San Rafael City Council
October 7, 2024

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Special Wind Region is an area of higher wind occurrence, primarily where down-slope mountain wind occurs.

Figure 3.136: Wind Zones in the US
Source: FEMA
The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) provides a listing of all the high wind events to affect Marin County since 1950. Most high wind events occur between November and March. 12/27/2006 - One person died when gusty winds knocked a tree into a home in Lagunitas. More than 50 trees toppled in Point Reyes National Seashore, including a 150-foot Douglas fir that slammed into the picnic area at the Bear Valley Visitor Center in Olema. Winds in the National Seashore were estimated between 80-100 mph. Manaka’s Inverness Lodge burned to the ground in a fire triggered by a falling tree.
1/19/2010 - High winds brought an 18-inch diameter tree and power lines down along Lucas Valley Road about one-half mile east of Nicasio Valley Road blocking both lanes of traffic. l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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1/20/2010 - Strong winds and saturated soil combined to knock over a 50-foot Douglas fir tree along Turnagain Road in Kentfield.
10/24/2010 – A tree knocked down a power line when it fell in Inverness Park near the intersection of Portola Avenue and Vallejo Avenue.
2/15/2011 – High winds knocked down more than a dozen power poles across Marin County. 1/21/2012 – High winds caused over 4,000 homes to lose power across Marin County. 2/6/2015 – High winds blew multiple trees down onto Bear Valley Road near Inverness, closing the road in both directions.
2017 - In Inverness, the boulevard was closed at Pierce Point Road because of fallen trees.

Nicasio Valley Road was closed between Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and Lucas Valley Road while crews removed fallen trees.
1/2023 – In Bolinas, extreme high winds estimated at close to 100 mph knocked down numerous trees across Mesa Road, closing the road several times, causing power outages and, in one case, injury.

Impacts
Straight-line winds may exacerbate existing weather conditions by increasing the effect on temperature and decreasing visibility due to the movement of particulate matters through the air, as in dust and snow storms. The winds may also exacerbate fire conditions by drying out the ground cover, propelling fuel around the region, and increasing the ferocity of exiting fires.

These winds may cause personal injury, damage crops, push automobiles off roads, damage roofs and structures, overturn mobile homes, tear roofs off of houses, topple trees, snap power lines, shatter windows, sandblast paint from cars, and cause secondary damage due to flying debris. Other associated hazards include utility outages, arcing power lines, debris blocking streets, dust storms, and an occasional structure fire. Due to the wildfire threat posed by trees falling or leaning on power lines as a result of high winds and other conditions, Pacific Gas and Electric began initiating Public Safety Power shutoffs (PSPS) events after the 2017 Northern California Wildfires and the 2018 Camp Fire (see wildfire profile) in order to prevent the start of wildfires. These PSPS events can have numerous impacts on residents who rely on electricity for cooling their homes, powering water pumps, keeping critical medical equipment operable and other needs.

In the Marin County OA, storms with strong winds knock down trees and power lines nearly every year and continue to slowly erode vulnerable coastal areas and critical inland ponds (i.e. reservoirs/dams, berms/levees around stormwater detention ponds, wastewater treatment/storage ponds). Although the entire OA is affected by wind, coastal areas tend to be impacted more frequently by the strongest winds (9+ on the Beaufort scale) than inland areas.

The Marin County OA’s coastal areas have small resident populations but large visiting populations, such as Muir Beach, Stinson Beach, and Bolinas that can be impacted by strong winds. Beachgoers and boaters would be particularly impacted by wind hazards. Tourism is a key part of the economy in Marin County, particularly in coastal communities, and thus there are potentially significant economic impacts of wind events. Some communities, such as Oceana Marin and Olema, rely on water and wastewater infrastructure that has potential to be impacted by coastal erosion, wind driving up wave elevations, and erosion from waves forming due to l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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wind over treatment and storage ponds. Inland critical ponds are also impacted by wind-driven wave erosion such as dams on drinking water reservoirs, and levees/berms containing stormwater retention and detention ponds. Across the county powerlines are potentially impacted by wind, potentially affecting commercial, industrial, and residential areas, and most years downed trees lead to temporary road closures.

Extent and Probability
The Marin County OA’s most damaging wind events tend to range between 7 and 11 on the Beaufort scale, or 30 to 60 knots. These wind strengths are characterized as high wind to violent storm. Thus, most years whole trees are put in motion and the ocean heaps up and white foam and spindrift form. Slight structural damage and uprooted trees can result occasionally. Wind events and associated damages are expected to continue to occur several times per year.

Table 3.17: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Severe Weather; Wind and Tornado
Jurisdiction
Probability/
Likelihood
of Future
Events
Geographic
Extent
Magnitude/
Severity
Climate
Change
Influence
Significance Risk
Score
Marin County Highly
Likely Extensive Moderate High Medium 15.00
City of
Belvedere
Highly
Likely Extensive Moderate High Medium 15.00
Town of
Corte Madera Likely Negligible Weak Low Low 7.00
Town of
Fairfax Likely Limited Moderate Medium Medium 11.00
City of
Larkspur Likely Extensive Moderate High Medium 14.00
City of
Mill Valley
Highly
Likely Significant Moderate High Medium 14.00
City of
Novato Likely Extensive Weak Medium Medium 12.00
Town of
Ross Occasional Significant Moderate Medium Medium 11.00 Town of
San Anselmo Likely Extensive Extreme High High 17.00
City of
San Rafael Occasional Extensive Moderate Medium Medium 12.00 City of
Sausalito Likely Significant Moderate Medium Medium 12.00 Town of
Tiburon
Highly
Likely Extensive Moderate High Medium 15.00
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Bolinas
Public Utility
District
Highly
Likely Extensive Moderate High High 15.00
Las Gallinas
Valley
Sanitary
District
Likely Negligible Weak Medium Medium 9.00
North Marin
Water
District
Likely Extensive Weak Medium Medium 12.00
Southern
Marin Fire
District
Likely Significant Moderate High Medium 13.00
Table 3.17: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Severe Weather; Wind Source: Profiled Jurisdictions and Districts
Vulnerability
Areas of the Marin County OA, including the unincorporated area – coastal, mountainous and inland valleys where there are power lines, roads, and creeks/bridges, and ponded water for infrastructure (stormwater, wastewater, drinking water purposes), are particularly vulnerable to disruption due to wind damage, as are private structures with nearby trees. Certain locations are even more susceptible to damage due to building construction and the amount of tree canopy. Trees can fall on power lines, sparking wildfires and causing power outages. Trees can also fall on people and cars. People who live in homes with large tree branches over their roofs are particularly susceptible to high winds. Mobile home parks are vulnerable to high wind due to their light frame construction. Aviation vehicles, including small airplanes, are also susceptible to high winds and potential issues can arise when they are taking off and landing.

Specific building codes should be considered for construction in Special Wind Regions. The systems that are most vulnerable are those that wouldn’t be able to be fully repaired quickly should there be a catastrophic failure during an extreme wind event, such as a breach of a levee or dam due to wave erosion. Some examples of vulnerable facilities include:
• Oceana Marin Force Main Pump Station is 60 feet from the edge of a coastal bluff. • Coastal erosion rates up to 4.4 feet/year were anticipated in the Dillon Beach area (where Oceana Marin is located) according to a 2003 Cliff and Erosion Technical Background report prepared to support a Marin County Local Coastal Program update.

Although only a small community would be affected by the failure, it would be a long time before the critical water supply facility could be replaced. Additionally, the community has a sewer line potentially vulnerable to coastal erosion. • Wind driven waves could flood the Olema Domestic Water Pump Station which would cause electrical and water supply failure to 43 residents, 3 hotels, a church, and a campground.
• Stafford Dam’s (earthen) upstream face is subject to wind and wave action which has been eroding the gunite and welded wire reinforcement. A catastrophic failure could lead to inundation of the City of Novato and areas of the unincorporated County around it (see the subsection on Dam Failure for vulnerability analysis). l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Tornado
Tornadoes are rotating columns of air marked by a funnel-shaped downward extension of a cumulonimbus cloud whirling at destructive speeds of up to 300 mph, usually accompanying a thunderstorm. Tornadoes are the most powerful storms that exist, and damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. The Enhanced Fujita Scale (see Figure 3.137) is commonly used to rate the intensity of tornadoes in the United States based on the damages that they cause.

