3.0 = High Hazard Risk Ranking
The PRI results provide a numerical value for each hazard, allowing hazards to be ranked against one another (i.e., the higher the PRI value, the greater the hazard risk). PRI values are obtained by assigning varying degrees of risk to five categories for each hazard: probability, impact, spatial extent, warning time, and climate change. Each degree of risk has been assigned a value (1 to 4), and a weighting factor. To emphasize the risk of the earthquake and

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Hazard Ranking Black & Veatch 17-2
wildfire hazards, the Steering Committee chose to add a qualitative adjustment factor (QAF) to those hazards:
• Resident Displacement – 0.5 points
• Economic Impacts – 0.5 points
• Environmental Impacts – 0.5 points
• Transportation Impacts – 0.5 points
To calculate the PRI value for a given hazard, the assigned risk value for each category is multiplied by the weighting factor. The sum of all five categories equals the final PRI value, as demonstrated in the example equation below:

According to the weighting scheme applied, the highest possible PRI value is 6.0. Table 17-2 shows the weighting schemes for each category. The assigned weighting factors are typical for hazard mitigation planning efforts. The City had the option to amend these values if desired if additional factors should be considered for hazard rankings. By determining a value for each hazard that can be compared to other hazards threatening the Planning Area, hazards can be ranked with greater ease.

Many of the PRI categories are described within the natural hazard profiles. A hazard risk ranking for each hazard of concern was assigned to the range of PRI values as follows:
• PRI Value 1 to 1.9 = Low Hazard Risk Ranking
• PRI Value 2.0 to 2.9 = Medium Hazard Risk Ranking
• PRI Value 3.0 to 4.0 = High Hazard Risk Ranking
The final PRI results, including the calculated values for each hazard in Oakland are summarized in Table 17-1.

Table 17-2. Priority Risk Index Scoring Criteria
PRI
Category
Degree of Risk Assigned
Weighting
Factor Level Criteria
Index
Value
Probability Unlikely Less than 1% annual probability. 1 30% Possible Between 1 and 10% annual probability. 2
Likely Between 10 and 90% annual probability. 3
Highly Likely 90%+ annual probability. 4
Impact Minor Only minor property damage and minimal
disruption to government functions and services.

No shutdown of critical facilities.
1 30%
Limited Minor injuries to the total and Equity Priority Communities and individuals with AFN population
are possible, more than 10% of buildings damaged
or destroyed, temporary shutdown of critical
facilities (less than 1 week).
2 PRI VALUE = [(PROBABILITY x .30) + (IMPACT x .30) + (SPATIAL EXTENT x .20) + (WARNING TIME x .10) + (CLIMATE CHANGE x .10) + (QAF)]
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Hazard Ranking Black & Veatch 17-3
PRI
Category
Degree of Risk Assigned
Weighting
Factor Level Criteria
Index
Value
Critical Multiple deaths/injuries to the total and Equity Priority Communities and individuals with AFN
population are possible, more than 25% of buildings
damaged or destroyed, complete shutdown of
critical facilities for more than 1 week.
3 Catastrophic High number of deaths/injuries to the total and Equity Priority Communities and individuals with
AFN population are possible, more than 50% of
buildings damaged or destroyed, complete
shutdown of critical facilities for 30 days or more.
4 Spatial
Extent
Negligible Limited to one specific area. 1 20%
Small Small areas affected. 2
Moderate Large areas affected. 3
Large All areas affected. 4
Warning
Time
More than 24
hours
Self-explanatory. 1 10%
12 to 24 hours Self-explanatory. 2
6 to 12 hours Self-explanatory. 3
Less than 6
hours
Self-explanatory. 4
Climate
Change
Decreasing
Risk
Climate change is likely to result in a decrease in
the frequency and/or severity of hazard events.
-1 10%
No Impact Climate change is not expected to impact
frequency and/or severity of hazard events.
0 Increasing
Risk
Climate change is likely to result in an increase in
the frequency/severity of hazard events.
4 P

art 3 - Capability
Assessment &
Mitigation Strategy
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Capability Assessment Black & Veatch 18-1

18. CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT
The purpose of the capability assessment is to understand the planning, regulatory, administrative, technical, and financial capabilities present in the City of Oakland. This assessment helps the City identify strengths and opportunities that can be used to reduce losses from hazard events and reduce risks throughout the City.

18.1 OVERVIEW
Existing laws, ordinances, plans , and programs at the federal, state, and local level can support or impact hazard mitigation actions identified in this plan. Hazard mitigation plans are required to include a review and incorporation, if appropriate, of existing plans, studies, reports, a nd technical information as part of the planning process (44 CFR, Section 201.6(b)(3)). Federal and state programs identified through this review are those that may interface with the actions identified in this plan. Each program enhances capabilities to implement mitigation actions or has a nexus with a mitigation action in this plan.

During the LHMP update process, the City updated the capability assessment, paying particular attention to evaluating the effectiveness of these capabilities in supporting hazard mitigation and identifying opportunities to enhance local capabilities to integrate hazard mitigation into their plans, programs, and day-to-day operations.

18.2 PLANNING AND REGULATORY CAPABILITY
Planning and regulatory capabilities are based on the implementation of ordinances, policies, local laws, state statutes, plans, and programs that relate to guiding and management growth and development. Planning and regulatory capabilities refer not only to current plans and regulations, but also to the jurisdiction’s ability to change and improve those plans and regulations as needed.

State and federal regulations and programs that need to be considered in hazard mitigation are constantly evolving. For this plan, a review was performed to determine which regulations and programs are currently most relevant to hazard mitigation planning. The findings are summarized in Table 18-1 and Table 18-2. Short descriptions of each program are provided in Appendix C (Federal & State Agencies, Programs & Regulations).

City of Oakland and A lameda County capabilities relative to implementing mitigation actions are described in the sections below.

FEMA Mitigation Plan Requirement – 44 CFR Part 201.6(c)(3) The plan shall include a mitigation strategy that provides the jurisdiction’s blueprint for reducing the potential losses identified in the risk assessment, based on existing authorities, policies, programs, and resources, and its ability to expand on and improve these existing tools.

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18.2.1 Federal Agencies, Programs, and Capabilities
This section summarizes federal programs that may interface with the actions identified in this plan. Each program enhances capabilities to implement mitigation actions or has a nexus with a mitigation action in this plan.

Table 18-1. Summary of Federal Agencies, Programs, and Regulatory Capabilities Agency, Program or
Regulation
Hazard
Mitigation Area
Affected Relevance
Americans with
Disabilities Act
Action Plan
Implementation
FEMA hazard mitigation project grant applications
require full compliance with applicable federal acts.

Bureau of Land
Management
Wildfire Hazard The Bureau funds and coordinates wildfire management programs and structural fire
management and prevention on BLM lands.

Civil Rights Act of 1964 Action Plan
Implementation
FEMA hazard mitigation project grant applications
require full compliance with applicable federal acts.

Clean Water Act Action Plan
Implementation
FEMA hazard mitigation project grant applications
require full compliance with applicable federal acts.

Community Development
Block Grant Disaster
Resilience Program
Action Plan
Funding
This is a potential alternative source of funding for
actions identified in this plan.

Community Rating
System
Flood Hazard This voluntary program encourages floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum
National Flood Insurance Program requirements.

Disaster Mitigation Act Hazard
Mitigation
Planning
This is the current federal legislation addressing hazard mitigation planning.

Emergency Relief for
Federally Owned Roads
Program
Action Plan
Funding
This is a possible funding source for actions identified in this plan.

Emergency Watershed
Program
Action Plan
Funding
This is a possible funding source for actions identified in this plan.

Endangered Species Act Action Plan
Implementation
FEMA hazard mitigation project grant applications
require full compliance with applicable federal acts.

Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission
Dam Safety Program
Dam Failure
Hazard
This program cooperates with a large number of
federal and state agencies to ensure and promote dam
safety.

National Dam Safety Act Dam Failure
Hazard
This act requires periodic engineering analysis of most dams in the country.

National Environmental
Policy Act
Action Plan
Implementation
FEMA hazard mitigation project grant applications
require full compliance with applicable federal acts.

National Flood Insurance
Program
Flood Hazard This program makes federally backed flood insurance available to homeowners, renters, and business owners
in exchange for communities enacting floodplain
regulations.

National Incident
Management System
Action Plan
Development
Adoption of this system for government,
nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector
to work together to manage incidents involving
hazards is a prerequisite for federal preparedness
grants and awards
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Agency, Program or
Regulation
Hazard
Mitigation Area
Affected Relevance
Presidential Executive
Order 11988 (Floodplain
Management)
Flood Hazard This order requires federal agencies to avoid long, and short-term adverse impacts associated with
modification of floodplains.

Presidential Executive
Order 11990 (Protection of
Wetlands)
Action Plan
Implementation
FEMA hazard mitigation project grant applications
require full compliance with applicable presidential
executive orders.

U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers Dam Safety
Program
Dam Failure
Hazard
This program is responsible for safety inspections of
dams that meet size and storage limitations specified
in the National Dam Safety Act.

U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers Flood Hazard
Management
Flood Hazard,
Action Plan
Implementation,
Action Plan
Funding
The Corps of Engineers offers multiple funding and
technical assistance programs available for flood
hazard mitigation actions.

U.S. Fire Administration Wildfire Hazard This agency provides leadership, advocacy, coordination, and support for fire agencies and
organizations.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service
Wildfire Hazard This service’s fire management strategy employs prescribed fire throughout the National Wildlife Refuge System to maintain ecological communities.

18.2.2 State Agencies, Programs, and Regulatory Capabilities Table 18-2 lists California State programs that can support or enhance mitigation capabilities of the City of Oakland.

Table 18-2. Summary of State Agencies, Programs, and Regulatory Capabilities Agency, Program or
Regulation
Hazard
Mitigation Area
Affected Relevance
AB 32: The California Global
Warming Solutions Act
Action Plan
Development
This act establishes a state goal of reducing
greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.

AB 70: Flood Liability Flood Hazard A city or county may be required to partially compensate for property damage caused by a flood if
it unreasonably approves new development in areas
protected by a state flood control project.

AB 162: Flood Planning Flood Hazard Cities and counties must address flood-related matters in the land use, conservation, and safety and
housing elements of their general plans.

AB 747: General Plans—
Safety Element
Hazard
Mitigation
Planning
The safety elements of cities’ and counties’ general
plans must address evacuation routes and include
any new information on flood and fire hazards and
climate adaptation and resiliency strategies.

AB 2140: General Plans—
Safety Element
Hazard
Mitigation
Planning
This bill enables state and federal disaster assistance and mitigation funding to communities with
compliant hazard mitigation plans.

AB 2800: Climate Change—
Infrastructure Planning
Action Plan
Development
This act requires state agencies to take into account
the impacts of climate change when developing
state infrastructure.

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Agency, Program or
Regulation
Hazard
Mitigation Area
Affected Relevance
Alquist-Priolo Earthquake
Fault Zoning Act
Earthquake
Hazard
This act restricts construction of buildings used for
human occupancy on the surface trace of active
faults.

California Coastal
Management Program
Flood,
Landslide,
Tsunami and
Wildfire
Hazards
This program requires coastal communities to
prepare coastal plans and requires that new
development minimize risks to life and property in
areas of high geological, flood, and fire hazard.

California Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE)
Wildfire Hazard CAL FIRE has responsibility for wildfires in areas that are not under the jurisdiction of the Forest Service or a local fire organization.

California Department of
Parks and Recreation
Wildfire Hazard State Parks Resources Management Division has wildfire protection resources available to suppress
fires on State Park lands.

California Department of
Water Resources
Flood Hazard This state department is the state coordinating agency for floodplain management.

California Division of Safety
of Dams
Dam Failure
Hazard
This division monitors the dam safety program at the
state level and maintains a working list of dams in the state.

California Environmental
Quality Act
Action Plan
Implementation
This act establishes a protocol of analysis and public
disclosure of the potential environmental impacts of
development projects. Any project action identified in
this plan will seek full California Environmental
Quality Act compliance upon implementation.

California Fire Alliance Wildfire Hazard The alliance works with communities at risk from wildfires to facilitate the development of community
fire loss mitigation plans.

California Fire Plan Wildfire Hazard This plan’s goal is to reduce costs and losses from wildfire through pre-fire management and through
successful initial response.

California Fire Safe Council Wildfire Hazard This council facilitates the distribution of National Fire Plan grants for wildfire risk reduction and education.

California Fire Service and
Rescue Emergency Mutual
Aid Plan
Wildfire Hazard This plan provides guidance and procedures for agencies developing emergency operations plans, as
well as training and technical support.

California General Planning
Law
Hazard
Mitigation
Planning
This law requires every county and city to adopt a
comprehensive long-range plan for community
development, and related laws call for integration of
hazard mitigation plans with general plans.

California Multi-Hazard
Mitigation Plan
Hazard
Mitigation
Planning
Local hazard mitigation plans must be consistent
with their state’s hazard mitigation plan.

California Residential
Mitigation Program
Earthquake
Hazard
This program helps homeowners with seismic
retrofits to lessen the potential for damage to their
houses during an earthquake.

California State Building
Code
Action Plan
Implementation
Local communities must adopt and enforce building
codes, which include measures to improve buildings’
ability to withstand hazard events.

Disadvantaged and Low-
Income Communities
Investments
Action Plan
Funding
This is a potential source of funding for actions
located in disadvantaged or low-income
communities.

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Agency, Program or
Regulation
Hazard
Mitigation Area
Affected Relevance
Division of the State
Architect’s AB 300 List of
Seismically At-Risk Schools
Earthquake
Hazard, Action
Plan
Development
The Division of the State Architect recommends that
local school districts conduct detailed seismic
evaluations of seismically at-risk schools identified in the inventory that was required by AB 300.

Governor’s Executive Order
S-13-08 (Climate Impacts)
Action Plan
Implementation
This order includes guidance on planning for sea-level
rise in designated coastal and floodplain areas for
new projects.

Office of the State Fire
Marshal
Wildfire Hazard This office has a wide variety of fire safety and training responsibilities.

Senate Bill 92: Public
Resources Portion of
Biennial Budget Bill
Dam Failure
Hazard
This bill requires dams (except for low-risk dams) to
have emergency action plans that are updated every
10 years and inundation maps updated every 10 years,
or sooner if specific circumstances change.

Senate Bill 97: Guidelines for
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Action Plan
Implementation
This bill establishes that greenhouse gas emissions
and the effects of greenhouse gas emissions are
appropriate subjects for California Environmental
Quality Act analysis.

Senate Bill 99: General
Plans: Safety Element:

Emergency Evacuation
Routes
Action Plan
Implementation
This bill requires the safety element must include
information to identify residential developments in
hazard areas that do not have at least two emergency
evacuation routes.

Senate Bill 182: Local
Government: Planning and
Zoning: Wildfires
Wildfire Hazard This bill made a number of changes to state law regarding planning for and permitting development
in areas designated as very high fire risk areas.

Senate Bill 379: General
Plans: Safety Element—
Climate Adaptation
Action Plan
Implementation
This bill requires cities and counties to include
climate adaptation and resiliency strategies in the
safety element of their general plans.

Senate Bill 1000: General
Plan Amendments—Safety
and Environmental Justice
Elements
Action Plan
Implementation
Under this bill, review and revision of general plan
safety elements are required to address only flooding
and fires (not climate adaptation and resilience), and
environmental justice is required to be included in
general plans.

Senate Bill 1035: Fire, Flood,
and Adaptation Safety
Element Updates
Action Plan
Implementation
Clarifies that revisions to the Safety Element to
address fire hazards, flood hazards, and climate
adaptation and resilience strategies all must occur
upon each revision to a Housing Element or Local
Hazard Mitigation Program.

Senate Bill 1241: General
Plans: Safety Element—Fire
Hazard Impacts
Wildfire Hazard This bill requires cities and counties to make findings regarding available fire protection and suppression
services before approving a tentative map or parcel
map.

Standardized Emergency
Management System
Action Plan
Implementation
Local governments must use this system to be
eligible for state funding of response-related
personnel costs.

Proposition 4 Wildfire and
Climate Change
Authorizes bonds for safe drinking water, wildfire
prevention, and protecting communities and natural
lands from climate risks. Legislative statute.

Authorizes $10 billion in general obligation bonds for
water, wildfire prevention, and protection of
communities and lands.

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18.2.3 Alameda County Capabilities
Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District The Alameda County Flood Control & Water Conservation District provides flood protection for Western Alameda County residents and businesses, including the City of Oakland. The District plans, designs, constructs, and maintains flood control systems such a s natural creeks, channels, levees, pump stations, dams, and reservoirs. It also cares for the natural environment through public outreach and enforcement of pollution control regulations governing waterways.

The California State Legislature created the District in 1949 at the request of Alameda County residents, primarily to build flood control infrastructure across the County. Cities and unincorporated areas have joined the District over the years in order to gain protection from devastating floods.

Today, Alameda County’s flood control infrastructure protects nine zones in western Alameda County. This includes pump stations, erosion control structures, dams, and hundreds of miles of pipelines, channels, levees, and creeks. The District maintains equipment, keeps flood control channels clear of silt and debris, and evaluates impacts of new developments on creeks and channels.

As a state recognized special purpose district enabled with taxing authorities, the District generates revenue within a flood control zone. Tax and benefit assessments from properties within each zone can only be spent within that zone.

18.2.4 City of Oakland Capabilities
General Plan
The Planning & Building Department works with the Planning Commission and the community to make long-term plans for growth and development in Oakland. The General Plan is a comprehensive set of purposes, policies, and programs to guide the future form and development of the City . The General Plan is a strategic, long -term document that affects the lives of City residents and the business community. It is implemented by decisions that direct the allocation of public resources and that shape private developme nt. The General Plan contains the following elements or plans that outline policies for land use and development throughout Oakland:
• Land Use and Transportation Element—Designates the kinds, location, and intensity of land uses, as well as appropriate zoning controls to achieve development policies. The Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plans are considered part of this element.
• Estuary Policy Plan—Includes objectives and policies to enhance the Oakland waterfront as a resource for the City. The Estuary Policy Plan (EPP) serves as the Land Use Element for the Estuary shoreline area, extending from Castro Street to the East Creek Slough.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Capability Assessment Black & Veatch 18-7
• Historic Preservation Element—Provides the goals, policies, and actions to encourage the preservation of older buildings, districts, and other physical features with historic value.
• Housing Element—Provides an assessment of the need for housing and an inventory of housing; statement of goals with regard to housing residents; and a program for providing the needed amount of housing throughout the City. • Noise Element—Analyzes and quantifies the existing and projected noise levels from noise sources such as traffic and commercial and aviation activities; includes implementation measures to address any foreseeable noise problems. • Open Space, Conservation and Recreation Element—Contains policies addressing the management of open land, natural resources, and parks in the City. • Safety Element—Includes a policy framework to guide public decision-making with regard to safety hazards. The Safety Element addresses public safety, geological hazards, fire hazards, hazardous materials, and flooding hazards. • Scenic Highways—Addresses the preservation and enhancement of attractive roadways and major thorough fares traversing the City.

Neighborhood and Specific Area Plans
Oakland has embarked on a series of plans for creating sustainable and vibrant neighborhoods. This program includes the development of nine neighborhood and specific area plans, which are functional components of the General Plan.

Title 17 Oakland Planning Code
The City of Oakland Planning Code (Title 17 of the City of Oakland Municipal Code) implements the policies of the General Plan and other City plans, policies, and ordinances.

The Planning Code divides the City into zones and assigns land use and developmen t regulations to each zone. These regulations direct the construction, nature, and extent of building use. In the event of conflict between the Oakland Planning Code and the General Plan, Chapter 17.01 establishes that the direction of the City’s General P lan shall prevail over the Planning Code:

Until the Planning Code is fully updated, land use designations, zoning controls, and subdivision controls specified by the Planning Code and Subdivision Regulations shall apply, except where such action would expressly conflict with the Oakland General Plan. Where an express conflict does arise, the General Plan policies and land use designations shall apply. An “express conflict” shall be deemed to be any situation where a proposal clearly conforms with the General Plan but is not permitted by the portion of Zoning Regulations that have not been fully updated, or where a proposal clearly does not conform with the General Plan, but is permitted or conditionally permitted by the portion of Zoning Regulations that have not been fully updated.

Soft -Story Retrofit Program
The City of Oakland’s Soft Story Retrofit Program works to save lives by strengthening buildings with large ground-floor openings that are particularly prone to collapse during an City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Capability Assessment Black & Veatch 18-8
earthquake. Effective January 22, 2019, Municipal Ordinance No. 13516 requires residential property owners to strengthen these vulnerable buildings with seismic retrofits.

Title 15, Chapter 15.27 establishes a program of mandatory seismic evaluation and retrofit of certain residential buildings vulnerable to earthquake damage. The program is intended to reduce earthquake-related deaths and injuries, improve the durability of Oakland’s housing stock, facilitate post -earthquake emergency response, improve community stability, minimize displacement during retrofits and after an earthquake, and reduce the economic impacts of an earthquake. This regulation targets buildings with a wood-frame target story and five or more dwelling units that was constructed or permitted for construction before 1991 or designed based on a version of the Uniform Building Code from 1985 or earlier. If an owner adds dwelling units to a building so that it becomes a building with five or more units, then the building shall be considered a subject building at the time building permits are issued for the additional units.

Sustainability
The Sustainable Oakland Program is housed in the Sustainability and Resilience Division of the City Administrator’s Office. This team fosters collaboration with staff across all City departments and with community leaders and experts on equitable climate change and adaptation. The Sustainable Oakland program is an evolution of the Sustainable Community Development Initiative, establishe d by Oakland’s City Council in 1997, and is charged with developing plans, ensuring implementation, and tracking progress r elated to the Council’s climate goals and targets.

Title 18 of the City’s municipal code promotes economic development and enhancement of the health, safety, and welfare of residents, workers, and visitors through the integration of environmentally sustainable strategies in building construction and landsc apes. The minimum standards set forth are intended to minimize the use of natural resources and the production of waste and maximize the healthfulness of enclosed environments.

Oakland Equity Indicators
Oakland was chosen in 2017 to be among the first cohort of five cities to develop local equity indicators, in partnership with the City University of New York’s Institute for State and Local Governance and with funding from the Rockefeller Foundation. The project, a joint effort between the Resilient Oakland Office and the DRE, resulted in a 2018 report that provides strategies for advancing equity, selected through a focus on racial and ethnic disparities and their root causes. The purpose of the Equity Indicators Report is to provide a framework that City staff and community members can use to better understand the impacts of race, measure inequities, and track changes in disparities for different groups over time. This framework can then be used to guide and inform policies that address these disparities.

Indicators listed in the report are quantifiable metrics for equity in each of four topics under each of six themes. Oakland’s 2018 Citywide equity score, which encompasses all indicators, was 33.5 (out of 100), demonstrating substantial room for improvement. The indicator scores by theme were as follows:
• Neighborhood and Civic Life—50.6
• Economy—41.8
• Housing—36.8
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• Education—29.0
• Public Health—25.8
• Public Safety—17.3
The information in the 2018 Equity Indicators Report positions the City to use data to drive equity outcomes, but it is only one step in a larger effort to address inequities. To complement this quantitative baseline, the DRE is also working with community partners to gather qualitative data from diverse community members in Oakland. This will provide context and insights into the root causes of disparities and meaningful solutions to the problems illuminated in the Equity Indicators Report.

Equitable Climate Action Plan
In 2018, Oakland’s City Council adopted a Climate Emergency and Just Transition Resolution, calling for an urgent climate mobilization effort to reverse global warming, rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and be more resilient in the face of intensifying climate impacts.

This includes creating good green jobs, reducing pollution, and helping Oaklanders to thrive.

The 2030 Equitable Climate Action Plan (ECAP) is the City’s roadmap to bring about an equitable transition to a low-carbon economy. The goal of this plan is to identify an equitable path toward cost -effectively reducing Oakland’s local climate emissions a minimum of 56 percent, transitioning away from fossil fuel dependence, and ensuring that all of Oakland’s communities are resilient to the foreseeable impacts of climate change by 2030.

Oakland Vegetation Management Plan
In May 2024, The Oakland City Council formally adopted a 10 year Vegetation Management Plan. The plan outlines a framework for managing fuel loads and vegetation on City-owned properties and along roadways in the City's Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ), is an actionable step to reduce the likelihood of a catastrophic wildfire, such as the 1991 Oakland Hills Fire. The Council also certified the Environmental Impact Report which provided formal approval to ensure that the City follows the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"). The Vegetation Management (Plan) covers more than 1,900 acres of City property plus treatment areas along approximately 300 miles of roadside. Vegetation management activities conducted on these lands currently includes goat grazing on nine sites covering approximately 1,300 acres, vegetation clearing along 16 roadways (58 miles), monitoring for vegetation clearance along approximately 300 miles of road within the High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (16.5 square miles), and brush clearance on critical City-owned properties (~332 acres). The Plan and EIR evaluate these and additional vegetation management practices to reduce fire hazard.

Oakland Tree Inventory and Urban Forest Master Plan
The City of Oakland has inventoried all trees growing on sidewalks, medians, and landscaped parks to develop its first-ever 50-Year Urban Forest Master Plan. This plan provide s a long- term vision for the management and growth of the city's urban forest.

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18.3 LOCAL CAPABILIT Y ASSESSMENT
Local capabilities are existing authorities, policies, programs, and resources that reduce hazard impacts , carry out the mitigation plan , and increase overall resilience in the community. The City of Oakland performed an inventory and analysis of existing capabilities, plans, programs, and policies that enhance its ability to implement mitigation strategies.

18.3.1 Planning and Regulatory Capabilities
Planning and regulatory capabilities are the codes, ordinances, policies, laws, plans , and programs that guide growth and development. These capabilities can either support risk reduction or create areas that are more vulnerable to disaster. Common planning capabilities include comprehensive or master plans, housing plans, capital improveme nt programs, transportation plans, economic development strategies, disaster recovery plans and others (FEMA 2023). An assessment of planning and regulatory capabilities is presented in Table 18-3.

