Exhibits A-C.pdf — San Clemente City Council, January 20, 2026

City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan, February 2014, updated September 2021 S-1
Almost Quitting Time by Steve Kell
Safety Element
The City of San Clemente intends to protect the community from hazards related to geologic, seismic, and soil hazards; flooding, tsunami, and sea level change; excessive noise; hazardous materials; radiological hazards; wildfire; marine hazards; and illegal activities.

The Safety Element seeks to minimize potential property damage and human injury by reducing the exposure of people and property to these hazards and the risks of their occurrence. This element is intended to enhance safety through advance preparation for catastrophic events and by preventing or mitigating hazards and avoiding conditions that could adversely affect residents’, businesses’ and visitors’ safety.

One of the City’s primary tools for preparing and responding to hazards is the San Clemente Multi-Hazard Emergency Plan [Link to Multi Hazard Emergency Plan]. This comprehensive tool identifies key response resources, assigns emergency planning and response responsibilities to City of San Clemente and supportive agency staff, establishes communication protocols, outlines preplanned response actions by hazard type, and provides the basis for personnel training and ongoing maintenance of the City’s emergency preparedness programs.

The 2021 update of Safety Element was conducted concurrently with the City’s 6th Cycle Housing Element Update. The City is also in process of updating the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, which serves as the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). The

EXHIBIT A
City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan, February 2014, updated September 2021 S-2
Safety Element includes recently adopted State laws requiring the following to be performed, updated and included in the Safety Element:

City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan, February 2014, updated September 2021 S-3
The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) for the City of San Clemente was developed in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) and followed FEMA’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan guidance. The LHMP incorporates a process where hazards are identified and profiled, the people and facilities at risk are analyzed, and mitigation actions are developed to reduce or eliminate hazard risk. The implementation of these mitigation actions, which include both short and long-term strategies, involve planning, policy changes, programs, projects, and other activities.

The City of San Clemente strives to reduce hazards and improve resilience through capital improvement projects, innovative planning, and emergency management practices. The 2024 City of San Clemente Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) update is an effort to reduce future loss of life and property damage resulting from natural or human-caused hazards.

PRIMARY GOAL:

Continue to be a well-prepared community that understands and limits exposure to potential natural and human-made hazards and effectively responds to and recovers from public safety emergencies.

GOAL AND POLICY SECTIONS:

1. Geologic, Seismic and Soil Hazards

2. Flooding and Marine Hazards

3. Wildfire

4. Noise

5. Radiological Hazards

6. Hazardous Materials

7. Emergency Services, Preparedness, Response and Recovery

8. Climate Change

ADDITIONAL LINKS
• Marine Safety Division website [https://www.san-clemente.org/department-services/safetyservices/lifeguard-services] • Orange County Fire Authority website [http://ocfa.org/] • Orange County Sheriff’s Department website [http://ocsd.org/] • Nuclear Regulatory Commission website [http://www.nrc.gov/] • United States Geologic Survey California Earthquakes website [https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/how-do-i-find-fault-or-hazard-maps-california?qtnews_science_products=0#qt-news_science_products] • Local Hazard Mitigation Plan [https://www.sanclemente.org/home/showpublisheddocument/88821/638761663741731626 Geologic, Seismic and Soil Hazards
There are no known active faults within the City of San Clemente; however, ground shaking resulting from regional seismic activity can have a significant local impact. Additionally, some areas where the water table is shallow with loose, unconsolidated sandy soils have City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan, February 2014, updated September 2021 S-4
the potential for liquefaction [link to Glossary] during a seismic event. Also, our coastal and canyon bluffs and hillsides can be steep and subject to landslides and slope failures.

Potential geologic and soil hazards can be increased by inappropriate development, seismic activity and heavy rains. This section’s goal and policies, and the related implementation measures, seek to mitigate potential threats from geologic, seismic and soil hazards through information sharing and establishing appropriate development standards.

GOAL:

Minimize risk to life, property, economic and social dislocation and disruption of vital services that could result from geologic and seismic hazards.

City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan, February 2014, updated September 2021 S-5
POLICIES:

S-1.01. Up to Date Information. We collect and maintain relevant data on fault locations, soils reports and other information that can help identify seismic or liquefaction potential and areas at risk of landslides.

S-1.02. Alquist-Priolo Act. If active or potentially active faults are identified, we will implement mandatory development restrictions and investigation requirements pursuant to the Alquist-Priolo Act.

S-1.03. Unreinforced Masonry Buildings. We require the retrofitting of unreinforced masonry buildings during remodels to minimize hazards to life and property due to an earthquake or other geologic hazards.

S-1.04. Landslide Risk. Where development is proposed on unstable terrain, excessively-steep slopes and other areas deemed hazardous due to landslide risk, it is prohibited unless acceptable mitigation measures are implemented.

S-1.05. Assessment and Mitigation. Where appropriate, we require new development to assess the potential for liquefaction, slope instability and landslides and require that appropriate measures be incorporated into the project to mitigate such hazards.

GENERAL PLAN INFORMATION:

Figure S-1, Geologic, Seismic and Soil Hazards Map
ADDITIONAL LINKS:
• Alquist-Priolo Act [https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/alquist-priolo] Flooding and Marine Hazards
Potential water-related hazards in San Clemente include flooding, tsunami, and sea level rise. Flood hazards include coastal inundation, flash flooding down watercourses and channels throughout the community, and sheet flooding across low lying areas adjacent to these watercourses. A tsunami is a series of ocean waves triggered by the displacement of a large volume of water after a submarine disturbance, such as an underwater earthquake or landslide. While there is no record of large or moderate tsunamis in the San Clemente area, the potential for tsunami damage exists, as it does in most coastal California communities. Distant source tsunamis have produced run-up of less than two feet in San Clemente; however global climate changes affecting sea level have been observed over time and if observed patterns continue, a sea level rise should be expected. Sea level rise is a long-range concern and while predictions vary, a significant rise in sea level rise could adversely affect land use, transportation and water quality in low-lying coastal areas.

Marine hazards also include common ocean-related public safety concerns such as hazardous surf and navigational boating hazards.

City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan, February 2014, updated September 2021 S-6
To further address concerns regarding sea level rise, the City conducted a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment (SLRVA), adopted in 2019 [https://www.sanclemente.org/home/showdocument?id=54174]. The study’s purpose is to identify areas and resources in the City that may be vulnerable to rising seas in the future, and introduces a range of adaptation strategies. Shoreline erosion is expected to accelerate with sea level rise and will likely be the most significant hazard impacting coastal resources in the City.

The City will also prepare a companion Coastal Resiliency Plan which will contain a discussion of potential adaptation strategies that the City can implement over time to improve coastal resiliency. The Coastal Resiliency Plan will identify more focused municipal actions, regional actions, coordination activities, and sea level rise adaptation strategies for various areas in the City.

Figure S-2, Flood Hazards Map was updated for the Safety Element Update 2021. The updated maps depict two changes from the previous version. The new map shows the areas of the City subject to the Regulatory Floodway. The Regulatory Floodway is the channel of a river or other waterway and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than a designated height. Communities must regulate development in these floodways to ensure that there are no increases in upstream flood elevations. The other change is to the flood hazard zone along the coastline.

GOAL:

Minimize risk to life, property, economic and social dislocation, disruption of vital services and environmental effects cause by flooding, tsunami, and sea level rise.

POLICIES:

S-2.01. Flood Control Channels. Whenever feasible, we support the restoration of concrete lined flood control channels back to natural earthen channels.

S-2.02. Drainage Obstruction. We require that property owners along canyons and watercourses keep natural drainage courses on their sites free of obstructions, such as debris, structures and dams, which may adversely affect flooding on the site or on downstream properties.

S-2.03. 100-Year Flood Zone. We prohibit development within the 100-year flood zone unless adequate mitigation is provided against flood hazards.

S-2.04. Regulations. We implement Federal, State, County and local flood control regulations, as appropriate.

S-2.05. Interagency Coordination. We coordinate appropriate procedures for police, fire and other agencies to respond during flooding, consistent with Federal, State, and County regulations, as well as the City of San Clemente Emergency Plan.

S-2.06. Information. Where accurate and reliable information regarding flooding, tsunami, and sea level rise hazards is available, the City seeks to make such information publicly available to help reduce flooding and marine hazards.

City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan, February 2014, updated September 2021 S-7
S-2.07. Marine Safety. We maintain adequate staffing for lifeguard services to address beach and swimmer safety needs.

LINKS TO GENERAL PLAN INFORMATION:
• Figure S-2, Flood Hazards Map
• Figure S-3, Tsunami Potential Inundation Map
ADDITIONAL LINKS:
• San Clemente Multi-Hazard Emergency Plan
[https://www.san-clemente.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=63047&isPublished=False] • City of San Clemente Climate Action Plan [https://www.sanclemente.org/home/showdocument?id=9384] • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Future Climate Change, Sea Level Rise [http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/future.html#sealevel] Fire
San Clemente residents enjoy access to and views of natural open spaces. Several neighborhoods in San Clemente are adjacent to expansive open space resources, such as the Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy to the north and east of City limits, and San Onofre State Beach and Camp Pendleton to the south. These large open space areas at the urban-wildland interface contain vegetation that provides fuel for wildfires which can threaten life and property in San Clemente. Wildfires are of particular concern during Santa Ana wind events, when forceful winds blow dry air from the east to the west. They create extremely dry conditions in which wildfires can easily develop due to natural or human causes. Historically, wildfire is one of the most destructive hazards in San Clemente, affecting homes, businesses, the natural environment, and human lives. The City last experienced a damaging wildfire on January 21, 1976 which charred 2400 acres, destroyed sixteen San Clemente homes and damaged 144 others. As a result, the City created the State’s first residential sprinkler ordinance. In June of 2017, a fire that started on nearby Camp Pendleton came within ¼ mile of homes in San Clemente.

Wildfire poses a significant risk to residential and commercial development within City boundaries. Effective April 1, 2024, CAL FIRE identified areas of San Clemente varying levels of wildfire hazard within their Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs). Designated Very High, High, and Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps arose from major destructive fires, prompting the recognition of these areas and strategies to reduce wildfire risks. Legislative response led to mandated mapping across California under the California Public Resources Code 4201- 4204, encompassing all State Responsibility Areas (SRA).

The City’s Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan serves as the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). The Public Works Department is responsible for the Hazard Mitigation Plan and subsequent updates to the plan, which are scheduled to occur every five years.

The County of Orange Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) (2017) covers all Orange County Fire Authority service areas and portions or 17 cities that either threaten or are City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan, February 2014, updated September 2021 S-8
threatened by State Responsibility Areas (SRA). San Clemente is served by the Orange County Fire Authority and islocated within the CWPP area. The CWPP provides an overview of wildland fire risks, hazard, and resources within the planning area; recommends possible actions to reduce impacts of wildfire in the planned area; and provides an action plan to mitigate and respond to fire..