Figure 3.137: Enhanced Fujita Scale
Source: NOAA
Tornadic waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water, or move from land to water. They have the same characteristics as a land tornado. They are associated with severe thunderstorms, and are often accompanied by high winds and seas, large hail, and frequent dangerous lightning.
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Figure 3.138: Waterspout Formation
Source: MarineInsights
Location and Previous Occurrences
Compared to the areas east of the Rocky Mountains, tornado occurrence over the western United States is much less frequent and even more rare across the Marin County OA due to its topography. A tornado in the Marin County OA would most likely begin as an off-shore waterspout that comes ashore off the coast and transitions into a tornado over lower-lying terrain, particularly in the area of Tomales Bay. Tornadoes could also form in the low-lying northerly parts of the OA near Sonoma County.

Table 3.18: shows a map of all tornado activity in the Marin County OA since 1973.

Column Definitions: 'Mag': Magnitude, 'Dth': Deaths, 'Inj': Injuries, 'PrD': Property Damage, 'CrD':

Crop Damage
Table 3.18: Tornados Activity in the Marin County OA
Location County/Zone St. Date Time T.Z. Type Mag Dth Inj PrD CrD TOMALES MARIN CO. CA 12/23/1996 10:00 PST Tornado F1 0 0 200.00K 5.00K Totals: 0 0 200.00K 5.00K
Table 3.18: Tornado Activity in the Marin County OA
Source: NOAA
From 1950 to 2020, there has been only one recorded tornado in the Marin County OA according to the National Weather Service. An EF-1 touched down in Tomales on December 23rd, 1996. This storm began over the ocean as a waterspout that moved in land. It destroyed a large barn and 10 large eucalyptus trees, and five telephone poles. It also ripped the roof off l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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WATERSPOUTS AT SEA

IT'S NOT SEAWATER

INSIDE WATERSPOUTS
The clouds gather. and water condensation leads to a swirling mass of water droplets.

WIND VELOCITY
According to NOAA, an average waterspout is around SO meters in diameter. and its associated wind moves at 50 miles an hour.

I I
TORNADIC AND NONTORNADIC WATER
SPOUTS
A tornadic waterspout Is associated with
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Fair·weathe, waterspouts
need warm water to develop along the dark flat base of a line of growing cumulus clouds.

THE EARLIEST

WATERSPOUTS
In 1555, at the Grand Harbour of Valletta.

I I
CAN BE

DESTRUCTIVE

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another house. A farmer was in the barn when it was blown over but he was not injured. There were over $200,000 in damages. At least two other waterspouts were reported as well as heavy rain and small hail in the Tomales Bay area. Larger and more destructive tornados have occurred just north of the Marin County OA in Sonoma County, including an EF 2 tornado near Petaluma in 1958 and an EF 1 tornado near Santa Rosa in 1996 that caused over $1 million in damages.

Impacts
Tornadoes can cause damage to property and loss of life. While most tornado damage is caused by violent winds, the majority of injuries and deaths generally result from flying debris.

Property damage can include damage to buildings, fallen trees and power lines, broken gas lines, broken sewer and water mains, and the outbreak of fires. Agricultural crops and industries may also be damaged or destroyed. Access roads and streets may be blocked by debris, delaying necessary emergency response.

Extent and Probability
The Marin County OA would most likely experience an EF-0 or an EF-1 tornado, with little to moderate damage. The potential does exist for an EF-0 or an EF-1 tornado to cause injury and death.

While unlikely, a stronger EF-2 tornado does have the potential to occur in the Marin County OA and could cause considerable damages to buildings and infrastructure. Such a tornado could destroy mobile homes, tear roofs off well-constructed houses, shift the foundations of frame houses, and lift cars off the ground.

The probability of a tornado occurring in the Marin County OA is extremely rare.

Vulnerability
As with high winds, certain locations are more susceptible to damage due to building construction and the amount of tree canopy. Trees can fall on power lines and cause power outages and can also fall on people and cars. Power lines, transmission lines, and radio towers are all vulnerable to a direct hit from a tornado. A greater amount of property is vulnerable to damage from a tornado than a regular wind due to the higher wind speeds of tornado. Mobile home parks are vulnerable to tornadoes due to their light frame construction, as are industrial and commercial sites with loose materials. Aviation vehicles, including small airplanes, are also susceptible to tornadoes.

Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
It is anticipated that the atmospheric rivers that deliver storms to Northern California may intensify because of climate change. This increase in storm intensity may bring more intense winds and potential tornados to Northern California, including the Marin County OA. Significant wind events and tornadoes can topple trees, particularly those that may be saturated, or drought stressed as a result of climate change. An increase in fallen trees as a result of increased storms due to climate change can lead to an increase in power outages. Future development in any of the forested areas of the Marin County OA will increase the effects of severe wind events.
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3.3.11 TSUNAMI
Tsunamis consist of waves generated by large disturbances of the sea floor, which are caused by volcanic eruptions, landslides or earthquakes. Shallow earthquakes along dip slip faults are more likely to be sources of tsunami than those along strike slip faults. The West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center (WC/ATWC) is responsible for tsunami warnings. Tsunamis are often incorrectly referred to as tidal waves. They are actually a series of waves that can travel at speeds averaging 450 (and up to 600) miles per hour with unusual wave heights. Tsunamis can reach the beach before warnings are issued.

Location and Previous Occurrences
Tsunamis could occur in numerous areas of the Marin County OA. The California Department of Conservation updated the tsunami hazard maps for Marin County in 2022. Figure 3.139 shows all the tsunami inundation areas of the Marin County OA. l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 3.139: Tsunami Inundation Zones in the Marin County OA Source: Marin County OEM
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Marin County
Tsunami

DIIICIOI

EMERGENCY

MANAGEMENT
IOI
• • •
•
• •
•
Emergency Operations
Centers
Fire Stations
Hospitals and Medical
Facilities
Police / Sheriff Stations
Schools
Tsunami Inundation
•
0 Marin County OEM / Woody Baker-Cohn
email: [email protected]
Date Printed: 10/19/23
12 37
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Tsunami inundation zones extend into several unincorporated communities in Marin County which are shown below.

Figures 3.140 and 3.141 show the tsunami inundation zone in and around Inverness.

Figure 3.140: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Inverness Area
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23 l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 3.141: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Inverness
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Figure 3.142 shows the tsunami inundation zone south of Inverness.

Figure 3.142: Tsunami Inundation Zone – South of Inverness Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23 l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 1.143 shows the tsunami inundation zone around Inverness Park and Point Reyes.

Figure 3.143: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Inverness Park and Point Reyes Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23 2023 Marin County Operational Area
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Figure 3.144 shows the tsunami inundation zone around Reynolds and Marshall.

Figure 3.144: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Reynolds and Marshall Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23 l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 3.145 shows the tsunami inundation zone around McDonald and Blakes Landing.

Figure 3.145: Tsunami Inundation Zone – McDonald and Blakes Landing Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23 l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 3.146 shows the tsunami inundation zone south of Tomales.

Figure 3.146: Tsunami Inundation Zone – South of Tomales Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23 l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 3.147 and 3.148 shows the tsunami inundation zone in and around Dillon Beach.

Figure 3.147: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Dillon Beach Area Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23 l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 3.148: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Dillon Beach
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23 Figure 3.149 shows the tsunami inundation zone around the northern Bolinas Lagoon.

Figure 3.149: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Bolinas Lagoon North Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23 l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figures 3.150, 3.151 and 3.152 shows the tsunami inundation zone in and around Bolinas.

Figure 3.150: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Bolinas Area
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23 l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 3.151: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Bolinas Core
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23 l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 3.152: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Bolinas North
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23 Figure 3.153 and 3.154 shows the tsunami inundation zone in and around Stinson Beach.

Figure 3.153: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Stinson Beach Area Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23 l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 3.154: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Stinson Beach
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Figure 3.155 shows the tsunami inundation zone in Muir Beach.