Table 18-3. Planning and Regulatory Capabilities for the City of Oakland Local
Authority
Other
Jurisdiction
Authority
State
Mandated
Integration
Opportunity?
Codes, Ordinances, and Requirements
Building Code Yes No Yes Yes
Comment: Oakland Code of Ordinances (OCOO), Chapter 15.04, Article I, Ord. No. 13576 amends the 2019 editions of the CA Building Standards Code, which is based on the 2019 International Building Code.

Zoning Code Yes No Yes Yes
Comment: Oakland Planning Code, Chapter 17, Articles 1-158, Ord. 12054 § 2, 1998 Integration Opportunity: Future updates to the Planning Code could reference the Safety Element and consider language referencing the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and hazard specific data included in this hazard mitigation plan for appropriate standards to mitigate future risk.

Subdivisions Yes No Yes Yes
Comment: OCOO, Chapter 16, Article 4-36, 16.04.010 – outlines purpose, Prior code § 7-4.01 Integration Opportunity: Future updates to Chapter 16 may consider provisions for sub-dividing land in known hazard areas assessed under this hazard mitigation plan.

Stormwater Management Yes No No Yes
Comment: OCOO, Chapter 13, Article 13.14.010 – storm drainage standards, Ord. No. 12916, § 1, 2-17-2009 Integration Opportunity: City-owned facilities constructed under this code may be eligible for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grants. Future updates to this plan should consider eligible stormwater management activities as potential actions.

Post-Disaster Recovery Yes No No Yes
Comment: OCOO, Title 8 (Health and Safety), Chapter 8.50 (Emergency Services Organization and Disaster Council). Ord. No. 13437, § 2, adopted June 20, 2017. Section 8.50.060 adopts the City’s “Emergency Plan” which included recovery components.

Integration Opportunity: Future updates to the City’s “Emergency Plan” should consider utilizing information from this mitigation plan on risk and vulnerability to inform the recovery components of that plan.

Real Estate Disclosure No No Yes No
Comment: State of California Natural Hazards Disclosure Act, effective 6/1/1998 (California Civil Code Section 1003) states that real estate sellers and brokers are legally required to disclose if a property being sold lies within one or more state or locally mapped hazard areas.

Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Yes No No Yes
Comment: Ordinance 10956, adopted 3/8/1988 and amended by ordinance 12960, adopted July 21, 2009 City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Capability Assessment Black & Veatch 18-11
Local
Authority
Other
Jurisdiction
Authority
State
Mandated
Integration
Opportunity?
Integration Opportunity: As of 2026 the City is reviewing and updating as deemed feasible its regulatory floodplain administration program in coordination with FEMA Region IX and the state Department of Water Resources. This includes a plan to replace Ordinance 10956 with an ordinance based on a template provided by FEMA in 2025. The City may also consider higher regulatory standards in support of its future application to the Community Rating System (CRS) program.

Growth Management Yes No No Yes
Comment: OCOO, Title 17, Chapter 17.01, Codified through Ordinance No. 13611, enacted July 28, 2020. (Supp. No. 53, 12-20). The General Plan is the blueprint for land use in the City of Oakland. It includes maps that show the location and intensity of specific land uses, as well as land use policies that guide future decisions about growth. The Land Use and Transportation element, including the land use map, was approved in March 1998, and last amended in 2014.

Integration Opportunity: The General Plan’s Safety Element and the Hazard Mitigation plan are already linked by reference pursuant to AB 2140. The Safety Element was most recently updated in 2023.

Site Plan Review No No No No
Comment: OCOO, Title 17, Chapter 17.136. Ord. No. 13357, § 3 (Exhibit A), 2-16-2016; prior planning code § 9300
Environmental Protection Yes No Yes Yes
Comment: OCOO, Chapter 17.158, Article 1-2, Ord. 11766 § 2 (part), 1994: prior planning code § 1000 Integration Opportunity: The City could consider integrating the policies and implementation actions from the Environmental Element as potential actions for this plan.

Emergency Management Yes No Yes Yes
Comment: OCOO, Chapter 8.50, Article 8.50.010, Ord. No. 13437, § 2, 6-20-2017 Integration Opportunity: Future updates to the City’s “Emergency Plan” should consider utilizing information from this mitigation plan on risk and vulnerability to inform components of that plan.

Climate Change Yes No No Yes
Comment: OCOO, Title 18 Sustainability. Ord. No. 13040, § 4, 10-19-2010. This Chapter is intended to promote economic development and enhance the health, safety, and welfare of residents, workers, and visitors through the integration of environmentally sustainable strategies in building construction and landscapes in the City. The minimum standards set forth are intended to minimize the use of natural resources and the production of waste and maximize the healthfulness of enclosed environments.

Integration Opportunity: This code provision is a regulatory capability of the City to mitigate the impacts from climate change, which could be actions identified in this plan.

Other: Creek Protection, Stormwater
Management and Discharge Control Yes No Yes Yes
Comment: OMC, Title 13, Chapter 13.16, Ordinance 12024, 1997. The intent of this chapter is to protect and enhance the water quality of the city’s watercourses, water bodies and wetlands in a manner pursuant to and consistent with the federal Clean Water Act.

Integration Opportunity: This program would be creditable under FEMA’s CRS program. When the City decides to participate in the CRS program, this activity should be incorporated into the City’s CRS program.

Earthquake damaged Structures Yes No No Yes
Comment: OMC, Title 15, Chapter 15.24. Ordinance 13574, 12/2019. The purpose of this Chapter is to facilitate the provision of just, equitable, expedient and practicable program with specific procedures whereby structures that are damaged by earthquakes may be altered, repaired, restored, rehabilitated or demolished.

Integration Opportunity: This ordinance can support the implementation of this plan by reducing seismic risk through recovery operations following earthquakes; could also lead to the identification of future actions for this plan.

Unreinforced Masonry Buildings Yes No No Yes
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Capability Assessment Black & Veatch 18-12
Local
Authority
Other
Jurisdiction
Authority
State
Mandated
Integration
Opportunity?
Comment: OMC, Title 15, Chapter 15,28, Ordinance 18-16.01. Promotes public safety by mitigating the potential hazards of those buildings in Oakland that were built of unreinforced masonry walls and were subject to the building code prior to November 26, 1948 Integration Opportunity: The program supported by this ordinance could lead to mitigation actions to be incorporated into this plan.

Voluntary Seismic Strengthening for
Residential Buildings Yes No No Yes
Comment: OMC, Title 15, Chapter 15.30, Ordinance 12812, 2007. This chapter is intended to promote public safety and welfare and safeguard life and limb, health, and property through a voluntary program for structurally strengthening the portions of wood framed residential buildings that are most vulnerable to earthquake damage. The prescriptive structural strengthening standards set forth herein will reduce the risk of seismically induced damage by improving the structural resistance of these buildings.

Integration Opportunity: The program supported by this ordinance could lead to mitigation actions to be incorporated into this plan.

Planning Documents
General Plan Yes No Yes Yes
Is the plan compliant with Assembly Bill 2014?: Yes
Comment: Integration Opportunity: Mitigation plan components should inform future updates to the General Plan Safety Element.

Capital Improvement Plan Yes No No Yes
How often is the plan updated? Builds or provides upgrades to City facilities, transportation (streets/sidewalks) and public spaces
Comment: 2025-27 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), 2025-27 CIP Adopted Budget Integration Opportunity: City should consider the inclusion of HMA grant eligible projects contained in the CIP as mitigation actions for this plan.

ADA Curb Ramp Transition Plan Yes No Yes Yes
Comment: Sets forth policy and plans how the City addresses curb ramp access and construction.

ADA Buildings & Facilities Transition
Plan Yes No Yes Yes
Comment: Sets forth policy and plans how the City addresses access barriers to City-owned buildings and facilities.

Floodplain or Watershed Plan No Yes No No
Comment: East Bay Municipal Utility District 2020 Urban Water Management Plan discusses the Mokelumne Watershed & Hydrology
Stormwater Plan Yes No No Yes
Comment: September 2019 Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Plan and 2024 GSI Plan Addendum Storm Drainage Master Plan (started in 2021 to be completed by 2027) Urban Water Management Plan No Yes No Yes
Comment: East Bay Municipal Utility District 2020 Urban Water Management Plan Habitat Conservation Plan No No No No
Comment: -
Economic Development Plan Yes No No Yes
Comment: 2018-2020 Economic Development Strategy
Community Wildfire Protection Plan Yes No No Yes
Comment: Oakland Vegetation Management Plan (Adopted May 2024) describes the actions that the Oakland Fire Department will take over the 10-year plan timeframe to reduce fire hazard on city-owned land and along roadways in Oakland’s very high fire hazard severity zone.

Integration Opportunity: Actions identified in this plan should be considered for inclusion in this or future updates to the hazard mitigation plan.

Forest Management Plan Yes No No Yes
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Capability Assessment Black & Veatch 18-13
Local
Authority
Other
Jurisdiction
Authority
State
Mandated
Integration
Opportunity?
Comment: Oakland Tree Inventory and Urban Forest Plan (was adopted December 2024 and assesses Oakland's urban forest and provides an equitable vision for the care, maintenance, and growth of our trees).

Integration Opportunity: Information on wildfire risk and vulnerability and mitigation strategies to mitigate that risk could be utilized to inform this plan.

Shoreline Management Plan Yes No No No
Comment: Estuary Policy Plan (June 1999)
Climate Adaptation/Action Plan No No No No
Comment: City is currently working on a Comprehensive Environmental Sustainability Plan that will include many components of a Climate Adaptation/Action Plan.

Other Relevant Plans Yes No No Yes
Comment: Sanitary Sewer Master Plan (started Feb 2020) seeks to reduce stormwater intrusion and overflows to protect public health
Response/Recovery Planning
Emergency Operations Plan Yes No No Yes
Comment: Oakland Emergency Operations Plan (2023)
Threat and Hazard Identification and
Risk Assessment No Yes No No
Comment: Member of Bay Area Urban Area Security Initiative Hazard Specific Annex: Terrorism No No No No
Comment: The 2023 Emergency Operations Plan contains a Hazard Specific Annex for terrorism response.

Post-Disaster Recovery Plan No No No No
Comment: The City of Oakland has a Post-Disaster Recovery Plan (2010) and an updated draft (2017). A Post Disaster Recovery Plan update will be prioritized for CY27.

Continuity of Operations Plan Yes No No Yes
Comment: Departments updated COOPs in 2017. All Departments are working on updating their COOPs by CY2026.

Public Health Plan No Yes No No
Comment: Alameda County Community Health Improvement Plan: https://acphd.org/chip/ and the Alameda County Disaster Preparedness Health Coalition (https://acphd.org/dphc/) Other: Substantial Damage Response
Plan No No No No
Comment: -
Expansion of Existing Planning and Regulatory Capabilities The City has identified numerous opportunities to integrate the LHMP into plans, codes, and ordinances. This includes:
• Subdivision Code (Chapter 16)
• Emergency Operations Plan
• General Plan Safety Element
• General Plan Environmental Element
• Community Wildfire Protection Plan
• Urban Forest Plan

18.3.2 Development and Permitting Capabilities
As noted in the table above, the City has adopted codes and standards as well as a General Plan that require the application for a building permit for all development that occurs within City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Capability Assessment Black & Veatch 18-14
the City. Permitting and its enforcement is a capability that ensures new development is fully compliant with the provisions specified in each code and/or standard. Table 18-4 illustrates the development and permitting capabilities for the City.

Table 18-4. Development and Permitting Capability
Criterion Response
Which department issues development permits? Planning & Building Does your jurisdiction track the permits by hazard area? Yes Does your jurisdiction do its own inspections for permit compliance? No Does your jurisdiction have a buildable lands inventory? No

Does the jurisdiction have a written plan to address permit and inspection activities following a natural or man-made disaster?

No
Does the building department have a mutual aid agreement with other building departments to share resources following a natural or man-made disaster?
Yes
Does the City’s Building Official possess any professional certifications (i.e., Certified Building Official certification, licensed engineer, or architect)? Yes

18.3.3 Administrative and Technical Capabilities
Administrative and technical capabilities are a community’s staff, skills and tools. These capabilities can be used for mitigation planning and to carry out specific mitigation actions.

They also include the ability to access, coordinate and implement these resources effectively (FEMA 2023) . An assessment of administrative and technical capabilities is presented in Table 18-5.

Table 18-5. Administrative and Technical Capabilities for the City of Oakland Staff/Personnel Resources
Available
(Yes or
No) Department or Agency (Positions)
Planners or engineers with knowledge of land
development and land management practices
Yes Planning & Building
Engineers or professionals trained in
construction practices related to buildings
and/or infrastructure
Yes Planning & Building
Planners or engineers with an understanding
of natural hazards
No None in-house but could contract for
this service
Floodplain manager Yes City Engineer, OakDOT
Surveyors Yes OPW
Personnel skilled or trained in GIS applications Yes Planning & Building, OPW, ITD, OakDOT Scientist familiar with local natural hazards No None in-house but could contract for this service
Emergency manager Yes Jessica Feil, EMSD Manager
Mutual aid agreements No None in-house but could contract for this service
Grant writers No None in-house but could contract for
this service
Resilience officer Yes City Administrator’s Office
Staff with expertise or training in benefit/cost
analysis
Yes Planning & Building
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Capability Assessment Black & Veatch 18-15
Expansion of Existing Administrative and Technical Capabilities The City will strengthen and expand its existing administrative and technical capabilities by investing in staff development, enhancing operational processes, and leveraging advanced technologies. These efforts will improve efficiency, support data -driven decision-making, and ensure the City can effectively manage current responsibilities while adapting to future challenges.

18.3.4 Fiscal Capabilities
Fiscal capabilities are the resources available to fund mitigation strategies (FEMA 2023). An assessment of fiscal capabilities is presented in Table 18-6.

Table 18-6. Fiscal Capabilities for the City of Oakland Financial Resources Accessible or Eligible to Use (Yes or No) Community Development Block Grants Yes
Capital Improvements Project Funding Yes
Authority to Levy Taxes for Specific
Purposes
Yes, with a 2/3 voter-approved majority
User Fees for Water, Wastewater, and
Electric Service
Yes. City relies on outside sources (PG&E and EBMUD) for Water and Electric Service. The City’s Sewer Service Fund covers the costs associated with the City's sanitary sewer system.

Impact Fees for Buyers or Developers of
New Development/Homes
Yes
Incur Debt through General Obligation
Bonds
Yes
Incur Debt through Special Tax Bonds Yes
Incur Debt through Private Activity
Bonds
Yes, but have not done so historically
Could Withhold Public Expenditures in
Hazard-Prone Areas
No
State-Sponsored Grant Programs Yes
Expansion of Existing Fiscal Capabilities
The City will expand its current hazard mitigation fiscal capabilities by integrating resilience and hazard mitigation into long -term financial planning, improving grant readiness, and expanding revenue sources. This includes incorporating mitigation priorities into the City budget, identifying potential funding options, and leveraging partnerships to secure and manage resources for cost effective and equitable projects.

18.3.5 Education and Outreach
Education and outreach capabilities are programs and methods that can communicate about and encourage risk reduction. These programs may be run by volunteers or a community-based partner (FEMA 2023) . An assessment of education and outreach capabilities is presented in Table 18-7.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Capability Assessment Black & Veatch 18-16
Table 18-7. Education and Outreach Capabilities for the City of Oakland Capability Response
Public information officer or
communications office
Yes
Personnel skilled or trained in website
development
Yes
Hazard mitigation information available
on your website
https://www.oaklandca.gov/Public-Safety-Streets/Ready-
Oakland/Stay-Informed/Local-Hazard-Mitigation-Plan-
LHMP
Social media used for hazard mitigation
education and outreach
Instagram, Facebook, X
Resident boards or commissions that
address issues related to hazard
mitigation
Yes
Other programs already in place that
could be used to communicate hazard-
related information
The Wildfire Prevention Commission addresses wildfire
mitigation. I am not sure if the Disaster Council would fall into this category, but they would address mitigation as a whole.

Established warning systems for hazard
events
AC Alert, GovDelivery, Emergency Sirens (tested first Wed of every month)
Expansion of Existing Education and Outreach Capabilities While Oakland already implements comprehensive public education and outreach capabilities, the City is committed to increasing these efforts. The City identified opportunities for expansion as shown in the mitigation action plan (refer to Section 19.4):

18.3.6 National Flood Insurance Program
Communities across the country build their flood management capabilities by participating in the NFIP. The NFIP supports flood risk reduction before and after disasters. It helps reduce the socioeconomic impact of floods. The NFIP allows property owners an d renters in participating communities to purchase federal flood insurance policies to recover financial losses after a flood (FEMA 2023). Table 18-8 discusses how the city complies and enforces the NFIP.

Table 18-8. National Flood Insurance Program Capabilities for the City of Oakland Criterion Response
NFIP Community ID No. 065048B
Effective FIRM date Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (effective 12/21/2018; last LOMR 11/20/2024)
Local department responsible
for floodplain management
The role of Floodplain Administrator is filled by the City Administrator. The role of Floodplain Manager is filled by the Building Official, Planning & Building Department. Floodplain management roles of other City departments will be clarified in 2026.

Floodplain administrator City Administrator. Floodplain Manager is the Building Official, Bureau of Building, Planning & Building Department.

Local Plan Requirement C2—44 CFR Part 201.6(c)(3)(ii)
The plan shall address each jurisdiction’s participation in the NFIP and continued compliance with NFIP requirements.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Capability Assessment Black & Veatch 18-17
Criterion Response
Are any certified floodplain
managers on staff in your
jurisdiction?
Not at this time
Date that flood damage
prevention ordinance was last
amended
Ordinance 10956, adopted 3/8/1988 and amended by ordinance 12960, adopted July 21, 2026. A revised FDPO will be considered for adoption by the City Council on 4/21/2026.

Floodplain management
program minimum
requirements
As of 2026 the City is reviewing and updating as deemed feasible its regulatory floodplain administration program in coordination with FEMA Region IX and the state Department of Water Resources. This includes a plan to replace Ordinance 10956 with an ordinance based on a template provided by FEMA in 2025. The City may also consider higher regulatory standards in support of its future application to the Community Rating System (CRS) program.

Most recent Community
Assistance Visit or Community
Assistance Contact
According to CA DWR, the last CAV was 9/26/2017
Outstanding NFIP compliance
violations that need to be
addressed
During the 2017 CAV, four items were noted during the field inspection and were cleared, and no violations were noted during the CAV.

Does the City have a
substantial Damage Response
Plan (SDRP)?
Not at this time.

How does your jurisdiction
make Substantial Damage
determinations?
Per Chapter 15.80 of the Oakland Municipal Code, for applications for building permits to improve buildings and structures, including alterations, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, additions, rehabilitations, renovations, substantial improvements, repairs of substantial damage, and any other improvement of or work on such buildings and structures, the City Administrator, in coordination with the Building Official, shall:
1) Estimate the market value or require the applicant to obtain an appraisal of the market value prepared by a qualified
independent appraiser, of the building or structure before the start of construction of the proposed work; in the case of repair, the market value of the building or structure shall be the market value before the damage occurred and before any repairs are made.
2) Compare the cost to perform the improvement, the cost to repair the damaged building to its pre-damaged condition, or the combined costs of improvements and repairs, when applicable, to the market value of the building or structure.
3) Determine and document whether the proposed work.
constitutes substantial improvement or repair of substantial damage.
4) Notify the applicant when it is determined that the work constitutes substantial improvement or repair of substantial damage and that compliance with the flood resistant
construction requirements of the building code is required and notify the applicant when it is determined that work does not constitute substantial improvement or repair of substantial damage.

RiskMAP projects currently
underway
None
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Capability Assessment Black & Veatch 18-18
Criterion Response
Flood hazard maps that
adequately address the flood
risk within your jurisdiction
No
If no, state why. A comprehensive watershed study to assess the accuracy and potential for revision of the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM) for the community is underway.

Floodplain management staff
assistance or training needed
to support its floodplain
management program
Assistance is needed in the process to update the flood hazard maps Community Rating System
(CRS)
The City does not participate but will explore options for participation in the future including accessing funding to support this effort.

Flood insurance policies are in
forcea
511
Insurance in forcea $185,453,653.00
Premium in forcea $362,923
Average premium costa $710.22
Total loss claims fileda
240
Total payments for lossesa $594,471
Average claim paida $2,477
a. According to FEMA statistics as of 01/14/2026
Expansion of Existing Local Capabilities
The City will be improving its local capabilities to administer its Special Flood Hazard Area with the pending adoption of a new flood damage prevention ordinance scheduled for March of 2026. This ordinance is based upon the State of California model flood damage prevention ordinance prepared by the CA Department of Water Resources. Adoption of this ordinance will clarify floodplain administration roles and responsibilities and position the City for future success . The improved ordinance supports potent ial future participation in the Community Rating System.

Plan Integration
Future Integration
Any future updates to flood hazard mapping under the National Flood Insurance program will inform all future updates to this hazard mitigation plan. As the City completes strategies that will impact the flood hazards within the City, these impacts will be reflected in all future updates. Lastly, as the city identifies new strategies that could mitigate flood risk, these strategies will be incorporated into this plan via plan maintenance or future updates.

18.3.7 Participation in Other Programs
Other programs, such as the Community Rating System, NWS StormReady® Program, and Firewise USA®, enhance a jurisdiction’s ability to mitigate, prepare for, and respond to natural hazards. These programs indicate a jurisdiction’s desire to go beyond minimum requirements set forth by local, state, and federal regulations to create a more resilient community. These programs complement each other by focusing on communication, mitigation, and community preparedness to save lives and minimize the impact of natural City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Capability Assessment Black & Veatch 18-19
hazards on a community. The following describes other programs that the City participates in.

Table 18-9. Community Classifications for the City of Oakland Participating? Number or Classification Date
Classified
FIPS Code 06-53000
DUNS# 05-067-2427
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Yes WZN1MD35H235 N/A
Community Rating System No N/A N/A
Building Code Effectiveness Grading
Schedule
Yes 3/3 3/3/2019
Public Protection Yes 2/2 N/A
Firewise Yes
15 neighborhoods in the
City participate in
Firewise*
-
Storm Ready No N/A N/A
Tsunami Ready No N/A N/A
*TAs of the time of publication, 15 neighborhoods in the City participate in Firewise:
• CABS
• Crane Way Neighborhood
• Crownridge HOA
• Estates Fountain
• Grand View
• Kaiser School Neighborhood Fire Break
• Klamath-Brunell
• LaMasNa Plus
• LaMasNa Plus
• Parkridge Estates
• Portal Neighbors
• Redwood Ridge Neighborhood Org
• Sayre/Saroni
• Skyline Boulevard
• Skyline/Moon Gate
• Valley View

18.3.8 Adaptive Capacity for Climate Change
An adaptive capacity assessment evaluates a jurisdiction’s ability to anticipate impacts from future climate conditions. By looking at public support, technical adaptive capacity, and other factors, the City of Oakland identified its core capability for resilience against changing conditions. The adaptive capacity assessment identifies areas for improvement by ranking capacity as high, medium , or low. The following summarizes the adaptive capacity assessment for the City.

Table 18-10. Adaptive Capacity for Climate Change
Criterion
Jurisdiction
Ratinga
Technical Capacity
Jurisdiction-level understanding of potential climate change impacts Medium California Senate Bill Compliance
SB 379: Include climate adaptation and resiliency strategies in the safety elements of the general plan or local hazard mitigation plan to address climate adaptation and resiliency strategies for the local jurisdiction.

SB 1000: Address environmental justice in local government planning.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Capability Assessment Black & Veatch 18-19
Criterion
Jurisdiction
Ratinga
Comment: Comment: Oakland 2030 ECAP
Jurisdiction-level monitoring of climate change impacts Medium Comment: Comment: 2018 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report; Energy and Climate Action Plan (2017-2018 update)
Technical resources to assess proposed strategies for feasibility and externalities
Medium
Comment: Comment: CURB Analysis (https://www.oaklandca.gov/resources/curb -analysis).

Also, the ECAP and Racial Equity Impact Assessment and Implementation Guide provide high level of analysis for feasibility and externalities Jurisdiction-level capacity for development of greenhouse gas emissions inventory
High
Comment: Comment: Oakland Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory (https://www.oaklandca.gov/resources/oakland-greenhouse-gas-emissions- inventory-reports)
Capital planning and land use decisions informed by potential climate impacts High Comment: Comment: ECAP - Transportation and Land Use
(https://www.oaklandca.gov/topics/transportation-and-land-use). Climate scoring is done as part of the City’s Capital Improvements Program. Measure KK Infrastructure Bond (2016) also has a special call out ($25 million) for climate projects. This is very high by City standards.

Participation in regional groups addressing climate risks Medium Comment: Comment: City has active participation in the Bay Area Climate Adaptation Network, NorCal Resilience Network, Green Cities California, and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network.

Implementation Capacity
Clear authority/mandate to consider climate change impacts during public decision-making processes
Medium
Comment: Comment: Recent legislation in California requires that greenhouse gas emissions and climate change be addressed by state and regional agencies, specifically greenhouse gas reduction targets established by Executive Order S -3-05, Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32), and Senate Bill 375 (SB 375).

Identified strategies for greenhouse gas mitigation efforts High Comment: ECAP
Identified strategies for adaptation to impacts High
Comment: ECAP
Champions for climate action in local government departments High Comment: ECAP
Political support for implementing climate change adaptation strategies Medium Comment: The City Council and Mayor have shown their support climate change adaptation strategies through their adoptions of plans and programs such as the ECAP and Climate Action Plans. City Council support; Mayor support
Financial resources devoted to climate change adaptation Medium Comment: ECAP
Local authority over sectors likely to be negative impacted Low- Medium
Comment: High level of control over buildings and energy sectors. Medium for waste. Low for transportation and climate adaptation.

Public Capacity
Residents’ knowledge of and understanding of climate risk Medium City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Capability Assessment Black & Veatch 18-20
Criterion
Jurisdiction
Ratinga
Comment: ECAP, public outreach and participation. The City has multiple active community groups focused on climate issues, and The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication ranks Alameda County as among the most concerned about climate change in the nation (Yale, 2020).

Residents’ support of adaptation efforts Medium
Comment: ECAP community engagement, youth input, Community Advisory Committee Residents’ capacity to adapt to climate impacts Low
Comment: Overall cost of living in Oakland, rent-burdened residents, etc.