City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan, February 2014, updated September 2021 S-9
California Senate Bill 1241 (SB 1241) was passed by the California legislature in 2012, which required jurisdictions to update their Safety Elements upon the next revision of the Housing Element, on or after January 1, 2014. Subsequently, Gov. Code § 65302, subd. (g)(3.2) was changed to address fire hazard planning. Within the city, there are neighborhoods with substantial open space that lie within the fire hazard severity zones. The City mitigates community risks identified by the fire hazard severity zones with vegetation management and evacuation planning. This Safety Element update incorporates policies to address those recommendations and adds Figure S-5 to show the Land Use Plan and critical facilities within the very high fire hazard severity zones (VHFHSZs). Inclusion within the VHFHSZs is based on five factors: density of vegetation; slope severity; five minutefive-minute fire department response time; road class proximity and proximity to fire hydrants; and CAL FIRE’s vegetation cover and fire behavior and fuel spread model. The City adopted ordinance 1791 on June 3, 2025, amending Exhibit “A” of chapter 8.22 of the San Clemente Municipal Code to include updates to the fire hazard severity zones, reflected in the FHSZs Map (Figure S-6). Figures S-9 and S-10 outline the City’s evacuation planning initiative, mitigating community risks posed by wildfire hazard, but requires further collaboration with community partners and Public Safety entities.

GOAL:

Minimize risk to life, property, economic and social dislocation and disruption of vital services due to uncontrolled fire.

POLICIES:

S-3.01. Fire and Building Codes. We coordinate with Orange County Fire Authority to proactively mitigate or minimize the adverse effects of structural fires, wildfires and related hazards like erosion, hazardous materials release and structural collapse by implementing appropriate fire and building codes.

S-3.02. Land Use and Zoning. Development proposals and applicants will minimize new residential development in the VHFHSZs, and locate future public facilities, including new essential and sensitive facilities, outside of VHFHSZs when possible.

S-3.03. Fire and Building Codes. We adhere to all Orange County Fire Authority regulations and guidelines for fire safe development practices, vegetation management, and maintenance in the City, including in the VHFHSZ’s.

S-3.04. Fire and Building Codes. We ensure that all new development and redevelopment in the VHFHSZs will comply with the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire Safe Regulations, and the most current version of the California Building Codes and California Fire Code.

S-3.05. Fire and Building Codes. In coordination with Orange County Fire Authority, we will condition development to incorporate fire safe design, including sufficient ingress/egress, evacuation routes, emergency vehicle access, defensible space, visible home addressing and signage, and fuel modification zones.

City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan, February 2014, updated September 2021 S-10
S-3.06. Emergency Evacuation Routes. We will work with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) to develop, implement and maintain an effective evacuation program, identify residential development with inadequate access and/or without a secondary emergency evacuation route, and prepare improvement plans and mitigation measures in order to be prepared in the event of a natural or humancaused disaster, through our Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.

City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan, February 2014, updated September 2021 S-11
S-3.07. Public Education. We coordinate with Orange County Fire Authority to provide public education tools to increase awareness of fire prevention measures, and evacuation procedures, especially for those neighborhoods in the VHFHSZs.

S-3.08. Orange County Fire Authority. We contract with Orange County Fire Authority to maintain fire stations, equipment, and staffing to effectively respond to emergencies.

S-3.09. Peak Water Supply. We maintain an adequate peak water supply for fire suppression, per the San Clemente Urban Water Management Plan and funding available for implementation.

S-3.10. Evaluation. We coordinate with the Orange County Fire Authority to evaluate the effectiveness of fire safety strategies and implementation measures.

S-3.11. Balance Between Goals. We balance the need for fire safety and defensible landscape perimeters with biological and open space preservation goals, where applicable, consistent with the Coastal Conservation Plan.

GENERAL PLAN INFORMATION:
• Emergency Services Section
• Urban Design Element
• Figure S-5, Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZs) and Critical Facilities on General Plan Land Use Map
• Figure S-6, VHFHSZs Map
• Figure S-8, Critical Facilities Map
• Figure S-9, Evacuation Map
• Figure S-10, Parcels With One Evacuation Route
ADDITIONAL LINKS:
• Orange County Fire Authority website [http://ocfa.org/] Noise
Excessive noise can adversely affect human health and well-being, economic productivity, and property values, especially in areas where sensitive land uses such as senior housing, schools, child care, and hospitals are located. Mobile and stationary noise sources contribute to overall noise levels, and the impacts of both must be analyzed when considering environmental effects of new development. Bisected by Interstate 5, San Clemente’s primary noise source is from automobile, truck and motorcycle traffic.

Passenger and freight rail services utilize a rail line that skirts the coastline and are also significant mobile noise sources. The City has successfully used federal tools to reduce train noise near sensitive land uses.

The General Plan is a tool for managing noise by planning for and maintaining compatibility between sensitive land uses and noise sources. Specific standards regulating City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan, February 2014, updated September 2021 S-12
the noise environment are provided by the San Clemente Noise Ordinance [https://library.municode.com/ca/san_clemente/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT8HESA_CH8.48NO CO].

GOAL:

Minimize exposure to excessive noise levels by taking appropriate actions to avoid or mitigate the detrimental effects of exposure to excessive noise levels on humans and animals and in particular, on sensitive land uses.

POLICIES:

S-4.01. Noise Control. We effectively control ambient and stationary noise conditions by maintaining baseline information, monitoring conditions, following State guidelines, and enforcing locally adopted ordinances and building codes.

S-4.02. Street Design. We consider noise impacts when designing new.

S-4.03. Interagency Collaboration. We encourage and collaborate with local, regional, and statewide transportation agencies to minimize transportation- related noise impacts and provide appropriate mitigation measures that also consider impacts to community character and on natural resources (e.g., views).

S-4.04. Balance Between Noise Control and View Protection. We will continue to work with local, State, and Federal agencies to reduce highway- and railroad- generated noise levels to within acceptable levels identified in the General Plan, while seeking to re-establish ocean views blocked by noise barriers on Interstate 5.

S-4.05. Rail-related Noise. We minimize the noise impact of passenger and freight rail service on sensitive land uses by coordinating with rail authorities to effectively manage train noise and by aggressively pursuing noise mitigation measures that apply to rail uses.

S-4.06. Truck Routes. To minimize truck traffic noise impacts to sensitive land uses, we designate areas where truck traffic is prohibited.

S-4.07. Collaboration with Camp Pendleton. We collaborate with the United States Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, to minimize the impacts of noise- or vibrationinducing activities on San Clemente residents and to inform the community in advance when such activities will be conducted.

S-4.08. Live Entertainment. We control live entertainment noise conditions by requiring best management practices that minimize impacts on residential and other sensitive uses and ensure compliance with the City’s adopted Noise Ordinance.

GENERAL PLAN INFORMATION:
• Figure S-4A, Existing Roadway and Rail Noise Contour Map • Figure S-4B, Future Roadway and Rail Noise Contour Map • Urban Design Element [link to UDE Homepage]
City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan, February 2014, updated September 2021 S-13
• Mobility and Complete Streets Element [link to ME Homepage] ADDITIONAL LINKS:
• San Clemente General Plan EIR Noise Section [Link to EIR] Radiological Hazards
The San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) is the only nuclear power plant in Southern California. It is located in San Diego County, approximately three miles south of the City of San Clemente. SONGS is primarily owned by Southern California Edison, which is in charge of its operations and maintenance. In June 2013, Southern California Edison announced that it was going to retire the nuclear power plant, which had not been operational since January 2011. This is a process called decommissioning and dismantling of the plant. The decommissioning process is regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Coordination of policies and procedures for radiological hazards will continue to be relevant to the City. Dismantlement began first quarter 2020 and will involve the deconstruction of most of the above-grade structures as well as the partial removal of offshore undersea conduits (large pipes) and offshore buoys and anchors. Southern California Edison submitted the 2019 Decommissioning Progress Report on June 15, 2020; it provides a progress report of decommissioning activities. The dismantlement phase is expected to take 8 to 10 years.

The San Clemente Multi-Hazard Emergency Plan [https://www.sanclemente.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=63047&isPublished=False] was created to prepare the community for potential emergency situations that could develop as a result of excessive radiation exposure from SONGS. The Multi-Hazard Emergency Plan outlines procedures for oversight, communication, emergency warning, evacuation, response, and recovery.

GOAL:

Minimize risk to public health, safety, and welfare, and the natural and built environments of the City of San Clemente through proper communication protocols and nuclear disaster preparedness.

POLICIES:

S-5.01. Public Information. We proactively communicate with State and Federal agencies and Southern California Edison and seek to ensure the City and its residents are informed about the status of and conditions at SONGS.

S-5.02. Interagency Collaboration and Response. We collaborate with the counties of Orange and San Diego, the cities of Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano, the US Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California State Beaches and Parks, Southern California Edison and other local, state and federal government agencies with roles in radiological emergency response to ensure the
City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan, February 2014, updated September 2021 S-14
City and our neighbors can conduct coordinated emergency response to an event at SONGS.

S-5.03. Public Education. We reduce risks to the public from radiological events through public awareness and education, by operating emergency warning systems, by establishing, updating, and implementing community protection in partnership with local, State and Federal government agencies, and through our readiness to implement emergency plans.

S-5.04. Transport of Radioactive Materials. We work with Southern California Edison to ensure the transport of radioactive materials through the City of San Clemente complies with all State and Federal standards and does not adversely affect human health, land uses and activities.

S-5.05. Disposal of Radioactive Fuel. We encourage the Federal government to establish a permanent, safe disposal site for spent nuclear fuel rods and the establishment of temporary sites, if needed, to move fuel away from San Clemente.

ADDITIONAL LINKS:
• Radiological Emergency Evacuation Route Map [https://www.sanclemente.org/home/showpublisheddocument?id=10109] • San Clemente Multi-Hazard Emergency Plan
[https://www.san-clemente.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=63047&isPublished=False] • City of San Clemente Emergency Planning webpage
[https://www.san-clemente.org/government/city-departments/public-works/emergencyplanning] • Nuclear Regulatory Commission website [http://www.nrc.gov/] • SONGS Website [http://www.songscommunity.com]
Hazardous Materials
San Clemente’s industrial and manufacturing uses contribute to the City’s prosperity.

However, these uses can pose hazards related to the use and storage of toxic materials and the creation of toxic waste as byproducts. The storage, transportation, and disposal of these materials are sensitive processes. Seismic activity, flooding, marine hazards, and fires can result in hazardous materials being released onto land or into the air and water, contaminating the environment and endangering public safety.

The transportation of hazardous materials is of particular concern in San Clemente.

Hazardous materials are transported through the community due to San Clemente’s location along a busy rail route and along Interstate 5, a major north-south corridor for California.

City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan, February 2014, updated September 2021 S-15
GOAL:

Protect life, property, and the natural environment by minimizing the potential for exposure to and contamination from hazardous materials and waste.

POLICIES:

S-6.01. Public Maps. We publicize areas of known hazardous materials contamination to reduce risk to public health, safety, and welfare.

S-6.02. Remediation Plans. We require owners of contaminated sites to develop a remediation plan with the assistance of the County of Orange and State and Federal government agencies.

S-6.03. Coordinated Response. We coordinate effective responses to hazardous materials incidents with other appropriate jurisdictions and agencies.

S-6.04. Local and Regional Participation. We participate in local and regional efforts to mitigate the potential for land, water, and air contamination from hazardous materials or waste, and work to help ensure clean-up of contaminated areas if a release occurs.

S-6.05. Disclosure Laws. Working with other public agencies, we help enforce disclosure laws that require the users, producers, and transporters of hazardous materials and waste to clearly identify these items.

S-6.06. Public Education. Working with other public agencies, we help disseminate information to the public about the proper disposal of household hazardous materials and waste, and encourage the use of non-toxic alternatives.