Figure 3.155: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Muir Beach
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Figure 3.156 and 3.157 shows the tsunami inundation zone in Tamalpais Valley.

Figure 3.156: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Tamalpais Valley South Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23 l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 3.157: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Tamalpais Valley North Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23 l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 3.158 shows the tsunami inundation zone in Marin City.

Figure 3.158: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Marin City
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23 Figure 3.159 shows the tsunami inundation zone in Manzanita.

Figure 3.159: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Manzanita
Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23 U.N. TYOF a
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Figure 3.160 and 3.1561 shows the tsunami inundation zone in Strawberry.

Figure 3.160: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Strawberry South Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23 l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 3.161 shows the tsunami inundation zone in the unincorporated area of the Tiburon Peninsula.

Figure 3.161: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Unincorporated Tiburon Peninsula Source: California Department of Conservation, 11/27/23 Figure 3.162 shows the tsunami inundation zone in Paradise Cay. l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 3.162: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Paradise Cay
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Figure 3.163: North Marin Tsunami Inundation Zones
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Figure 3.164: Santa Venetia Tsunami Inundation Zones
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Figure 3.165: Greenbrae Tsunami Inundation Zones
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Figure 3.166: Richardson Bay Tsunami Inundation Zones
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Figure 3.167: Tomales Bay Tsunami Inundation Zones
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Figure 3.168: Bolinas – Stinson Tsunami Inundation Zones Source: Marin County OEM
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Tsunamis have caused loss of life and damaged property in Hawaii, Alaska and the West Coast over the last hundred years. Over 80 tsunamis have been observed or recorded along the coast of California in the past 150 years. Since 1946, there have been five tsunamis known to have caused damage to ports and harbors in California with several impacting unincorporated Marin County:

In 1960, a tsunami caused by a magnitude 9.5 earthquake offshore from Chile resulted in minor inundation to the beach at Stinson Beach.

In 1964, a tsunami caused by a magnitude 9.2 earthquake offshore from Alaska resulted in 12 deaths in California and destroyed portions of downtown Crescent City. There was damage to Lawson’s Pier in Tomales Bay. A man drowned in Bolinas.

A 2006 tsunami (originating in the Kurile Islands region) caused approximately $20 million in damage to Crescent City harbor.

A 2010 tsunami (originating offshore from Chile) caused several million dollars in damage to ports and harbors in the state.

A tsunami in 2011 caused by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake offshore of Japan killed one person at the mouth of the Klamath River and caused up to $100 million damage to 27 ports, harbors, and marinas throughout the state.

Impacts
Community exposure to tsunamis in California varies considerably—some communities may experience great losses that reflect only a small part of their community and others may experience relatively small losses that devastate them. Among the incorporated communities and the unincorporated areas of the county are communities that have the highest number of people and businesses in the tsunami‐inundation zone. The communities of Belvedere and Sausalito have the highest percentages of people and businesses in this zone.

Extent and Probability
Tsunamis can travel at speeds of over 600 miles per hour in the open ocean and can grow to over 50 feet in height when they approach a shallow shoreline, causing severe damage to coastal development. Recent studies of the continental shelf off the California coast indicate a potential for underwater landslides capable of generating damaging tsunamis that could threaten coastal communities. Tsunamis are a relatively infrequent occurrence in the Marin County OA.
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Table 3:19: Tsunami Hazard Risk Assessment
Jurisdiction
Probability/
Likelihood
of Future
Events
Geographic
Extent
Magnitude/
Severity
Climate
Change
Influence
Significance Risk
Score
Marin County Highly
Likely Limited Extreme Medium High 15.00
City of
Belvedere
Highly
Likely Significant Severe High High 16.00
Town of
Corte Madera Unlikely Limited Moderate Low Low 7.00
Town of
Fairfax None None None None None 0.00
City of
Larkspur Occasional Limited Extreme None High 11.00
City of
Mill Valley Unlikely Negligible Severe Medium Medium 9.00 City of
Novato Unlikely Negligible Weak None Low 4.00
Town of
Ross None None None None None 0.00
Town of
San Anselmo None None None None None 0.00
City of
San Rafael Unlikely Limited Moderate None Medium 7.00
City of
Sausalito None Limited Weak Low Low 5.00
Town of
Tiburon
Highly
Likely Limited Extreme Medium High 15.00
Bolinas
Public Utility
District
Occasional Limited Severe Low High 11.00
Las Gallinas
Valley
Sanitary
District
Unlikely Extensive Severe None Medium 10.00
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Water
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Unlikely Negligible Extreme Low Low 8.00
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Table 3.19: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment - Tsunami Source: Profiled Jurisdictions and Districts
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Vulnerability
Some Marin County OA communities may be more vulnerable to tsunamis because of the location and quality of the built environment. Several unincorporated communities could be particularly susceptible to a tsunami:

Numerous shoreline homes, businesses, buildings and sections of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard along the west shore of Tomales Bay from Seahaven down through Inverness to Inverness Park lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami. The downtown commercial district of Inverness, including the Post Office and several businesses, lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami.

Numerous shoreline homes, businesses, buildings and sections of Highway 1 along the east shore of Tomales Bay from Bivalve to Hamlet and up Keys Creek south of Tomales lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami. Low lying areas of Dillon Beach, including the main beach parking area and access road, lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami.

Both the east and west sides of the Bolinas Lagoon lie in a tsunami inundation zone, including all of Highway 1 on the west side from Stinson Beach to the intersection of Olema Bolinas Road north of Bolinas. The northern end of Bolinas, including several homes, the Bolinas-Stinson Elementary School, and a section of Horseshoe Hill Road, lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami. The community of Bolinas is particularly susceptible to a tsunami as it could essentially be isolated with access roads north and south becoming flooded in a tsunami. Most of the commercial center of Bolinas, including several businesses, residences, the College of Marin-Bolinas Campus and the Bolinas Library lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami.

Most of Stinson Beach south of Highway 1, including Seadrift Road, Dipsea Road, and Calle del Aroyo lie in a tsunami inundation zone, and there are hundreds of homes and buildings in this area along with the Stinson Beach Fire Station #2 and the Water District office that could be susceptible to a tsunami. The commercial center of Stinson Beach, including several businesses, the entire beach area including access roads and parking lots, and a section of Highway 1 lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami.

A section of Muir Beach up Redwood Creek that includes several homes and businesses, the Muir Beach Fire Station, and a section of Highway 1 lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami.

A large section of Tamalpais Valley, including smaller sections to the north adjacent to and including the City of Mill Valley, lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami pushing water up Coyote Creek. There are hundreds of homes, commercial buildings, the Southern Marin Fire Protection District Station #4 and part of Tamalpais Valley Elementary School that lie in this area. Most of the commercial core of Marin City, including the Gateway Shopping Center, the Martin Luther King Jr. Academy, the Marin City Fire Station, and numerous residences lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami.

The Waldo Point community consisting of dozens of floating homes in Richardson Bay could be susceptible to a tsunami. The area around the intersection of Highways 1 and 101 including the highways themselves, the Commodore Heliport and several businesses lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami.
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Both sides of the Strawberry Peninsula lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami. There are dozens of homes in this area along with numerous commercial buildings, the Strawberry Point elementary school and a large section of Highway 101 that could be susceptible to a tsunami. There are also several homes in the northwest corner of Strawberry near Alto that lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami.

The eastern side of the Tiburon Peninsula, where there are dozens of homes and buildings along with the Sanitary District #5 - Paradise Cove Treatment Plant, lies in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami. Most of Paradise Cay lies in a tsunami inundation zone. There are dozens of homes in this area that could be susceptible to a tsunami.

The southwest side of Kentfield lies in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami. There are dozens of homes and numerous businesses in this area along with the A.E.

Kent Middle School, the Anthony Bacich G. Elementary School, part of the parking lot for the Marin General hospital, and most of the College of Marin campus and part of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. A small section of Greenbrae that consists of a few homes and a section of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, along with a small Section of California City that consists of a few homes, lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami. A large section of San Quentin lies in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami.

There are dozens of homes along San Pedro Road in the unincorporated county south of the City of San Rafael that lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami.

