City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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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.
Attachment 2
City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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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 City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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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 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.
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] City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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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.
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 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 areasthat 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 City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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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.
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.
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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 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 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.
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 fire hazard severity zones (FHSZs). Inclusion within the FHSZs is based on five factors: density of vegetation; slope severity; five-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.
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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.
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.
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, Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs) and Critical Facilities on General Plan Land Use Map
• Figure S-6, FHSZs Map
• Figure S-8, Critical Facilities Map
• Figure S-9, Evacuation Map
• Figure S-10, Parcels With One Evacuation Route
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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 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.
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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]
• 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.
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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 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 City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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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.
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] City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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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 Department. Maintaining safety in San Clemente’s neighborhoods, business districts, and beaches 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.
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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.
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] City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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• 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] • 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.
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.
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 City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
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actions, regional actions, coordination activities, and sea level rise adaptation strategies for various areas 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 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 community risks associated with 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 recognize wildfire hazard in our community and reduce 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.
City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan
S-16
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 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
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Avenida Pico
S El Camino Real
Avenida la
Camino
Pata
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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
34 san clementel
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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
35 -
-
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san clemente
centennial
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SAN UAN CAPISTRANO
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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
36 POINT
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EXISTING ROADWAY AND RAIL NOISE CONTOUR MAP
Figure S-4a
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70 CNEL
65 CNEL
60 CNEL
City Boundary
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0 1,300 2,600 5,200Feet
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6/25/2015
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FUTURE ROADWAY AND RAIL NOISE CONTOUR MAP
Figure S-4b 0 1,250 2,500 5,000
Feet
7/1/2015
Noise Contours
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65 CNEL
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City Boundary
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CNEL = Community Noise Equivalent Level
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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
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surface water permits
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
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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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