ADDITIONAL LINKS:
• Figure S-7, Hazardous Materials Sites Map
[Hazardous Materials Sites Map]
• Orange County Hazardous Waste Management Plan
[http://oclandfills.com/hazardous/]
• Title 49, Federal Code of Regulations [https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/textidx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title49/49tab_02.tpl] Emergency Services, Preparedness, Response, and
Recovery
Emergency services in San Clemente include police protection, fire prevention and suppression, emergency medical care, marine safety and City emergency planning. Police services, including emergency evacuation are provided by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, fire and emergency medical services are provided by the Orange County Fire Authority, marine safety services are provided by the City of San Clemente Marine Safety Division and at State beaches by the State of California, and emergency preparedness is organized by the City’s Emergency Planning Program, Community Development Public Works Department. Maintaining safety in San Clemente’s neighborhoods, business districts, and beaches
City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan, February 2014, updated September 2021 S-16
contributes to the community’s appeal to residents, business owners, and visitors. The City of San Clemente approaches emergency services and planning in a proactive manner that includes education and prevention strategies.

San Clemente is susceptible to a variety of natural and human-made safety hazards including earthquakes, floods, marine hazards, fires, crime, and radiological exposure. The General Plan seeks to mitigate these potential threats to life, property, environmental quality, and economic vitality through preventative measures and through careful emergency planning.

GOAL:

Continue to be a safe, disaster-resilient community that is prepared through effective community outreach, proactive monitoring, and efficient emergency services, response, recovery and mitigation.

POLICIES:

S-7.01. Staffing, Facilities and Supplies. We ensure adequate staffing, facilities and supplies for our police, fire, marine safety and emergency medical services, and emergency planning to provide appropriate and timely response to emergency needs.

S-7.02 Hazard Prevention Funding. We give high priority to strategies and funding for hazard-prevention services, training, educational materials, and facilities.

S-7.03 Outreach and Education. We provide community-based outreach and educational efforts to enable our residents to prepare for and respond appropriately in emergency situations, and to contribute to the overall safety of the community.

S-7.04 Interdepartmental and Interagency Collaboration. We collaborate among City departments and with organizations outside of the City for a comprehensive approach to emergency services and disaster preparedness, response and recovery, including continuity of operations (e.g. information technology and financial services). The Orange County Operational Area Agreement of January 2020 formally outlines the County of Orange and its political subdivisions (including the City of San Clemente) for purposes of emergency management coordination. We maintain mutual aid agreements through the Orange County Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Compact, Orange County Fire Service Operational Area Mutual Aid Plan, and Orange County Public Works Mutual Aid Plan/Agreement.

S-7.05 Partnerships. We partner with other local, State and Federal emergency services agencies to enhance safety resources in the City of San Clemente.

S-7.06 Performance Measurement. We periodically analyze public safety data to evaluate the effectiveness of our strategies and allocate resources accordingly.

S-7.07 Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. We require new development to incorporate Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) [link to Glossary] features in the orientation and design of sites, buildings, streetscapes, and open spaces.

City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan, February 2014, updated September 2021 S-17
S-7.08 Emergency Evacuation. We coordinate with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) for emergency evacuation services when needed.

S-7.09 Management Programs and Warning Systems. We maintain emergency management programs and warning systems that meet State and Federal requirements. An example is the California Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (Cal Warn) mutual aid and assistance program whose mission is to support and promote statewide emergency preparedness, disaster response, and mutual assistance processes for public and private water and wastewater utilities.

S-7.10 Training. We regularly conduct training exercises to prepare for and evaluate emergency and disaster response and recovery procedures.

S-7.11 Outreach. We reach out to the community to educate, train and establish volunteer programs, to enhance the safety and disaster resilience of our community through volunteer programs, such as the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program, Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Explorer Scouts, and Neighborhood Watch and Radio Amateur Citizen Emergency Services (RACES).

GENERAL PLAN INFORMATION:
• Figure S-8, City of San Clemente Critical Facilities Map ADDITIONAL LINKS:
• San Clemente Multi-Hazard Emergency Plan
[https://www.san-clemente.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=63047&isPublished=False] • City of San Clemente Police Services
[https://www.san-clemente.org/i-am-a-/visitor/police-services-ocsd] • City of San Clemente Fire Services webpage [https://www.sanclemente.org/department-services/safety-services/fire-services] • Orange County Fire Authority website [http://ocfa.org/] • City of San Clemente Marine Safety Division webpage [https://www.sanclemente.org/department-services/safety-services/lifeguard-services] • City of San Clemente Emergency Planning
[https://www.san-clemente.org/government/city-departments/public-works/emergencyplanning] • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program [https://www.sanclemente.org/government/public-works/cert-community-emergency-response-team] • Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
[https://www.san-clemente.org/recreation-community/volunteer-opportunities] • Explorers
[https://media.ocgov.com/gov/sheriff/divisions/fieldops/security/mutual/reserve/449/recruitmen t.asp]
• Neighborhood Beach Watch
[https://www.san-clemente.org/i-am-a-/resident/neighborhood-beach-watch] City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan, February 2014, updated September 2021 S-18
• Radio Amateur Citizen Emergency Services (RACES) [https://www.sanclemente.org/government/city-departments/emergency-planning/volunteer-programs/tricitiesraces-ares] Climate Change
In accordance with the requirements of SB 379, codified at Government Code Section 65302(g)(4), climate change adaptation and resilience must be addressed in the safety element of all general plans in California. For cities with current LHMP’s and other documents that address the anticipated vulnerabilities associated with climate change, these documents can be incorporated by reference. As stated previously, the City is currently updating the LHMP, expected to be complete by the end of 2021 and will be incorporated by reference into the Safety Element once adopted.

Addressing climate change requires an integrated approach that targets both the sources of climate change, and the effects. Efforts to reduce the sources of climate change are termed climate change mitigation, greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) mitigation, or climate action. Efforts to reduce harm from the effects of a changing climate are referred to as climate adaptation and resilience.

The purpose of climate adaptation planning is to seek strategies to reduce vulnerability to projected climate change effects, increase the local capacity to adapt, and build resilience.

A climate resilient city is one that is prepared for the effects of climate change, continues to provide essential services, protects the most vulnerable during hazardous events, and continually learns and adjusts in the face of change and disruption.

In 2014, the City adopted its first Climate Action Plan [https://www.sanclemente.org/home/showdocument?id=9384]. This plan’s focus is on reducing GHGs through a series of implementation measures in the categories of alternative transportation, land use, energy efficiency and waste reduction. The Climate Action Plan is incorporated by reference in this Safety Element.

The City’s most recent climate action planning effort is related to sea level rise. In 2019, the City adopted a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment (SLRVA) [https://www.sanclemente.org/home/showdocument?id=54174]. The study’s purpose is to identify areas and resources in the City that may be vulnerable to rising seas in the future, and introduces a range of adaptation strategies. Shoreline erosion is expected to accelerate with sea level rise and will likely be the most significant hazard impacting coastal resources in the City.

Overall, the primary risks associated with climate change that are projected to impact the City of San Clemente are sea level rise, increased risk of wildfires, and precipitation City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan, February 2014, updated September 2021 S-19
pattern changes which can result in drought and/or flooding. Sea level rise is addressed in the SLRVA discussed in the previous paragraph. Enhanced policies associated with avoiding and/or mitigating the community risks associated with of wildfire hazard have been added to the Fire section of this Safety Element as recommended by CAL FIRE, and are part of the LHMP. Precipitation pattern changes include periods of extremely low precipitation, which are projected to double by the end of the century, and at the other end of the spectrum, increased incidence of high precipitation events. Periods of low precipitation can result in drought and reduced water supply. High precipitation producing events are also expected to continue to increase, and can cause flooding and landslides. Flooding is addressed in the Flooding and Marine Hazards section in this Safety Element and in the LHMP. Landslides are addressed in the Geology, Seismic and Soils Hazards section of this Safety Element and the LHMP. Reduced water supply and drought are addressed in detail in the LHMP.

GOAL:

Increase resilience and protect residents from the anticipated effects of climate change.

POLICIES:

S-8.01 Sea Level Rise. We evaluate for climate change effects resulting from sea level rise by maintaining baseline information and following State guidelines through adoption of the the City’s SLRVA, incorporated here by reference, and adopt and implement adaption strategies with the City’s future Coastal Resiliency Plan, which will be incorporated here by reference.

S-8.02 GHG mitigation. We fight global climate change by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions from both municipal operations and community activities.

S-8.03 Wildfire Risk. We cooperate with CAL FIRE, and adopt and implement fire safe policies that to recognize wildfire hazard in our community and protect the community fromreduce wildfire risk, especially in the VHFHSZ.

S-8.04 Changing Conditions. We promote design solutions and best practices that ensure future developments and infrastructure can adapt to climate change effects.

S-8.05 Resilient Community. We increase community resilience to climate change and protect vulnerable populations, including older adults and those with disabilities.

ADDITIONAL LINKS:
• California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment, Los Angeles Region Report, 2018, OPR, Cal Energy Commission, Cal Natural Resources Agency [https://www.energy.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2019-11/Reg%20Report-%20SUM-CCCA4-2018- 007%20LosAngeles_ADA.pdf]
• Local Hazard Mitigation Plan [https://www.sanclemente.org/home/showpublisheddocument/88821/638761663741731626 City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan, February 2014, updated September 2021 S-20
Implementation Measures
General Plan Implementation Measures are contained in the Strategic Implementation Program (SIP). The SIP contains Implementation Measures for one-time projects that end with a specific goal, and ongoing projects that requires routine activity with no specified end date. The SIP is updated by the City Council with the City budget and Long-Term Financial Plan (LTFP) to ensure the effective implementation of the Centennial General Plan. This coordination ensures that the General Plan remains a dynamic, up to date, responsive guide to public decision making and expenditures.

Click here to access Implementation Measures for this element in the latest Strategic Implementation Program.

SAN JUAN C API STR AN O
DAN A
POI NT

UN IN COR POR ATED

CO UN TY

ORANG E COU NT Y

SAN DIEG O COU NTY

P A C I F I C

O C E A N

MAR IN E COR PS BASE

CAMP PEN DL ETO N
§¨¦5
§¨¦5
Camino Capistrano
N El Camino Real
Avenida Pico
Coast Hwy
Portico del Norte
Calle del Cerro
Camino Mira Cos at
SanJuan Creek Rd
Avenida Pico
S El Camino Real
Avenida la
Camino
Pata
de Estrella
Camino Capistrano
Camino de Los Mares
Valle Rd
Avenida Vista Hermosa
La Novia Ave
Avenida Pico
Avenida del Presidente

GEOLOGIC, SEISMIC AND SOIL HAZARDS MAP
Figure S-1
0 1,625 3,250 6,500
Feet
Source: Seismic Hazards Progam, California Geological Survey, California Department of Conservation September 2021
Areas where previous occurrence of landslide movement, or local topographic, geological, geotechnical and subsurface water conditions indicate a potential for permanent ground displacements such that mitigation as defined in Public Resources Code Section 2693(c) would be required.

Landslide Zone Area
Areas where historic occurrence of liquefaction, or local geological, geotechnical and groundwater conditions indicate a potential for permanent ground displacements such that mitigation as defined in Public Resources Code Section 2693(c) would be required.