Local economy current capacity to adapt to climate impacts Medium Comment: ECAP; green jobs training program needs to be highlighted Local ecosystems capacity to adapt to climate impacts Medium Comment: ECAP; park land and open space acreage
a. High = Capacity exists and is in use
Medium = Capacity may exist but is not used or could use some improvement Low = Capacity does not exist or could use substantial improvement Unsure= Not enough information is known to assign a rating City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-1

19. MITIGATION STRATEGY

19.1 MITIGATION ACCOMPLISHMENTS

19.1.1 Mitigation Accomplishments Since 2021
Since the 2021 LHMP, the City of Oakla nd has made significant accomplishments in mitigation. These accomplishments are directly tied to how the City successfully integrated the 2021 LHMP risk assessment and capability assessment into plans and programs. These included:
• Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) - In May 2024, the City of Oakland formally adopted a 10 -year vegetation management plan. Adoption of the VMP will set in motion an actionable timeline to reduce fire hazards. The VMP and its Environmental Impact Report aim to reduce wildfire hazards on city lands and key access routes, enhancing public and firefighter safety while minimizing environmental impacts.

These measures support ecosystem health, reduce
habitat fragmentation, and align with regional wildfire prevention efforts. OFD already operates one of
California’s most comprehensive fire prevention
programs, inspecting 20,000 parcels, conducting year -
round fuel mitigation, roadside clearing, and deploying one of the state’s largest goat herds to manage
combustible vegetation.
o The plan covers more than 1,400 acres of city
property plus treatment areas approximately 300
miles roadside.
o Vegetation management activities include goat
grazing on nine sites covering approximately 1,300
acres; vegetation clearing along 16 roadways (58
miles); monitoring for vegetation clearance along
300 miles of road within the high and very high fire
severity zones; and brush clearance on critical city-
owned properties.
• Vegetation Removal Along Evacuation Routes - In the summer of 2024, the City was awarded a $1 million grant by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection ( CAL FIRE) to fund its “Shepherd Canyon to Grass Valley Evacuation Route” project with funding from California Climate Investments (CCI). The CAL FIRE Wildfire Prevention Grant application was developed jointly by OPW and the OFD to fund ongoing vegetation management and emergency planning work along key evacuation routes in the city’s high fire hazard severity zone. This project is supported by community groups, including Friends of Sausal Creek and Friends of Joaquin Miller Park. The Figure 19-1. Goats in the
Oakland Hills
Local Plan Requirement C3 – 44 CFR Part 201.6(c)(3)
The plan must document how the plan was reviewed and revised to document changes in development, progress in mitigation efforts, and changes in priorities.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-2
anticipated timeline for the project's completion is March 2030. As of May 29, 2025 , this grant supported the following:
o 29 trees removed, 5 raised, and miscellaneous clearing conducted on Skyline Boulevard between Joaquin Miller Road and Chabot Space and Science Center. o 62 trees removed, 5 6 trees raised on Shepherd Canyon Road between Skyline Boulevard and Snake Road.
• CAL FIRE Fuel Reduction Grant - The City of Oakland had a 2022 CAL FIRE Fuel Reduction grant of $824,000 for the "Skyline Boulevard Evacuation Corridor Project." A total of 805 trees were removed and 123 trees were pruned along the Skyline Boulevard evacuation route between Shepherd Canyon Road and Keller Avenue. • Continued Management of Wildfire Risk as a Citywide Priority – On November 19, 2019, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 87940 C.M.S., declaring Wildfire Prevention a top priority for the City of Oakland. The City established a Wildfire Prevention Working Group that has been meeting regularly since 2020 to both address short term needs and to continue various long -term strategy planning and implementation activities. The Wildfire Prevention Working Group consists of the following Departments: OFD, OPW, OakDOT, Planning & Building, OPD and the City Administrator’s O ffice (as convener). During the 2023 -2024 reporting period, successful inter-departmental coordination included:
o Collaboration with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) through a Memorandum of Understanding. Through this collaboration, CAL FIRE is clearing vegetation with a focus on protecting paved roads, buildings, fences, active recreation areas and other infrastructure. The crews have removed ladder fuels and reduced overall vegetative fuel loads in these areas.
o The closure of Grizzley Peak Boulevard during the 4th of July Holiday. The 24 to 48-hour closure is a collaborative safety effort by staff from the cities of Oakland and Berkeley and the East Bay Regional Park District. The closure is done so to prevent large crowds from gathering along that several mile corridor during the holiday period. Historically, large crowds gathering to watch or set off fireworks has caused fires, medical incidents and the congestion has prevented emergency responders from being able to navigate the hillside corridor. o The maintenance of barriers and chained logs along Grizzley Peak and Skyline Blvd that were installed in 2020 to prevent people from gathering in large groups, blocking emergency access, and potentially sparking fires in the Oakland and Berkeley hills.
o Enhanced coordination with OakDOT and OPD to enforce parking restrictions on Red Flag Days.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-3
• Municipal Resilience Hub at Lincoln
Community Center - The City progressed
significantly in the establishment of a
Municipal Resilience Hub at Lincoln
Community Center. In 2023, t his project was
awarded a grant from the California
Department of Food and Agriculture in the
amount of $9.25 million. The project is also
funded through local Measure KK and Measure
U, California Proposition 68 and a Federal
earmark from Housing and Urban
Development. Resilience features will mitigate future hazards and serve the estimated 1,000 participants who use the facility daily. The facility will be an asset that could be used as an Emergency Respite Center or as a place for the community to access resources and supplies. Features will include:
o Cooling, heating and cleaner air (mitigating extreme heat, winter weather and poor air quality days)
o Backup power from solar panels for charging phones and medical devices during power outages
o Commercial kitchen, showers and broadband
o Low-water landscaping, bio-filtration systems and permeable paving o Partnerships with community -based organizations invested in building community resilience and emergency preparedness.
• Stormwater Bioretention Conceptual Project - The OPW Watershed and Stormwater Management Division (WSMD) developed a conceptual project to construct bioretention facilities around Raimondi Park in West Oakland. If this project can be prioritized, funded, and constructed it will treat 4 acres of impervious roadway with Green Stormwater Infrastructure (bioretention). This project would also remove PCBs from stormwater from a 43-acre drainage area using high-flow biofilters. • National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) -
The City of Oakland is now in full compliance
with the National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP). In 2017, a Community Assistance Visit
(CAV) audit conducted by FEMA identified five
(5) property addresses in the City of Oakland
that had floodplain violations , interfering with
the City’s ability to be in good standing with the
program. After property owners addressed
these issues, the City received communication
from FEMA acknowledging that the City
sufficiently resolved all deficiencies and violations identified during the CAV. • Storm Drainage Master Plan - The City of Oakland is developing the Storm Drainage Master Plan (SDMP), a comprehensive plan on how to best manage, improve, and extend the life of the City’s storm drainage system. This SDMP will assess the condition and capacity of the existing system a nd then recommend a capital improvement program designed to improve future resiliency and water quality protection and to prevent flooding and creekbank erosion.

The project is the successful result of
a partnership between multiple City
agencies and Community Based
Organizations. The day-to-day
resilience building activities at the
Municipal Resilience Hub will be
developed and guided in
partnership with community
members and community-based
organizations.

The City plans to update FEMA’s
Flood Insurance Rate Map for the
Arroyo Viejo Creek Watershed. This is
a joint project between Planning &
Building and OPW. In addition, the
City will pursue funding
opportunities to revise FEMA’s Flood
Insurance Rate Maps for an
additional eight watersheds in
Oakland in the future.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-4
o In 2022, the City completed a Drainage Study of the Empire Road and Bernhardt Drive Drainage Areas, an early SDMP deliverable. This study identified two storm drainage improvement projects in East Oakland designed to reduce neighborhood flooding: Empire Road Storm Drain Improvement and Bernhardt Drive Storm Drain Improvement. Both projects received approval for funding for engineering design from Oakland City Council as a part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 23-25 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), but the projects were not funded as the City did not sell bonds as planned. City staff are requesting additional Measure U funding for both projects through the FY 25 -27 budget process.
o The Oakland Alameda Adaptation Committee (OAAC) is a coalition of shoreline communities and stakeholders working to accelerate sea-level rise adaptation, protect and restore water quality, habitat and recreation and promote community resilience. The Committee submitted a FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant to support the Empire Road project. FEMA and Ca lifornia Office of Emergency Services stated that they “recommended the project for further review”. The OAAC is waiting for an update which may be provided by mid-2025. Changes in federal administration may impact on this funding source.
o The City’s SDMP identified other flood risk reduction projects as part of a study to develop and prioritize multi -benefit green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) projects throughout Oakland. The plan identified a potential flood risk reduction priority project that would add a flood detention basin in Coliseum Gardens Park and improve storm drainpipe capacity to reduce flood risk in a drainage area bound by 66th Avenue, Foothill Boulevard, 73rd Avenue, and San Leandro Street. This potential project requires f urther technical study to determine feasibility and will be scored and assigned a priority rating as part of the SDMP project using the City’s equity-focused project prioritization system.

If prioritized and if required matching funds are secured, WSMD wil l pursue a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant to fund a portion of the project.

19.1.2 Status of 2021 Mitigation Actions
For the 2026 LHMP update, the actions were reviewed by the SC. For each action in the previous mitigation strategy, the SC provided a status update using the guidance below:
• No Progress – The mitigation action has not been completed, and evaluated if still a priority to address the identified risk.
• In Progress – Implementation of the mitigation action has begun but has not been completed. The action is included in the 2026 LHMP update. • Ongoing Capability – The mitigation action has been implemented and will be completed on an annual or regular basis (for example, maintenance activities, annual outreach, etc.). These actions were removed from the updated mitigation strategy and included as capabilities in the 2026 LHMP update.
• Completed – The mitigation action has been fully implemented and was removed from the updated mitigation strategy.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-5
Actions that were in progress or had no progress were evaluated to determine if they should be discontinued or included in the 2026 LHMP update. Reasons for discontinuing an action include that the action has been evaluated as being duplicative, impractical, unfeasible, or undesirable, or if the problem that the action was originally developed for is no longer present. Actions that were id entified for inclusion in the updated mitigation strategy received additional evaluation to determine if the action should be revised to reflect any new information obtained as part of the plan update process (for example, changes in risk, capabilities, lead agency, or available funding sources).

The table below provides a status for each action from the 2021 LHMP. Some actions were combined or revised for this LHMP update.

Table 19-1. Status of 2021 LHMP Mitigation Actions
Action
Number Description Responsible Party Status
Include
in the
2026
LHMP?
O-1 Safer Housing for Oakland: Soft
Story Apartment Retrofit Program
HCD Complete No
O-2 Continue the Earthquake Safe
Homes Program
HCD Complete No
O-3 Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Program—The City will implement
its Green Stormwater Infrastructure
(GSI) Plan to include GSI where
feasible in public capital projects
such as streetscape renovations,
park projects, and parking lot
retrofits, among others. GSI is a
term for engineered stormwater
detention systems that are
designed to capture specific runoff
volumes of various design storms
and remove stormwater pollutants.

Examples include bioretention
areas (rain gardens), engineered
tree well filters, green roofs, flow-
through planters, and permeable
pavement.

OPW Watershed
and Stormwater
Management,
OPW CIP, OakDOT
In Progress Yes 18-1
O-4 Identify feasible and cost-effective
stormwater infrastructure projects
that have been identified in the
City’s capital improvement program
and/or Storm Drain Master Plan,
that would be good target projects
for which to pursue funding under
FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation
Assistance (HMA) grant programs.

OPW Watershed
and Stormwater
Management,
OPW CIP, OakDOT
In Progress Yes 17-1
O-5 Defensible Space Vegetation
Program to manage wildfire
hazards; preparation of a
Vegetation

OFD, OPW
Watershed and
Stormwater
Management,
OPW Tree Services
In Progress; action to be
revised
Yes 12-2
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-6
Action
Number Description Responsible Party Status
Include
in the
2026
LHMP?
O-6 Continuity of Operations
Emergency Planning
OFD EMSD In Progress; action to be
revised
Yes 25-1
O-7 Implement the City’s Energy
Assurance Plan
OPW CIP, Office of
Sustainability
In Progress; action to be
revised

Yes 10-1
O-8 Assessment and retrofits of critical
facilities & infrastructure
OPW CIP In Progress; action to be
revised
Yes 4-2
O-9 Continue to maintain the City’s
good standing and compliance
under the National Flood Insurance
Program
Planning &
Building, OPW
In Progress

Yes 19-1
O-10 Create a comprehensive master
plan for three city facilities to
reliably serve as resilience hubs
OPW CIP, Office of
Sustainability
In Progress Yes 4-1
O-11 Develop an “integrated
preparedness plan” that will
consider the range of preparedness
activities
within the Integrated Preparedness
Cycle
OFD EMSD Complete No
O-12 To support implementation of any
future updates to the City’s local
hazard mitigation plan, Safety
Element, and Environmental
Justice Element, use the best
available local data to identify racial
disparities in the City of Oakland

OFD EMSD, DRE,
OakDOT, Planning
& Building, OPE
In Progress; action to be
revised
Yes 2-2,
2-3
O-13 Maritime Terminal Study on
Liquefaction Potential
Port of Oakland In Progress Yes 26-6
O-14 Middle Harbor Shoreline Park dike
repair
Port of Oakland Complete No
O-15 Maritime Intelligent Transportation
System
Port of Oakland Complete No
O-16 Maritime Area Seismic Monitor Port of Oakland In Progress Yes 26-2 O-17 Sea-Level Rise Vulnerability and
Assessment Improvement Plan
Port of Oakland,
Planning &
Building, Office of
Sustainability
In Progress Yes 8-2
O-18 Tree Planting OPW Watershed
and Stormwater
Management,
OPW Tree Services
In Progress Yes 17-4
O-19 Reestablish Full Compliance and
Good Standing Under the NFIP
Planning &
Building
Complete No
O-20 Update Sea-Level Rise Road Map Office of
Sustainability
In Progress Yes 8-2
O-21 Vulnerability Assessment and
Adaptation Plan
Port of Oakland,
Planning &
Building, Office of
Sustainability
In Progress Yes 8-1,
26-3
O-22 Equity Analysis OFD EMSD, DRE,
ADA Division
In Progress Yes 1-1
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-7

19.2 MITIGATION GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Mitigation goals represent broad statements that are consistent with the hazards identified in the LHMP and achieved through the implementation of specific mitigation actions.

Mitigation objectives are defined, short -term, measurable efforts that lead to achieving an overall goal. Mitigation goals and objectives provide guidance for the development of mitigation actions.

The SC has updated the goals for the 2026 LHMP to incorporate evolving priorities and best practices since 2021. The revised 2026 goals place a stronger emphasis on equity, accessibility, community engagement, operational integration, and climate resilience. K ey enhancements include:
• Equity remains a fundamental component across all goals, with a focus on reducing racial disparities, individuals with AFN and enhancing ADA accessibility. • Community-Driven Approach that focuses on empowering residents with resources and support for preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. • Integrated Operations through coordinated efforts between departments and agencies to align with other plans and enhance operational efficiency. • Climate Adaptation and Equity continues to be a central focus with goals incorporated targeted measures aimed at achieving equitable outcomes in climate resilience.

The updated goals for the City of Oakland LHMP update are as follows:
• Goal 1: Advance equity, reduce racial disparities, and ensure ADA accessibility for people with disabilities and individuals with access and functional needs in all phases of preparing for, responding to, and recovering from natural hazards. • Goal 2: Protect life, property, the environment, and natural and cultural resources equitably.
• Goal 3: Advance community-driven outreach efforts to equip Oaklanders with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural hazards.
• Goal 4: Implement strategies to enable departments of the City of Oakland to equitably respond to and mitigate hazards in accordance with the Emergency Operations Plan in an integrated manner.
• Goal 5: Pursue feasible, cost -effective, and environmentally appropriate hazard mitigation measures including adaptive capacity to reduce risk from a changing climate, incorporating targeted strategies to advance equitable outcomes.

Local Plan Requirement C3 – 44 CFR Part 201.6(c)(3)(i)
The mitigation strategy must include a description of mitigation goals to reduce or avoid long-term vulnerabilities to identified hazards.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-8
For the 2026 LHMP, the SC reviewed the existing objectives and revised them to align more with the identified goals and the overall mission statement of the mitigation process.

Objectives were developed through a structured process , with department staff aligning objectives with the five overarching goals, and address ing equity considerations, including accessibility for individuals with disabilities and access and functional needs. Each objective is paired with mitigation actions to ensure measurable progr ess over the five -year implementation period. Table presents each objective, its alignment with mitigation goals, and the hazards it addresses.

Table 19-2. 2026 LHMP Mitigation Objectives
Objective
Goal 1
Goal 2
Goal 3
Goal 4
Goal 5
Dam Failure
Drought
Earthquake
Flood
Landslide
Sea-Level Rise
Severe Weather
– High Wind
Severe Weather
– Extreme Heat
Tsunami/
Seiche
Wildfire
Objective 1: Ensure the LHMP is in
alignment with the General Plan
and utilizing General Plan Safety
and EJ Element tools to ensure
Equity Priority Communities have
priority for funding, and access to
City mitigation and emergency
preparedness services.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Objective 2: Individuals with AFN
have priority for funding, access to
City mitigation and emergency
preparedness services regardless
of geographic area. Services are
accessible to individuals with AFN.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Objective 3: Increase hazard
awareness throughout Oakland
with a focus on Equity Priority
Communities and individuals with
AFN. Reduce disparities in
preparedness and mitigation of
disaster risks.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Objective 4: Maximize potential
for City facilities to protect the
community from hazards.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Objective 5: Encourage the
incorporation of hazard mitigation
measures into repairs, major
alterations, new development, and
redevelopment practices, and
prioritize Equity Priority
Communities and individuals with
AFN that are subject to substantial
hazard risk

X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Objective 6: Support and
strengthen or replace property,
infrastructure and lifelines to
minimize post disaster disruption

X X X X X X X X X X X X X
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-9
Objective
Goal 1
Goal 2
Goal 3
Goal 4
Goal 5
Dam Failure
Drought
Earthquake
Flood
Landslide
Sea-Level Rise
Severe Weather
– High Wind
Severe Weather
– Extreme Heat
Tsunami/
Seiche
Wildfire
and facilitate short-term recovery
(1-5 years), with a focus on Equity
Priority Communities and
individuals with AFN impacted by
a hazard event.

Objective 7: Use the best available
hazard data* to evaluate the
potential threat and its impacts on
Equity Priority Communities when
reviewing proposed development
opportunities. *Refer to Chapter 6.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Objective 8: Develop and
coordinate the City’s Sea Level Rise
strategy.

X X X X X X
Objective 9: Use the best available
data on groundwater rise and its
potential impacts on Equity
Priority Communities while
reviewing proposed development
opportunities in areas vulnerable
to contaminated groundwater rise.

X X X X X X
Objective 10: Reduce fire risk
during natural hazard events by
reducing natural gas infrastructure
in Oakland.

X X X X X
Objective 11: Safer Housing for
Oakland Program (SHOP): Soft
Story Apartment Retrofit
Program—Under this action, the
City will invest in and seek Hazard
Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
funding from FEMA and CalOES to
support property owners with
buildings subject to Oakland’s
Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit
Program, which the Department
of Planning & Building developed
to enforce 2019 municipal
ordinance No. 13516.

X X X X
Objective 12: Increase public
awareness of benefits of fire safety
and mitigation practices.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Objective 13: Reduce the
likelihood of catastrophic wildfires
by limiting ignition potential,
reducing fuel loads, and modifying
fuel arrangements on City-owned
lands.

X X X X X
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-10
Objective
Goal 1
Goal 2
Goal 3
Goal 4
Goal 5
Dam Failure
Drought
Earthquake
Flood
Landslide
Sea-Level Rise
Severe Weather
– High Wind
Severe Weather
– Extreme Heat
Tsunami/
Seiche
Wildfire
Objective 14: Maintain 100%
compliance on private and public
parcels related to vegetation
management.

X X X X X
Objective 15: In high hazard areas,
identify State and/or federal
programs or develop local
programs to offer financial
incentives to Equity Priority
Communities for defensible space
maintenance, home hardening,
and training for evacuation
procedures to reduce risk to
people and property.

X X X X X
Objective 16: Reduce instances of
storm-related tree and branch
failures that may cause road
closures, property damage, and
threats to life by reinstating a
regular pruning/maintenance
cycle on all city trees. Prioritize tree
maintenance activities in frontline
communities.

X X X X X
Objective 17: Complete the City’s
Storm Drainage Master Plan. X X X X X
Objective 18: Identify, integrate,
and implement green
infrastructure practices into
streetscape improvement, and
stormwater management projects.

X X X X X X
Objective 19: Minimize repetitive
and potential losses due to flood
by maintaining compliance with
the NFIP and improving floodplain
operations.

X X X X X
Objective 20: Explore resources
and steps needed to participate in
CRS program.

X X X X
Objective 21: Complete the City’s
Storm Drainage Master Plan. X X X X X
Objective 22: Prevent discharge of
wastewater contamination into
waterways as a result of natural
hazards. Enhance social equity by
implementing sewer system
improvement project with high
CIP scores focusing on
underserved communities.

X X X X X
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-11
Objective
Goal 1
Goal 2
Goal 3
Goal 4
Goal 5
Dam Failure
Drought
Earthquake
Flood
Landslide
Sea-Level Rise
Severe Weather
– High Wind
Severe Weather
– Extreme Heat
Tsunami/
Seiche
Wildfire
Objective 23: Monitor and
measure number of miles of sewer
main rehabilitation annually.

Complete sanitary sewer
masterplan by end of 2025. Obtain
priority of work with risk and
equity components.

X X X X X
Objective 24: Integrate Integrated
Preparedness Plan (IPP) priorities
into departmental work plans.

X X X X X
Objective 25: To mitigate the
effects of disruptions, ensure the
city’s ability to maintain internal
operations and external services
with a focus on the needs of Equity
Priority Communities and
individuals with AFN.

X X X X X X X X X X
Objective 26: Reduce risk to
critical Port of Oakland facilities
and infrastructure through
targeted seismic, flood, and
climate resilience improvements,
enhanced monitoring capabilities,
and modernization of energy
systems to ensure operational
continuity during hazard events.

X X X X X X X X X X

19.3 COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF MITIGATION A CTIONS
A range of potential mitigation opportunities is included in each hazard risk assessment in Chapters 7 through 15. The potential actions are categorized by the following:
• Who may implement the action:
o Community scale (individuals or groups)
o Organizational scale (businesses, non-profits, community-based organizations) o Government scale (any government agency that has permit authorities and police powers within the planning area)

• What the alternative would do:

Local Plan Requirement C3 – 44 CFR Part 201.6(c)(3)(ii) The mitigation strategy shall include a section that identifies and analyzes a comprehensive range of specific mitigation actions and projects being considered to reduce the effect of each hazard, with particular emphasis on new and existing buildings and infrastructure.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-12
o Manipulate the hazard (actions to prevent hazard events from occurring) o Reduce exposure and vulnerability (actions to safeguard people, property, and the environment from the impacts of the hazard)
o Build local capacity (actions to improve abilities to mitigate and respond to hazard events)
o Use nature-based solutions (actions that use green solutions to mitigate the hazard and provide additional environmental services)

19.4 MITIGATION ACTION PLAN AND IMPLEMENTATION
Together with the various city departments, t he CPT and the SC reviewed the range of mitigation actions and selected actions to be included in the LHMP. The selection of actions was based on the risk assessment results of the identified hazards, the assessment of current capabilities, and the mitigation goals and objectives defined. Table 19-3 lists the identified mitigation actions for the 2026 LHMP using the numbering format to include the objective and action for the objective.

Local Plan Requirement C3 – 44 CFR Part 201.6(c)(3)(iii) The hazard mitigation strategy shall include an action plan, describing how the action identified in paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this section will be prioritized, implemented, and administered by the local jurisdiction.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-13
Table 19-3. Mitigation Action Plan for the City of Oakland Mitigation Action
Community
Lifeline(s)
Addressed
Benefits
New or
Existing
Assets
Lead
Implementer
Support
Implementer
Benefits
EPCs
Estimated
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources Timeline
1-1. Prioritize hazard preparedness and
mitigation funding for communities
identified in the General Plan and
LHMP as Equity Priority Communities
with vulnerability.

All Both OFD ADA Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
1-2. Prioritize mitigation and
emergency preparedness services for
communities identified in the General
Plan and LHMP as Equity Priority
Communities with vulnerability.

All Both OFD ADA Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
2-1. Mitigation and preparedness
services will be compliant with ADA,
Section 504, Section 508 requirements,
and any applicable accessibility policies
& laws.

N/A N/A ADA - Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
2-2. Advocate for the inclusion of
considerations for individuals with AFN
in planning efforts from other agencies
in which Oakland staff participate.

Connect planning efforts with city-
affiliated groups.

N/A N/A DRE, ADA - Yes Low ($0 -
$9,999)
Staff Time Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
2-3. Identify and build relationships
with local organizations and agencies
serving individuals with AFN. Build
relationships with other agencies to
connect with these organizations to
better plan for their needs during a
natural hazard event.

Safety and Security;
Food, Hydration,
Shelter; Health and
Medical
N/A ADA - Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
3-1. Strengthen partnerships with
community-based organizations, faith-
based groups, and the private sector to
support mitigation outreach and
implementation.

Safety and Security;
Food, Hydration,
Shelter; Health and
Medical
N/A OFD ADA Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
3-2. Develop multilingual hazard
awareness campaign including
campaign materials for populations
facing higher risk, including specific
content to meet the needs of
individuals with AFN. Involve these
communities in providing input to
N/A N/A OFD ADA Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-14
Mitigation Action
Community
Lifeline(s)
Addressed
Benefits
New or
Existing
Assets
Lead
Implementer
Support
Implementer
Benefits
EPCs
Estimated
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources Timeline
ensure the campaign’s accessibility and
cultural competency.
3-3. Embed mitigation and
preparedness messaging into
programs that already serve equity
priorities communities and individuals
with AFN (e.g., clinics, food banks, youth
programs).