The McNear Brick Yard and parts of Point San Pedro lie in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami.

Most of northern Santa Venetia along the Santa Venitia Marsh and the South Fork of Galinas Creek lies in a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami. There are several hundred homes in this area along with numerous pump stations and several medical facilities.

While most of Bel Marin Keys lies outside of a tsunami inundation zone, the far eastern side has several homes that lie inside a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami.

The Hamilton Wetlands PG&E substation could also be susceptible to a tsunami, as it lies on the fringe of a tsunami inundation zone.

Parts of the Black Point area close to the Petaluma River Marsh lie on the edge of a tsunami inundation zone and could be susceptible to a tsunami. There are several homes in this area that mostly lie at the end of cul de sacs.

The principal exposure to the Marin County OA will be people, buildings, and infrastructure located in the low-lying potential inundation areas. Especially at risk are visitors, hikers, campers, and non-residents who might be on the shore when the tsunami strikes.

Associated risks to tsunami include flooding, contamination of drinking water, ruptured tanks or gas lines, lack of ingress and egress, and the loss of vital community infrastructure.

Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
The biggest threat to tsunamis is sea level rise which is a direct result of climate change. Sea level rise can make tsunamis worse than they already are because higher sea levels allow for tsunamis to travel further inland and cause even more damage. Sea level rise results in more l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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vulnerable coastlines which make coastal communities even more vulnerable to an incoming tsunami as the natural buffer to absorb the energy of an incoming tsunami will cease to exist.

This is particularly true in the Marin County OA, where most of the developed population lies in an area vulnerable to sea level rise. Furthermore, it has been theorized that ocean warming, caused by climate change, can impact the tectonic plates that rest below large bodies of water.

Ultimately, this can result in more geological activities and worse tsunamis. Climate change has also affected ocean patterns, which could eventually lead to tsunamis distributing themselves across the ocean and impacting areas that are currently not susceptible to a tsunami. Tsunamis as a result of climate change and associated sea level rise will exacerbate the impacts of flooding in the lowland areas of the Marin County OA. Future development in these areas will expose more people and infrastructure to the effects of flooding in the Marin County OA as tsunami inundation areas expand with climate change. Development in marshland in the Marin County OA would expose additional people and infrastructure to flooding as marshlands act as a natural buffer to a tsunami. Flooding could be exacerbated in areas where levees could fail as a result of high wave heights associated with a more significant tsunami.

3.3.12 WILDFIRE
A wildfire is a fire that occurs in an area of combustible vegetation. The three conditions necessary for a wildfire to burn are fuel, heat, and oxygen. Fuel is any flammable material that can burn, including vegetation, structures, and cars. The more fuel that exists and the drier that fuel is, the more intense the fire can be. Wildfires can be started naturally through lightning or combustion or can be set by humans. There are many sources of human-caused wildfires including arson, power lines, a burning campfire, an idling vehicle, trains, and escaped controlled burns. On average, four out of five wildfires are started by humans. Uncontrolled wildfires fueled by wind and weather can burn acres of land and everything in their path in mere minutes and can reach speeds up to 15 miles per hour. On average, more than 100,000 wildfires burn 4 to 5 million acres of land in the United States every year. Although wildfires can occur in any state, they are most common in the Western states including California where heat, drought, and thunderstorms create perfect wildfire conditions.

Wildfires are of primary concern when they occur in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), which is defined as areas where homes are built near or among lands prone to wildfire. Even relatively small acreage fires may result in disastrous damages. Most structures in the WUI are not destroyed from direct flame impingement, but from embers carried by wind. The damages can be widely varying, but are primarily reported as damage to infrastructure, built environment, and injuries to people. WUI fires have unique chemistry due to the combination of natural and human-made fuels that are burned, which may lead to the formation or release of toxic emissions not found in purely wildland fires.

The pattern of increased damages is directly related to increased urban spread into historical forested areas that have wildfire as part of the natural ecosystem. Many WUI fire areas have long histories of wildland fires that burned only vegetation in the past. However, with new development, a wildland fire following a historical pattern may now burn these newly developed areas. WUI fires can occur where there is a distinct boundary between the built and natural areas or where development or infrastructure has encroached or is intermixed in the natural area. WUI fires may include fires that occur in remote areas that have critical infrastructure l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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easements through them, including electrical transmission towers, railroads, water reservoirs, communications relay sites or other infrastructure assets.

Consequently, wildland fires that burn in natural settings with little or no development are part of a natural ecological cycle and may actually be beneficial to the landscape. Century old policies of fire exclusion and aggressive suppression have given way to better understanding of the importance fire plays in the natural cycle of certain forest types.

Warning times are usually adequate to ensure public safety, provided that evacuation recommendations and orders are heeded in a timely manner. While in most cases wildfires are contained within a week or two of outbreak, in certain cases, they have been known to burn for months, or until they are completely extinguished by fall rains.

Wildfire poses the greatest risk to human life and property in the Marin County OA’s densely populated WUI, which holds an estimated 69,000 living units. Marin County is home to 23 communities listed on CAL FIRE’s Communities at Risk list, with approximately 80% of the total land area in the county designated as having moderate to very high fire hazard severity ratings.

The county has a long fire history with many large fires over the past decades, several of which have occurred in the WUI. To compound the issue, national fire suppression policies and practices have contributed to the continuous growth (and overgrowth) of vegetation resulting in dangerous fuel loads. The Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) provides a scientifically based assessment of wildfire threat in the WUI of the Marin County OA.

Fire protection in California is the responsibility of either the federal, state, or local government.

On federally owned land, or federal responsibility areas (FRA), fire protection is provided by the federal government, or in partnership with local agreements. In state responsibility areas (SRA), CAL FIRE typically provides fire protection. However, in some counties CAL FIRE contracts with county fire departments to provide protection of the SRA – this is the case in Marin County, where CAL FIRE contracts with Marin County Fire Department (MCFD). Local responsibility areas (LRA) include incorporated cities and cultivated agriculture lands, and fire protection is typically provided by city fire departments, fire protection districts, counties, and by CAL FIRE under contract to local government.

The MCFD is responsible for the protection of approximately 200,000 acres of SRA within the county and is the primary agency that handles wildland fires. MCFD also provides similar protection services to approximately 100,000 acres of FRA in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), the Muir Woods National Monument, and the Point Reyes National Seashore.

Figure 3.169 indicates the federal responsibility areas, state responsibility areas and local responsibility areas in the Marin County OA.
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Figure 3.169: Federal, State and Local Responsibility Areas in the Marin County OA Source: Marin County OEM
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environment. The MCFD Woodacre Emergency Command Center currently manages the data from four Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) for predicting fire danger utilizing the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) during the fire season. The RAWS are located in Woodacre, Middle Peak, Barnabe, Big Rock and a new station will be coming online in Novato.

Marin County is bounded by the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean to the west, the San Francisco and Richardson Bays to the southeast, the San Pablo Bay to the east, and Sonoma County agricultural lands to the north. The combination of these large bodies of water, location in the mid-latitudes, and the persistent high pressure over the eastern Pacific Ocean results in several micro-climates. Weather in the OA consists of warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The climate in early fall and late spring is generally similar to the summer, and late fall is similar to winter. Spring is generally cool, but not as wet as the winter. While these general weather conditions are fairly representative of the typical Marin County weather, complex topography, annual variability of weather patterns, and less frequent and transient weather patterns are important to fire conditions.

In the late spring through early fall, the combination of frequent and strong high-pressure systems (known as the Pacific High) over California combined with the cool waters of the ocean/bays results in persistent fog and low clouds along the coast (including over southern Marin County near the San Francisco Bay). The fog often penetrates into the inland valleys of northern and central Marin County, especially during overnight hours. At the coastline, mist from fog can keep the land surfaces modestly moist while inland land surfaces above the fog or inversion are often very dry.

The Pacific High that persists from late spring through early fall over the eastern Pacific, combined with a thermal low pressure over the Central Valley of California, results in an almost continuous sea breeze. These winds usher in cool and moist air and can be strong (15 to 25 mph), especially over the ridge tops and through northwest to southeast lying valleys, including San Geronimo/Ross, Hicks, and Lucas Valleys. These westerly winds are usually highest in the afternoon, decrease in the evening, and are light overnight before increasing again in the late morning/early afternoon.