Liquefaction Zone Area
§¨¦5
§¨¦5

FLOOD HAZARD MAP
Flood Hazard Zones
Regulatory Floodway (1% Annual Chance of Flood)
100-Year Floodplain (1% Annual Chance Flood)
500-Year Floodplain (0.2% Annual Chance Flood)
Figure S-2
0 1,650 3,300 6,600
Feet
Data Source: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL)
September 2021
§¨¦5
§¨¦5
N El Camino Real Camino Cap istrano
N El Cam ino Real
Avenida Pico
Coast Hwy
Portico del Norte
Calle del Cerro
Camino Mira Costa
S an Juan Creek Rd
Avenida Pico
S El Camino Real
Avenida la Pata
Camino de Estrella
Camino Capistrano
Camino de Los Mares
Valle Rd
Avenida Vista Hermosa
La Novia Ave
Avenida Pico
Avenida del Presidente
Figure S-3
0 1,650 3,300 6,600
Feet
Data Source: Source: California Geological Survey, California Department of Conservation September 2021

TSUNAMI POTENTIAL INUNDATION MAP
2021 Tsunami Hazard Area
Outside 2021 Hazard Area

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
DANA
POINT

UNINCORPORATED
COUNTY

ORANGE COUNTY

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

P A C I F I C O C
EA
N

MARINE CORPS BASE

CAMP PENDLETON
§¨¦5
§¨¦5
N El Camino Real
Avenida Pico
Coast Hwy
San
Juan
Creek Rd
S El Camino Real
Avenida la Pata
Camino
de
Estrella
Camino
de
Los
Mares
Valle
Rd
Camino
Capistrano
Avenida Pico
Avenida
del Presidente
Camino Capistrano
Portico del Norte
Calle
del Cerro
Avenida Pico
Avenida Vista
Hermosa
La
Novia Ave

EXISTING ROADWAY AND RAIL NOISE CONTOUR MAP
Figure S-4a
Noise Contours
70 CNEL
65 CNEL
60 CNEL
City Boundary
Railroad
0 1,300 2,600 5,200Feet
CNEL = Community Noise Equivalent Level
6/25/2015

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
DANA
POINT

UNINCORPORATED
COUNTY

ORANGE COUNTY

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

P A C I F I C O C E A N

MARINE CORPS BASE

CAMP PENDLETON
§¨¦5
§¨¦5
N El Camino Real
Avenida Pico
Coast Hwy
San
Juan
Creek Rd
S El Camino Real
Avenida la Pata
Camino
de
Estrella
Del Obispo St
Camino
Capistrano
Camino
de
Los
Mares
Valle
Rd
Avenida Pico
Avenida
del Presidente
Camino Capistrano
Portico del Norte
Calle
del Cerro
Avenida Pico
Avenida Vista
Hermosa
La
Novia Ave

FUTURE ROADWAY AND RAIL NOISE CONTOUR MAP
Figure S-4b 0 1,250 2,500 5,000
Feet
7/1/2015
Noise Contours
70 CNEL
65 CNEL
60 CNEL
City Boundary
Railroad
CNEL = Community Noise Equivalent Level

Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
1111 Very High
High
Moderate
Unzoned LRA
Unincorporated
Orange County
Paafic. Ocear
son clemente
centennial
Figure S-6
FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES (FHSZs) MAP
GIN l r .a L r l ,a lit
Camp Pendleton &
San Diego County
Scale: 1:55,000 N
0■-■2■, 3
c:
5 =
0 =
4 ::J
, 700 W+E
Feet
s
§¨¦5
§¨¦5
Camino Capistrano
N El Camino Real
Avenida Pico
Coast Hwy
Portico del Norte
Calle del Cerro
Camino Mira Costa
S an Juan Creek Rd
Avenida Pico
S El Camino Real
Avenida la Pata
Camino de Estrella
Camino Capistrano
Camino de Los Mares
Valle Rd
Avenida Vista Hermosa
La Novia Ave
Avenida Pico
Avenida del Presidente

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SITES MAP
Figure S-7
0 1,650 3,300 6,600
Feet
Data Source: EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) September 2021
Air Facility System (AFS): stationary sources
of air pollution
Hazardous Waste Biennial Reporter (BR)
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) module of ICIS: NPDES
surface water permits
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Information System (RCRAInfo): tracks
generators, transporters, treaters, storers,
and disposers of hazardous waste
Community Water Systems (SFDW):

Information about public water systems
Toxic Release Inventory (TRI): certain
industries that use, manufacture, treat, or
transport more than 650 toxic chemicals
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Avenida Pico
S El Camino Real
Avenida la Pata
Camino de Estrella
Camino Capistrano
Camino de Los Mares
Valle Rd
Ave nida Vista Hermosa
La Novia Ave
Avenida Pico
Avenida del Presidente

CRITICAL FACILITIES MAP
Figure S-8
0 1,650 3,300 6,600
Feet

CRITICAL FACILITIES
ñ CITY HALL
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r
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FIRE STATION

MARINE SAFETY

SCHOOLS

METROLINK STATIONS

RESERVOIRS

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UNREINFORCED BUILDINGS

CITY BOUNDARY
'- --
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Scale: 1:55,000 +N O 2,350 4,700 W E
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EVACUATION MAP
Figure S-9

City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
C-1
Morning Break by John White
Coastal Element
San Clemente’s coastline provides many gifts. It is the main influence on our community’s identity, it creates a desirable climate and living environment, it provides stunning scenery and recreational opportunities, it attracts tourists and businesses, and provides marine and shore habitats that are home to diverse plant and animal species. Coastline protection and land use often involve competing interests and needs. These interests must be carefully balanced to ensure long-term coastal protection and an environmentally sustainable future.

The Coastal Zone [link to Coastal Zone page] is a distinct geographic area defined and governed by the California Coastal Act, which establishes distinct legislative requirements [link to Legislative Requirements page] for the use and development in the Coastal Zone. Land use policies in the Coastal Element help guide and are consistent with San Clemente’s Local Coastal Program (LCP) [link to LCP when available].

PRIMARY GOALS:

In developing goals for the Coastal Element, the City relied on the objectives set by the State Legislature in the Coastal Act. Even more important, however, is the realization that the coast is a precious and finite resource, and a fundamental part of our community’s identity. We, therefore, have a deep and abiding responsibility for its long term care.

Accordingly, the primary goals for our Coastal Zone are a Coastal Zone that continues to:

EXHIBIT B
City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
C-2
• Sustain healthy natural habitats, natural resources, coastal canyons and the marine and shoreline environment;
• Protect and enhance water quality;
• Sustain adequate beach sand for recreation, flood protection, environmental and visual quality;
• Be accessible to residents and visitors;
• Be a valued and cherished scenic resource;
• Reflect our cultural and historical identity;
• Preserve the coastal zone as a key part of our beach culture; • Provide recreational and visitor-serving opportunities; and • Be characterized by land uses and development that follow the City’s Local Coastal Program and are consistent with the Coastal Act.

We implement the Coastal Act to the best of our abilities; however, we also recognize its implementation is shaped by existing land uses, street and development patterns, and the availability of funds.

GOAL AND POLICY SECTIONS:

1. Coastal Access and Recreational and Visitor-Serving Opportunities

2. Protecting Sensitive Habitats, Natural Resources, and the Marine Environment

3. Scenic and Cultural Resources

4. Coastal Hazards

GENERAL PLAN FIGURES
• Figure C-1, Coastal Access
• Figure C-2, Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas

LINKS TO OTHER GENERAL PLAN INFORMATION
• Los Molinos Focus Area [link to LM Focus Area page]
• North Beach/N. El Camino Real Focus Area [link to NB/NECR Focus Area page] • Del Mar/T-Zone Focus Area [link to DM/TZ Focus Area page] • Pier Bowl Focus Area [link to PB Focus Area page]
• South El Camino Real (West of Interstate 5) Focus Area [link to SECR/W I-5 Focus Area page]
• General Plan Glossary [link to Glossary]

ADDITIONAL LINKS
• Local Coastal Program [staff to provide link]
• San Clemente Community Profile
[http://san-clemente.org/sc/Services/Planning/Centennial/SCProfile_FINAL.pdf] • San Clemente Vision and Strategic Plan
[http://san-clemente.org/sc/standard.aspx?pageid=558]
• Zoning Ordinance
City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
C-3
[http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=16606&stateId=5&stateName=California] • Pier Bowl Specific Plan [http://san-clemente.org/sc/standard.aspx?pageid=443] • West Pico Corridor Specific Plan [http://san-clemente.org/sc/standard.aspx?pageid=443] • Marblehead Coastal Specific Plan [http://san-clemente.org/sc/standard.aspx?pageid=443] • Parks and Recreation Master Plan [http://san-clemente.org/sc/Inf/Plans/Facilities/Mfdp6.pdf] • City Landscape Ordinance [staff to provide link]
• California Coastal Act [http://www.coastal.ca.gov/coastact.pdf] • California Coastal Commission [http://www.coastal.ca.gov/] • Coastal Zone (-CZ) Overlay District
• City of San Clemente Urban Runoff Water Management Plan [staff to provide link] • Regional Water Quality Management Board [http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/rwqcb8/] Legislative Requirements

COASTAL ACT
The United States Congress passed the Coastal Zone Management Act [http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/czm/czm_act.html] in 1972, which:
• Established a national policy “to preserve, protect, develop, and where possible, to restore or enhance, the resources of the Nation's Coastal Zone for this and succeeding generations.”
• Encouraged States to implement management programs for the use of coastal land and water resources, “giving full consideration to ecological, cultural, historic, and esthetic values as well as the needs for compatible economic development.” The California State Legislature enacted the Coastal Act [http://www.coastal.ca.gov/coastact.pdf] in 1976 to ensure the protection of California's coastline by regulating human land uses and development within the Coastal Zone. It also established the California Coastal Commission [http://www.coastal.ca.gov/] as the management and regulatory agency to protect and enhance Coastal Zone resources.

The basic goals of the Coastal Act are to:
• Protect, maintain and, where feasible, restore and enhance the Coastal Zone’s natural and manmade resources;
• Ensure orderly, balanced conservation and utilization of Coastal Zone resources, taking into account the social and economic needs of the people of the state; • Maximize public access to and along the coast and public recreational opportunities in the Coastal Zone, consistent with best resource conservation principles and practices, and with constitutionally protected rights of private property owners;
• Ensure that coastal-dependent and coastal-related development have land use priority over other types of coastal development; and
City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
C-4
• Coordinate with state and local agencies and to encourage beneficial public uses, including educational uses, in the Coastal Zone.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COASTAL ACT
The Coastal Act requires each coastal community in California to develop and adopt a Local Coastal Plan (LCP) [staff to provide link when completed]. The LCP serves as the long-term management plan for areas within the Coastal Zone.

The Coastal Act defines an LCP as “a local government’s land use plans, zoning ordinances, zoning district maps, and, within sensitive coastal resources areas, other implementing actions, which, when taken together, meet the requirements of, and implement the provisions and policies of [the Coastal Act] at the local level.” An LCP consists of: 1) a Land Use Plan and 2) an Implementation Plan.
• The Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan [staff to provide link; this is not the same as the General Plan Land Use Plan page in the Land Use Element] indicates the kinds, location, and intensity of land uses, the applicable resource protection and development policies, and, where necessary, a listing of implementing actions. • The Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan [staff to provide link; this is not the same as the General Plan Strategic Implementation Plan] consists of the zoning ordinances, zoning district maps, and other legal instruments necessary to implement the land use plan.