Safety and Security;
Food, Hydration,
Shelter; Health and
Medical
N/A OFD ADA Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
3-4. Develop an Online 'Know Your Risk'
+ Equity Map: Create a web tool where
residents can view hazards alongside
indicators of social vulnerability and
find tailored mitigation resources.

N/A N/A OFD ADA Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
3-5. Develop community engagement
campaign to expand participation in AC
Alert programs, hazard mitigation
planning and the identification of
mitigation projects.

N/A N/A OFD ADA Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
4-1. Facilitate resilience improvements
in City facilities to reliably serve as
resilience hubs or places of respite
during hazard events.

Safety and Security;
Food, Hydration,
Shelter
Existing
Assets
Sustainability OFD, OPW, ADA Yes High
($50,000 -
$249,999)

FEMA HMGP,
Staff Time,
State funding,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
4-2. Prioritize investment in City
facilities that might be used as respite
centers or emergency related support
for retrofit and safety improvements.

Safety and Security;
Food, Hydration,
Shelter
Both OPW ADA, OFD,
Sustainability
Yes High
($50,000 -
$249,999)

FEMA HMGP,
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
4-3. Develop public communication
methods to inform about City resources
available in the event of a hazard.

No Both OFD ADA, City
Administrator’s
Office
Yes Low ($0 -
$9,999)
Staff Time,
General Fund,
CIP Budget
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
5-1. Continue to seek funding to revive
Housing Preservation Services
programs supporting seismic retrofits
of high-risk housing units in Equity
Priority Communities. This includes two
pending applications for Hazard
Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
funding from FEMA and Cal OES to re-
open the Safer Housing for Oakland
Program (SHOP): Soft Story Apartment
Retrofit Program, providing financial
assistance to property owners with
Safety and Security;
Food, Hydration,
Shelter; Health and
Medical
Existing
Assets
HCD Planning &
Building, ADA
Yes Very High
(>$250,000)

FEMA HMGP,
Staff Time
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-15
Mitigation Action
Community
Lifeline(s)
Addressed
Benefits
New or
Existing
Assets
Lead
Implementer
Support
Implementer
Benefits
EPCs
Estimated
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources Timeline
buildings subject to Oakland’s
Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Program.
5-2. Educate low-income homeowners
seeking rehabilitation loans about the
purpose and availability of publicly
funded seismic retrofit assistance
programs, such as the Earthquake
Brace + Bolt (EBB) and Earthquake
Soft-Story (ESS) programs funded by
the State of California/ California
Earthquake Authority.
(Funding note: Also HCD has loans for
retrofitting loans for individual with
disability for home modification
improvements – Access Improvement
Program. At the state level, California's
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
program.)
Safety and Security;
Food, Hydration,
Shelter; Health and
Medical
Existing
Assets
HCD ADA Yes Low ($0-
$9,000)
Staff Time Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
6-1. Fast track / streamline permitting
process with prioritization for Equity
Priority Communities and individuals
with AFN.

N/A Both Planning &
Building
HCD, ADA Yes Low ($0-
$9,000)
Staff Time Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
6-2. Consider adoption of a disaster
reconstruction overlay zone. As part of
this action, re-evaluate all development
scenarios and requirements following a
hazard event such as a wildfire,
landslide, flood, earthquake; explore
funding sources and create a low-
interest construction loan program for
income-qualified owners who are
recovering from a disaster.

Safety and Security;
Transportation
Both Planning &
Building
ADA Yes Low ($0-
$9,000)
Staff Time Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
6-3. Consider an ordinance requiring
installation and periodic inspection and
maintenance of gas shut-off valves in
existing buildings at the time of sale,
transfer of title, and when upgrades are
planned for gas piping to minimize the
risk of post-earthquake fires due to gas
pipeline ruptures.

Safety and Security;
Transportation;
Hazardous Materials
Both Planning &
Building
ADA Yes Low ($0-
$9,000)
Staff Time Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-16
Mitigation Action
Community
Lifeline(s)
Addressed
Benefits
New or
Existing
Assets
Lead
Implementer
Support
Implementer
Benefits
EPCs
Estimated
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources Timeline
7-1. In areas vulnerable to
contaminated groundwater rise, study
the compounding impacts of sea level
rise in groundwater threats in areas
with hazardous facilities and Equity
Priority Communities. Coordinate with
adjacent jurisdictions as appropriate to
develop a Shallow Groundwater Rise
Vulnerability assessment to establish a
detailed understanding of the effects of
rising shallow groundwater on people,
the built environment, and water
supply.

Safety and Security;
Food, Hydration,
Shelter; Water
Systems
Both Planning &
Building

Sustainability
and Resilience
Division, City
Administrator’s
Office, Planning
& Building, OPW,
ADA
Yes High
($50,000 -
$249,999)
Staff Time,
CIP Budget
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
7-2. Evaluate densities where slopes are
at the greatest risk for landslides and
consider reducing current permitted
development densities and intensities
by 2028.

All Both Planning &
Building
ADA, Housing &
Community
Development
Yes High
($50,000 -
$249,999)
Staff Time,
CIP Budget
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
8-1. Develop the Regional Shoreline
Adaptation Plan
All Both Sustainability ADA Yes High
($50,000 -
$249,999)

FEMA HMGP,
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
8-2. Sea-Level Rise Vulnerability and
Assessment Improvement Plan - The
Port of Oakland’s Sea-Level Rise
Vulnerability and Assessment
Improvement Plan will assess the
potential effects of sea-level rise on
maritime facilities. The study will
evaluate facilities Port-wide for sea-
level rise vulnerability and develop an
implementation plan for near-term and
long-term strategies to address
potential impacts. The study will
analyze the need for infrastructure such
as sea walls, wharf improvements, and
changes in port operations. In addition,
the study will help establish design
standards.

Safety and Security;
Transportation;
Water Systems
Both Port of Oakland Planning &
Building,
Sustainability,
City
Administrator’s
Office
No Very High
($250,000 –
Above)
CIP Budget,
State
Adaptation
Planning
Grant
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
9-1. Study compounding impact of sea
level rise on groundwater threats in
areas with hazardous facilities.

Hazardous Materials Both Planning &
Building
Sustainability,

OPW, DRE, ADA
Yes Very High
($250,000 –
Above)
CIP Budget,
State
Adaptation
Short
Term (less
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-17
Mitigation Action
Community
Lifeline(s)
Addressed
Benefits
New or
Existing
Assets
Lead
Implementer
Support
Implementer
Benefits
EPCs
Estimated
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources Timeline
Coordinate with adjacent jurisdictions
as appropriate to create a Shallow
Groundwater Rise Vulnerability
Assessment to establish a detailed
understanding of the effects of rising
shallow groundwater on people, the
built environment, and water supply.

This includes buoyancy, seepage,
infiltration, liquefaction, corrosion, and
contaminant mobilization hazards. The
assessment should have an interactive
map component that will be updated
based on site-specific geotechnical and
topographic data submitted by new
developments. Continue to comply
with performance standards pursuant
to the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System municipal
stormwater permit
Planning
Grant
than 5
years)
10-1. Work with PG&E to implement
pilot projects under SB 1221 to identify
and eliminate natural gas infrastructure
through electrification of homes and
businesses, prioritizing those with the
potential to result in branch line
decommissioning of natural gas piping.

Energy Existing
Assets
Sustainability ADA Yes Very High CIP Budget,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
10-2. Work with public agency partners
to provide safety and security
information regarding the emergency
use of diesel and gasoline
powered generators
Energy; Hazardous
Materials
Both Sustainability ADA Yes Low ($0 -
$9,999)
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
10-3. Promote the widespread use of
carbon monoxide detectors in homes
and businesses, including through the
donation and giveaway programs
of carbon monoxide detectors
Safety and Security;
Food, Hydration,
Shelter; Health and
Medical
Existing
Assets
Sustainability ADA Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
11-1. The program will be implemented
by contacting owners of the remaining
subject buildings that that have not yet
completed the required retrofit. This is
a discrete list, but these types of
buildings tend to be in lower income
N/A Existing
Assets
HCD ADA Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-18
Mitigation Action
Community
Lifeline(s)
Addressed
Benefits
New or
Existing
Assets
Lead
Implementer
Support
Implementer
Benefits
EPCs
Estimated
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources Timeline
areas of Oakland. The initial focus will
be on Opportunity Zones and other
priority areas of need.
12-1. Expand on existing strategies to
reach low-income, historically hard to
reach and non-English speaking
populations and individuals with AFN
through translated materials, earned
media, and strategic engagement
planning
N/A N/A OFD ADA Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
12-2. Introduce Firewise program to
Equity Priority Communities in the WUI
to reduce wildfire risk through resident-
led action, education, and collaboration
with local fire agencies, focusing on
creating defensible space, hardening
homes, and developing preparedness
plans to become more resilient to
wildfires criteria
N/A Both OFD ADA Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
12-3. Monitoring grant opportunities for
the City of Oakland to increase fire safe
and fuel mitigation efforts, and expand
emergency preparedness.

Safety and Security Both OFD ADA Yes Low ($0 -
$9,999)
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
13-1. Full implementation of the 10 year
Vegetation Management Plan to cover
more than 1,400 acres of City property
plus treatment areas approximately
300 miles of roadside using heavy
equipment, hands crews and goats.

Safety and Security;
Transportation;
Water Systems
Both OFD ADA Yes High
($50,000 -
$249,999)

FEMA HMGP
Post-Fire,
General Fund,

CAL FIRE
Wildfire
Prevention
Grant
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
13-2. Collaborate with CAL FIRE, EBRPD,
Oakland Firesafe Council Friends of
Joaquin Miller, Friends of Sausal Creek,
Firewise Communities to align fire
prevention, fuel mitigation and public
awareness campaigns to strengthen
preparedness, prevention and resiliency
strategies
Safety and Security;
Food, Hydration,
Shelter; Health and
Medical;
Transportation
Both OFD ADA Yes High
($50,000 -
$249,999)
Staff Time,
General Fund,

CAL FIRE
Wildfire
Prevention
Grant
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
14-1. The Vegetation Management Unit
of the Oakland Fire Department
inspects properties in the Oakland Hills,
much of which is designated as a Very
Safety and Security;
Food, Hydration,
Shelter; Health and
Medical
Both OFD ADA, OPW Yes High
($50,000 -
$249,999)
Staff Time,
General Fund,

CAL FIRE
Wildfire
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-19
Mitigation Action
Community
Lifeline(s)
Addressed
Benefits
New or
Existing
Assets
Lead
Implementer
Support
Implementer
Benefits
EPCs
Estimated
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources Timeline
High Fire Hazard Severity Zone
(VHFHSZ). The VMU works under the
Oakland Fire Department's Fire
Prevention Bureau. The VMU is
responsible for the inspections of
around 25,000 parcels in the VHFHSZ.

The purpose of these inspections is to
identify and mitigate hazards that
could contribute to the spread, growth,
and intensity of wildfire. Inspections are
done annually, and property owners are
required to actively maintain their
parcels in a fire-safe condition year-
round.

Prevention
Grant
14-2. Continue to deploy one of the
largest herds of goats in CA to mitigate
low lying and dry vegetation on
roadside and in City open space.

Safety and Security;
Food, Hydration,
Shelter; Health and
Medical;
Transportation;
Water Systems
Both OFD ADA Yes High
($50,000 -
$249,999)
Staff Time,
General Fund,

CAL FIRE
Wildfire
Prevention
Grant
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
15-1. Continue to provide fire safety and
public education efforts related to
requirements for development,
property maintenance, and emergency
preparedness in the VHFHSZ and
prioritize the most vulnerable
populations in these areas.

N/A Both OFD ADA Yes Low ($0 -
$9,999)
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
16-1. Prune all trees in the public right of
way on regular 7-year intervals, as
described in the 2024 Oakland Urban
Forest Plan, to address preventable
whole tree and branch failures during
wind and wind/rain events.

Safety and Security;
Food, Hydration,
Shelter; Health and
Medical;
Transportation;
Water Systems
Both OPW ADA Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
16-2. Implement the awarded USDA
Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act
funding to begin routine pruning in
Oakland’s highest-priority census tracts
per the OakDOT Geographic Equity
Toolbox.

Safety and Security;
Food, Hydration,
Shelter; Health and
Medical;
Transportation;
Water Systems
Both OPW ADA Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time,
USDA,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
16-3. Identify additional funding sources
to regularly prune trees in the rest of
Oakland, with work focusing on census
Safety and Security;
Food, Hydration,
Shelter; Health and
Both OPW ADA Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-20
Mitigation Action
Community
Lifeline(s)
Addressed
Benefits
New or
Existing
Assets
Lead
Implementer
Support
Implementer
Benefits
EPCs
Estimated
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources Timeline
tracts based on priority level identified
in the Geographic Equity Toolbox.

Medical;
Transportation;
Water Systems
than 5
years)
17-1. Identify feasible, equitable (using
the CIP prioritization system), and cost-
effective stormwater infrastructure
projects that would increase system
capacity, have been identified in the
City’s capital improvement program
and/or Storm Drainage Master Plan,
that and would be good target projects
for which to pursue funding under
applicable local, state, and federal grant
programs.

Safety and Security;
Health and Medical;
Hazardous Materials;
Water Systems
Both OPW – Civil
Engineering
DOT, ADA Yes Very High
($250,000 –
Above)
Staff Time,
CIP Budget,
USEDA Grant
Long
Term
(more
than 5
years)
17-2. Conduct equitable outreach and
engagement as we implement all CIP
Storm Drainage projects.
(Same as 21-2, but with a different
objective)
Water Systems;
Transportation
Both OPW DOT, ADA Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time,
CIP Budget
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
17-3. Leverage funding opportunities
that may be available through
government grants or projects
conducted by DOT.

Water Systems;
Transportation
Both OPW DOT, ADA Yes Low ($0 -
$9,999)
Staff Time,
CIP Budget
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
17-4. Tree Planning. Implement the
component of the City’s Storm Drain
Master Plan that looks to quantify the
stormwater capture and pollutant
removal benefit of tree planting and
modeling where in the city stormwater
runoff reduction could be achieved
through increased tree canopy.

Coordinate with Tree Services Division
to make sure it corresponds to the
Urban Forestry Master Plan.

Safety and Security;
Food, Hydration,
Shelter; Health and
Medical;
Transportation;
Water Systems
Both OPW DOT, ADA

Yes High
($50,000 -
$249,999)

FEMA HMGP,
Staff Time,
CIP Budget
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
18-1. The City will continue to
implement its Green Stormwater
Infrastructure (GSI) Plan to include GSI
where required by the Municipal
Regional Stormwater Permit and where
feasible. Examples include bioretention
areas, engineered tree well filters, green
Water Systems;
Transportation
Both OPW OakDOT,
Department,
Planning &
Building, ADA
Yes Very High
($250,000 –
Above)

FEMA HMGP,
CIP Budget
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-21
Mitigation Action
Community
Lifeline(s)
Addressed
Benefits
New or
Existing
Assets
Lead
Implementer
Support
Implementer
Benefits
EPCs
Estimated
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources Timeline
roofs, flow-through planters, and
permeable pavement.
18-2. Encourage developers to include
green infrastructure practices.

N/A New Assets Planning &
Building
OPW, ADA Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
19-1. Continue to maintain the City’s
good standing and compliance under
the NFIP through:
• Enforce the City’s flood
damage prevention ordnance
• Update the City’s flood
damage prevention ordinance
to ensure compliance with
state and federal
requirements
All Both City
Administrator’s
Office
Planning &
Building, OPW,
ADA
Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
19-2. Participate in floodplain and
mapping updates and advocate for
accuracy in updated maps based on
locally documented conditions.

All Both OPW Planning &
Building, ADA
Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
19-3. Build community knowledge of
floodplain concerns and revised
floodplain mapping in an inclusive
manner. Provide public
assistance/information on floodplain
requirements and impacts.

All Both OPW and
Planning &
Building
ADA Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
20-1. Complete CRS assessment and
determine City of Oakland readiness for
participation.

N/A N/A City
Administrator's
Office, OPW,
Planning &
Building, DRE,
ADA
- Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
21-1. Identify feasible, equitable (using
the CIP prioritization system), and cost-
effective stormwater infrastructure
projects that would increase system
capacity, have been identified in the
City’s capital improvement program
and/or Storm Drainage Master Plan,
that and would be good target projects
for which to pursue funding under
Food, Hydration,
Shelter; Water
Systems;
Transportation
Both OPW ADA Yes Very High
($250,000 –
Above)

FEMA HMGP
and FMA; CIP
Budget
Long
Term
(more
than 5
years)
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-22
Mitigation Action
Community
Lifeline(s)
Addressed
Benefits
New or
Existing
Assets
Lead
Implementer
Support
Implementer
Benefits
EPCs
Estimated
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources Timeline
applicable local, state, and federal grant
programs.
21-2. Conduct equitable outreach and
engagement as the City implements all
CIP Storm Drainage projects.
(Same as 17-2, but with a different
objective)
Water Systems;
Transportation
Both OPW ADA Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time;
CIP Budget
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
21-3. Leverage funding opportunities
that may be available through
government grants or projects
conducted by DOT and OPW.

Water Systems;
Transportation
Both OPW DOT, ADA Yes Low ($0 -
$9,999)
Staff Time Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
22-1. Extend the service life of the City’s
sewer collection system. Complete 13-
mile of sewer collection system
rehabilitation annually to extend
service life. Prioritize repairs based on
risk factors and equity factors.

Safety and Security;
Health and Medical;
Hazardous Materials;
Water Systems
Both OPW – Civil
Engineering
ADA Yes Very High
($250,000 –
Above)
Staff Time,
CIP Budget,
U.S. Economic
Development
Administratio
n (EDA)
Long
Term
(more
than 5
years)
22-2. Enhance social equity by
implementing sewer system
improvement project with high CIP
scores focusing on underserved
communities.

Safety and Security;
Food, Hydration,
Shelter;
Transportation;
Water Systems
Both OPW ADA Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time,
CIP Budget
Short
Term
22-3. Complete 50-mile sewer pipelines
with root control treatment to improve
sewage conveyance annually
Safety and Security;
Health and Medical;
Hazardous Materials;
Water Systems
Existing
Assets
OPW – Civil
Engineering
ADA Yes Very High
($250,000 –
Above)
Staff Time,
CIP Budget
Short to
Long
Term
22-4. Partner with Alameda County
Health Department for Fat/Oil/Grease
(FOG) enforcement and outreach
focusing on Food Service
Establishments and high FOG
contributors
Safety and Security;
Health and Medical;
Hazardous Materials;
Water Systems
Existing
Assets
OPW ADA Yes High
($50,000 -
$249,999)
Staff Time Short to
Long
Term
22-5. Continue to send abatement
notices to property owners with private
sewer lateral defects
Safety and Security;
Health and Medical;
Hazardous Materials;
Water Systems
Both OPW – Civil
Engineering
ADA Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time,
PSL Permits
Short to
Long
Term
22-6. Engage communities by sending
out project notices and/or flyers prior
and during project implementation to
households and businesses in the
targeted areas.

Safety and Security;
Food, Hydration,
Shelter;
Transportation;
Water Systems
Both OPW ADA Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time,
CIP Budget
Short
Term
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-23
Mitigation Action
Community
Lifeline(s)
Addressed
Benefits
New or
Existing
Assets
Lead
Implementer
Support
Implementer
Benefits
EPCs
Estimated
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources Timeline
22-7. Faster project delivery by
eliminating project barriers to expedite
project implementation, including but
not limited to, contractor outreach,
enhanced contracting process, onsite
support/enforcement.

Safety and Security;
Food, Hydration,
Shelter;
Transportation;
Water Systems
Both OPW ADA Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time,
CIP Budget
Short
Term
22-8. Equitable access by providing
guidance to property owners on sewer
lateral corrections
Safety and Security;
Health and Medical;
Hazardous Materials;
Water Systems
Both OPW Civil
Engineering
ADA Yes Moderate
($10,000 –
$49,999)
Staff Time,
PSL Permits
Short to
Long
Term
22-9. For major capital sanitary sewer
subbasin projects, the City will continue
to replace private lower laterals where
applicable within the City right-of-way
where the sewer main is replaced.

Safety and Security;
Food, Hydration,
Shelter;
Transportation;
Water Systems
Both OPW ADA Yes High
($50,000 -
$249,999)
Staff Time,
CIP Budget
Short
Term
23-1. Enhance social equity by
implementing sewer system
improvement project with high CIP
scores focusing on underserved
communities.

Water Systems Both OPW ADA Yes Low to
Moderate
Staff Time,
General Fund,
CIP Budget
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
23-2. Engage communities by sending
out project notices and/or flyers prior
and during project implementation to
households and businesses in the
targeted areas.

Water Systems Both OPW ADA Yes Low to
Moderate
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
23-3. Faster project delivery by
eliminating project barriers to expedite
project implementation, including but
not limited to, contractor outreach,
enhanced contracting process, onsite
support/enforcement
Water Systems N/A OPW ADA Yes Low to
Moderate
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
23-4. Send abatement notices to
property owners with private sewer
lateral defects. Provide equitable access
by providing guidance to property
owners on sewer lateral corrections
Water Systems Existing
Assets
OPW ADA Yes Low to
Moderate
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
23-5. For major capital sanitary sewer
subbasin projects, the City will continue
to replace private lower laterals where
applicable within the City right-of-way
where the sewer main is replaced.

Transportation Existing
Assets
OPW ADA Yes High to Very
High
Staff Time,
CIP Budget
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-24
Mitigation Action
Community
Lifeline(s)
Addressed
Benefits
New or
Existing
Assets
Lead
Implementer
Support
Implementer
Benefits
EPCs
Estimated
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources Timeline
24-1. Develop the annual IPP Work Plan
that lists priority preparedness
activities, responsible departments,
milestones, and supports
implementation of relevant LHMP
mitigation actions.

All Both OFD ADA Yes Low to
Moderate
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
24-2. Conduct an Annual Integrated
Preparedness Planning Workshop
(IPPW) with internal and external
partners to review opportunities for
capacity and capability improvements
for risk reduction and update the multi-
year IPP schedule.

N/A Both OFD ADA Yes Low to
Moderate
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
24-3. Maintain a Multi-Year
Preparedness Calendar of trainings,
exercises, plan updates, outreach
events, and major projects.

Safety and Security;
Communications
N/A OFD ADA Yes Low to
Moderate
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
25-1. Each City department will submit
Continuity of Operations Plans (COOPs)
to the Emergency Management
Services Division of OFD on an annual
basis. Each department will keep these
plans current by submitting revisions as
needed.

Safety and Security;
Communications;
Transportation;
Water Systems
Both OFD ADA Yes Moderate to
High
Staff Time,
General Fund
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
26-1. Wharf Seismic and Structural
Resilience Upgrade- Implement a
comprehensive Wharf Repair and
Upgrade Project to enhance resilience
against earthquakes and severe storm
conditions. The project will include:
• Seismic Upgrades: Strengthen
wharf structures to withstand
ground shaking and minimize
catastrophic damage during
major earthquakes.
• Structural Enhancements:

Improve load distribution,
reinforce critical connections,
and repair or replace
deteriorated piles to restore
vertical and lateral support.

Safety and Security;
Transportation;
Water Systems
Both Port of Oakland
Engineering
Division
- No Very High
($250,000 –
Above)

FEMA HMGP,

FEMA FMA,

FEMA HMGP
Post-Fire,
General
Funds
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-25
Mitigation Action
Community
Lifeline(s)
Addressed
Benefits
New or
Existing
Assets
Lead
Implementer
Support
Implementer
Benefits
EPCs
Estimated
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources Timeline
• Concrete Rehabilitation:

Remove delaminated
concrete, install corrosion-
resistant reinforcement, and
place new concrete to restore
deck integrity and reduce
maintenance needs.
26-2. Maritime Area Seismic Monitors -
The Port of Oakland’s Seaport terminals
are generally constructed of pile-
supported wharf structures with riprap
bulkheads retaining soil at the back of
the terminals. The Port proposes to
implement additional seismic
monitoring equipment at Berths 23–26
and Berths 57–58, as well as repair
existing equipment at Berths 35–37.

Port personnel have identified difficulty
in assessing potential damage to
terminals after a major earthquake due
to limited functioning seismic
monitoring equipment. The proposed
installations will fill gaps in the current
monitoring system by providing a more
complete picture at Inner Harbor,
Middle Harbor, and Outer Harbor
locations. This will allow engineers to
focus on inspections of areas most
susceptible to damage and proceed
with repairs to resume operations
quickly.

Transportation;
Water Systems
Existing
Assets
Port of Oakland
Engineering
and
Maintenance
Division
- No Moderate
($10,000-
$49,999) to
High
($50,000-
$249,999)

FEMA HMGP,
General
Funds
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
26-3. North Field Flood Protection
Study and Adaptation Plan - Building
on the 2023 North Field Vulnerability
Study, the Port of Oakland will lead a
comprehensive analysis to:
• Confirm design of flood
elevations and critical
infrastructure vulnerabilities.
• Assess wetlands, culverts, and
drainage systems.

Safety and Security;
Transportation
Existing
Assets
Port of Oakland
Engineering
and
Maintenance
Division
- No Moderate
($10,000-
$49,999) to
High
($50,000-
$249,999)

FEMA HMGP,
State Climate
Adaptation
Grants,
General
Funds
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-26
Mitigation Action
Community
Lifeline(s)
Addressed
Benefits
New or
Existing
Assets
Lead
Implementer
Support
Implementer
Benefits
EPCs
Estimated
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources Timeline
• Identify near-term flood
protection measures and
phased adaptation strategies.
• Develop coordination
protocols with Caltrans, East
Bay Regional Park District, City
of Alameda, and other
stakeholders
26-4. Old Earhart Road Floodwall
Improvement - Based on the 2023
North Field Vulnerability Study, the Port
of Oakland will implement a localized
flood protection project at Old Earhart
Road. The project will:
• Raise Old Earhart Road to
connect two existing high
points on the north side of
North Field.
• Construct two short floodwalls
totaling approximately 530
feet to close gaps and create a
continuous barrier.
• Reduce flood risk for critical
airport infrastructure and
maintain operational
continuity during extreme
weather and sea level rise
events.