Occasionally in the summer and more often in the fall, the Pacific High moves inland and centers over Oregon and Idaho, while low pressure moves from the Central Valley of California to southern California and Arizona. The resulting north-to-south pressure gradient can be strong enough to retard the typical sea breeze and can even result in winds blowing from the land to the ocean (offshore winds). As the offshore winds move air from the Great Basin to the coastal areas of California, the air descends and compresses, which greatly warms and dries the air.

Under these “Diablo” wind conditions, temperatures in the Marin County OA can reach 100°F in the inland areas and even 80°F at the coast, and relative humidity can be very low. In addition, wind speeds can be high (20 to 40 mph) and gusty and are often much faster over the mountains and ridge tops such as Mt. Tamalpais, Loma Alta, and Mt. Burdell compared to lowlying areas. Wind speeds can be high over the ridges and mountains at all times of day under this “offshore” wind pattern and are often much slower or even calm at night in low-lying areas because nighttime cooling decouples the aloft winds from the surface winds. It is during these Diablo wind events that there is a high potential for large, wind-driven fires should there be an ignition. Historically, the largest and most destructive fires have occurred during these offshore (also known as Foehn) wind events including the Angel Island and the Vision fires. l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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A few times per year in the summer and early fall, monsoonal flow from Mexico brings in moist and unstable air over central and northern California, which can result in thunderstorms with or without precipitation. With the otherwise dry summer conditions, the lightning can ignite fires.

These monsoonal flow patterns are usually only one to two-day events.

Beginning in late November and lasting through the end of March, the Pacific High moves south and weakens, allowing storms that originate in the Gulf of Alaska to move over California.

These storms bring precipitation and, at times, strong winds out of the south. Each storm usually results in one fourth inch to several inches of rain over a day or so. Near Mt. Tamalpais, rainfall amounts are enhanced by orographic lifting, resulting in higher rain amounts in the Kentfield and Fairfax areas compared to the rest of the county. Typically, after the first rain in November, the cool weather and occasional storm keeps the ground wet through late Spring.

However, in some years, significant rain does not occur until later in the year (e.g., early-to-late December) and there can be several weeks without any storms and rain. During storms, temperatures are usually mild.

When there are no storms over California, a land-breeze typically forms (i.e., winds blowing from the Central Valley to the Pacific Ocean). These winds can reach 30 mph, and travel through the southeast to northwest lying valleys, over low-lying ridges such as the Marin Headlands, and through the Golden Gate. These winds are usually highest in the mid-morning hours and decrease in the afternoon as the Central Valley warms during the day. The winds are associated with cold and modestly moist air.

In late February/early March through late April, the Pacific High strengthens and moves north, and storms impacting the county become less frequent. During this time of year there is often a low-pressure area over the desert in southwest California. The combination of the Pacific High to the north and low-pressure to the southwest results in strong winds blowing from the northwest to the southeast. Like the sea breeze, these winds bring in cool, moist air and are usually highest in the afternoon hours. Because of winter and spring rains, the land is wet and there is little danger of wildland fire despite the strong winds and only occasional precipitation.

There is often little coastal fog this time of year.

Vegetation, which is also known as fuel, plays a major role in fire behavior and potential fire hazards. A fuel’s composition, including moisture level, chemical make-up, and density, determines its degree of flammability. Of these, fuel moisture level is the most important consideration. Generally, live trees contain a great deal of moisture while dead logs contain very little. The moisture content and distribution of fuels define how quickly a fire can spread and how intense or hot it may become. High moisture content will slow the burning process since heat from the fire must first eliminate moisture.

In addition to moisture, a fuel’s chemical makeup determines how readily it will burn. Some plants, shrubs, and trees such as chamise and eucalyptus (both present in the Marin County OA) contain oils or resins that promote combustion, causing them to burn more easily, quickly, and intensely.

Finally, the density of a fuel influences its flammability; when fuels are close together but not too dense, they will ignite each other, causing the fuel to spread readily. However, if fuels are so close that air cannot circulate easily, the fuel will not burn freely. l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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The Marin County OA has extensive topographic diversity that supports a variety of vegetation types.

Environmental factors, such as temperature, precipitation, soil type, aspect, slope, and land use history, all help determine the existing vegetation at any given location. In the central and eastern parts of the county, north facing slopes are usually densely wooded from lower elevations to ridge peaks with a mixture of mostly hardwood tree species such as coast live oak, California bay, Pacific madrone, and other oak species. Marshlands are also present throughout the county; once ignited marsh fires can be difficult to contain and extinguish.

Grasslands with a mixture of native and nonnative annual and perennial plant species occur most often in the northern and western parts of the county due to a combination of soil type, lower rainfall, and a long history of ranching. The southern and western facing slopes tend to have a higher percentage of grasslands, which in turn have the potential to experience higher rates of fire spread. Grassland fires are dangerous even without extreme fire weather scenarios due to the rapid rate of fire spread; in some cases, fires spread so quickly that large areas can burn before response resources are able to arrive.

In the west portion of the county closer to the coast, where precipitation is higher and marine influence is greater, most areas are densely forested with conifer species (i.e., Bishop pine, Douglas-fir, and coast redwood) and associated hardwood species. Chaparral vegetation also occurs in parts of the county, especially on steeper south and west facing slopes. This mix of densely forested areas mixed with chaparral results in higher fuel loads and potentially higher fire intensity. Expansion of the residential community into areas of heavier vegetation has resulted in homes existing in close proximity to dense natural foliage; these homes are often completely surrounded by highly combustible or tall vegetation, increasing the potential that wildland fires could impact them.

As part of the development of the CWPP, an updated vegetation map layer was created using the most recent vegetation information available from a variety of state and local data sources.

Vegetation distribution in the Marin County OA is characterized by approximately 20 different types of vegetation which have been classified into 15 fire behavior fuel models. l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 3.170: Fuel Model Map for the Marin County OA
Source: Marin Community Wildfire Protection Plan, 2020
Insect infestations and plant diseases, such as California oak mortality syndrome (sudden oak death), are increasing and threaten to change the structure and overall health of native plant communities in Marin County. Sudden oak death has no known cure and is the biggest concern; this syndrome is caused by the fungus-like Phytophthora ramorum, which has led to widespread mortality of several tree species in California since the mid-1990s; the tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus) in particular appears to have little or no resistance to the disease. Sudden oak death has resulted in stands of essentially dead trees with very low fuel moistures.

Studies examining the impacts of sudden oak death on fire behavior indicate that while predicted surface fire behavior in sudden oak death stands seems to conform to a common fuel model already in use for hardwood stands, the very low moisture content of dead tanoak leaves may lead to crown ignitions more often during fires of “normal” intensity.

Two other plant diseases prevalent in the Marin County OA are pitch canker (which affects conifers such as Bishop pine and other pine species), and madrone twig dieback (which affects Pacific madrones). Pitch canker is caused by the fungus Fusarium circinatum (F. subglutinans, F. sp. pini), which enters the tree through wounds caused by insects. While some trees do recover, most infected trees are eventually killed by the fungus. Management of this disease largely focuses on containment to reduce the fungus spreading to other trees. Pitch canker is a l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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particular issue in the NPS lands of Pt. Reyes National Seashore, where many acres of young Bishop Pines that were seeded on the Inverness Ridge by the Mount Vision Fire of 1995 have been infected.

These dead and dying trees have created large swaths of land with dense and dry fuel loads.

Madrone twig dieback is caused by the native fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea and appears to be getting worse throughout the county due to drought effects on Pacific madrones. Three additional threats to trees common to the Marin County OA include:
• Bark and ambrosia beetles (Monarthrum dentiger and monarthrum scutellare), which target oak and tanoak trees. Sudden oak death may be exacerbating the effects of beetle infestations which prey on trees already weakened by this disease. • Root rot, caused by oak root fungus (Armillaria mellea), is primarily associated with oaks and other hardwoods but also attacks conifers. These fungal infestations cause canopy thinning and branch dieback and can kill mature trees. As with the beetle infestations, sudden oak death may be exacerbating the effects of root rot fungus in the county forests.
• Velvet-top fungus (Phaeolus schweinitzii) is a root rot fungus affecting Douglas-fir and other conifers, with the infection typically occurring through a wound.