The Coastal Element and other parts of the General Plan comprise the required Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan of the Local Coastal Program (LCP), and, in combination with the updated Zoning Ordinance [http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=16606], will help meet requirements to prepare the City’s LCP. The Coastal Element must be certified by the Coastal Commission, which will ensure the Element reflects San Clemente’s coastal issues and concerns and meets statewide goals and policies. A description of how this Coastal Element conforms to statewide goals, as embodied in the Coastal Act, is contained within the Coastal Element Readers Guide (link to separate page). When the City updates its Zoning Ordinance to conform to the Centennial General Plan, the State Coastal Commission will review the updated Ordinance for compliance with the Coastal Act.

After certification of the LCP, coastal development permit authority in most areas of the Coastal Zone will transfer to the City. The Coastal Commission will retain original permit jurisdiction over areas such as submerged lands, tidelands, and public trust lands and appellate authority over local development approvals in specified geographic areas [link to Map of Coastal Commission Areas of Jurisdiction] and major public works projects in the coastal zone. In authorizing coastal development permits, the City must make the finding that the development conforms to the certified LCP. By achieving LCP State certification, the City gains greater autonomy and efficiency in managing land use and environmental protection within its jurisdiction.

City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
C-5

LINKS TO OTHER GENERAL PLAN INFORMATION
• General Plan Glossary

ADDITIONAL LINKS
• Zoning Ordinance [http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=16606] • California Coastal Act [http://www.coastal.ca.gov/coastact.pdf] • California Coastal Commission [http://www.coastal.ca.gov/] • Coastal Zone (-CZ) Overlay District (location TBD)
• Map of Coastal Commission Areas of Jurisdiction
Coastal Zone
Our shoreline stretches over four and one-half linear miles; however the Coastal Zone includes more than simply the beach. It also includes a wide variety of residential, commercial, industrial, public and visitor-serving uses in an area west of Interstate 5, comprising approximately three square miles. The official boundaries of our Coastal Zone are shown on Figure LU-1A [link to land use map with Coastal Zone boundary].

A description of the physical features and development patterns of our Coastal Zone is provided in the Community Profile.
[http://san-clemente.org/sc/Services/Planning/Centennial/SCProfile_FINAL.pdf]

LINKS TO OTHER GENERAL PLAN INFORMATION
• Land Use Map [link to Figure LU-1]
• Land Use Designations [link to Land Use Summary page]

ADDITIONAL LINKS
• Local Coastal Plan [staff to provide link when available] • San Clemente Community Profile [http://sanclemente.org/sc/Services/Planning/Centennial/SCProfile_FINAL.pdf] • Zoning Ordinance [http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=16606] Coastal Access and Recreational and Visitor-Serving
Opportunities
Maximum public coastal access is a fundamental goal of the Coastal Act [http://www.coastal.ca.gov/coastact.pdf] and a key part of San Clemente’s charm. But the Coastal Act goes beyond just ensuring physical access. It also emphasizes the importance City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
C-6
of recreation and visitor-serving land uses that meet a wide range of incomes and interests.

As identified on the Coastal Access Map [link to Figure C-1] and descriptions, San Clemente offers many opportunities to use and enjoy the coast. These include many public beaches, the historic Municipal Pier, the Ole Hanson Beach Club, ocean front parks, the California Coastal Trail, which includes the City’s Beach Trail. The Beach Trail parallels Amtrak and Metrolink train facilities in San Clemente and connects to public access trails that link the community with the Pacific Ocean. San Clemente also provides visitor-serving commercial uses in the Coastal Zone, particularly within Los Molinos, North Beach, El Camino Real, Del Mar/T-Zone, and Pier Bowl areas. Visitor-serving facilities include hotels, motels, bed and breakfast inns, a youth hostel, time share units, campgrounds, restaurants, public parking lots, specialty retail, and other commercial recreational development.

GOAL:

Create and maintain outstanding public access and recreational and visitor-serving opportunities in the Coastal Zone, consistent with effective resource conservation practices and the protection of private property rights.

POLICIES:

C-1.01. Coastal Access. We establish, maintain, and, where feasible, expand public coastal access to the shoreline, beaches, tidelands, and recreational facilities in a manner that is inclusive and accessible for all residents:
a. Maximizes public access [link to Glossary] to and along the shoreline; b. Is safe and feasible;
c. Includes, where appropriate, pedestrian, hiking, bicycle, and equestrian trails;
d. Provides connections to beaches, parks, and recreational facilities and trail networks with adjacent jurisdictions;
e. Includes, where appropriate, well designed and maintained support facilities such as parking, restrooms, fire pits, trash facilities, resting/view places, snack bars, picnic tables, and bike racks.
f. Maximizes public coastal views;
g. Facilitates alternative modes of transportation, such as walking, bicycling, and public transit, including local shuttles;
h. Is consistent with policies regarding hazards, bluff, resource, cultural resource and wildlife habitat preservation;
i. Minimizes alterations to natural landforms;
j. Protects environmentally sensitive habitat areas (ESHAs); k. Meets facility needs to provide public safety services, including lifeguards, fire, and police service;
City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
C-7
l. Is managed to be permanently available;
m. Balances the rights of individual property owners with the public's rights of access;
n. Considers equitable access to opportunities and resources across different community populations and circumstances;
o. Is compatible with adjacent development; and
p. Is developed in cooperation with the State Department of Parks and Recreation, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, the State Coastal Conservancy, State Lands, the County of Orange, and private organizations.

C-1.02. Public Access in New Development. Public access from the nearest public roadway to the shoreline and along the coast shall be provided in new development projects except where:
a. It is inconsistent with public safety, military security needs or the protection of fragile coastal resources;
b. Adequate access exists nearby; or
c. Agriculture would be adversely affected.

C-1.03. Where Public Access is Required. New developments lying between the first public roadway and the shoreline shall provide both physical and visual access to the coastline. Access dedication requirements shall apply only to the extent permissible under the "takings" clauses of the United States and California Constitutions.

C-1.04. Preserving Public Access. We review proposals for coastal land use and development to ensure they do not interfere with the public's right of access by ensuring that:
a. Public Transit needs are accommodated, as required by OCTA; b. Commercial and visitor-serving commercial uses are located near housing to encourage walking and bicycling;
c. Non-automobile mobility options are provided within new development; d. Adequate parking facilities, or a substitute means of serving the development with public transportation, is provided;
e. Proposals are consistent with public safety and security needs; f. Proposals protect fragile coastal resources and effectively mitigate potential impacts;
g. Public coastal access is provided unless there is a convenient and easily accessible alternative nearby;
h. Gates, guardhouses, barriers, or other structures that would inhibit public access to and along the shoreline and to beaches, coastal parks, trails, or coastal bluffs are generally not permitted, with the exception of devices City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
C-8
associated with safe access along and across the railroad.

C-1.05. Non-vehicular Access. We promote non-vehicular access in the Coastal Zone to minimize parking conflicts and to enhance our ability to serve regional visitors.

C-1.06. Public Infrastructure. We protect, maintain and enhance public infrastructure that provides public access to the shoreline, beaches, coastal parks, and trails, including the City’s Beach Trail.

C-1.07. California Coastal Trail. We support establishment of the California Coastal Trail by others and where financially feasible, assist in its implementation.

Recreation
C-1.08. Recreational Opportunities. We protect, and where feasible, expand and enhance recreational opportunities in the Coastal Zone as addressed in the Land Use Element [link to Homepage] and Beaches, Parks and Recreation Element [link to BPRE Homepage].

C-1.09. Lower-cost Recreational Opportunities. We establish and maintain public beaches and parks to provide free and lower-cost recreational opportunities.

C-1.10. Visual Compatibility. We maintain, improve and develop our recreational resources in ways that are visually compatible with the character of surrounding areas.

Visitor-Serving
C-1.11. Visitor-serving Facilities. We protect, promote, and provide sustainablydesigned recreational and visitor-serving facilities in San Clemente's Coastal Zone as described in the General Plan Land Use Designations [link to Land Use Summary page].

C-1.12. Pacific Coast Bicycle Route. We support the continued improvement of the Pacific Coast Bicycle Route [http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/pacificcoast.cfm] and where financially feasible, assist in its implementation.

C-1.13. Recreational Fishing. The City supports recreational coastal fishing.

C-1.14. Overnight Accommodations. We protect, encourage and, where feasible, provide low cost overnight accommodations in the Coastal Zone, including the possibility of a youth or elder hostel.

LINKS TO OTHER GENERAL PLAN INFORMATION
• Figure C-1, Coastal Access Map
• General Plan Land Use Designations Summary Table [link to Land Use Summary page] • Beaches, Parks and Recreation Element [link to BPRE Homepage] • Historic Preservation Element [link to HPE Homepage]
City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
C-9

ADDITIONAL LINKS
• Coastal Access Descriptions [link to separate file]
• Zoning Ordinance
http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=16606&stateId=5&stateName=California • California Coastal Act [http://www.coastal.ca.gov/coastact.pdf] • Beaches, Parks and Recreation Master Plan [staff to provide link] • Local Coastal Program [staff to provide link when available] Protecting Sensitive Habitats, Historical and Natural
Resources, and the Marine Environment
San Clemente is committed to restoring, preserving and enhancing marine resources and Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHAs) [link to Glossary], including wetlands, reefs, estuaries, riparian areas, sand dunes and other natural habitats in the Coastal Zone.

ESHAs in San Clemente's Coastal Zone are depicted in Figure C-2 [link to figure] and include habitats of rare or endangered species, and several coastal canyons which contain California native plant communities. Development of land in and adjacent to the canyons is subject to the canyon preservation policies addressed in the Zoning Ordinance Coastal Zone (-CZ) Overlay District
[http://library.municode.com/HTML/16606/level2/TIT17ZO_CH17.56OVDIST.html#TIT17ZO_CH17.56OVD IST_17.56.050COZOOVDI].

Critical components of our marine environment are the protection and enhancement of water quality. Non-point source (NPS) polluted runoff is a leading cause of ocean, estuary and freshwater stream pollution. Consequently, the federal government mandates that states address the issue. In California, the Coastal Commission and the State Water Quality Control Board have developed a joint, non-point source pollution control program [http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/nps/protecting.shtml] that provides a unified, statewide approach to dealing with NPS pollution. We aggressively address water quality through measures contained in the Municipal Code, Chapter 13.40, Stormwater Runoff Control
[http://library.municode.com/HTML/16606/level2/TIT13PUSE_CH13.40STRUCO.html#TOPTITLE], and through our Clean Ocean Fee Program (Chapter 13.34)
[http://library.municode.com/HTML/16606/level2/TIT13PUSE_CH13.34CLOCFEPR.html#TOPTITLE] to fund and implement planning, design, and implementation of applicable local, State, and Federal storm water regulations.

In addition, the impacts of non-native, invasive species on native plant and animal marine resources are a growing concern statewide. This issue is addressed below and in the Zoning Ordinance, Coastal Zone (-CZ) Overlay District
[http://library.municode.com/HTML/16606/level2/TIT17ZO_CH17.56OVDIST.html#TIT17ZO_CH17.56OVD IST_17.56.050COZOOVDI].

City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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GOAL:

Ensure San Clemente’s Coastal Zone environment is protected, maintained and, where feasible, enhanced, including its significant plant and wildlife species and natural, historical and human-made resources.

Policies
C-2.01. Beach and Marine Environment. We provide a litter-free and enjoyable beach and marine environment.

C-2.02. Development Proposals. We protect the natural resources found in the Coastal Zone by evaluating development proposals, as required under the California Environmental Quality Act and as described in the Zoning Ordinance.