Safety and Security;
Transportation
Existing
Assets
Port of Oakland
Engineering
and
Maintenance
Division
Caltrans, City of
Alameda
No Very High
($250,000 –
Above)

FEMA HMGP,
General
Funds
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
26-5. Modernize Port Energy
Infrastructure for Resilience and
Reliability - Port Public Power will
strengthen energy resilience by
modernizing the Port’s electrical
infrastructure and planning for future
grid demands. This action includes:
• Conducting a comprehensive
assessment of existing
systems
• Identifying critical upgrades
• Integrating advanced
technologies to support full-
scale electrification
Safety and Security;
Transportation
Both Port of Oakland
Public Power
- No Very High
($250,000+)

FEMA HMGP,
General
Funds
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-27
Mitigation Action
Community
Lifeline(s)
Addressed
Benefits
New or
Existing
Assets
Lead
Implementer
Support
Implementer
Benefits
EPCs
Estimated
Cost
Potential
Funding
Sources Timeline
• Over the next decade, the Port
will implement renewable
generation projects, battery
storage systems, and smart
grid solutions to:
• Enhance operational flexibility
• Reduce greenhouse gas
emissions
• Provide uninterrupted service
to critical facilities during
hazard events
26-6. Maritime Terminal Study on
Liquefaction Potential - The Port of
Oakland is located in a geographic area
highly prone to liquefaction and, as a
result, infrastructure damage from
seismic activity. To mitigate risk and
prepare for imminent seismic events,
the Port will conduct a comprehensive
liquefaction study at its marine
terminals. This study will evaluate
liquefaction potential throughout the
terminals and its effects on Port
infrastructure. It will identify areas and
facilities most at risk and outline a plan
for mitigation, retrofit, and emergency
response.

Safety and Security;
Transportation;
Water Systems
Both Port of Oakland
Engineering
and Planning
Division
- No High
($50,000 -
$249,999)

FEMA HMGP,
, State
Adaptation
Planning
Grant
Short
Term (less
than 5
years)
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-28

19.5 ACTION PLAN PRIORITIZATION
For this LHMP, the City followed a modified prioritization method used in the 2023 California State Hazard Mitigation Plan. This method applies more priority categories to each mitigation action than in the prior plan . Each action is reviewed and scored based on 15 questions, as presented in Table 19-4. The answers to the questions were weighed and scored. Then, based on the scoring of each action, each action was categorized as high, medium, or low priorities.

Table 19-4. Mitigation Action Prioritization Categories Category Question
Life Safety Will the action result in life safety?
Property Protection Will the action result in property protection? Cost-Effective Will the action be cost-effective (future benefits exceed cost)? Technically Feasible Is the action technically feasible? Legal Authority Does the jurisdiction have the legal authority to implement? Fiscal Is funding currently available for the action?
Funding Available Is the project eligible for grant funding? Environmental Will implementation of the action use nature-based solutions? Climate Change Will the action mitigate impacts from climate change? Equity Priority Community
/ Individuals with AFN
Does the action benefit Equity Priority Communities or individuals with AFN?
Administrative Capability Does the jurisdiction have the administrative capability to execute the action?
Multi-Hazard Will the action reduce risk to more than one hazard? Timeline Can the action be completed in less than 5 years? Support Policies Does the action support the policies and objectives of other plans and programs?
Community Support Would project implementation be supported by the community?

The answers to each of these questions are weighed as follows:
• Yes = 3 points
• Not sure/could be either yes or no/question is difficult to answer = 1 point • No = 0 points
Following scoring each action, priorities are assigned based on the following metrics:
• 31 or more = High Priority
• 15 to 30 = Medium Priority
• 0 to 14 = Low Priority
Table 19-5 indicates the priority for each action in the City’s mitigation action plan.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-29
Table 19-5. Mitigation Action Prioritization
Objective &
Action
Number
Life Safety
Property Protection
Cost-Effective
Technically Feasible
Legal Authority
Fiscal
Grant Funding Available
Environmental
Climate Change
Equity Priority Community /
Individuals with AFN
Administrative Capability
Multi-Hazard
Timeline
Support Policies
Community Support
Total Priority
1-1 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 3 1 1 29 Medium
1-2 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 3 1 1 29 Medium
2-1 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 3 1 1 29 Medium
2-2 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 3 1 1 29 Medium
2-3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 3 1 1 29 Medium
3-1 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 3 1 1 29 Medium
3-2 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 3 1 1 29 Medium
3-3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 1 1 1 27 Medium
3-4 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 1 1 1 27 Medium
3-5 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 1 1 1 27 Medium
4-1 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 3 1 1 1 29 Medium
4-2 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 3 1 1 1 29 Medium
4-3 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 1 1 3 1 3 3 1 1 33 High
5-1 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 1 1 3 3 1 3 3 3 37 High
5-2 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 3 3 1 3 3 3 35 High
6-1 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 29 Medium
6-2 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 3 3 1 31 High
6-3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 3 1 29 Medium
7-1 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 35 High
7-2 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 3 1 1 29 Medium
8-1 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 1 3 3 1 3 1 1 1 31 High
8-2 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 39 High
9-1 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 1 3 3 1 3 1 1 1 31 High
10-1 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 25 Medium
10-2 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 25 Medium
10-3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 25 Medium
11-1 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 25 Medium
12-1 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 0 3 1 3 1 1 1 26 Medium
12-2 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 1 1 1 27 Medium
12-3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 1 1 1 27 Medium
13-1 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 27 Medium
13-2 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 27 Medium
14-1 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 27 Medium
14-2 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 27 Medium
15-1 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 0 3 3 1 3 3 1 32 High
16-1 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 3 3 3 1 3 3 1 1 33 High
16-2 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 3 3 3 1 1 3 1 1 31 High
16-3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 3 3 1 1 31 High
17-1 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 1 1 3 3 1 1 3 3 35 High
17-2 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 27 Medium
17-3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 27 Medium
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-30
Objective &
Action
Number
Life Safety
Property Protection
Cost-Effective
Technically Feasible
Legal Authority
Fiscal
Grant Funding Available
Environmental
Climate Change
Equity Priority Community /
Individuals with AFN
Administrative Capability
Multi-Hazard
Timeline
Support Policies
Community Support
Total Priority
17-4 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 1 1 33 High
18-1 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 1 1 35 High
18-2 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 3 3 3 1 3 3 1 1 33 High
19-1 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 27 Medium
19-2 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 27 Medium
19-3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 27 Medium
20-1 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 27 Medium
21-1 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 27 Medium
21-2 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 27 Medium
21-3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 27 Medium
22-1 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 1 1 3 3 1 1 3 3 35 High
22-2 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 29 Medium
22-3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 0 3 3 1 3 3 3 34 High
22-4 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 0 3 3 1 3 3 3 34 High
22-5 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 0 3 3 1 3 3 3 34 High
22-6 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 27 Medium
22-7 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 1 3 1 1 29 Medium
22-8 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 3 3 1 3 3 3 35 High
22-9 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 3 1 29 Medium
23-1 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 27 Medium
23-2 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 27 Medium
23-3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 27 Medium
23-4 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 27 Medium
23-5 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 27 Medium
24-1 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 27 Medium
24-2 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 27 Medium
24-3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 27 Medium
25-1 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 3 1 1 29 Medium
26-1 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 39 High
26-2 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 3 1 3 3 1 1 3 33 High
26-3 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 3 3 1 3 37 High
26-4 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 3 1 3 3 3 1 3 35 High
26-5 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 3 1 3 3 3 1 3 35 High
26-6 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 3 3 3 1 37 High

19.6 MITIGATION ACTION CATEGORIZATION
The mitigation actions identified cover a broad range of action types and address each of the identified hazards (Table 19-6). The action types are described below.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-31

19.6.1 Prevention
These activities are intended to keep hazard problems from getting worse and are typically administered through plans, programs or regulatory actions that influence the way land is developed and assets are built. In the context of this plan, these measures also include security initiatives. Planning and regulatory measures are particularly effective in reducing an area’s future vulnerability, especially in places where development has not occurred, or capital improvements have not been substantial.

19.6.2 Property Protection
These activities involve the modification of existing buildings, assets, structures and infrastructure to help them better withstand the forces of a hazard, or removal of the structures from hazardous locations.

19.6.3 Public Education and Awareness
Public e ducation and awareness activities are used to advise residents, elected officials, business owners, potential property buyers, and visitors about hazards, hazardous areas, and mitigation techniques they can use to protect themselves and their property.

19.6.4 Natural Resource Protection
Natural resource protection activities reduce the impact of natural hazards by preserving or restoring natural areas and their protective functions. Such areas include floodplains, wetlands, and steep slopes.

19.6.5 Emergency Services
Although not typically considered a “mitigation” technique, emergency service activities do minimize the impact of a hazard event on people and property. These commonly are actions taken immediately prior to, during, or in response to a hazard event.

19.6.6 Structural Projects
Structural mitigation activities are intended to lessen the impact of a hazard by modifying the environmental natural progression of the hazard event through construction. They are usually designed by engineers and managed or maintained by jurisdiction staff.

19.6.7 Climate Resiliency
Climate resiliency actions incorporate methods to mitigate or adapt to the impacts of the changing climate.

19.6.8 Community Capacity Building
These actions increase local capabilities to adjust to potential damage, to take advantage of opportunities, or to respond to consequences of hazards.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-32
Table 19-6. Mitigation Action Classification
Action
Mitigation Classification Hazards Addressed
Prevention
Property
Protection
Public Education
and Awareness
Natural Resource
Protection
Emergency
Services
Structural Projects
Climate Resiliency
Community
Capacity Building
Dam Failure
Drought
Earthquake
Flood
Landslide
Sea-Level Rise
Severe Weather –
Extreme Heat
Severe Weather –
High Wind
Tsunami/Seiche
Wildfire
1-1. Prioritize hazard preparedness and mitigation
funding for communities identified in the General
Plan and LHMP as Equity Priority Communities with
vulnerability.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X
1-2. Prioritize mitigation and emergency
preparedness services for communities identified in
the General Plan and LHMP as Equity Priority
Communities with vulnerability.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X
2-1. Mitigation and preparedness services will be
compliant with ADA, Section 504, Section 508
requirements, and any applicable accessibility
policies & laws.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X
2-2. Advocate for the inclusion of considerations for
individuals with AFN in planning efforts from other
agencies in which Oakland staff participate. Connect
planning efforts with city-affiliated groups.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X
2-3. Identify and build relationships with local
organizations and agencies serving individuals with
AFN. Build relationships with other agencies to
connect with these organizations to better plan for
their needs during a natural hazard event.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X
3-1. Strengthen partnerships with community-based
organizations, faith-based groups, and the private
sector to support mitigation outreach and
implementation.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X
3-2. Develop multilingual hazard awareness
campaign including campaign materials for
populations facing higher risk, including specific
content to meet the needs of individuals with AFN.

Involve these communities in providing input to
ensure the campaign’s accessibility and cultural
competency.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-33
Action
Mitigation Classification Hazards Addressed
Prevention
Property
Protection
Public Education
and Awareness
Natural Resource
Protection
Emergency
Services
Structural Projects
Climate Resiliency
Community
Capacity Building
Dam Failure
Drought
Earthquake
Flood
Landslide
Sea-Level Rise
Severe Weather –
Extreme Heat
Severe Weather –
High Wind
Tsunami/Seiche
Wildfire
3-3. Embed mitigation and preparedness messaging
into programs that already serve equity priorities
communities and individuals with AFN (e.g., clinics,
food banks, youth programs).

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
3-4. Develop an Online 'Know Your Risk' + Equity
Map: Create a web tool where residents can view
hazards alongside indicators of social vulnerability
and find tailored mitigation resources.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
3-5. Develop community engagement campaign to
expand participation in AC Alert programs, hazard
mitigation planning and the identification of
mitigation projects.

X X X X X X X X X X X
4-1. Facilitate resilience improvements in City
facilities to reliably serve as resilience hubs or places of respite during hazard events.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X
4-2. Prioritize investment in City facilities that might be used as respite centers or emergency related
support for retrofit and safety improvements.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X
4-3. Develop public communication methods to
inform about City resources available in the event of
a hazard.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
5-1. Continue to seek funding to revive Housing
Preservation Services programs supporting seismic
retrofits of high-risk housing units in Equity Priority Communities. This includes two pending
applications for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
(HMGP) funding from FEMA and Cal OES to re-open
the Safer Housing for Oakland Program (SHOP): Soft
Story Apartment Retrofit Program, providing
financial assistance to property owners with
buildings subject to Oakland’s Mandatory Soft Story
Retrofit Program.

X X X X
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-34
Action
Mitigation Classification Hazards Addressed
Prevention
Property
Protection
Public Education
and Awareness
Natural Resource
Protection
Emergency
Services
Structural Projects
Climate Resiliency
Community
Capacity Building
Dam Failure
Drought
Earthquake
Flood
Landslide
Sea-Level Rise
Severe Weather –
Extreme Heat
Severe Weather –
High Wind
Tsunami/Seiche
Wildfire
5-2. Educate low-income homeowners seeking
rehabilitation loans about the purpose and
availability of publicly funded seismic retrofit
assistance programs, such as the Earthquake Brace
+ Bolt (EBB) and Earthquake Soft-Story (ESS)
programs funded by the State of California/
California Earthquake Authority.
(Funding note: Also HCD has loans for retrofitting
loans for individual with disability for home
modification improvements – Access Improvement
Program. At the state level, California's Low-Income
Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program.)

X X X X X
6-1. Fast track / streamline permitting process with
prioritization for Equity Priority Communities and
individuals with AFN.

X X X X X X X X X X X
6-2. Consider adoption of a disaster reconstruction
overlay zone. As part of this action, re-evaluate all
development scenarios and requirements following
a hazard event such as a wildfire, landslide, flood,
earthquake; explore funding sources and create a
low-interest construction loan program for income-
qualified owners who are recovering from a disaster.

X X X X X X X X X
6-3. Consider an ordinance requiring installation and
periodic inspection and maintenance of gas shut-off
valves in existing buildings at the time of sale,
transfer of title, and when upgrades are planned for
gas piping to minimize the risk of post-earthquake
fires due to gas pipeline ruptures.

X X X X X X
7-1. In areas vulnerable to contaminated
groundwater rise, study the compounding impacts
of sea level rise in groundwater threats in areas with
hazardous facilities and Equity Priority
Communities. Coordinate with adjacent jurisdictions
as appropriate to develop a Shallow Groundwater
Rise Vulnerability assessment to establish a detailed

X X X X
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-35
Action
Mitigation Classification Hazards Addressed
Prevention
Property
Protection
Public Education
and Awareness
Natural Resource
Protection
Emergency
Services
Structural Projects
Climate Resiliency
Community
Capacity Building
Dam Failure
Drought
Earthquake
Flood
Landslide
Sea-Level Rise
Severe Weather –
Extreme Heat
Severe Weather –
High Wind
Tsunami/Seiche
Wildfire
understanding of the effects of rising shallow
groundwater on people, the built environment, and
water supply.
7-2. Evaluate densities where slopes are at the
greatest risk for landslides and consider reducing
current permitted development densities and
intensities by 2028.

X X X X X
8-1. Develop the Regional Shoreline Adaptation Plan X X X X X 8-2. Sea-Level Rise Vulnerability and Assessment
Improvement Plan - The Port of Oakland’s Sea-Level
Rise Vulnerability and Assessment Improvement
Plan will assess the potential effects of sea-level rise on maritime facilities. The study will evaluate
facilities Port-wide for sea-level rise vulnerability and develop an implementation plan for near-term and
long-term strategies to address potential impacts.

The study will analyze the need for infrastructure
such as sea walls, wharf improvements, and
changes in port operations. In addition, the study
will help establish design standards.

X X X X X
9-1. Study compounding impact of sea level rise on
groundwater threats in areas with hazardous
facilities. Coordinate with adjacent jurisdictions as
appropriate to create a Shallow Groundwater Rise
Vulnerability Assessment to establish a detailed
understanding of the effects of rising shallow
groundwater on people, the built environment, and
water supply. This includes buoyancy, seepage,
infiltration, liquefaction, corrosion, and contaminant
mobilization hazards. The assessment should have
an interactive map component that will be updated
based on site-specific geotechnical and topographic
data submitted by new developments. Continue to
comply with performance standards pursuant to the

X X X X X
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-36
Action
Mitigation Classification Hazards Addressed
Prevention
Property
Protection
Public Education
and Awareness
Natural Resource
Protection
Emergency
Services
Structural Projects
Climate Resiliency
Community
Capacity Building
Dam Failure
Drought
Earthquake
Flood
Landslide
Sea-Level Rise
Severe Weather –
Extreme Heat
Severe Weather –
High Wind
Tsunami/Seiche
Wildfire
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
municipal stormwater permit
10-1. Work with PG&E to implement pilot projects
under SB 1221 to identify and eliminate natural gas
infrastructure through electrification of homes and
businesses, prioritizing those with the potential to
result in branch line decommissioning of natural gas
piping.

X X X X X
10-2. Work with public agency partners to provide
safety and security information regarding the
emergency use of diesel and gasoline
powered generators

X X X X X X X X X X
10-3. Promote the widespread use of carbon
monoxide detectors in homes and businesses,
including through the donation and giveaway
programs of carbon monoxide detectors

X X X
11-1. The program will be implemented by contacting
owners of the remaining subject buildings that that
have not yet completed the required retrofit. This is
a discrete list, but these types of buildings tend to
be in lower income areas of Oakland. The initial
focus will be on Opportunity Zones and other
priority areas of need.

X X
12-1. Expand on existing strategies to reach low-
income, historically hard to reach and non-English
speaking populations and individuals with AFN
through translated materials, earned media, and
strategic engagement planning

X X X
12-2. Introduce Firewise program to Equity Priority
Communities in the WUI to reduce wildfire risk
through resident-led action, education, and
collaboration with local fire agencies, focusing on
creating defensible space, hardening homes, and
developing preparedness plans to become more
resilient to wildfires criteria

X X X X X
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-37
Action
Mitigation Classification Hazards Addressed
Prevention
Property
Protection
Public Education
and Awareness
Natural Resource
Protection
Emergency
Services
Structural Projects
Climate Resiliency
Community
Capacity Building
Dam Failure
Drought
Earthquake
Flood
Landslide
Sea-Level Rise
Severe Weather –
Extreme Heat
Severe Weather –
High Wind
Tsunami/Seiche
Wildfire
12-3. Monitoring grant opportunities for the City of
Oakland to increase fire safe and fuel mitigation
efforts, and expand emergency preparedness .

X X X X
13-1. Full implementation of the 10 year Vegetation
Management Plan to cover more than 1,400 acres of
City property plus treatment areas approximately
300 miles of roadside using heavy equipment, hands
crews and goats.

X X X X
13-2. Collaborate with CAL FIRE, EBRPD, Oakland
Firesafe Council Friends of Joaquin Miller, Friends of
Sausal Creek, Firewise Communities to align fire
prevention, fuel mitigation and public awareness
campaigns to strengthen preparedness, prevention
and resiliency strategies

X X X X
14-1. The Vegetation Management Unit of the
Oakland Fire Department inspects properties in the
Oakland Hills, much of which is designated as a Very
High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ). The VMU
works under the Oakland Fire Department's Fire
Prevention Bureau. The VMU is responsible for the
inspections of around 25,000 parcels in the VHFHSZ.

The purpose of these inspections is to identify and
mitigate hazards that could contribute to the
spread, growth, and intensity of wildfire. Inspections
are done annually, and property owners are required
to actively maintain their parcels in a fire-safe
condition year-round.

X X X X
14-2. Continue to deploy one of the largest herds of
goats in CA to mitigate low lying and dry vegetation
on roadside and in City open space.

X X X X
15-1. Continue to provide fire safety and public
education efforts related to requirements for
development, property maintenance, and
emergency preparedness in the VHFHSZ and

X X X X X X
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-38
Action
Mitigation Classification Hazards Addressed
Prevention
Property
Protection
Public Education
and Awareness
Natural Resource
Protection
Emergency
Services
Structural Projects
Climate Resiliency
Community
Capacity Building
Dam Failure
Drought
Earthquake
Flood
Landslide
Sea-Level Rise
Severe Weather –
Extreme Heat
Severe Weather –
High Wind
Tsunami/Seiche
Wildfire
prioritize the most vulnerable populations in these
areas.
16-1. Prune all trees in the public right of way on
regular 7-year intervals, as described in the 2024
Oakland Urban Forest Plan, to address preventable
whole tree and branch failures during wind and
wind/rain events.

X X X X X X
16-2. Implement the awarded USDA Forest Service
Inflation Reduction Act funding to begin routine
pruning in Oakland’s highest-priority census tracts
per the OakDOT Geographic Equity Toolbox.

X X X X X X
16-3. Identify additional funding sources to regularly
prune trees in the rest of Oakland, with work
focusing on census tracts based on priority level
identified in the Geographic Equity Toolbox.

X X X X X X
17-1. Identify feasible, equitable (using the CIP
prioritization system), and cost-effective stormwater
infrastructure projects that would increase system
capacity, have been identified in the City’s capital
improvement program and/or Storm Drainage
Master Plan, that and would be good target projects
for which to pursue funding under applicable local,
state, and federal grant programs.

X X X X X X X
17-2. Conduct equitable outreach and engagement
as we implement all CIP Storm Drainage projects. X X X 17-3. Leverage funding opportunities that may be
available through government grants or projects
conducted by DOT.

X X
17-4. Tree Planning. Implement the component of
the City’s Storm Drain Master Plan that looks to
quantify the stormwater capture and pollutant
removal benefit of tree planting and modeling
where in the city stormwater runoff reduction could
be achieved through increased tree canopy.

X X X
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-39
Action
Mitigation Classification Hazards Addressed
Prevention
Property
Protection
Public Education
and Awareness
Natural Resource
Protection
Emergency
Services
Structural Projects
Climate Resiliency
Community
Capacity Building
Dam Failure
Drought
Earthquake
Flood
Landslide
Sea-Level Rise
Severe Weather –
Extreme Heat
Severe Weather –
High Wind
Tsunami/Seiche
Wildfire
Coordinate with Tree Services Division to make sure
it corresponds to the Urban Forestry Master Plan.
18-1. The City will continue to implement its Green
Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Plan to include GSI
where required by the Municipal Regional
Stormwater Permit and where feasible. Examples
include bioretention areas, engineered tree well
filters, green roofs, flow-through planters, and
permeable pavement.

X
18-2. Encourage developers to include green
infrastructure practices. X X X
19-1. Continue to maintain the City’s good standing
and compliance under the NFIP through:
• Enforce the City’s flood damage prevention
ordnance
• Update the City’s flood damage prevention
ordinance to ensure compliance with state
and federal requirements
X X
19-2. Participate in floodplain and mapping updates
and advocate for accuracy in updated maps based
on locally documented conditions.

X X
19-3. Build community knowledge of floodplain
concerns and revised floodplain mapping in an
inclusive manner. Provide public
assistance/information on floodplain requirements
and impacts.

X X
20-1. Complete CRS assessment and determine City
of Oakland readiness for participation. X X
21-1. Identify feasible, equitable (using the CIP
prioritization system), and cost-effective stormwater
infrastructure projects that would increase system
capacity, have been identified in the City’s capital
improvement program and/or Storm Drainage
Master Plan, that and would be good target projects

X X X
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-40
Action
Mitigation Classification Hazards Addressed
Prevention
Property
Protection
Public Education
and Awareness
Natural Resource
Protection
Emergency
Services
Structural Projects
Climate Resiliency
Community
Capacity Building
Dam Failure
Drought
Earthquake
Flood
Landslide
Sea-Level Rise
Severe Weather –
Extreme Heat
Severe Weather –
High Wind
Tsunami/Seiche
Wildfire
for which to pursue funding under applicable local,
state, and federal grant programs.
21-2. Conduct equitable outreach and engagement
as we implement all CIP Storm Drainage projects. X X X X 21-3. Leverage funding opportunities that may be
available through government grants or projects
conducted by DOT and OPW.

X X X
22-1. Extend the service life of the City’s sewer
collection system. Complete 13-mile of sewer
collection system rehabilitation annually to extend
service life. Prioritize repairs based on risk factors
and equity factors.

X X X X X X X X
22-2. Enhance social equity by implementing sewer
system improvement project with high CIP scores
focusing on underserved communities.

X X X X X X
22-3. Complete 50-mile sewer pipelines with root
control treatment to improve sewage conveyance
annually

X X X X X
22-4. Partner with Alameda County Health
Department for Fat/Oil/Grease (FOG) enforcement
and outreach focusing on Food Service
Establishments and high FOG contributors

X X X X X
22-5. Continue to send abatement notices to
property owners with private sewer lateral defects X X X X 22-6. Engage communities by sending out project
notices and/or flyers prior and during project
implementation to households and businesses in
the targeted areas.

X X X X X X
22-7. Faster project delivery by eliminating project
barriers to expedite project implementation,
including but not limited to, contractor outreach,
enhanced contracting process, onsite
support/enforcement.

X X X X X X X
22-8. Equitable access by providing guidance to
property owners on sewer lateral corrections X X X X X X City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-41
Action
Mitigation Classification Hazards Addressed
Prevention
Property
Protection
Public Education
and Awareness
Natural Resource
Protection
Emergency
Services
Structural Projects
Climate Resiliency
Community
Capacity Building
Dam Failure
Drought
Earthquake
Flood
Landslide
Sea-Level Rise
Severe Weather –
Extreme Heat
Severe Weather –
High Wind
Tsunami/Seiche
Wildfire
22-9. For major capital sanitary sewer subbasin
projects, the City will continue to replace private
lower laterals where applicable within the City right-
of-way where the sewer main is replaced.

X X X X X
23-1. Enhance social equity by implementing sewer
system improvement project with high CIP scores
focusing on underserved communities.

X X X X
23-2. Engage communities by sending out project
notices and/or flyers prior and during project
implementation to households and businesses in
the targeted areas.