Topography characterizes the land surface features of an area in terms of elevation, aspect, and slope. Aspect is the compass direction that a slope faces, which can have a strong influence on surface temperature, and more importantly on fuel moistures. Both elevation and aspect play an important role in the type of vegetation present, the length of the growing season, and the amount of sunlight absorbed by vegetation. Generally, southern aspects receive more solar radiation than northern aspects; the result is that soil and vegetation on southern aspects is warmer and dryer than soil and vegetation on northern aspects. Slope is a measure of land steepness and can significantly influence fire behavior as fire tends to spread more rapidly on steeper slopes. For example, as slope increases from 20 – 40%, flame heights can double and rates of fire spread can increase fourfold; from 40 – 60%, flame heights can become three times higher and rates of spread can increase eightfold.

The Marin County OA is topographically diverse, with rolling hills, valleys and ridges that trend from northwest to southeast. Elevation throughout the county varies considerably, with Mt.

Tamalpais’ peak resting at 2,574 feet above sea level and many communities at or near sea level. Correspondingly, there is considerable diversity in slope percentages. The San Geronimo Valley slopes run from level (in the valley itself) to near 70%. Mt. Barnabe has slopes that run from 20 to70%, and Throckmorton ridge has slopes that range in steepness from 40 – 100%.

These slope changes can make fighting fires extremely difficult.

In the WUI where natural fuels and structure fuels are intermixed, fire behavior is complex and difficult to predict. Research based on modeling, observations, and case studies in the WUI indicates that structure ignitability during wildland fires depends largely on the characteristics and building materials of the home and its immediate surroundings.

The dispersion of burning embers from wildfires is the most likely cause of home ignitions.

When embers land near or on a structure, they can ignite near-by vegetation or accumulated debris on the roof or in the gutter. Embers can also enter the structure through openings such as an open window or vent and could ignite the interior of the structure or debris in the attic. l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Wildfire can further ignite structures through direct flame contact and/or radiant heat. For this reason, it is important that structures and property in the WUI are less prone to ignition by ember dispersion, direct flame contact, and radiant heat.

Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Events
As a result of the 2017 Northern California Wildfires, the 2018 Camp Fire in Butte County and other wildfires caused by power line infrastructure, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) began initiating Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events in their service areas (including Marin County) to help prevent the start of future wildfires. PG&E will initiate a PSPS if conditions indicate potentially dangerous weather conditions in fire-prone areas due to strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation. During these events, PG&E will proactively turn off power in high fire risk areas to reduce the threat of wildfires. The most likely electric lines to be considered for a public safety power outage will be those that pass through areas that have been designated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) High Fire-Threat District at elevated (Tier 2) or extreme risk (Tier 3) for wildfire. Customers outside of these areas could have their power shut off, though, if their community relies upon a line that passes through a high fire-threat area or an area experiencing severe weather. PG&E will consider numerous factors and analyze historical data to help predict the likelihood of a wildfire occurring, and closely monitoring weather watch alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS). These factors generally include, but are not limited to:
• A Red Flag Warning declared by the National Weather Service • Low humidity levels, generally 20 percent and below
• Forecasted sustained winds generally above 25 mph and wind gusts in excess of approximately 45 mph, depending on location and site-specific conditions such as temperature, terrain and local climate
• Condition of dry material on the ground and live vegetation (moisture content) • On-the-ground, real-time observations from PG&E's Wildfire Safety Operations Center and field crews
Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) operates a total of 1,179 miles of overhead electricity transmission and distribution lines in the Marin County OA. Overhead electricity lines and poles can be damaged or downed under severe weather conditions, particularly severe wind conditions, which increases the potential for wildfire ignition. 52 percent of PG&E’s overhead distribution lines and 41 percent of its overhead transmission lines are located in CPUCidentified High-Fire Threat Districts subject to elevated or extreme fire risk. PG&E is currently planning and implementing safety measures to prevent wildfires and reduce the impacts of Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events on communities in the Marin County OA and throughout California.

These measures include installing weather stations; installing high-definition cameras; installing sectionalizing devices on its overhead lines to separate the grid into smaller sections; hardening the system by installing stronger power poles, covering lines, and undergrounding lines in targeted areas; creating temporary microgrids to provide electricity during PSPS events; and enhancing existing vegetation management activities. From 2018 to July 2021, PG&E hardened three miles of overhead lines, installed 68 transmission and distribution sectionalizing devices, completed enhanced vegetation management on approximately 51 of overhead line miles, installed 28 weather stations, and installed 12 high-definition cameras in the Marin County OA. l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Location and Previous Occurrences
In the time before the county was settled, fire was a natural part of the ecosystem. Much of the vegetation in what is now the wildlands of Marin County depended on fire to renew itself by removing old, dead fuel in order to make room for healthy new vegetation and promote the growth of native plant species. Once the land was settled, business operators, landowners, and homeowners had an interest in protecting the natural assets of Marin County and their own investments. Uncontrolled fires had already burned large tracts in the past and valuable lumber, structures, and field crops had been destroyed. A series of fires that occurred in the late 1800s prompted the organization of the first fire departments in Marin County around the turn of the century.

Since then, national fire suppression policies and practices (among other factors) have contributed to the continuous growth (and overgrowth) of vegetation resulting in dangerous fuel density, or fuel loads. Combined with this fuel accumulation, people have been building homes closer and closer to wildlands, which is creating the WUI fire issues that are now present in many parts of Marin County and the country.

Figure 3.171: Wildfire Ignition Points in the Marin County OA Source: Marin Community Wildfire Protection Plan, 2020
Homes and structures located anywhere in and around the WUI are at a higher risk for exposure to wildland fire. Fire can spread rapidly throughout WUI areas through adjacent structures and/or vegetation, or by ember dispersion. Property owners in the WUI have a l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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responsibility to prepare their property for structure defense by providing adequate defensible space and complying with WUI building codes and ordinances. The WUI boundaries for Marin County were determined based on areas with high structure density and proximity to areas with a high density of burnable fuels.

Figure 3.172: WUI Boundary in the Marin County OA
Source: Marin Community Wildfire Protection Plan, 2020
Approximately 60,000 acres—18% of the county’s land area—falls within the wildland urban interface (WUI) where residences (i.e., homes and structures) are intermixed with open space and wildland vegetation. Within Marin County, there are 96,195 parcels and 106,679 living units; of these living units, an estimated 69,000 units are located in the WUI. A recent assessment by the Marin County Fire Department (MCFD) revealed that these living units within the WUI are valued at $59 billion (Marin County Fire Department, 2015). Because of the mix and density of structure and natural fuels combined with limited access and egress routes, fire management becomes more complex in WUI environments. In Marin County specifically, many of the access roads within the WUI are narrow and winding and are often on hillsides with overgrown vegetation, making it even more difficult and costly to reduce fire hazards, fight wildfires, and protect homes and lives in these areas.

To quantify the potential risk from wildfires, CalFire has developed a Fire Hazard Severity Scale which uses three criteria in order to evaluate and designate potential fire hazards in wildland l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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areas. The criteria are fuel loading (vegetation), fire weather (winds, temperatures, humidity levels and fuel moisture contents) and topography (degree of slope). In 2022, CalFire began the process of updating the 2007 map of the Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) statewide. It is projected that the Very High Fire Severity Zone (VHFSZ) will grow significantly in the Mount Tamalpais watershed area between Mill Valley and Muir Beach, and in the area of Inverness and Marshall. Most of western Marin County that used to fall under the Moderate Fire Severity Zone (MFSZ) is projected to change to High Fire Severity Zone (HFSZ). As the new FHSZ maps are still pending final approval as of 2023, the Marin County OA has been advised by CalFire to use the 2007 FHSZ maps as current for wildfire analysis in the 2023 Marin County OA MJHMP. The updated FHSZ maps planned for final approval in 2024 will be used for wildlife analysis in the 2028 Marin County OA MJHM. Figure 3.173 shows the current 2007 map of the FHSZ for Marin County.
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Figure 3.173: Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in the Marin County OA Source: Marin OEM, CALFIRE
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Figure 3.174: Marin County Wildfire Susceptibility to Critical Facilities Source: Marin County OEM
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As of 2007, several unincorporated communities in Marin County lie in moderate to very high wildfire hazard severity zones, which are shown below.