C-2.03. Stormwater and Urban Runoff Management. We protect our coastal and marine resources by implementing the Clean Ocean Program to address stormwater and urban runoff pollution and comply with applicable Federal, State and regional requirements.

C-2.04. Cultural Resources. We protect cultural resources, including historical, archaeological or paleontological features in the Coastal Zone, as further described in the Natural Resources Element, Archaeological and Paleontological Resources section [link to section] and the Historic Preservation Element [link to HPE Homepage].

C-2.05. Natural Resources. We protect natural resources by restricting the encroachment of development, incompatible land uses and sensitive habitat disturbance into designated coastal canyon and coastal bluff areas, consistent with the Local Coastal Program.

C-2.06. Native Landscaping. We ensure that new landscaping for new development in coastal bluffs, coastal canyons or sensitive habitat areas or ESHAs within the Coastal Zone uses primarily plants that are native to the local region, as described in Zoning Ordinance, Coastal Zone (-CZ) Overlay District [http://library.municode.com/HTML/16606/level2/TIT17ZO_CH17.56OVDIST.html#TIT17ZO_CH1

7.56OVDIST_17.56.050COZOOVDI], and prohibit the planting of invasive plant species.

C-2.07. Landscape Restoration. We encourage restoration of native landscaping in coastal canyon and bluff areas to reduce erosion and maintain natural open space areas.

C-2.08. Wetlands. We recognize and protect wetlands for their scenic, recreational, water quality, and habitat values.

C-2.09. Coordination with State and Federal Agencies. We work with the state and federal resource protection agencies, businesses, private organizations and individuals to protect our natural and marine resources.

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C-2.10. ESHAs. We protect Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHAs) by restricting development in ESHAs consistent with the Local Coastal Program and the California Coastal Act [http://www.coastal.ca.gov/coastact.pdf].

C-2.11. Uses within the Marine Environment. We require that uses of and in the marine environment be conducted to 1) maintain the long-term biological productivity of coastal waters, 2) help ensure the continuation of a healthy, selfrenewing marine ecosystem, and 3) help ensure the long-term survival of healthy populations of marine plants and animals.

C-2.12. Non-Native Species. We seek to prevent the introduction, reproduction or spread of harmful non-native plant and animal species through public education, maintenance of marine facilities and by assisting local, state and federal agencies enforce laws protecting marine resources. The City will consider restoration of open space areas and removal of invasive plants.

LINKS TO OTHER GENERAL PLAN INFORMATION
• Land Use Map [link to Figure LU-1]
• Land Use Designations [link to Land Use Summary page] • Public Services, Facilities and Utilities Element, Water and Wastewater Section [link to this section]
• Public Services, Facilities and Utilities Element, Storm Water and Urban Runoff Section [link to this section]

ADDITIONAL LINKS
• San Clemente Community Profile [http://sanclemente.org/sc/Services/Planning/Centennial/SCProfile_FINAL.pdf] • Zoning Ordinance
[http://library.municode.com/HTML/16606/level1/TIT17ZO.html#TOPTITLE] • Coastal Act [http://www.coastal.ca.gov/coastact.pdf]
• Provide link to Urban Runoff Management Plan [http://ci.sanclemente.ca.us/sc/Org/Dept/Engineering/WaterQ/wq.htm] • Regional Water Quality Management Board
[http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/rwqcb9/board_info/agendas/2010/dec/Dec10.shtml] Scenic and Cultural Resources
San Clemente residents and visitors enjoy spectacular scenic resources and unique cultural resources, as described in the Community Profile [http://sanclemente.org/sc/Services/Planning/Centennial/SCProfile_FINAL.pdf]. The Coastal Act [http://www.coastal.ca.gov/coastact.pdf] policies require the protection of scenic coastal areas City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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and the preservation of cultural resources. Scenic resources include coastal bluffs, coastal canyons, natural landforms and designated scenic view corridors from publicly-owned properties and along or through public rights-of-way, as defined in the Coastal Act and/or designated by the City.

Historic and cultural resources include sites, districts, structures and distinctive landscapes that convey the City’s unique cultural, historical, or architectural heritage.

Distinctive cultural resources in the Coastal Zone are located in, but are not limited to, the Del Mar/T-Zone, North Beach, Los Molinos and Pier Bowl areas, as further discussed in the Land Use Element [link to LUE Homepage].

GOAL:

Continue to be a community that places high priority on the preservation and enjoyment of our scenic and cultural resources.

POLICIES:

C-3.01. Visual Character and Aesthetic Resources Preservation. We preserve the visual character and aesthetic resources of the City, including coastal bluffs, visually significant ridgelines, and coastal canyons, open spaces, prominent, mature trees on public lands, and designated significant public views [link to Glossary] as discussed in the Natural Resources Element, Aesthetic Resources Section [link to section].

C-3.02. Scenic View Corridors and Public Views. We identify and designate the location and orientation of significant designated scenic view corridors and significant public views. (See Glossary for definitions of “significant view corridors” and “significant public views.”
C-3.03. Architectural, Historical, Archaeological and Cultural Resource Preservation and Restoration. We provide for the preservation and restoration of the sites, structures, districts and cultural landscapes which have architectural, historical, archaeological, and/or cultural significance as described in the Historic Preservation Element [link to Historic Preservation Element Homepage] and the Natural Resources Element, Archaeological and Paleontological Resources Section [link to section].

C-3.04. Development Review. We review and require changes to development proposals, as needed, to minimize obstructions of designated significant public views and designated scenic view corridors, and to ensure public and private development projects in the Coastal Zone are of high-quality materials and designed to be attractive and aesthetically compatible with adjacent structures, site improvements, utilities and landscape features, as further described in the Urban Design Element [link to Urban Design Element Homepage].

LINKS TO OTHER GENERAL PLAN INFORMATION
City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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• Figure NR-1, Aesthetic Resources

Another hazard is the loss of beach sand and other sedimentary deposits which are critical to the protection of coastal lands and bluffs and for public safety, recreation and wildlife habitat. A major provision of the Coastal Act [http://www.coastal.ca.gov/coastact.pdf] is to manage coastal hazards, reduce risks to life and property, avoid substantial changes to natural landforms and minimize the need for protective structures.

GOAL:

Continue to be a community that minimizes its exposure to coastal hazards and plans for emergency response and recovery from hazardous events.

POLICIES:

C-4.01. Avoidance. We first seek hazard avoidance as the primary method of minimizing exposure to coastal hazards.

C-4.02. Hazards Review. We review applications for new development, land divisions and plan amendments to determine the presence of hazards and, if they are present, ensure the hazards are avoided and/or mitigated, as discussed in the Safety Element [link to Safety Element Homepage].

C-4.03. Sand Protection, Enhancement and Restoration. Wide beaches provide critical protection against storm surges and tsunami run-up, and we participate in state and regional initiatives that address the protection, enhancement, and restoration of sand and other sedimentary deposits on our coastal beaches.

C-4.04. Sea Level Rise Monitoring. We monitor the issue of potential future sea level rise, both in the short term via permitting actions and in the long-term to address future development impacts along the shoreline.

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C-4.05. Sea Level Rise Protection. We require shoreline development and necessary bluff retention devices to be sited and designed to take into account predicted future changes in sea level. New structures shall be set back a sufficient distance landward or be designed to eliminate or minimize, to the maximum extent feasible, hazards associated with anticipated sea level rise, as established by Federal or State authorities, over the expected economic life of the structure.

C-4.06. Ongoing Study. We support efforts by other agencies to study the potential impacts of continued and accelerated sea level rise and flooding of waterways on existing or proposed structures within all development zones, including impacts to development zones, traffic flow, public access, natural areas and water quality.

LINKS TO OTHER GENERAL PLAN INFORMATION
• General Plan Safety Element [link to Safety Element Homepage]

OTHER LINKS
• Management of Beach Facilities Policy [staff to provide link] • San Clemente Community Profile
[http://san-clemente.org/sc/Services/Planning/Centennial/SCProfile_FINAL.pdf] • Coastal Act [http://www.coastal.ca.gov/coastact.pdf]
• Zoning Ordinance
[http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=16606&stateId=5&stateName=California] • Info on Climate Change/Sea Level Rise
[http://www.coastal.ca.gov/climate/SeaLevelRise2001.pdf] Implementation Measures
General Plan Implementation Measures are contained in the Strategic Implementation Program (SIP). The SIP contains Implementation Measures for one-time projects that end with a specific goal, and ongoing projects that requires routine activity with no specified end date. The SIP is updated by the City Council with the City budget and Long-Term Financial Plan (LTFP) to ensure the effective implementation of the Centennial General Plan. This coordination ensures that the General Plan remains a dynamic, up to date, responsive guide to public decision making and expenditures.

Click here to access Implementation Measures for this element in the latest Strategic Implementation Program.

City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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Dusk by Lisa Mozzini-McDill
Natural Resources
Natural resources shape our community. San Clemente’s scenic shoreline [link to Glossary], hillsides and canyons inspire residents and visitors alike and help define our community’s identity as the Spanish Village by the Sea. Properly managed, our natural resources provide stunning views, relief from the built environment, valuable watershed and wildlife habitat, enhanced property values and recreational opportunities: benefits that contribute to San Clemente’s health and prosperity and make it a desirable place in which to live, work and play.

California state law requires that general plans include two different but complementary chapters addressing natural resources: the Conservation Element and the Open Space Element. In this General Plan, these chapters are combined into the Natural Resources Element. Other chapters that also address natural resources include the Beaches, Parks and Recreation, Coastal, and Public Services, Facilities and Utilities Elements.

This Element establishes goals and policies aimed at preserving and enhancing the City’s biological, aesthetic, archaeological, mineral, air quality, and energy resources. Related goals and policies regarding our urban forest, water resources, solid waste management, and historic resources are included in the Urban Design; Public Services, Facilities and Utilities; and Historic Preservation Elements.

EXHIBIT C
City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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PRIMARY GOAL:

Restore and protect natural resources so that they continue to enhance our community identity and provide environmental, aesthetic, economic, and health benefits.

GOAL AND POLICY SECTIONS:

1. Biological Resources

2. Aesthetic Resources

3. Archeological and Paleontological Resources

4. Mineral Resources

5. Air Quality

6. Energy Conservation

7. Dark Skies

8. Climate Action Plan

ADDITIONAL LINKS
• San Clemente Community Profile
[http://san-clemente.org/sc/Services/Planning/Centennial/SCProfile_FINAL.pdf] • San Clemente Vision and Strategic Plan
[http://san-clemente.org/sc/standard.aspx?pageid=558]
Biological Resources
San Clemente encompasses significant natural open space areas, including coastal canyons, riparian corridors, and coastal sage scrub-covered hillsides that are home to a variety of native plant and animal species. With much of the City built out, protecting our remaining biological resources for future generations is both a value and a necessity.

San Clemente falls within the area covered by the Orange County Southern Subregion Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), a multiple species/multiple habitat conservation plan designed to protect 32 species and ten habitat types, including seven Federally listed species. The HCP covers a planning area of 138,000 acres and creates a permanent habitat reserve of about 33,000 acres and perpetual land management program, while allowing certain development (including infrastructure). The HCP’s planning area is comprised of coastal sage scrub, riparian, chaparral, and grassland habitat and includes threatened and endangered species including Riverside and San Diego Fairy Shrimp, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Coastal California Gnatcatcher, Arroyo Toad, and Least Bell’s Vireo.