X X X X
23-3. Faster project delivery by eliminating project
barriers to expedite project implementation,
including but not limited to, contractor outreach,
enhanced contracting process, onsite
support/enforcement

X X X X
23-4. Send abatement notices to property owners
with private sewer lateral defects. Provide equitable
access by providing guidance to property owners on
sewer lateral corrections

X X X X
23-5. For major capital sanitary sewer subbasin
projects, the City will continue to replace private
lower laterals where applicable within the City right-
of-way where the sewer main is replaced.

X X X X
24-1. Develop the annual IPP Work Plan that lists
priority preparedness activities, responsible
departments, milestones, and supports
implementation of relevant LHMP mitigation
actions.

X X X X X X X X X X X
24-2. Conduct an Annual Integrated Preparedness
Planning Workshop (IPPW)with internal and
external partners to review opportunities for
capacity and capability improvements for risk
reduction and update the multi-year IPP schedule.

X X X X X X X X X X X X
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-42
Action
Mitigation Classification Hazards Addressed
Prevention
Property
Protection
Public Education
and Awareness
Natural Resource
Protection
Emergency
Services
Structural Projects
Climate Resiliency
Community
Capacity Building
Dam Failure
Drought
Earthquake
Flood
Landslide
Sea-Level Rise
Severe Weather –
Extreme Heat
Severe Weather –
High Wind
Tsunami/Seiche
Wildfire
24-3. Maintain a Multi-Year Preparedness Calendar
of trainings, exercises, plan updates, outreach
events, and major projects.

X X X X X X X X X X
25-1. Each City department will submit Continuity of
Operations Plans (COOPs) to the Emergency
Management Services Division of OFD on an annual
basis. Each department will keep these plans
current by submitting revisions as needed.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X
26-1. Wharf Seismic and Structural Resilience
Upgrade- Implement a comprehensive Wharf
Repair and Upgrade Project to enhance resilience
against earthquakes and severe storm conditions.

The project will include:
• Seismic Upgrades: Strengthen wharf
structures to withstand ground shaking
and minimize catastrophic damage during
major earthquakes.
• Structural Enhancements: Improve load
distribution, reinforce critical connections,
and repair or replace deteriorated piles to
restore vertical and lateral support.
• Concrete Rehabilitation: Remove
delaminated concrete, install corrosion-
resistant reinforcement, and place new
concrete to restore deck integrity and
reduce maintenance needs.

X X X X X X
26-2. Maritime Area Seismic Monitors - The Port of
Oakland’s Seaport terminals are generally
constructed of pile-supported wharf structures with
riprap bulkheads retaining soil at the back of the
terminals. The Port proposes to implement
additional seismic monitoring equipment at Berths
23–26 and Berths 57–58, as well as repair existing
equipment at Berths 35–37. Port personnel have
identified difficulty in assessing potential damage to

X X X X
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-43
Action
Mitigation Classification Hazards Addressed
Prevention
Property
Protection
Public Education
and Awareness
Natural Resource
Protection
Emergency
Services
Structural Projects
Climate Resiliency
Community
Capacity Building
Dam Failure
Drought
Earthquake
Flood
Landslide
Sea-Level Rise
Severe Weather –
Extreme Heat
Severe Weather –
High Wind
Tsunami/Seiche
Wildfire
terminals after a major earthquake due to limited
functioning seismic monitoring equipment. The
proposed installations will fill gaps in the current
monitoring system by providing a more complete
picture at Inner Harbor, Middle Harbor, and Outer
Harbor locations. This will allow engineers to focus
on inspections of areas most susceptible to damage
and proceed with repairs to resume operations
quickly.
26-3. North Field Flood Protection Study and
Adaptation Plan - Building on the 2023 North Field
Vulnerability Study, the Port of Oakland will lead a
comprehensive analysis to:
• Confirm design of flood elevations and
critical infrastructure vulnerabilities.
• Assess wetlands, culverts, and drainage
systems.
• Identify near-term flood protection
measures and phased adaptation
strategies.
• Develop coordination protocols with
Caltrans, East Bay Regional Park District,
City of Alameda, and other stakeholders

X X X X
26-4. Old Earhart Road Floodwall Improvement -
Based on the 2023 North Field Vulnerability Study,
the Port of Oakland will implement a localized flood
protection project at Old Earhart Road. The project
will:
• Raise Old Earhart Road to connect two
existing high points on the north side of
North Field.
• Construct two short floodwalls totaling
approximately 530 feet to close gaps and
create a continuous barrier.

X X X X
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-44
Action
Mitigation Classification Hazards Addressed
Prevention
Property
Protection
Public Education
and Awareness
Natural Resource
Protection
Emergency
Services
Structural Projects
Climate Resiliency
Community
Capacity Building
Dam Failure
Drought
Earthquake
Flood
Landslide
Sea-Level Rise
Severe Weather –
Extreme Heat
Severe Weather –
High Wind
Tsunami/Seiche
Wildfire
• Reduce flood risk for critical airport
infrastructure and maintain operational
continuity during extreme weather and sea
level rise events.
26-5. Modernize Port Energy Infrastructure for
Resilience and Reliability - Port Public Power will
strengthen energy resilience by modernizing the
Port’s electrical infrastructure and planning for
future grid demands. This action includes:
• Conducting a comprehensive assessment
of existing systems
• Identifying critical upgrades
• Integrating advanced technologies to
support full-scale electrification
• Over the next decade, the Port will
implement renewable generation projects,
battery storage systems, and smart grid
solutions to:
• Enhance operational flexibility
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Provide uninterrupted service to critical
facilities during hazard events

X X X X X X X X X X
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Mitigation Strategy Black & Veatch 19-45
Action
Mitigation Classification Hazards Addressed
Prevention
Property
Protection
Public Education
and Awareness
Natural Resource
Protection
Emergency
Services
Structural Projects
Climate Resiliency
Community
Capacity Building
Dam Failure
Drought
Earthquake
Flood
Landslide
Sea-Level Rise
Severe Weather –
Extreme Heat
Severe Weather –
High Wind
Tsunami/Seiche
Wildfire
26-6. Maritime Terminal Study on Liquefaction
Potential - The Port of Oakland is located in a
geographic area highly prone to liquefaction and, as
a result, infrastructure damage from seismic activity.

To mitigate risk and prepare for imminent seismic
events, the Port will conduct a comprehensive
liquefaction study at its marine terminals. This study
will evaluate liquefaction potential throughout the
terminals and its effects on Port infrastructure. It will identify areas and facilities most at risk and outline a plan for mitigation, retrofit, and emergency
response.

X X X X
Part 4 - Maintaining the
Plan
City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Plan Adoption, Implementation & Maintenance
Black & Veatch 20-1

20. PLAN ADOPTION, IMPLEMENTATION &

MAINTENANCE

20.1 PLAN ADOPTION
Disaster Mitigation Act compliance and its benefits can only be achieved after the LHMP is adopted. This plan was submitted for review to Cal OES and FEMA Region 9 . The Oakland City Council formally adopted the LHMP. Copies of the FEMA approval and the adoption resolution by the City are provided in Appendix E.

20.2 INTEGRATING THE PLAN
The City of Oakland will integrate the LHMP into relevant planning documents, processes, or mechanisms, such as strategic planning initiatives, general plans, local capital improvement plans, stormwater plans, emergency operation plans, and other future pl ans when it is feasible.

The City of Oakland’s Emergency Management Services Division (EMSD) Manager and the Planning & Building Department will have co -lead responsibility for overseeing the plan implementation and maintenance strategy. Plan implementation and evaluation will be a shared responsibility among all agencies identified as lead agencies in the mitigation action plan.

Opportunities to integrate the requirements of this plan into other planning mechanisms will continue to be identified through future planning efforts. The City outlined the following mechanisms underway and under consideration:
• Ensuring that the goals, objectives, and mitigation actions of new and updated local planning documents are consistent, or do not conflict with, the goals and actions of the hazard mitigation plan, and will not contribute to increased hazard vulnerability in the planning area.
• Integration of the hazard mitigation plan will be considered on a case -by-case basis and identified at the onset of plan development.
• Integration of the hazard mitigation plan into the capital improvement program scoring criteria (e.g., does the project advance mitigation) will be implemented if deemed feasible.

Local Plan Requirement D3 – 44 CFR Part 201.6(c)(4)(ii) The plan maintenance process shall include a process by which local governments incorporate the requirements of the mitigation plan into other planning mechanisms such as comprehensive or capital improvement plans, when appropriate.

Local Plan Requirement F1 – 44 CFR Part 201.6(c)(5)
The plan shall include documentation that the plan has been formally adopted by the governing body of the jurisdiction requesting approval of the plan.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Plan Adoption, Implementation & Maintenance
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20.3 IMPLEMENTING THE HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN THROUGH

EXISTING PROGRAMS
It is the intent of the City of Oakland to fully integrate the Hazard Mitigation Plan into existing plans and programs, such as comprehensive land -use planning processes, capital improvement planning, and building enforcement implementation. The hazard mitigation plan’s format allows sections to be reviewed and updated as new data becomes available, resulting in a plan that remains current and relevant.

The City of Oakland, through adoption of a General Plan and zoning ordinance, has planned for the impact of natural hazards. The process of updating this hazard mitigation plan provided the opportunity to review and expand policies in these planning mechanisms. The information on hazard, risk, vulnerability, and mitigation contained in this hazard mitigation plan is based on the best science and technology available at the time this plan was prepared. The General Plan and the hazard mitigation plan are complementary documents that work together to achieve the goal of reducing risk exposure. The General Plan is an integral part of this plan. An update to the General Plan may trigger an update to the hazard mitigation plan.

The City of Oakland will create a linkage between the hazard mitigation plan and the General Plan by identifying a mitigation action as such. As information becomes available from other planning mechanisms that can enhance this plan, that information will be integrated via the update process.

Planning processes and programs to be coordinated with the recommendations of the hazard mitigation plan include the following:
• City of Oakland General Plan
• Climate action plans
• Resilience plans
• Recovery plan
• Emergency response plans
• Capital improvement programs
• Municipal codes
• Community design guidelines
• Water-efficient landscape design
guidelines
• Stormwater management
programs
• Water system vulnerability
assessments
• Master fire protection plans
• ADA transition plans
Many action items do not need to be implemented through regulation. Instead, these items can be implemented through the creation of new educational programs, continued interagency coordination, or improved public participation.

20.4 MONITORING THE PLAN

Local Plan Requirement D2 – 44 CFR Part 201.6(c)(4)(i)
The plan shall include a plan maintenance process that includes a section describing the method and schedule of monitoring, evaluating and updating the mitigation plan within a 5-year-cycle.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Plan Adoption, Implementation & Maintenance
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Periodic revisions and updates of the LHMP are required to ensure that the goals and objectives of the LHMP are kept current, considering potential changes in hazard vulnerability and mitigation priorities. Revisions may be necessary to ensure that the LHMP is in full compliance with applicable federal and state regulations. Periodic monitoring and evaluation of the plan will also ensure that specific mitigation actions are being reviewed and carried out accor ding to the mitigation action plan. Monitoring r efers to tracking the implementation of the plan over time. Evaluating refers to assessing the overall effectiveness of the plan intent and goals.

EMSD will be the lead agency responsible for monitoring the plan by coordinating with departments to track the status of all recommended mitigation actions in the action plan.

City Departments will report on this status on an annual basis.

The plan will be evaluated by how successfully the implementation of identified actions has helped to achieve the LHMP goals and objectives. This will be assessed by a review of the changes in risk that occur over the performance period and by the degree to which mitigation goals and objectives are incorporated into existing plans, policies, and programs.

Plan evaluation will be the responsibility of EMSD.

Based on the plan evaluation, EMSD staff will work with responsible City Departments to prepare the LHMP Annual Progress Report identifying any actions completed, actions that should be removed from the action plan, and new actions to be incorporated into the plan.

EMSD will also convene a LHMP Oversight Committee comprised of City staff of departments responsible for the completion of action items, with the possible addition of other stakeholders.

Upon its completion, the LHMP Annual Progress Report will be made available for public comment. The final report will be reviewed and approved by the LHMP Oversight Committee. The report will be posted to the hazard mitigation website, and changes to the action plan will represent an amendment to this hazard mitigation plan.

The LHMP Oversight Committee will meet annually, at a minimum , during the five -year performance period of the LHMP. This frequency of meetings will also assist in implementation, as meetings will be coordinated with the strategic planning process. A key agenda item will be to determine which actions are being implemen ted by departments across the City.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Plan Adoption, Implementation & Maintenance
Black & Veatch 20-4
The annual meetings provide the LHMP Oversight Committee with an opportunity to perform the following:
• Review plan goals and objectives.
• Document hazard occurrences that
occurred during the prior year and
their impacts on the planning area.
• Document mitigation action
implementation or status.
• Evaluate the mitigation actions that
have been successful.
• Discuss why mitigation actions
were not completed.
• Revise the action plan if new
timelines need to be established for
projects (e.g., changing a long-term
project to a short -term project due
to funding availability).
• Consider recommendations for new
mitigation projects.
• Review City actions taken related to
new funding options, .
• Document potential losses avoided
due to the implementation of
specific mitigation measures or
other planning programs, if feasible.
• Identify any new or additional
vulnerabilities that may be faced by
the City and may need to be
addressed in a future update of this
plan.
• Update the hazard mapping and
impact tool to reflect new or revised
hazard data
Any findings or recommendations made during the annual review shall be documented in the LHMP Annual Progress Report. The LHMP Oversight Committee will meet following any disaster event warranting a reexamination of the mitigation actions being implemented or proposed for future implementation. This will ensure that the plan is continuously updated to reflect changing conditions and needs within the City.

20.5 PLAN EVALUATION AND PROGRESS REPORTING
The LHMP will be evaluated by how successfully the implementation of identified actions has helped to achieve the goals and objectives identified of the plan. This will be assessed by a review of the changes in risk that occur over the performance period and by the degree to which mitigation goals and objectives are incorporated into existing plans, policies, and programs. Plan evaluation will be coordinated by EMSD.

As described above, EMSD staff will prepare the LHMP Annual Progress Report. This report will identify actions completed, actions that should be removed from the action plan, and any new actions to be incorporated into the plan. A template for the annual progress report is provided in Appendix D. Upon completion, the report will be made available for public comment, and reviewed and approved by the LHMP Oversight Committee. Once reviewed and approved, the report will be posted to the hazard mitigation websi te, and changes to the action plan will represent an amendment to this LHMP.

20.6 GRANT MONITORING AND COORDINATION
The City of Oakland will identify grant funding opportunities. Once these opportunities are identified, City agency stakeholders will convene to review the hazard mitigation plan and pursue a strategy to capture that grant funding. The City Administrator’s Office, through their grants coordinator or a similar position, will assume lead responsibility for planning and City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Plan Adoption, Implementation & Maintenance
Black & Veatch 20-5
facilitating grant opportunity meetings. Review of the hazard mitigation plan at these meetings can include the following:
• Discussion of any hazard events that occurred during the prior year and their impact on the planning area.
• Impact of potential grant opportunities on the implementation of mitigation actions. • Re-evaluation of the action plans to determine if the timeline for identified actions needs to be amended (such as changing a long -term action to a short -term action because of funding availability).
• Recommendations for new actions.
• Impact of any other planning programs or actions that involve hazard mitigation.

20.7 ONGOING PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
Public involvement procedures were reviewed as part of the 2026 LHMP development process. As described in Section 20.8, significant changes or amendments to the plan shall require an opportunity for public comment prior to any adoption procedures by the Ci ty of Oakland. In addition, the City will post information about hazard and risk assessment on the hazard mitigation planning webpage maintained by EMSD. The webpage will include updates and the most current version of the plan along with instructions on how the public can provide feedback.
https://www.oaklandca.gov/Public-Safety-Streets/Fire/EMSD/Emergency-Operations- Plan/Local-Hazard-Mitigation-Plan-LHMP
By keeping the plan available on the City
website with an invitation and
instructions on providing feedback,
public awareness will be maintained on
a continuous basis. Public comment
opportunities will be provided during
any process to revise or update the plan,
prior to adoption. Other efforts to involve
the public in the maintenance,
monitoring, evaluation, and revision
process will be made as necessary. These
efforts may include the following:
• Posting the annual LHMP
Progress Report for public
comment, as a part of the LHMP
plan maintenance.

Figure 20-1. LHMP Progress Report Posting on the
City Website
Local Plan Requirement D1 – 44 CFR Part 201.6(c)(4)(iii) The plan maintenance process shall include a discussion on how the community will continue public participation in the plan maintenance process.

City of Oakland 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan | Plan Adoption, Implementation & Maintenance
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• Utilizing available communication channels to update the public on any maintenance and/or periodic review activities taking place
• Sharing information about the LHMP as a part of community outreach, such as personal emergency preparedness workshops.
• Keeping a current version of the hazard mitigation plan on the City webpage Additionally, continued public involvement will be accomplished through implementation of the following mitigation action (Section 19.4):
• 3-5. Develop community engagement campaign to expand participation in AC Alert programs, hazard mitigation planning and the identification of mitigation projects.

20.8 UPDATING THE PLAN

20.8.1 Five -Year Plan Review and Update
The LHMP will be thoroughly reviewed by City staff and stakeholders every five years in alignment with federal regulations. This update is used to determine whether there have been any significant changes in the planning area that may, in turn, necessitate changes in the goals, objectives or actions. New development in identified hazard areas, an increased exposure to hazards, an increase or decrease in capability to address hazards, and changes to federal or state legislation are examples of factors that m ay affect the necessary content of the plan.

At least 24 months prior to the 2026 LHMP plan expiring, EMSD and Planning & Building, will reconvene stakeholders and conduct a five-year review. Upon completion of the review and update/amendment process, the LHMP will be submitted to the State Hazard Mitigation Officer at Cal OES for a compliance review in accordance with 44 CFR 201. The plan will then be reviewed by FEMA Region 9. Th is updated LHMP must be adopted by City Council.

Following a federal disaster declaration, the City of Oakland LHMP may be revised as necessary to reflect lessons learned, or to address specific issues and circums tances arising from the event. It will be the responsibility of EMSD to reconvene appropriate stakeholders to participate in the plan revision.

20.8.2 Plan Amendment Process
Unique circumstances, such as availability of critical data or an omission, may necessitate a plan amendment. Upon the initiation of the amendment process, the City will forward information on the proposed change(s) to all interested parties including, but not limited to, all directly affected departments, community stakeholders, and members of the public.

Local Plan Requirement D2 – 44 CFR Part 201.6(c)(4)(i)
The plan maintenance process shall include a section describing the method and schedule of monitoring, evaluating, and updating the mitigation plan within a 5 - year cycle.

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Appendix A – Public
Survey and Comment

Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Community Survey
1 / 54

88.24% 105

35.29% 42

0.84% 1

6.72% 8

16.81% 20

7.56% 9
Q1 What is your relationship to Oakland? (Check all that apply) Answered: 119 Skipped: 1
Total Respondents: 119
# OTHER: DATE
1 Retired 12/15/2025 4:45 PM
2 I am a volunteer with OFSC, ORCA member, and CERT 11/19/2025 10:56 PM 3 All of my family and love when lives in Oakland so I’m there all the time 10/31/2025 7:40 PM 4 My child goes to school on the Oakland/Emeryville border and extracurricular activities in West Oakland and Mills College area
10/1/2025 2:41 PM
5 my hackerspace is in oakland 10/1/2025 12:54 PM
6 I go to my Doctor,Dentist and senior center in Oak, 9/30/2025 9:41 PM 7 Born and raised in Oakland 9/30/2025 5:25 AM
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
I live in
Oakland
I work in
Oakland
I go to a
school, college
or universit...

I own a
business in
Oakland
I am a City
Employee
working for ...

Other:

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
I live in Oakland
I work in Oakland
I go to a school, college or university in Oakland
I own a business in Oakland
I am a City Employee working for the City of Oakland
Other:

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8 I work at a school in Oakland 9/26/2025 1:50 PM
9 I am block captain in Oakland, have taken CERT in Oakland (CORE) and am working to start a business in Oakland.
9/26/2025 11:21 AM
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Q2 If you live in Oakland, please provide the street names of an intersection (where the streets cross) near your house. We use this to determine what specific neighborhoods are responding to the survey.

Answered: 107 Skipped: 13
# RESPONSES DATE
1 Broadway Terracev& Swainland 12/17/2025 10:23 AM
2 Colton and Snake 12/17/2025 12:27 AM
3 Drake/Zinn 12/16/2025 10:33 PM
4 El Centro & Dolores Ave 12/16/2025 9:09 PM
5 Colton and Snake 12/16/2025 2:39 PM
6 Rincon Drive and Drake Drive 12/16/2025 1:54 PM
7 Zinn Dr. at Drake 12/16/2025 1:28 PM
8 Colton and Asilomar 12/16/2025 11:49 AM
9 Saroni Drive and Colton Ave 12/16/2025 9:30 AM
10 Manzanita and Northwood court 12/16/2025 8:24 AM
11 Drake Dr 12/16/2025 8:07 AM
12 Darnby Drive and Chelton 12/16/2025 7:55 AM
13 Chelsea Dr & Clive 12/16/2025 1:52 AM
14 Saroni & Colton 12/16/2025 1:41 AM
15 estates and lasalle 12/16/2025 12:59 AM
16 Saroni and Colton 12/16/2025 12:03 AM
17 Asilomar, Balboa 12/15/2025 11:16 PM
18 Colton Blvd and Snake Blvd 12/15/2025 10:44 PM
19 Thornhill X Pinehaven 12/15/2025 9:27 PM
20 Colton Blvd./Snake Rd. 12/15/2025 8:50 PM
21 Zinn Dr. and Drake 12/15/2025 8:46 PM
22 Drake Ln at Drake Drive, 94611 12/15/2025 8:44 PM
23 Saroni Drive & Paso Robles & Heartwood 12/15/2025 7:08 PM 24 Thornhill Dr and Woodhaven Way 12/15/2025 5:33 PM
25 Colton and Asilomar Drive 12/15/2025 5:33 PM
26 2000 Asilomar Dr. /Balboa 12/15/2025 5:07 PM
27 Thornhill x Pinehaven/Woodhaven 12/15/2025 4:45 PM
28 Chestnut & 18th and 55th & Shattuck 12/12/2025 5:38 PM 29 Swainland Rd between Fairlane and Fairlane 12/10/2025 6:17 PM 30 Colton Blvd / Ridgewood Wy 12/10/2025 6:09 PM
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31 Asilomar Dr and Colton Blvd 12/10/2025 6:05 PM
32 Girvin Dr and Thackeray 12/10/2025 4:27 PM
33 Rockwell and Florio 12/10/2025 3:34 PM
34 Paramount and Carlston 12/10/2025 2:46 PM
35 Carson and Rienhardt 12/10/2025 10:57 AM
36 51st and Broadway 12/1/2025 6:29 PM
37 68th Ave and Macarthur Blvd 11/25/2025 2:07 PM
38 Telegraph Ave and 24th St 11/24/2025 4:31 PM
39 Ascot at Morley 11/19/2025 10:56 PM
40 Cotter Street and Scotia 11/18/2025 1:13 AM
41 Surrey Ln/Keller Ave 11/17/2025 8:25 PM
42 Scotia Avenue and Golf Links Road 11/8/2025 5:05 PM
43 58th Street between Genoa Street and MLK Jr Way. 11/6/2025 6:39 PM 44 5th ave and Embarcadero 11/5/2025 8:13 PM
45 Ellen and 47th ave 11/4/2025 1:59 PM
46 12th Ave and East 24th St 11/3/2025 2:26 PM
47 Novelda dr and Bergedo 11/1/2025 12:35 AM
48 N/A 10/31/2025 9:34 PM
49 9th Ave & Embarcadero 10/31/2025 9:02 PM
50 Broadway and Ridgeway Ave 10/31/2025 1:02 PM
51 Telegraph 10/30/2025 3:15 PM
52 Ritchie 10/30/2025 12:47 PM
53 Alice St & 14th St 10/28/2025 3:51 PM
54 Linda and Lake Ave 10/20/2025 5:58 PM
55 Park / park blvd way 10/16/2025 2:01 PM
56 24th St and 27th St 10/16/2025 12:53 PM
57 Cairo road 10/16/2025 12:35 PM
58 17th Ave & e 23rd st 10/16/2025 11:56 AM
59 19th And Webster 10/9/2025 4:10 PM
60 Hiller Drive and Charing Cross Rd 10/9/2025 5:54 AM
61 Holman Road and Trestle Glen Road 10/7/2025 11:57 AM 62 Rawson and Birdsall 10/6/2025 10:14 PM
63 4247 Terrace St, Oakland 10/6/2025 9:31 PM
64 Holman and Grosvenor 10/6/2025 9:02 PM
65 Ransom Ave and Carrington St. 10/6/2025 5:02 PM
66 adeliene and market and 57th 10/6/2025 10:45 AM
67 16th st and 37th Ave 10/5/2025 11:37 PM
68 37th Ave & 16th St 10/5/2025 3:14 PM
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69 13th Ave and 27th street 10/4/2025 7:47 PM
70 San Pablo and 60th St. 10/3/2025 11:28 PM
71 1860 64th Ave oakland 10/3/2025 2:17 PM
72 Leimert blvd and park 10/2/2025 9:01 PM
73 13th Street and Harrison Street 10/2/2025 2:32 PM
74 Maxwell & Birdsall 10/2/2025 12:53 PM
75 43rd & Market 10/1/2025 5:10 PM
76 Olive st 10/1/2025 12:20 PM
77 Kingsland & El Camile 10/1/2025 12:18 PM
78 73rd and Holly Street 10/1/2025 11:05 AM
79 Peralta Hacienda Historical Park 10/1/2025 12:56 AM
80 Peralta Hacienda Historical Park 10/1/2025 12:44 AM
81 Jordan and MontereBlvd 9/30/2025 11:03 PM
82 81stAve & San Leandro 9/30/2025 10:01 PM
83 N/a 9/30/2025 9:41 PM
84 Terrace St. and Mather 9/30/2025 7:34 PM
85 19th Street and Brush Street, Oakland 9/30/2025 6:06 PM 86 19th street Brush West 9/30/2025 3:44 PM
87 Lakeshore & Brooklyn Ave 9/30/2025 1:48 PM
88 Shepherd and Carson 9/30/2025 11:00 AM
89 Peralta Hacienda Historical Park 9/30/2025 5:25 AM
90 29th Ave and East 16th 9/30/2025 3:05 AM
91 Grosvenor Place and Trestle Glen Road 9/29/2025 10:41 PM 92 Edes and elmhurst 9/29/2025 10:29 PM
93 Dimond macArthur 9/29/2025 9:21 PM
94 26th & Adeline 9/29/2025 7:39 PM
95 Empire and Wistar Roads 9/29/2025 11:59 AM
96 Clifton and Manila 9/28/2025 12:29 PM
97 11th Street and Willow Street 9/28/2025 11:48 AM
98 7th and Henry Streets 9/27/2025 1:09 PM
99 57th and Shattuck 9/27/2025 4:46 AM
100 5249 Manila Ave/ Glendale 9/26/2025 9:34 PM
101 Martin Luther King and 14th 9/26/2025 7:29 PM
102 Humboldt and Penniman 9/26/2025 7:13 PM
103 Clifton and Desmond 9/26/2025 1:50 PM
104 8th St and Chester St 9/26/2025 12:32 PM
105 8th and Chester Streets (Prescott, West Oakland) 9/26/2025 11:21 AM 106 College and Clifton 9/26/2025 1:53 AM
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107 13th and Alice 9/23/2025 2:14 PM
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Q3 Which of the following have you or anyone in your household experienced inside or outside of Oakland? (Check all that apply) Answered: 119 Skipped: 1
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Earthquake
Wildﬁre
Dam Failure
Drought
Flood
Landslide
Sea-Level Rise
Severe Weather
- Extreme heat
(such as...