Figure 3.175 shows the fire hazard severity zones in and around Lagunitas, Forest Knolls and San Geronimo.

Figure 3.175: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Lagunitas, Forest Knolls, San Geronimo and Woodacre Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
Figure 3.176 shows the fire hazard severity zones in and around Woodacre.

Figure 3.176: Fire Hazard Severity Zones –Woodacre
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
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Figure 3.177: Fire Hazard Severity Zones –Woodacre Area Source: CalFire
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Figure 3.178 shows fire hazard severity zones in and around Nicasio.

Figure 3.178: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Nicasio
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
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Figure 3.179 shows the fire hazard severity zone in and around Tocoloma.

Figure 3.179: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Tocoloma
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
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Figure 3.180 shows the fire hazard severity zones in and around Olema.

Figure 3.180: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Olema
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
Figure 3.181 shows the fire hazard severity zones in and around Point Reyes Station. l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 3.181: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Point Reyes Station Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
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Figure 3.182 shows the fire hazard severity zones in and around Inverness Park.

Figure 3.182: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Inverness Park Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
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Figures 3.183 and 3.184 show the fire hazard severity zones in and around Inverness.

Figure 3.183: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Inverness
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
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Figure 3.184: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Inverness Area Source: CalFire
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Figure 3.185 shows the fire hazard severity zone in and around the Marconi/Marshall Area.

Figure 3.185: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Marconi/Marshall Area Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
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Figure 3.186 shows the fire hazard severity zones in and around the McDonald/Blakes Landing area.

Figure 3.186: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – McDonald/Blakes Landing Area Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
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Figure 3.187 shows the fire hazard severity zone in and around the Tomales area.

Figure 3.187: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Tomales
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
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Figure 3.188 shows the fire hazard severity zone in and around the Dillon Beach area.

Figure 3.188: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Dillon Beach Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
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Figure 3.189 shows the fire hazard severity zones in and around the Dogtown area.

Figure 3.189: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Dogtown
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
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Figure 3.190 shows the fire hazard severity zones in and around the Bolinas area.

Figure 3.190: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Bolinas
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
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Figure 3.191 and Figure 3.192 shows the fire hazard severity zone in and around the Stinson Beach area.

Figure 3.191: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Stinson Beach and Surrounding Area Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
Figure 3.192: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Stinson Beach Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
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Figure 3.193 shows the fire hazard severity zone in and around the Muir Beach area.

Figure 3.193: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Muir Beach
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
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Figure 3.194 shows the fire hazard severity zones in and around Tamalpais Valley and Marin City.

Figure 3.194: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Tamalpais Valley and Marin City Source: CalFire
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Figure 3.195 shows the fire hazard severity zone in and around the unincorporated area of the Tiburon Peninsula, including Paradise Cay.

Figure 3.195: Fire Hazard Severity Zone – Unincorporated Tiburon Peninsula and Paradise Cay Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
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Figure 3.196 shows the fire hazard severity zone in and around San Quentin.

Figure 3.196: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – San Quentin
Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
Figure 3.197 shows the fire hazard severity zones in and around Lucas Valley and Marinwood.

Figure 3.197: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Lucas Valley and Marinwood Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
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Figure 3.198 shows the fire hazard severity zones in and around the unincorporated area of Bel Marin Keys and Loma Verde.

Figure 3.198: Fire Hazard Severity Zone – Bel Marin Keys and Loma Verde Source: CalFire
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Indian Valley
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Emergency Operations
Centers
Fire Stations
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Fire
Fire Severity Zone
Very High
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Figure 3.199 shows the fire hazard severity zone around San Antonio and the Marin County airport.

Figure 3.199: Fire Hazard Severity Zone – San Antonio & Marin County Airport Source: CalFire, 11/27/23
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Figure 3.200 shows the number of state and federal declared wildfire disasters in Marin County in relation to the rest of California.

Figure 3.200: Historic Wildfires in the Marin County OA 1919 - 1995 Source: Marin Community Wildfire Protection Plan
Throughout its history, Marin County has experienced many wildland fires. Figure 3.201 shows a map of large fires that have occurred in Marin County’s unincorporated WUI. l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 3.201: Historic Wildfires in the Marin County OA 1973 - 2020 Source: Marin Community Wildfire Protection Plan
9/14/1904 – A wildfire burned 15,000-20,000 acres on Bolinas Ridge. 10/1917 – A wildfire burned 2,000 acres on a ridge near the unincorporated community of Inverness.
7/8/1913 – A wildfire started by a train or a discarded cigarette burned over 1,500 acres on Mount Tamalpais and threatened the City of Mill Valley. 9/17/1923 – September 1923 Wildfire
A wildfire started in the unincorporated community of Ignacio and threatened or destroyed thousands of homes around the unincorporated communities of Ignacio, Woodacre, Lagunitas, and Bolinas Ridge. Thirty-five homes were destroyed in Woodcare, leaving only five left standing. Large areas of timber and grazing land burned. Damage was estimated at $250,000. 9/27/1945 – The Mill Fire
Two brush fires merged together near the unincorporated community of Lagunitas and quickly spread across Bolinas Ridge coming within a quarter mile of the unincorporated community of Stinson Beach. The unincorporated community of Woodacre and the Town of Fairfax were threatened, with over 3,000 residents put on alert for evacuation. Over 18,000 acres burned. l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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9/1965 – Chileno Valley Fire
Over 8,000 acres burned and several ranches were destroyed in a wildfire. 10/3-10/16/1995 – The Vision Fire
A wildfire started from an illegal campfire burned over 12,000 acres in Point Reyes National Seashore and destroyed 48 structures in the unincorporated community of Inverness.

Figure 3.202: 1995 Vision Fire
Source: Richard Blair
10/13/2008 – Angel Island Fire
A human-caused wildfire burned over 300 acres on Angel Island in Angel Island State Park. No structures were destroyed.
8/27/2019 – Spirit Fire
A wildfire started by arson burned 16 acres above the Sprit Rock Meditation Center near Woodacre.
10/24/2019 – Muir Fire
A 58-acre wildfire burned between the unincorporated communities of Muir Beach and Stinson Beach, closing Highway 1.
8/17/2020 – Woodward Fire
A wildfire burned over 700 acres in a remote area of Point Reyes National Seashore, causing evacuation warnings in the unincorporated community of Olema. 7/14/2021 – Dolcini Fire
A wildfire burned over thirty acres west of Novato.
9/6/2021 – Lucas Valley Wildfire
A wildfire started by a lawn mower burned over 40 acres, prompting evacuations in parts of the unincorporated communities of Lucas Valley and Marinwood.

As part of the CWPP, Ignition data for all authorities having jurisdiction were acquired and analyzed for 2002 through 2011 to evaluate ignition trends within the county. l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Impacts
Potential losses from wildfire include human life, structures and other improvements, natural and cultural resources, quality and quantity of water supplies, cropland, timber, and recreational opportunities. Urban wildfires often occur in the WUI, where development has expanded into the rural areas. A wildfire in the WUI can result in major losses of property and structures. Also of significant concern to the planning area are the secondary impacts associated with a large burn area. Wildfires can have devastating effects on watersheds through loss of vegetation and soil erosion, which may impact the County by changing runoff patterns, increasing sedimentation, reducing natural and reservoir water storage capacity, and degrading water quality. These problems can be compounded by climate conditions.

Although the physical damages and casualties arising from wildland-urban interface fires may be severe, it is important to recognize that they also cause significant economic impacts by resulting in a loss of function of buildings and infrastructure. In some cases, the economic impact of this loss of services may be comparable to the economic impact of physical damages or, in some cases, even greater. Economic impacts of loss of transportation and utility services may include traffic delays/detours from road and bridge closures and loss of electric power, potable water, and wastewater services. Threats to healthcare, hazmat releases, ash deposition on properties (including schools), need for proper cleanup, and high costs of hazardous waste cleanup. Both environmental and economic losses occur from contamination of properties which grow produce, both for personal sustenance and commercial distribution.