Within the City, the Marblehead Coastal Plan identifies approximately 104.1 acres of private open space to be reserved as a wetland restoration/preservation area. This would include the 2.1-acre Blochman’s Dudleya (Dudleya Blochmanae) Native Plant Preserve at the southern corner of the project site.

One of the region’s significant coastal foothills habitat reserve areas, the Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy [http://www.volunteermatch.org/search/org242210.jsp], is located in the City’s Sphere of Influence and in The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo. The City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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Conservancy monitors numerous sensitive habitats and endangered species, manages the land, restores degraded habitats, and provides environmental educational opportunities and habitat-sensitive recreational opportunities.

The overarching aim of this section is to maintain local and regional biological diversity and to protect and enhance sensitive habitats, species and communities. Policies focusing on conservation of coastal bluffs and canyons are included in the Coastal Element.

GOAL:

Protect and restore significant plant and wildlife species and habitats [link to Glossary].

POLICIES:

NR-1.01. Information. We acquire and maintain the most current information available regarding the status and location of sensitive biological elements (species and natural communities) and use this information to guide decisions that could affect biological resources.

NR-1.02. Natural Areas. In natural areas that are undeveloped or essentially so, we require applicants for proposed projects to:
a. avoid significant impacts, including retention of sufficient natural space where appropriate;
b. retain watercourses, riparian habitat, and wetlands in their natural condition;
c. maintain habitat linkages (wildlife corridors) between adjacent open spaces, water sources and other habitat areas and incorporated these into transportation projects and other development projects to maintain habitat connectivity;
d. incorporate visually open fences, or vegetative cover to preserve views, ensure continued access and to buffer habitat areas, open space linkages or wildlife corridors from development, as appropriate; e. locate and design roads such that conflicts with biological resources, habitat areas, linkages or corridors are minimized; and f. utilize open space or conservation easements when necessary to protect sensitive species or their habitats.

NR-1.03. Sensitive Habitats. We prohibit development and grading which alters the biological integrity of sensitive habitats, including Riparian Corridors [link to map of sensitive habitats and riparian corridors] unless no feasible project alternative exists which reduces environmental impacts to less than significant levels, or it is replaced with habitat of equivalent value, as acceptable to the City Council. a. Where no environmentally feasible alternative exists, development within Riparian Corridors shall avoid removal of native vegetation; prevent erosion, sedimentation and runoff; provide for sufficient passage of native and anadromous fish; prevent wastewater discharges and entrapment; City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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prevent groundwater depletion or substantial interference with surface and subsurface flows; and protect and re-establish natural vegetation buffers.

NR-1.04. Threatened and Endangered Species. We preserve the habitat of threatened and endangered species in place as the preferred habitat conservation strategy.

NR-1.05. Coastal Canyons. We encourage activities which improve the natural biological value, integrity and corridor function of the coastal canyons through vegetation restoration, control of non-native species, and landscape buffering of urban uses and development.

NR-1.06. Habitat Conservation Plan. We support and will follow the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Orange County Southern Subregion Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and Habitat Management Program.

NR-1.07. Open Space Access. The City maintains and promotes equitable access to open spaces. Natural resources should be inclusive and accessible for all residents.

NR-1.08. Climate Resilience and Co-Benefits. We Incorporate strategies that enhance climate resilience through natural resources planning. This involves identifying how San Clemente’s open spaces can contribute to climate adaptation and mitigation, and correlating these strategies with the Safety Element to ensure a cohesive approach to climate-related hazards.
a. We prioritize vegetation management programs and utilize grant funding for invasive species removals and native landscape restoration on City owned property to improve climate resilience and enhance natural ecosystems. b. We connect private landowners with California Sustainability Group, to access grant funding for vegetation management, invasive species removals and native landscape restoration on HOA owned or privately owned property, to improve climate resilience and enhance natural ecosystems.

LINKS TO OTHER GENERAL PLAN CONTENT:
• Coastal Element [link to Coastal Element Homepage]
ADDITIONAL LINKS:
• Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy and the Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo [http://www.volunteermatch.org/search/org242210.jsp]
• California Environmental Quality Act [http://ceres.ca.gov/ceqa/] • Orange County Southern Subregion Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) [http://www.fws.gov/carlsbad/HCPs/FAQ%20Orange%20County%20Southern%20Subregion%20H CPsjw%20web.pdf]
City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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Aesthetic Resources
Framed by the Pacific Ocean to the west, hillsides and ridgelines to the north and east, coastal bluffs and beaches, and with a number of winding canyons traversing the City, San Clemente offers diverse visual resources that enhance our appreciation of the natural landscape and provide relief from the built environment. Aesthetic resources include public views of natural landforms, the City’s Spanish Village by the Sea urban form and colors, natural vegetation colors and textures, and the shoreline and the Pacific Ocean.

These resources help shape the City’s identity.

Our community is dedicated to protecting and enhancing these important resources. This section of the General Plan, in combination with the Urban Design, Land Use, and Mobility and Complete Streets Elements, provides goals and policies aimed at protecting these resources and minimizing or preventing development that detracts from their enjoyment by residents and visitors.

Goals and policies related to the protection of aesthetic resources in specific locations are provided in the Focus Areas [link to Focus Areas page] section of the Land Use Element.

Policies regarding the protection of San Clemente’s beaches and Coastal Canyons are included in the Coastal Element [link to Coastal Element Homepage]. Additional policies aimed at preserving and enhancing the character of the City, including the protection of historic resources, are included in the Historic Preservation [link to Historic Preservation Element Homepage] and Urban Design [link to Urban Design Element Homepage] Elements.

GOAL:

Preserve natural aesthetic resources of the City, including coastal bluffs, beaches, visually significant ridgelines, coastal canyons and significant public view corridors.

POLICIES:

NR-2.01. Hillside Development and Ridgeline Protection. We require that development in hillside areas comply with the Hillside Development Ordinance.

NR-2.02. Coastal Canyon Areas Protection. We preserve designated, undeveloped "natural" coastal canyon areas that were originally intended to be open space buffers, pursuant to the Coastal Element [link to Coastal Element Homepage].

NR-2.03. Coastal Canyon Areas Restoration. We promote the restoration of coastal canyons as a visual resource in a manner that is consistent with the goals of the California Coastal Commission and the City's Coastal Element [link to Coastal Element Homepage].

NR-2.04. Public View Corridors of Ocean. We preserve designated public view corridors to the ocean.

NR-2.05. Street Design. We respect and enhance public view corridors in the design and layout of new streets.

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NR-2.06. Parks and Trails. We locate and design parks and trails to take advantage of ocean, canyon and hillside views.

NR-2.07. Underground Utilities. The City will develop and implement a utilities undergrounding plan to avoid the adverse impacts to aesthetic resources caused by public utilities and unmanned telecommunications facilities, where feasible and where costs of such undergrounding does not pose economic hardship. Where undergrounding is determined by the City to not be physically possible, such features shall be located and designed to reduce their visibility and in developed areas, consistent with prevailing architectural character and scale. In beaches, parks and open spaces areas, such facilities shall be designed and located to blend in with natural colors, textures and landforms.

NR-2.08. Trees as Screening Tool. Where screening of public utilities and/or telecommunication facilities is determined by the City to be desirable, the strategic location, selection, planting and maintenance of trees or other plant materials will be considered as a tool for screening or redirecting views NR-2.09. Public View Corridors. The City will preserve and improve the view corridors, as designated in Figures NR-1 and NR-2 and encourage other agencies with jurisdiction to do so. Specifically, in its capital improvement programs and discretionary approvals, the City will seek to ensure that:
a. Development projects shall require a view analysis to ensure they do not negatively impact a public view corridor.
b. Utilities, traffic signals, and public and private signs and lights shall not obstruct or clutter views, consistent with safety needs. c. Where important vistas of distant landscape features occur along streets, street trees shall be selected and planted so as to facilitate viewing of the distant features.

GENERAL PLAN FIGURES
• Figure NR-1, Aesthetic Resources Map (Citywide)
• Figure NR-2, Aesthetic Resources Map (North Beach and Pier Bowl) LINKS TO OTHER GENERAL PLAN CONTENT:
• Land Use Element, Focus Areas [link to Focus Areas page] • Circulation Element (Scenic Corridors) [link to Roadway System page, which is where Scenic Corridors policies are included]
• Coastal Element [link to Coastal Element Homepage]
ADDITIONAL LINKS:
• San Clemente Coastal Bluffs and Canyons Management Guidelines [http://sanclemente.org/sc/inf/Current/CoastalCanyons/Guidelines.pdf] City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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• San Clemente’s Coastal Canyons and Bluffs Information [http://sanclemente.org/sc/Inf/Forms/Planning/Download/430700%20San%20Clemente's%20Coastal%20Can yons%20and%20Bluffs%20brochure.pdf]
• Ordinance No. 1307. A City ordinance that establishes setback standards for ancillary improvements to coastal canyon and bluff properties. [http://sanclemente.org/sc/inf/Current/CoastalCanyons/Ord1307.pdf] Archeological and Paleontological Resources
The City of San Clemente protects its archeological and paleontological resources. These resources are sometimes exposed during development-related activities such as grading and construction. Federal and state regulations guide their assessment, handling and preservation. State law also requires consultation with local Native American tribes during local planning processes to ensure that archeological and cultural resources are protected, preserved and archived.

GOAL:

Protect archaeological and paleontological resources in a manner which preserves history or cultural traditions, provides scientific or cultural knowledge or provides educational value.

POLICIES:

NR-3.01. Project Impacts. We require assessment and mitigation of potential impacts to archaeological and paleontological resources as part of applications for general plan amendments, zoning changes, or any projects requiring environmental review per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

NR-3.02. Notification. We require the notification of cultural organizations, including California Native American organizations, of proposed projects that have the potential to adversely impact archaeological or cultural resources.

NR-3.03. Inventory of Archeological and Paleontological Resources. We maintain up-to-date information regarding archaeological and paleontological resources and contact information for responsible organizations and qualified individuals who can analyze, record, and preserve findings.

ADDITIONAL LINKS:
• CEQA Documentation of Archaeological and Paleontological Resources [TBD] • Senate Bill 18 (Consultation with California Native American Tribes) [http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/03-04/bill/sen/sb_0001-
0050/sb_18_bill_20040930_chaptered.html]
Mineral Resources
California’s Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 focused on the continuing need for mineral resources and required that significant impacts of surface mining be City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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mitigated. The California Geological Survey Minerals Resources Project helps chart information on nonfuel mineral production.

Given the extensive exploration for mineral resources that has occurred in Southern California, it is doubtful that significant (economically viable), undiscovered mineral resources exist within the City.

Policies in this section seek to ensure consistency with State regulations, compatibility with adjacent uses, and protection of environmental resources.

GOAL:

Properly manage mineral resources and protect land uses and environmental resources near mining or mineral extraction operations.

City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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POLICIES:

NR-4.01. Mineral Resource Extraction. We do not permit extraction of significant mineral resources, except for sand and gravel mining for use in beach sand replenishment, including such extraction as an interim use prior to development.

NR-4.02. Offshore Oil Drilling and Support Facilities. We oppose offshore oil drilling and Liquified Natural Gas facilities, and prohibit on-shore support facilities for such extraction uses.

NR-4.03. Compatibility. We ensure that mining activities are compatible with adjacent uses by reviewing and applying appropriate conditions of approval.