Severe Weather
- Storms (such
as rains and...

Tsunami
No one in my
household,
including...

Other (please
describe)
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97.48% 116

48.74% 58

0.84% 1

43.70% 52

13.45% 16

10.92% 13

11.76% 14

63.87% 76

54.62% 65

3.36% 4

1.68% 2

10.08% 12
Total Respondents: 119
# OTHER (PLEASE DESCRIBE) DATE
1 Smoke from nearby fire 12/16/2025 1:54 PM
2 Bear encounter 12/15/2025 11:16 PM
3 Riots 10/31/2025 7:40 PM
4 Terrorist attacks 10/31/2025 1:02 PM
5 Dangerous air quality 10/28/2025 3:51 PM
6 driving on our street is a hazard event! 10/6/2025 9:31 PM 7 Tornado, hurricane 10/3/2025 11:28 PM
8 Disease Outbreak/Pandemic 10/1/2025 12:56 AM
9 Disease Outbreak/Pandemic 10/1/2025 12:44 AM
10 During Heavy Rainstorms, flooding becomes a problem in our basement, if the sunk pump malfuncations.
9/30/2025 6:06 PM
11 Disease Outbreak/Pandemic 9/30/2025 5:25 AM
12 hurricane while visiting in Florida & ice storms in Oregon 9/29/2025 9:21 PM

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Earthquake
Wildfire
Dam Failure
Drought
Flood
Landslide
Sea-Level Rise
Severe Weather - Extreme heat (such as temperatures over 95 degrees) Severe Weather - Storms (such as rains and/or winds causing damage) Tsunami
No one in my household, including myself, has experienced a hazard event Other (please describe)
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Q4 How important is it for the City of Oakland to prepare for the following natural hazards?
Answered: 119 Skipped: 1
Earthquake
Wildﬁre
Wildﬁre Smoke
/ Air Quality
Events
Dam Failure
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Drought
Flood
Landslide
Sea-Level Rise
Severe Weather
- Extreme heat
(such as...

Severe Weather
- Storms (such
as rains and...

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0.00%
0 5.08%
6 94.92%
112

0.00%
0 118

2.95 0.00%
0 14.29%
17 85.71%
102

0.00%
0 119

2.86 0.86%
1 20.69%
24 77.59%
90 0.86%
1 116

2.78 32.74%
37 13.27%
15 17.70%
20 36.28%
41 113

2.58 9.57%
11 34.78%
40 52.17%
60 3.48%
4 115

2.50 12.07%
14 33.62%
39 37.93%
44 16.38%
19 116

2.59 8.55%
10 34.19%
40 44.44%
52 12.82%
15 117

2.62 8.62%
10 31.03%
36 48.28%
56 12.07%
14 116

2.64 4.39%
5 38.60%
44 53.51%
61 3.51%
4 114

2.56 1.74%
2 34.78%
40 58.26%
67 5.22%
6 115

2.67 18.42%
21 39.47%
45 25.44%
29 16.67%
19 114

2.40 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Not Import… Somewhat I… Very Import… Don't Know…
Tsunami
NOT

IMPORTANT

SOMEWHAT

IMPORTANT
VERY

IMPORTANT

DON'T KNOW
/ NO OPINION

TOTAL WEIGHTED

AVERAGE
Earthquake
Wildfire
Wildfire Smoke / Air Quality Events
Dam Failure
Drought
Flood
Landslide
Sea-Level Rise
Severe Weather - Extreme heat (such
as temperatures over 95 degrees)
Severe Weather - Storms (such as rains
and/or winds causing damage)
Tsunami
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Q5 Are there any other natural hazards that you are concerned about? Answered: 41 Skipped: 79
# RESPONSES DATE
1 No 12/16/2025 2:39 PM
2 Wildfires caused by the PG&E lines that are above ground near my home right next to lots of foliage and trees and dry grass.
12/16/2025 1:54 PM
3 No 12/16/2025 1:28 PM
4 High wind events causing power shutdowns and/or fires. We would like to be on the list of areas to have PG&E bury our power lines for safety.
12/16/2025 11:49 AM
5 no 12/16/2025 9:30 AM
6 Undereducated unemployed males committing crimes to support themselves 12/16/2025 1:41 AM 7 Winds and our large trees- I have seen HUGE Monterey Cyprus trees fly through the air in high winds. We need grants to get the trees removed up here in the hills. 12/16/2025 12:03 AM
8 - The natural concern with PG&E refusing to bury their power lines in Montclair. They are crooks, corrupt, and they are allowed to continue to be like that by the City of Oakland, the Alameda County, and the State of California.
- Please enforce parking rules in narrow streets -
Please cut the Eucalyptus - Please hire more firefighters 12/15/2025 8:44 PM
9 Falling trees 12/15/2025 5:07 PM
10 Falling trees from storms, landslides and drought. 12/15/2025 4:45 PM 11 Toxic waste 12/10/2025 6:05 PM
12 The intersection of these hazards is a concern. 12/10/2025 2:46 PM 13 No. 12/1/2025 6:29 PM
14 Soil erosion, Groundwater contamination 11/24/2025 4:31 PM 15 None comes to mind 11/17/2025 8:25 PM
16 The Federal Gov 11/5/2025 8:13 PM
17 no 11/4/2025 1:59 PM
18 no 11/3/2025 2:26 PM
19 N/A 10/31/2025 9:34 PM
20 Overnight freezes. 10/31/2025 7:40 PM
21 Not now 10/30/2025 3:15 PM
22 No 10/30/2025 12:47 PM
23 Soil erosion 10/28/2025 3:51 PM
24 Trees falling, branches falling off trees 10/9/2025 5:54 AM 25 No 10/3/2025 2:17 PM
26 High winds (can knock down power lines, etc.) 10/1/2025 2:41 PM 27 No 10/1/2025 12:20 PM
28 Severe weather in other locations impacting supply chains 10/1/2025 11:19 AM 29 No 10/1/2025 11:05 AM
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30 Disease outbreaks like the 2020 COVID19 pandemic could happen again. 10/1/2025 12:56 AM 31 You should include disease outbreak like the covid19 pandemic. 10/1/2025 12:44 AM 32 No 9/30/2025 11:03 PM
33 None 9/30/2025 9:41 PM
34 No 9/30/2025 6:06 PM
35 I am concerned about future disease outbreaks like the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. US healthcare is inadequate. Robert Kennedy is attacking public health and vaccines. 9/30/2025 5:25 AM
36 Animal infestation, Structural collapse of buildings and freeway elevated systems. Structural collapse of bridges. House Landslide, Radiation exposure from nuclear plants, Exposure from nuclear explosion or bombs. Natural gas leaks underground, Electrical wires falling from overhead, Air pollution from garbage dumps, Railroad car hazardous cargo spills, Fireworks storage facility blowing up, Poisoned reservoir water and break in water supply lines. 9/29/2025 10:41 PM
37 no 9/29/2025 9:21 PM
38 Liquifaction in West Oakland 9/28/2025 11:48 AM
39 No. 9/26/2025 7:29 PM
40 Sinkholes 9/26/2025 12:32 PM
41 General power outages 9/26/2025 1:53 AM
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Q6 What are your biggest concerns for your household and community if a disaster were to occur?
Answered: 110 Skipped: 10
# RESPONSES DATE
1 Downed power lines and exploding transformers. We really need them undergrounded here! 12/17/2025 12:10 PM 2 How to evacuate; whether property would be protected when not there; rebuilding neighborhood 12/17/2025 10:23 AM 3 Evacuation difficulties, loss of services 12/17/2025 12:27 AM 4 Support in terms of basic survival items: water, heat, fuel, food. We all need to prepare for a couple days but in the event not everyone is prepared there should be assistance. 12/16/2025 10:33 PM
5 Insurance 12/16/2025 2:39 PM
6 That we are at risk for wildfires, the government is doing nothing to underground electrical lines, and we in Montclair do not have easy ingress/egress routes. This government is putting our community in danger by not asking PGE to underground these electrical lines. 12/16/2025 1:54 PM
7 Water. Safe egress. Anarchy. Financial devastation. 12/16/2025 1:28 PM 8 In the hills, we are concerned with being able to evacuate a fire safely, and for emergency vehicles to get in and out, particularly with narrow streets with cars parked along them, often leaving one lane open not wide enough for a fire truck. 12/16/2025 11:49 AM
9 Emergency response - please reopen the fire stations ASAP Evacuation routes - stop building dense housing and closing traffic lanes to cars when there are too many people and not enough egress
12/16/2025 9:30 AM
10 1.

Escape route in the event of a major fire. 2. Public safety 12/16/2025 8:24 AM 11 Safety property lose, evacuation 12/16/2025 8:07 AM
12 Evacuation during fire 12/16/2025 7:55 AM
13 Being able to evaluate. Problems with being emergency vehicles being able to navigate the streets, cars parked where ever is the most convenient for the driver. Could people park where ever it is convenient, say on Broadway and block the street? 12/16/2025 1:52 AM
14 Lack of egress from the hills in a wildfire 12/16/2025 1:41 AM 15 escape from wildfire. earthquake survival 12/16/2025 12:59 AM 16 Winds and trees falling on our homes. Cars parked on the street that prohibit evacuations during fires.
12/16/2025 12:03 AM
17 Survival; Loss of Home; Mass casualties; risk to first responders 12/15/2025 11:16 PM 18 evacuating from the Oakland hills 12/15/2025 10:44 PM 19 Will we be able to drive our vehicle down Thornhill Drive? There are many eucs near the road and other trees leaning toward the road. I bought a small wagon just in case T-hill is obstructed or car-jammed "just in case"....
12/15/2025 9:27 PM
20 Evacuation during a wildfire, long-term power outages, access to emergency services. 12/15/2025 8:50 PM 21 Evacuation routes and wildfire in Hills 12/15/2025 8:46 PM 22 my house on fire 12/15/2025 8:44 PM
23 There are no suitable exit routes out of the hills. Roads are frequently blocked or have limited access due to street parking and road conditions.
12/15/2025 7:08 PM
24 I'm not confident that the city could manage a wildfire evacuation from the hills, given how few 12/15/2025 5:33 PM Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Community Survey
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routes there are.
25 If a fire or earthquake were to occur and we needed to evacuate, I have concerns about our ability to do so with so many cars parked in the street. There are times when only one car can pass at a time on my street - Asilomar Drive - even though this is a two-way street. 12/15/2025 5:33 PM
26 Evacuation and communication. Narrow streets and cars blocking the roadway. 12/15/2025 5:07 PM 27 Access, damage to house 12/15/2025 4:45 PM
28 Replacing houses, affording to restart, air quality long-term affects. 12/12/2025 5:38 PM 29 Ability to evacuate efficiently, firestorm (we live in the hills and experienced it in 1991) 12/10/2025 6:17 PM 30 Inability to evacuate due to blocked roads 12/10/2025 6:05 PM 31 Being trapped in the hills due to an earthquake or worse, not being able to evacuate quickly enough if an UI wildfire/firestorm occurs.
12/10/2025 4:27 PM
32 Access to clean water 12/10/2025 3:34 PM
33 The City already struggles to provide core services such as community safety under normal conditions. How will we fare if there is a real emergency? And if we are hit with a major disaster, how will we pay to rebuild? While FEMA exists, even under it's current form, it isn't the solution we need to major disasters.
12/10/2025 2:46 PM
34 Safety 12/10/2025 10:57 AM
35 Kaos, lack of preparedness, hunger, fire, looting. 12/1/2025 6:29 PM 36 Access to clean water. 11/24/2025 4:51 PM
37 Communication / Transportation to a Meeting Place 11/24/2025 4:47 PM 38 Temporary shelter 11/24/2025 4:31 PM
39 The obvious exit routes in Montclair will become very quickly congested; I worry about being stuck in traffic. Also, during winter storms, those roads tend to be obstructed by fallen trees.

Last, the children's pickup at the schools (Joaquin Miller, Montera) tend to be very hectic on a daily basis. Should some roads be considered exclusively 1 way when disaster happens? 11/19/2025 10:56 PM
40 Earthquake and Fire are my biggest fears. I’m concerned that our house might not survive a fire, and that if we had a big earthquake that emergency services might not be available. I also worry about the Oakland Zoo survival for either of these events. 11/18/2025 1:13 AM
41 Fires that could burn through my neighborhood 11/17/2025 8:25 PM 42 Earthquake and wildfire 11/8/2025 5:05 PM
43 Emergency response, community outreach for preparedness. Alameda County OES preparedness.
11/6/2025 6:52 PM
44 Where would we go for assistance? There is no resilience center nearby. My brother is a dialysis patient and my Mom is 89 yo.
11/6/2025 6:39 PM
45 That we will be on our own 11/5/2025 8:13 PM
46 no 11/4/2025 1:59 PM
47 Safety 11/3/2025 2:26 PM
48 No response from government 11/1/2025 12:35 AM
49 A place to convene for help and accurate & timely communications. 10/31/2025 9:34 PM 50 How quickly the City is able to respond and provide help 10/31/2025 9:02 PM 51 Clean water
Safe shelter Information Ration preparedness Medical response 10/31/2025 7:40 PM 52 Not having water + power, losing access to reliable information, hospitals being over run 10/31/2025 1:02 PM 53 To be prepared 10/30/2025 3:15 PM
54 Lights unknown 10/30/2025 12:47 PM
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55 My brick building collapsing in an earthquake 10/28/2025 3:51 PM 56 Food water safety 10/20/2025 5:58 PM
57 Safe place to go to 10/16/2025 12:35 PM
58 Keeping family, friends and neighbors safe 10/16/2025 11:56 AM 59 Communication about what to do during a natural disaster and afterwards 10/9/2025 4:10 PM 60 being able to outrun a fire by evacuating successfully. lack of ability to locate or communicate with loved ones assisting seniors and children who don't know how to respond 10/9/2025 5:54 AM
61 Ability to find/reach safe evacuation zone; concern about traffic/mobility. Very concerned about ability to find my family if we weren't together
10/7/2025 11:57 AM
62 water coming into the basement 10/6/2025 10:14 PM
63 Inability of people to get help quickly. I expect that it will take more than a few days for National Guard and other aide workers to get to us in the event of a major earthquake 10/6/2025 9:31 PM
64 How to stay in contact with one another 10/6/2025 9:02 PM 65 Communication access 10/6/2025 5:02 PM
66 food/water in the immediate (3-10 days) after the event for humans and pets 10/6/2025 10:45 AM 67 Route to leave the area, traffic jams, access to clean water. 10/5/2025 11:37 PM 68 Liquifaction, access to clean water 10/5/2025 3:14 PM 69 Potable water and means to relocate if necessary 10/4/2025 7:47 PM 70 Not knowing what our immediate response should be, finding shelter if necessary, connecting with networks to provide help to others if able
10/3/2025 11:28 PM
71 Staying safe 10/3/2025 2:17 PM
72 Evacuation routes, urban fire plans after earthquake 10/2/2025 9:01 PM 73 I am concerned about safety and supplies necessary. 10/2/2025 2:32 PM 74 Access to medical facility if needed; safety for my family including pet. 10/2/2025 12:53 PM 75 Depends on the disaster probably, but keeping our cats safe feels important 10/1/2025 5:10 PM 76 Evacuation plans for schoolchildren during school hours and in after school programs, as well as during extracurricular activities in public parks and recreation facilities 10/1/2025 2:41 PM
77 rescue trapped people and pets 10/1/2025 12:54 PM
78 Survive 10/1/2025 12:20 PM
79 Where to sleep, how to eat, where to use the bathroom... 10/1/2025 12:18 PM 80 Supply chains, communication, access to electricity, water, food 10/1/2025 11:19 AM 81 Is there a safe place for the homeless to gather. Is the sound alarm working to notify us of a disaster. The trees that was planted by the city of Oakland on sidewalks are not maintained by the city. Why??? Now these trees grow into the wires and Oakland is trying to force Homeowners to pay for maintaining the trees WHY!!!? Maintenance need to be more than in the hills but also in our neighborhood
10/1/2025 11:05 AM
82 Oakland needs shade and water in heat waves. People need a way to safely evacuate and get to a safe location. Identification documents are important. A person can get trapped and unable to get help.
10/1/2025 12:56 AM
83 Oakland needs water and shade during heat waves. As a community, we have to agree on safe evacuation and location. Having important documents is important. The scariest part is getting trapped and not able to get help.
10/1/2025 12:44 AM
84 How to be prepared. Go bag where to meet 9/30/2025 11:03 PM Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Community Survey
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85 Evacuation refuge points as well as evacuation driving plans posted signage Like Louisiana has on streets and interstate highways.
9/30/2025 10:01 PM
86 What to do and where to go for hip 9/30/2025 9:41 PM 87 losing housing 9/30/2025 7:34 PM
88 Evacuation facility location and routes. Notification methods when emergency evacuation is necessary.
9/30/2025 6:06 PM
89 Living shelter 9/30/2025 3:44 PM
90 Buildings are not retrofit and code enforcement isn't pushing for property owners, and landlords to bring them up to code
9/30/2025 1:48 PM
91 Older adults 9/30/2025 1:34 PM
92 Personal safety 9/30/2025 11:00 AM
93 In the event of an earthquake, getting to a safe location. In the event of a wildfire, taking a safe evacuation path. In the event of heat wave, getting water and shade. Losing important identification documents. Getting trapped and unable to escape. 9/30/2025 5:25 AM
94 That I lose my house 9/30/2025 3:05 AM
95 Getting food, water, medical supplies, hospitalization, Impassable roadway, Access to cash, Access to gasoline electric pump, Access to food supply, Access to shelter, communication with family and friends, Access to building supplies, Access to radio communication, contact with government officials, Police force monitoring for theft, Access to gun ammunition.

Locating family members.
9/29/2025 10:41 PM
96 I feel mostly prepared - one of my concerns is letting people (family/friends) know I am alright or I need help.
9/29/2025 9:21 PM
97 Transportation 9/29/2025 9:08 PM
98 Food security, information & communication 9/29/2025 7:39 PM 99 Shelter, food, resources 9/29/2025 11:59 AM
100 Looting and crime. 9/28/2025 12:29 PM
101 Being able to turn off gas if necessary, downed powerlines, poor air quality during a wildfire event, general lack of neighborhood rediness, creating personal disaster plan 9/28/2025 11:48 AM
102 Seeking higher ground, safety of leaving home/safety of home 9/27/2025 1:09 PM 103 power lines and cell signals off, plumbing, water, and public health concerns 9/27/2025 4:46 AM 104 Fire from earthquake Clean drinking water, communication 9/26/2025 9:34 PM 105 Injury or death. 9/26/2025 7:29 PM
106 Evacuation, access to food and water 9/26/2025 7:13 PM 107 injury and death with no medical care available. Damage and fire to my house and others. No escape route or safe place to go.
9/26/2025 1:50 PM
108 Structure collapse or damage causing people to be trapped, injured or killed. Secondary effects like sewage overflow during a flood. Air quality. Electricity blackouts. 9/26/2025 12:32 PM
109 That Prescott, West Oakland, itself, becomes well-organized locally to meet the challenge. 9/26/2025 11:21 AM 110 Knowing basics of how to stay safe and allow emergency services to focus on critical needs. 9/26/2025 1:53 AM Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Community Survey
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Q7 Are there areas in Oakland that are more likely to be a problem in hazards (such as extreme rain, extreme heat, wildfire or earthquake)? As an example, is there a place in your community that floods during winter storms that creates problems? Please describe and provide the exact location (address or nearest street intersection).

Answered: 80 Skipped: 40
# RESPONSES DATE
1 Our entire neighborhood, including Zinn, still has above ground powerlines, even though we’re in the high fire severity zone, and there are limited escape routes. We need them to be undergrounded.
12/17/2025 12:10 PM
2 Storm drains that are overwhelmed by heavy rains, cars parked on narrow streets impeding passage by fire trucks, fire hydrants that have not been maintained or inspected, public lands with overgrown vegetation that provide fuel for wildfires 12/17/2025 12:27 AM
3 The Oakland Hills are in danger of wildfire and earthquakes due to the proximity to the Hayward fault. The flat lands are closer to other fault lines and clearly sea level rising issues. 12/16/2025 10:33 PM
4 Montclair hills neighborhood 12/16/2025 2:39 PM
5 Yes, fires happen in Montclair and our only route out is Snake Drive and Zinn Drive. Also, Sheppard Canyon floods and is a fire hazard and if a fire were to occur the occupants past Shepard Canyon would be in danger.
12/16/2025 1:54 PM
6 My entire neighborhood 12/16/2025 1:28 PM
7 Our neighborhood: Colton and Asilomar. 12/16/2025 11:49 AM 8 There are potholes everywhere that make our evacuation roads hazardous - all along Saroni and down Colton Ave and Paso Robles. There are very few roads we can use to evacuate and they're in bad shape.
12/16/2025 9:30 AM
9 Chelton is the main evacuation route for a large number of people. Cars parked on Chelton cause bottlenecks even in normal times especially where the road narrows and there are blind curves
12/16/2025 7:55 AM
10 Yes at the intersection of Longcroft & Chelsea where the city has not cleared the drainage pipe and with heavy rain the street floods.
12/16/2025 1:52 AM
11 Many microclimates and geographic peculiarities in Oakland. I’m really not familiar with the areas threatened by flooding. Clearly there is a fire danger in the hills - and egress and access problems for first responders-
12/16/2025 1:41 AM
12 Oakland Hills wildfire. Earthquake on freeway 13, Earthquake building collapse, 12/16/2025 12:59 AM 13 The hills are subject to landslides- especially with climate change. Things get so dry and then so wet. We also are experiencing unprecedented heat, drought and wetness that is hard on our trees and likely aging them faster. We also can't afford earthquake insurance. Our community needs a lot of help.
12/16/2025 12:03 AM
14 Unmaintaned private property for wildfire. Unmaintained city property for wildfire. Eucalyptus trees for wildfire. Everything close to the major faults in earthquake. 12/15/2025 11:16 PM
15 My priority is for the City to expeditiously comply with the 2024-25 Grand Jury Final Report recommendations to the City Council to "expand parking restrictions on narrow streets in high fire risk areas and increase parking enforcement in those areas," specifically for my neighborhood to ensure Colton Blvd is a safe evacuation route. 12/15/2025 10:44 PM
16 Vegetation in the Montclair Hills is a HUGE hazard for wildfire. We have done very little to 12/15/2025 8:50 PM Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Community Survey
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remove vegetation since the 1991 fire despite FEMA’s report stating the necessity to do so.

PLEASE start mandating the Firewise USA protocols ASAP and clear the few evacuation routes we have out of the hills.
17 Hills 12/15/2025 8:46 PM
18 Montclair has an extremely high fire hazard danger. Please force PG&E to put their power lines underground
12/15/2025 8:44 PM
19 Shepard Canyon frequently floods — almost every year with the winter storms. A wildfire up in the hills will be devastating due to limited access to exit routes. 12/15/2025 7:08 PM
20 Every neighborhood faces its unique set of hazards. In the hills, we are vulnerable to extreme rain, wildfire, and earthquake. When it rains heavily, we have water flowing down Thornhill Drive, trying to find its way into Temescal Creek. The storm drains near the Thornhill/Woodhaven/Beauforest intersections get blocked easily and the roadway floods. 12/15/2025 5:33 PM
21 In the past, when we have had droughts followed by servers winter storms, our neighborhood has experienced down trees and landslides. We are also in a high fire danger zone. Power lines are above ground, which becomes a fire risk when we have strong wind storms. 12/15/2025 5:33 PM
22 The Oakland hills. 12/15/2025 5:07 PM
23 Narrow streets in hills hindering escape and fire truck access. Thornhill x Pinehaven/Woodhaven intersection floods and is one big pothole to begin with. Some patching was done, but was never resurfaced when neighboring streets were resurfaced. Uneven surface is a hazard for kids going to school and people walking dogs especially in the dark when it's easy to trip and fall.
12/15/2025 4:45 PM
24 Colton Blvd is a major evacuation route and is very dangerous 12/10/2025 6:05 PM 25 Wildfire evacuation down Westover Dr (from Thackeray) and/or down Chelton Dr. 12/10/2025 4:27 PM 26 At the bottom of every hill in Oakland, storm drains fill with leaves and trash in large storms.

Examples include all along Mandana Blvd, Lakeshore Bld, Grand Avenue and on the west side of Lake Merritt along Lakeside Dr.
12/10/2025 2:46 PM
27 Oakland Hills 12/10/2025 10:57 AM
28 Telegraph at 34th St.- the storm drain floods every time there is rain. 12/1/2025 6:29 PM 29 The Hayward Fault, which runs a little east of Macarthur Blvd, is a major problem in earthquakes. Stormdrains all through Eastmont are a huge problem in storms. Water goes under the street and then into people's basements, then into people's houses. 11/25/2025 2:07 PM
30 N/A 11/24/2025 4:51 PM
31 I'm not yet familiar with the city geography. 11/24/2025 4:47 PM 32 Earthquakes in my area. Buildings are old, may not withstand earthquakes. 11/24/2025 4:31 PM 33 Montclair during wildfires and heavy rain 11/19/2025 10:56 PM 34 We live close to the knowland park. Fire is a very real threat. Also, as mentioned above, the Oakland Zoo, and the animals in it.
11/18/2025 1:13 AM
35 Earthquake on the Hayward Fault could cause extreme problems for me as my community, Sequoyah Hills, sits near the fault. Wild fires are another concern as our community is pretty much surrounded by trees and many are eucalyptus.
11/17/2025 8:25 PM
36 Golf Links Road floods (flood drain clogs) and landslides (mountain erosion). Wildfire Golf Links Rd, Skyline Blvd, Malcolm Roadway evacuation congestion - Golf Links Road, Malcolm Ave, Mountain Blvd, Skyline Blvd
11/8/2025 5:05 PM
37 Wildfires around Oakland hills Chabot Highlands, Overmoor St. 11/6/2025 6:52 PM 38 Since where I work has a large park surrounding with very tall and old trees. Extreme rain and wind could be a big problem.
10/31/2025 9:34 PM
39 My mind thinks of at least 100 different scenarios at particular points around the city right away. I was born in Oakland and I went to school in Oakland all my life and grew up in Oakland and raised my family in Oakland. All my family is in Oakland I’m just in a neighboring city 10/31/2025 7:40 PM
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we’re by the water, but also by the hillside and kind of squills in this little space that used to be Marshland it’s a lot to be aware of..
40 My street Terrace St 94611 is at risk for landslides 10/31/2025 1:02 PM 41 I would have to do my homework but I know for sure in Berkeley North Oakland area 10/30/2025 3:15 PM 42 Unknown 10/30/2025 12:47 PM
43 14th St floods near Harrison 10/28/2025 3:51 PM
44 Storm drain 10/16/2025 12:35 PM
45 fires in the hills. little seems to have changed since 1991 to streets. garbage cans routinely limit width or roads on garbage days, street parking in narrow streets, erosion and landslides cover fire hydrants routinely on Charing cross and tunnel road. Tunnel Road landslide mitigation project took a very long time to implement after what seemed like years being an issue.
10/9/2025 5:54 AM
46 MacArthur & 14th at the light before the highway ramp -- one lane is always flooded with the slightest rain
10/7/2025 11:57 AM
47 In Maxwell Park earthquake and extreme rain 10/6/2025 10:14 PM 48 heavy rains definitely cause the streets to get pretty flooded. if the storms get worse that sill be bad. there isnt enough drainage for the worst storms today and the drains get clogged easily/quickly. Also, the LA wildfires show how urban areas arent immune to the risk. 10/6/2025 10:45 AM
49 We get flooding at the end of 37th where it hits the creek & Cesar Chavez park. 10/5/2025 3:14 PM 50 Not sure 10/3/2025 11:28 PM
51 Not sure 10/3/2025 2:17 PM
52 Hw 13 flooding near foothill in wet season, wildfire and earthquake caused fire danger near Hayward fault which corresponds with wildfire risk area. Deteriorating conditions on park Blvd access to highway 13 during wet weather and potential for landslides that would block access to the hw.
10/2/2025 9:01 PM
53 not sure 10/2/2025 2:32 PM
54 Earthquake is most concerning. I believe we live near a fault—Maxwell Ave & Birdsall Ave 10/2/2025 12:53 PM 55 The off ramp from 580E that goes to MacArthur and San Pablo under the bridge always has standing water and floods easily
10/1/2025 5:10 PM
56 Flatlands neighborhoods along the I-880 corridor like Fruitvale and West Oakland are urban heat islands due to heat-retaining materials like asphalt and concrete, lack of green space and less tree cover. They also have older housing stock that lacks air conditioning and adequate ventilation, and have large populations of seniors, unhoused residents, outdoor workers, those with preexisting medical conditions and other heat vulnerable residents. 10/1/2025 2:41 PM
57 No 10/1/2025 12:20 PM
58 I don’t know 10/1/2025 11:05 AM
59 In the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, bridges and freeways collapsed. In the 1991 Oakland firestorm, streets were blocked by cars and trash, which stopped people from escaping.

Oakland needs street trees and freshwater because we get heat waves. There is a risk of energy utilities getting turned off.
10/1/2025 12:56 AM
60 In the Loma Prieta earthquake, freeways and bridges collapsed. In the Oakland firestorm, streets were blocked by cars and trash. Oakland has a lack of street trees and freshwater access in heat waves. Energy utilities can get turned off. 10/1/2025 12:44 AM
61 Unaware 9/30/2025 11:03 PM
62 81st Ave and San Leandro... 85th and Edes near FedEx and the DMV 9/30/2025 10:01 PM 63 Everywhere 9/30/2025 9:41 PM
64 Extreme heat causes rolling power outages, therefore, during these situations, what are 9/30/2025 6:06 PM Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Community Survey
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resources available to the community in the area of 19th & Brush Streets, Oakland. 65 Storm drains and dips on the freeway become extremely hazardous during the rain season 9/30/2025 1:48 PM 66 hayward fault adjacent sites 9/30/2025 1:34 PM
67 Of course, District 2 and 4. 9/30/2025 11:00 AM
68 Freeways and bridges could collapse like the Cypress viaduct and Bay Bridge did in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Low-income areas with no street trees or freshwater are deadly in heat waves. Trash and cars could clog streets, causing traffic jams. Energy utilities can be disrupted.
9/30/2025 5:25 AM
69 Earthquake for sure, I think I live by an ungrounded Sausal creek but I am not informed enough to know if it will flood
9/30/2025 3:05 AM
70 Flooding/overflowing of Indian Creek down Trestle Glen Road, in district 2. Damn break from Tyson lake in Piedmont flooding the Crocker Highlands and Trestle Glen neighborhoods. 9/29/2025 10:41 PM
71 Maddox always floods during storms 9/29/2025 10:29 PM 72 no 9/29/2025 9:21 PM
73 All of West Oakland due to possible liquefaction during a quake. 9/28/2025 11:48 AM 74 Flooding along 7th Street where I live and use to commute to work (near 7th street BART station)
9/27/2025 1:09 PM
75 Hills during wildfire. 9/26/2025 7:29 PM
76 flooding in the 42nd Avenue underpass at I-880 9/26/2025 7:13 PM 77 The corner of 8th St and Chester Street tends to flood during protracted rainy periods. 9/26/2025 12:32 PM 78 I am unsure where the worst spots in our neck of the woods would be. 9/26/2025 11:21 AM 79 I worry about my own property that bumps up against the college ave businesses and takes on all of their rain water. They all have broken gutters that drain water into my yard. I’ve put in sump pumps to help but if the power goes out we are in trouble. 334 Clifton st. 9/26/2025 1:53 AM
80 The hills for wildfire. The area along the Hayward Fault and land near the Bay for earthquake.

Land near the Bay for sea level rise.
9/23/2025 2:14 PM
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Q8 Mitigation actions are steps the City of Oakland can take to diminish the impact of disasters. How important is it for the City of Oakland to take the following actions over the next five years?
Answered: 120 Skipped: 0
Programs to
help homeowners
strengthen...

Improvements
to the City’s
ability to...

Management of
plant growth in
the Oakland...

Ensure City
Departments are
trained and...

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Explore ways
to provide
backup energ...

Ensure City of
Oakland
buildings ha...

Create
Municipal
Resilience...

Identify and
address equity
concerns...

Make
improvements to
ensure the P...

Assess the
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0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Not Import… Somewhat I… Very Import… Don't Know…
future impacts
of Sea Level...

Oﬀer disaster
preparedness
training suc...

Promote
adopt-a-spot
program for...

Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Community Survey
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5.08%
6 22.03%
26 71.19%
84 1.69%
2 118 2.69

1.68%
2 43.70%
52 54.62%
65 0.00%
0 119 2.53

0.84%
1 14.29%
17 84.03%
100

0.84%
1 119 2.85

2.54%
3 11.86%
14 83.90%
99 1.69%
2 118 2.85

1.71%
2 26.50%
31 70.09%
82 1.71%
2 117 2.72

2.54%
3 39.83%
47 55.08%
65 2.54%
3 118 2.58

5.93%
7 14.41%
17 74.58%
88 5.08%
6 118 2.79

6.90%
8 26.72%
31 61.21%
71 5.17%
6 116 2.65

15.52%
18 31.03%
36 43.10%
50 10.34%
12 116 2.48

10.26%
12 36.75%
43 44.44%
52 8.55%
10 117 2.51

3.39%
4 28.81%
34 63.56%
75 4.24%
5 118 2.69

9.48%
11 39.66%
46 41.38%
48 9.48%
11 116 2.51
NOT

IMPORTANT

SOMEWHAT

IMPORTANT
VERY

IMPORTANT
DON'T
KNOW /
NO

OPINION

TOTAL WEIGHTED

AVERAGE
Programs to help homeowners strengthen their
homes in case of Earthquake.

Improvements to the City’s ability to manage
water from winter storms and reduce flooding.

Management of plant growth in the Oakland
Hills to reduce risk from Wildfire.

Ensure City Departments are trained and able
to continue to function in case of a disaster.

Explore ways to provide backup energy
sources to City facilities and provide
community electrical charging stations in case
of emergency.

Ensure City of Oakland buildings have greater
safety in case of an earthquake.

Create Municipal Resilience Hubs, city
facilities that act as a community resource in
times of disaster and which build strong
communities through regular programming.

Identify and address equity concerns
(determining which individuals and/or
communities may have greater impacts from
disasters) when planning for disasters.

Make improvements to ensure the Port of
Oakland can function after an earthquake or
other disaster.

Assess the future impacts of Sea Level Rise in
the City of Oakland.

Offer disaster preparedness training such as
Personal Emergency Preparedness (PEP)
workshops or Community Emergency
Responders Training (CERT).

Promote adopt-a-spot program for neighbors to
clear drains to address flooding.

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Q9 Do you have other suggestions for actions the City of Oakland could take to reduce the damage caused by disasters?
Answered: 55 Skipped: 65
# RESPONSES DATE
1 Get rid of the eucalyptus trees. Also, we don’t need zone zero, we need incentives for people to harden their roofs.
12/17/2025 12:10 PM
2 Fix the roads which are already a disaster and would make evacuating difficult 12/17/2025 10:23 AM 3 It is one thing to worry about growth around houses. However in Dimond Canyon there is a lot of dry brush and downed trees that are all ripe for being fuel for a wild fire. 12/16/2025 9:09 PM
4 Make PG&E put their electrical wires underground. Piedmont has done it. But Oakland has been ignored by PG&E because our government has not lobbied for the residents of Montclair —a tree-heavy area on a hill with few egress points.
12/16/2025 1:54 PM
5 Underground the PG&E lines in the hills. Enforce parking rules for emergency vehicles to be able to reach emergencies.
12/16/2025 1:28 PM
6 Burying power lines 12/16/2025 11:49 AM
7 Reopen fire stations, answer 911 calls, fix the roads, reopen blocked-off traffic lanes - we need to focus on the basics first. Removing trees makes us more vulnerable to landslides and extreme heat - deforesting our city is not the answer.
12/16/2025 9:30 AM
8 Training and mock disaster drills 12/16/2025 7:55 AM
9 Disaster escape routes from hills and parking areas for cars trying to escape. 12/16/2025 12:59 AM 10 Be sure all fire hydrants are accessible and not blocked by landslide, vegetation, etc. 12/15/2025 11:16 PM 11 make sure evacuation routes from oakland hills in are clear in the event of a fire. 12/15/2025 10:44 PM 12 MAINTAIN INFRASTRUCTURE!! Less hand-wringing about bike lanes, and more attention to clearing brush, clearing storm drains, removing road-side (including gutters) brush/trash and other gunk that too often blocks drain grates.
12/15/2025 9:27 PM
13 My priority is for the City to expeditiously comply with the 2024-25 Grand Jury Final Report recommendations to the City Council to "expand parking restrictions on narrow streets in high fire risk areas and increase parking enforcement in those areas," 12/15/2025 8:50 PM
14 There is hardly any road areas in the Oakland Hills that have been properly paved and will support current or emergency traffic. Some have not be maintained for over 20 years. Remove or heavily thin out existing Eucalyptus trees and other highly flammable plants. Reinforce failing road sides and maintain or repair to allow 2-way traffic. 12/15/2025 7:08 PM
15 The wildfire inspections are great, but there are so many eucalyptus trees in the hills, which are extremely flammable and dangerous in a wildfire. I think there needs to be more done to remove those trees from private properties. The cost of taking down a whole tree is prohibitive for many, if not most, people and there is a public good that comes from hazardous tree removal.
12/15/2025 5:33 PM
16 Remove eucalyptus and other fire prone trees. 12/15/2025 4:45 PM 17 Provide materials and information for homeowners to address Zone 0 12/12/2025 5:38 PM 18 Enforce safety provisions currently ignored by the DOT in Montclair 12/10/2025 6:05 PM 19 Pave the streets to allow for emergency evacuation and or timely emergency response. 12/10/2025 4:27 PM 20 Be proactive and opportunistic when building and rebuilding now, before a disaster. Create economic incentives to take this on--consider property tax exemptions for improvements on property, and consider how to provide exemptions or even pay for projects that support 12/10/2025 2:46 PM
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disaster resilience at the community level proactively. This sort of work can also be used to improve the City's bond rating (see how New Orleans did this). This can and should be seen as a cost saving measure--just because we don't properly account for disaster risk now doesn't mean that it's not a real cost.
21 Build better stormdrains! 11/25/2025 2:07 PM
22 Water access communication placed throuout the city at stratigic locations. 11/24/2025 4:51 PM 23 Spend the tax money already collected to address these issues about wildland migration. Let taxpayers know where/what the taxes collected are being spent on. 11/6/2025 6:52 PM
24 Employ more public works employees to keep the city functioning and keep up with the vandalism and decay present at all city sites. Stop saving money buy gutting the agency we depend on to keep things running. Stop outsourcing labor. OPW should be maintaining our city, not contractors.
11/5/2025 8:13 PM
25 Our Recreation Centers are now on internet based phones. In a disaster this could proof to problem since the first communication to get bogged down is cell/internet. There should be an operational line land in every center specifically for emergencies. 10/31/2025 9:34 PM
26 Perhaps the community alert system Via text 10/31/2025 7:40 PM 27 Volunteer programs for high schoolers (instead of volunteering at food bank they volunteer to help with mitigation efforts), enlist established communities like congregations and co-living communities in place-based mitigation, create more family friendly activities that promote preparedness, teach preparedness in schools
10/31/2025 1:02 PM
28 Not at this moment 10/30/2025 3:15 PM
29 No 10/30/2025 12:47 PM
30 Address hoarding and blight which make rescues harder, and increase the risk of fires. 10/28/2025 3:51 PM 31 homeowner Insurance education. Firesafe landscaping can affect insurance. Grow adopt a storm drain program make it easier to replace dead street trees for shade more red-flag warning signs around close strategic streets during fourth of July and other hot and windy weatherevents (currently done on skyline)
10/9/2025 5:54 AM
32 I think drains should be cleared by staffed workers from the city and not neighbors having to adopt a drain.
10/6/2025 5:02 PM
33 Start advertising these programs on social media. Relying on email and government websites create class and age barriers.
10/5/2025 3:14 PM
34 Incentives to reinforce buildings & houses, community centers to go in care of emergency 10/3/2025 2:17 PM 35 Building resilience hubs and community led teams prepared to respond to disasters seems very important. In these emergencies, relying solely of FD and city resources won't be sufficient. We need to build infrastructure and training in our populace and disperse resources so they can be accessed via hubs in emergencies.
10/2/2025 9:01 PM
36 Distribute clean drinking water to unhoused residents and outdoor workers (including street vendors) during extreme heat events. Fix and retrofit drinking fountains at public parks with filters and replace lead service lines at Oakland schools to ensure that residents have access to safe clean drinking water sources during extreme heat events. Retrofit schools and recreation centers and other public cooling centers with HVAC systems to ensure access to air conditioning and adequate ventilation during heat waves. 10/1/2025 2:41 PM
37 No 10/1/2025 12:20 PM
38 Clear all of the homeless encampments like other cities Why does Oakland seem like the dumping ground. Where people from other cities come, drop there trash with no repercussions.

Are those cameras working to cite these folks?
10/1/2025 11:05 AM
39 People will need food, water, and shelter. We need to consider equitable access for children, seniors, and disabled people.
10/1/2025 12:56 AM
40 People will need access to food, water, and shelter. 10/1/2025 12:44 AM 41 Not at this time 9/30/2025 9:41 PM
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42 Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance 9/30/2025 6:06 PM 43 Do the actual work, enough with the paper pushing 9/30/2025 1:48 PM 44 Yes, not enough space to enumerate each of my ideas. 9/30/2025 11:00 AM 45 People will require access to food and freshwater. Everyone should have healthcare. We should practice public health and preventative medicine. Equitable accessibility for children, seniors, and disabled people. Emergency public transit could be a way to avoid car use and traffic jams.
9/30/2025 5:25 AM
46 Has to be multilingual and center the low income neighborhoods 9/30/2025 3:05 AM 47 Repair the roadways and potholes so that there is good access to transportation. Place emergency bins and first aid kits in neighborhoods for quick access. Set up a battery powered CB radio response Center if there is no electrical power available. If there's no electricity, develop a way to use ATM services to get cash. Designate areas for food and water distribution sites.
9/29/2025 10:41 PM
48 have a practice drill 9/29/2025 9:21 PM
49 Engage with the unhoused and vulnerable communities 9/29/2025 9:08 PM 50 ++ on resilience hubs for centralized support 9/27/2025 4:46 AM 51 Give financial aid to help folks install small gas shut off valves at their house. They cost about $200.00 a piece but require a plumber to install. With a screw driver they can reset the gas to their house after a earthquake of 5.0 or greater shuts off the flow of gas , diminishing house fires.
9/26/2025 9:34 PM
52 Regular scenario training in the EOC. 9/26/2025 7:29 PM 53 When repaving of streets occurs consider designs with fewer impermiable surfaces. Such as adding traffic circles and buffers for sidewalks and bike lanes with plants or stones in them and a general reduction of motor vehicle lanes where possible. Emergency evacuation for those who don't have a car is important. Me and many of my neighbors don't have cars. An emergency evacuation plan that involves buses that don't get stuck in traffic would be a huge plus in case of an evacuation.
9/26/2025 12:32 PM
54 I'm unsure how best to strategize. I know that organizing ourselves locally is the best jumping off point, but apart from that, I'm not sure what other pieces would most need priority at the City level. That would probably depend on best practices combined with Oakland's particular weak spots and needs both as a city and also regionally (what we need and also can provide). 9/26/2025 11:21 AM
55 Tell people what an emergency really is during an actual disaster so they know when not to call for help.
9/26/2025 1:53 AM
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Q10 Where do you go to get information related to emergencies and evacuations? (Check all that apply)
Answered: 120 Skipped: 0
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
None of the
above
AC Alert
City of
Oakland website
County or
State websites

CAL FIRE
website
Genasys
Protect
(Formerly...

X (formerly
Twitter)
Instagram
Facebook
Watch Duty
We Chat
Television news
Radio news
Family,
friends and/or
neighbors
Other,
including other
social media...

Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Community Survey
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0.00% 0

70.00% 84

29.17% 35

15.83% 19

37.50% 45

15.83% 19

10.00% 12

19.17% 23

11.67% 14

16.67% 20

2.50% 3

39.17% 47

36.67% 44

65.00% 78

28.33% 34
Total Respondents: 120
# OTHER, INCLUDING OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA OR OTHER WEBSITES (PLEASE SPECIFY) DATE 1 Next Door 12/17/2025 10:23 AM
2 iPhone alerts, PG & E 12/16/2025 9:30 AM
3 NextDoor 12/16/2025 1:41 AM
4 We have created a What's App group for our street due to high crime. 12/16/2025 12:03 AM 5 Neighborhood Association Alert System (phone and text) 12/15/2025 11:16 PM 6 Neighborhood WhatsApp, Citizen 12/15/2025 8:50 PM
7 Bluesky 12/15/2025 5:33 PM
8 Neighborhood group called CABS that send out emergency alerts and provides emergency preparedness resources via text and email.
12/15/2025 5:33 PM
9 Neighborhood groups. 12/15/2025 5:07 PM
10 Nextdoor 12/15/2025 4:45 PM
11 Public Safety, nixle, Lab Alerts (LBNL) 12/12/2025 5:38 PM 12 Internet news 12/10/2025 6:05 PM
13 Google 11/25/2025 5:11 PM
14 GENOAK, ORCA 11/19/2025 10:56 PM
15 I use to receive Nixle alerts 11/8/2025 5:05 PM
16 Weather apps, citizen, NOAA alerts and NIXIE 11/5/2025 8:13 PM 17 My job, because I am a disaster worker. 10/31/2025 9:34 PM

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
None of the above
AC Alert
City of Oakland website
County or State websites
CAL FIRE website
Genasys Protect (Formerly Zonehaven)
X (formerly Twitter)
Instagram
Facebook
Watch Duty
We Chat
Television news
Radio news
Family, friends and/or neighbors
Other, including other social media or other websites (please specify) Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Community Survey
31 / 54
18 Bluesky 10/16/2025 11:56 AM
19 Blue Sky 10/9/2025 5:54 AM
20 Google 10/3/2025 11:28 PM
21 Npr 10/2/2025 9:01 PM
22 Websites of local news sources; push notifications via my phone (not sure where the earthquake alerts come from actually)
10/1/2025 5:10 PM
23 AirNow (for air quality updates); National Tsunami Warning Center website (I live near the shoreline)
10/1/2025 2:41 PM
24 Emergency Alert System 10/1/2025 12:44 AM
25 Google 9/30/2025 10:01 PM
26 Information received from my senior center, West Oakland or North Oakland Senior Centers. 9/30/2025 6:06 PM 27 Bluesky 9/30/2025 5:25 AM
28 Reddit 9/30/2025 3:05 AM
29 earthquake.usgs.gov 9/29/2025 7:39 PM
30 Slack (via a network of friends) 9/28/2025 11:48 AM
31 Cell Phone Alerts 9/26/2025 7:29 PM
32 Online news 9/26/2025 12:32 PM
33 Block captains and similar local networks and meetings. 9/26/2025 11:21 AM 34 What app 9/26/2025 1:53 AM

30 31
32 33
34 35
36 37
38 39
40 41
42 43
44 45
46 47
48 49
50 51
52 53
54 55
56 57
58 59
60 61
62 63
64 65
66 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Community Survey
SMS notifications 10/7/2025 11:57 AM
text 10/6/2025 10:14 PM
City alert text is fine ___________________ 10/6/2025 5:02 PM direct text message communication 10/6/2025 10:45 AM
Text alerts 10/4/2025 7:47 PM
Phone alerts, either from an app or via text (AC Alen does this) __________ 10/3/2025 11:28 PM Phone 10/3/2025 2:17 PM
Reverse 911 texts- ensuring alerts include live maps to clarify impacted locations ___ 10/2/2025 9:01 PM alerts 10/2/2025 2:32 PM
Alerts via texts & email 10/2/2025 12:53 PM
Multilingual audio-based emergency alert system (see example of Ventura County Air Pollution 10/1/2025 2:41 PM Control District's emergency alerts system for wildfire smoke in multiple languages) text (sms) alerts
-------------------------
10/1/2025 12:54 PM
Text ----------------------------- 10/1/2025 12:20 PM
Text 10/1/2025 12:18 PM
Mail bullet points to everyone to explain wtlat to do in case of emergency and provide 10/1/2025 11:05 AM informational meetings at all of the Senior Centers
Oakland has a diverse population and will need translation services for multiple languages. 10/1/2025 12:56 AM There should be translation services in multiple languages. My first language is Spanish. 10/1/2025 12:44 AM Text audio alarms sirens 9/30/2025 10:01 PM
I wouldn't worry so much I would feel more secure as to wtlat to do and wtiere to go. 9/30/2025 9:41 PM text 9/30/2025 7:34 PM
I'm not sure of all the resources that are currently available to me. 9/30/2025 6:06 PM Text alerts 9/30/2025 1:48 PM
Phone notification 9/30/2025 1:34 PM
Universal and common language shared among all platforms. 9/30/2025 11:00 AM Please provide translation services because we live in a diverse population, where people may 9/30/2025 5:25 AM not communicate in English.

Automated text 9/30/2025 3:05 AM
Good AM radio reception. Access to CB Radio transmission site. Cell phone charging stations. 9/29/2025 10:41 PM Text notifications ___________ 9/29/2025 10:29 PM
A user friendly site to navigate, city billboards, bus fliers etc ___________ 9/29/2025 9:08 PM
Text alert _________________________ 9/29/2025 7:39 PM
Toll-free number 9/29/2025 11:59 AM
Text alerts. 9/28/2025 12:29 PM
Immediate phone, TV, and radio alerts. 9/28/2025 11:48 AM Nothing comes to mind. _______________________ 9/26/2025 7:29 PM 1 don't know
--------------------------
9/26/2025 1:50 PM
Google alerts 9/26/2025 12:32 PM
Work through already established local channels like our NCPC (Marcus Johnson) and 9/26/2025 11:21 AM 33 I 54

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Q18 Which racial groups do you identify with (check all that apply)? Answered: 118 Skipped: 2
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Multi-racial
White/European
Black/African
American
East Asian
Latinx/Hispanic
South Asian
Native
American/Indige
nous/Alaskan...

West
Asian/Middle
Eastern
Southeast Asian
Caribbean
Islander
Native
Hawaiian /
Paciﬁc...

Prefer not to
answer
Other (please
specify)

Additional Public Comment
City of Oakland
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan

Page 1 of 5 ends

Rules & Legislation CommitteeApril 16, 2026

Rules & Legislation Committee
April 16, 2026