NR-4.04. Discretionary Approval. We require that specific development proposals for mineral extraction and all reclamation plans be subject to the discretionary approval of the Planning Commission and City Council.

NR-4.05. Project Impacts. We require assessments and mitigation of potential impacts to mineral resources as part of applications for general plan amendments, zoning changes, or any projects requiring environmental review per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), consistent with the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA).

NR-4.06. Sensitive Design. We require resource extraction operations be designed to maintain the integrity of areas of "high environmental quality" and scenic areas designated by the City.

ADDITIONAL LINKS:
• Surface Mining and Reclamation Act
[http://www.conservation.ca.gov/omr/smara/Pages/index.aspx] Air Quality
The City of San Clemente lies in the South Coast Air Basin (SoCAB), which includes all of Orange County as well as the non-desert portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. The Basin is located in a coastal plain with connecting broad valleys and low hills, and is bounded by the Pacific Ocean in the southwest quadrant, with high mountains forming the remainder of its perimeter. Due to its coastal location and prevailing wind patterns, San Clemente enjoys good to excellent air quality. Local air pollutants [link to Glossary] are blown by prevailing winds from much of the basin toward inland areas.

Air pollution generated by mobile and stationary sources in the City of San Clemente is subject to the rules and regulations imposed by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Emissions criteria are governed by the California Ambient Air Quality Standards (AAQS) as well as the National AAQS. These standards are designed to protect “sensitive receptors”, or those most susceptible to respiratory distress, such as City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
NR-10
persons with asthma, the elderly, very young children, people already weakened by other disease or illness, and persons engaged in strenuous work or exercise.

In addition to air pollutants, state law requires cities to address future impacts on climate change. The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 was the first legislation recognizing the link between global warming and air pollution. This legislation requires cities to reduce cumulative Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions due to public and private development projects.

Other goals and policies addressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions are included in the Land Use [link to Land Use Element Homepage], Urban Design [link to Urban Design Element Homepage] and Mobility and Complete Streets [link to Mobility and Complete Streets Element Homepage] Elements. These policies address mixed uses, urban forestry, and alternative modes of transportation, among others. Furthermore, the City implements many of these goals and policies through implementation of its Climate Action Plan [staff to provide link] and Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan [staff to provide link].

GOAL:

Reduce levels of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions so that the City meets or exceeds regional, State, and Federal mandates.

POLICIES:

NR-5.01. New Development. We require new development to utilize appropriate SCAQMD [http://www.aqmd.gov] air quality mitigation measures.

NR-5.02. Sensitive Land Uses. We prohibit the future siting of sensitive land uses [link to Glossary], within distances defined by the California Air Resources Board for specific source categories, unless such uses include sufficient mitigation.

NR-5.03. Greenhouse Gases (GHG) Emissions Reductions. We will reduce GHG emissions in accordance with regional, State and Federal regulations*, consistent with the adopted Climate Action Plan.

NR-5.04. Indoor Air Quality. We comply with State Green Building Codes relative to indoor air quality.

NR-5.05. Transportation. We provide non-motorized, multi-modal mobility options (e.g. pedestrian and bicycle facilities) and work with other agencies and organizations to provide transit opportunities to reduce air pollutant emissions.* NR-5.06. Particulate Matter. We support efforts to reduce particulate matter to meet State and Federal Clean Air Standards.

NR-5.07. Street Trees. We maintain a healthy stock of park, public area and street trees and encourage the planting of trees with significant canopies that provide numerous benefits, including reduced urban heat gain, natural shading and wind screening, air filtration, and oxygen production.

City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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NR-5.08. Beach Fire Pits. We oppose (AQMD) efforts to prohibit the use or reduce the number of fire pits existing in 2014 on San Clemente’s public beaches.

LINKS TO GENERAL PLAN CONTENT:
• Land Use Element [link to Land Use Element Homepage]
• Mobility and Complete Streets Element [link to Mobility and Complete Streets Element Homepage]
• Urban Design Element [link to Urban Design Element Homepage] • Urban Design Element, Urban Forest Section [link to Urban Forest page] ADDITIONAL LINKS:
• San Clemente Climate Action Plan [staff to provide link] • San Clemente Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan [staff to provide link] • South Coast Air Quality Management District [http://www.aqmd.gov] • California Air Resources Board [http://www.arb.ca.gov/homepage.htm] • Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32) [http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ab32/ab32.htm] • Senate Bill 375 (SB 375) [http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/sb375.htm] *Note: Numerous policies are provided throughout the General Plan that address greenhouse gases emissions, including sections on mixed use, public transit, bicycle and pedestrian transportation, and urban forestry, among others. Implementation programs such as those in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and Climate Action Plan provide specific measures and actions that improve air quality for the region and reduce impacts on climate change.

Energy Conservation
Whether it is fuel to operate automobiles or electricity to light, heat, and cool buildings, energy is continuously being used to meet our daily needs. Generating enough energy to meet California’s increasing demand calls for sustainable energy resources and practices.

With the passage of State legislation to decrease reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate impacts of global warming, cities must comprehensively address energy management issues.

Electricity
San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) provides electricity to and maintains a distribution network for San Clemente. The City’s electrical grid includes above ground and buried power lines. A major transmission line travels west to east through the City, terminating at State Route 74, also known as the Ortega Highway. SDG&E formerly produced some of its electricity from the now decommissioned San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). The City intends to encourage SONGS’s owners, other energy purveyors and City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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regulatory agencies to: 1) identify alternative energy sources to help meet local and regional electricity needs, 2) decommission SONGS in a safe and timely manner, and 3) seek a long-term solution for the relocation and storage of fuel rods away from SONGS to a location distant from urbanized areas.

Natural Gas
Southern California Gas Company (The Gas Company) provides natural gas for San Clemente.

Conservation
Both SDG&E and The Gas Company offer conservation programs and assistance for residents, businesses, and property managers. These include rebates for the purchase of energy efficient appliances, equipment, and materials, financial incentives for the installation of renewable energy systems, home energy efficiency surveys and energy calculators.

This section of the Energy Element establishes goals and policies to guide the efficient use, conservation and generation of energy within the community. Policies aimed at reducing the use of fossil fuels for transportation purposes are addressed in the Land Use, Circulation, and Urban Design Elements. Together, the goals and policies of these elements provide the foundation for two key implementation documents: the San Clemente Climate Action Plan [staff to provide link] and San Clemente Sustainability Action Plan [staff to provide link].

GOAL:

Reduce consumption of non-renewable energy sources and ensure efficient use, development and conservation of sustainable, non-polluting energy sources.

POLICIES:

NR-6.01. Conservation Strategy. We require conservation as the first strategy to be employed to meet energy-saving standards.

NR-6.02. Site Planning and New Building Design. We require energy-efficient subdivision, site planning and building design. Measures to be considered include building orientation and shading, landscaping, maximum use of natural daylight, reflectance of building, natural ventilation, active and passive solar heating and hot water system, etc. In establishing these energy related design requirements, we balance energy-efficient design with good planning principles.

NR-6.03. Retrofit of Commercial and Residential Buildings. We encourage and provide incentives for voluntary retrofitting of commercial and residential buildings to reduce energy use.

NR-6.04. Public Buildings. We require all new and substantially renovated City buildings in excess of 10,000 square feet to achieve a LEED Silver Certification standard, as determined by the U.S. Green Building Council, or the equivalent.

City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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NR-6.05. City Operations. We routinely seek ways to improve the energy efficiency of City operations to save energy, reduce consumption of non-renewable materials, reduce municipal costs and set a positive example for the community.

NR-6.06. City Vehicles and Equipment. We purchase and use vehicles and equipment that are fuel efficient and meet or surpass state emissions requirements and/or use no- or low-emission sources of energy, if economically feasible.

NR-6.07. Renewable Energy Resources. We work with other agencies and utility providers to develop safe, economical and renewable energy resources, and we help reduce non-renewable energy use through public education and participation in energy conservation programs.

NR-6.08. Public Awareness. We work with local utilities to develop and provide energy conservation information to the public.

NR-6.09. Reduce Water Consumption. We will continue to help reduce per capita potable water consumption and related energy use through implementation of water conservation programs and through public education and outreach.

NR-6.10. Alternative Fueling Stations. We encourage the private sector to provide vehicle fueling stations that cater to electric and other alternative fueled vehicles and require such facilities for City operations and facilities, where appropriate.

LINKS TO OTHER GENERAL PLAN INFORMATION
• Land Use Element [link to Land Use Element Homepage]
• Mobility and Complete Streets Element [link to Mobility and Complete Streets Element Homepage]
• Urban Design Element [link to Urban Design Element Homepage]

ADDITIONAL LINKS
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan [staff to provide link] • Climate Action Plan [staff to provide link]
• Sustainability Action Plan
[http://sanclemente.org/sc/Inf/Forms/WaterQuality/Download/550002%20Final%20Sustainability%20Action %20Plan%2015Jun10.pdf]
Dark Skies
A dark sky is the night sky with minimal light impact from urban land uses or structures.

Light intrusion into the night sky obstructs views of astrological features, has been shown to disrupt animal behavior and natural plant cycles, and negatively impact human health.

Focusing lights where they are needed reduces light glare and light pollution, allowing the sky to be observed and enjoyed in a more natural state. Furthermore, strategies to City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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reduce light impacts can also help conserve energy, lower energy costs and improve safety.

San Clemente’s night skies benefit from being surrounded by areas and uses which emit little or no light: the Pacific Ocean, Camp Pendleton and the open space lands to the east.

In addition, land uses that generate significant amounts of light pollution, such as shopping centers, are limited and concentrated in only limited areas of the City. The City intends to reduce the level of light pollution from 2013 levels, maintain dark skies and explore opportunities to address light trespass.

GOAL:

Minimize light trespass and pollution caused by public and private structures, new development, and public facilities to ensure safety, protection of the natural environment, and preservation of dark nighttime skies.

POLICIES:

NR-7.01. New Residential Development and Remodeling Projects. We require development projects and major remodel projects to minimize light pollution and trespass while enhancing safety and aesthetics.

NR-7.02. Public Facilities, Buildings and Streets. We use outdoor light shielding measures to minimize light trespass and glare while enhancing safety and aesthetics.

NR-7.03. Commercial and Industrial Buildings. We require that site lighting for commercial and industrial uses be unobtrusive and constructed or located so that only the intended area is illuminated, off-site glare is minimized, and adequate safety is provided.

NR-7.04. Public Education and Outreach. We support programs that provide public education on the importance of dark skies and how to protect them. We collaborate with non-profit and other public agencies to help achieve our goals.

ADDITIONAL LINKS
• Zoning Ordinance, Lighting Standards
[http://library.municode.com/HTML/16606/level2/TIT17ZO_CH17.24GEDEST.html#TIT17ZO_CH17. 24GEDEST_17.24.130LI]
City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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Implementation Measures
General Plan Implementation Measures are contained in the Strategic Implementation Program (SIP). The SIP contains Implementation Measures for one-time projects that end with a specific goal, and ongoing projects that requires routine activity with no specified end date. The SIP is updated by the City Council every other year with the City budget and Long-Term Financial Plan (LTFP) to ensure the effective implementation of the Centennial General Plan. This coordination ensures that the General Plan remains a dynamic, up to date, responsive guide to public decision making and expenditures.

Click here to access Implementation Measures for this element in the latest Strategic Implementation Program.

San Clemente City CouncilJanuary 20, 2026

San Clemente City Council
January 20, 2026