Wildfires and subsequent smoke can have a negative impact on tourism and visitor use in the County. Wildfires can also cause major damage to power plants and power lines needed to distribute electricity to operate facilities.

Urban structural fires release toxic pollutants into air and water, cause injuries and deaths, mental/behavioral health issues, economic loss consequences of loss/damage to residences or places of business, displacement, cleanup costs to communities and governments, potential increased healthcare utilization due to injuries or chronic disease exacerbations, long term public health impacts including injuries to the response personnel.

There is also a mitigation opportunity. Even though smoke detectors are required in CA, there is no data on how many residential units in CA do not have a smoke detector, whether they have functioning smoke detectors, and whether residents are aware where to place them and how to maintain them. Conducting a rapid community assessment using established methods is one way to gather this information, which could be considered a mitigation action.

Poor air quality can result from wildfires. Sensitive individuals including the very young, elderly and those with respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at the greatest risk of developing aggravated symptoms such as coughing, watery and itchy eyes, headache, scratchy throat, and difficulty in breathing.

PSPS events can have numerous impacts on residents who rely on electricity for cooling their homes, powering water pumps, keeping critical medical equipment operating, and who have other critical needs. These impacts can become exacerbated during a period of higher temperatures, when community members are unable to cool their homes. PSPS events sometimes occur with little to no warning, and with no clear timeframe on how long the event may last, which presents a challenging situation for community members to be able to prepare for prolonged power outages.
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Extent and Probability
Wildfire threat can be defined as the result of an analysis of potential fire behavior and the likelihood of fire to occur relative to the assets (or communities) at risk. Recent research indicates that higher summer temperatures will likely increase fire severity in California. Future changes in fire frequency and severity are difficult to predict; however, regional climate change associated with elevated greenhouse gas concentrations could alter large weather patterns and produce conditions conducive to extreme fire behavior. A warmer climate will bring drier winters and higher spring temperatures. Combined with drought conditions, this leads to drier soils in early summer, drier vegetation, and an increase in the number of days in the year with flammable fuels, all which further raise the likelihood of fires.

The western U.S. is likely to continue its trend toward warmer and drier conditions, on average, with warmer spring and summer temperatures, reduced snowpack and earlier snowmelts, and longer, drier summer fire seasons. Models and observations, including reconstructions of fire and climate in the past; trends over the last few decades; and predictive models, predict that warming and drying conditions are likely to cause increased fire activity in the future.

Table 3.20: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Wildfire Jurisdiction
Probability/
Likelihood
of Future
Events
Geographic
Extent
Magnitude/
Severity
Climate
Change
Influence
Significance Risk
Score
Marin County Highly
Likely Significant Severe High High 16.00
City of
Belvedere
Highly
Likely Limited Extreme Medium High 15.00
Town of
Corte Madera Occasional Significant Extreme High High 15.00 Town of
Fairfax
Highly
Likely Significant Severe Medium Medium 14.00
City of
Larkspur Likely Significant Extreme High High 16.00
City of Mill
Valley Likely Extensive Extreme High High 17.00
City of
Novato Likely Limited Weak Medium Medium 10.00
Town of
Ross Likely Extensive Severe Medium High 15.00
Town of
San Anselmo Likely Extensive Extreme High High 17.00
City of
San Rafael Likely Significant Severe High Medium 14.00
City of
Sausalito Occasional Limited Moderate High Medium 11.00 Town of
Tiburon
Highly
Likely Significant Severe High High 16.00
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Bolinas
Public Utility
District
Occasional Extensive Severe High Medium 14.00
Las Gallinas
Valley
Sanitary
District
Likely Negligible Moderate Medium Medium 10.00
North Marin
Water
District
Occasional Extensive Extreme Medium High 15.00
Southern
Marin Fire
District
Occasional Extensive Severe High Medium 15.00
Table 3.20: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Wildfire Source: Profiled Jurisdictions and Districts
Vulnerability
While the Cal Fire FHSZ maps are useful in examining potential fire hazard severity at the state level, the underlying data and methods used to develop the FHSZ maps can be improved upon by using local (and more recent) fuel characteristics and improved fire modeling methods. The Cal Fire FHSZ maps also do not take into account local perspectives and priorities regarding communities at risk and areas of concern.

To improve upon the currently available state-level fire hazard assessment information, an independent hazard, asset, risk assessment was performed to help identify and prioritize areas within the county that are potentially at a high threat from wildfire based on more recent fuels data, advanced modeling techniques, and local input. The assessment was performed by modeling potential fire behavior and the probability or likelihood that an area will burn given an ignition. Next, the fire modeling output was combined with areas of concern and assets at risk.

Composite maps were generated indicating relative potential fire hazards throughout the county.

Assets at risk are defined as structures and resources that can be damaged or destroyed by wildland fire. Assets in the Marin County OA include real estate (homes and businesses), all types of healthcare facilities, emergency communication facilities, transportation and utility infrastructure, watersheds, protected wildlands, tourist and recreation areas, and agricultural lands. In addition to providing a framework for protecting community members and providing for firefighter safety, the California Fire Plan identifies the following assets warranting consideration in pre-fire planning: watersheds and water; wildlife; habitat; special status plants and animals; scenic, cultural and historic areas; recreation; rangeland; structures; infrastructure; and air quality.

There are approximately 111,000 living units in the Marin County OA with a median home value of approximately $1 million. As many homes in the county are located in the WUI, if a major wildland fire were to result in the loss of many homes, it could have a short-term negative impact on the Marin County OA’s property tax base.

The Mt. Tamalpais watershed supplies central and southern Marin County with 75% of their fresh water. Given the area’s seasonal rainfall, any major wildfire impacting the heavily forested watershed will result in major silting and subsequent degradation of water quantity and quality in l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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the watershed. These watershed lands—as well as the lands managed by Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD), state parks, and NPS—are largely contiguous. They harbor several endangered, threatened, and special-status species, including the coho salmon and northern spotted owl.

The area is also part of a major migrating bird flyway and nesting area. The Marin County OA is also a major tourist destination. Major parks within Marin County include California State Parks (Mt. Tamalpais, Samuel P. Taylor, and China Camp), NPS’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), Muir Woods National Monument, and Point Reyes National Seashore. The Point Reyes National Seashore and Muir Woods National Monument together attract 3.5 million visitors annually. The GGNRA, a majority of which resides within Marin County, attracts an additional 14.9 million visitors per year and contributes an estimated $365.2 million annually to the economy. A major wildfire affecting any of these parks could have negative impacts on the local economy for years after the event.

The Marin County OA’s agricultural land base includes nearly 137,000 acres of privately owned agriculturally zoned land and 32,000 acres of federally-owned land that is leased to agricultural operators. Agricultural operations include livestock and livestock products; aquaculture; field crops; fruit, vegetable, and nursery crops. The gross value of all agricultural production was approximately $101 million in 2014. To help protect people and property from potential catastrophic wildfire, the National Fire Plan identifies communities that are at high risk of damage from wildfire. These high-risk communities identified within the WUI were published in the Federal Register in 2001. In California, CAL FIRE has the responsibility for managing the list. With California's extensive WUI situation, the list of communities extends beyond just those adjacent to Federal lands; there are 1,329 communities currently on the California Communities at Risk List. The Marin County OA has 23 of these at-risk communities. A countywide assessment of the wildland fire threat undertaken by CAL FIRE revealed that nearly 313,000 acres (approximately 82% of the total land area of the county) are ranked as having moderate to very high fire hazard severity zone ratings.

Using the methodology described in the CWPP, a series of models of the hazards, assets, and risks were completed. One model was the average fire season flame length, with lengths above 8 feet possibly exhibiting the more extreme fire behavior and be relatively more hazardous from a fire suppression perspective. Rate of spread is defined as the rate of forward spread of the fire head expressed in feet per minute. The higher the rate of spread, the more difficult a fire is to suppress. A composite map of the flame length, rate of spread, and population density for the average fire season scenario is shown in Figure 3.203; orange and red show areas where more extreme fire behavior is likely given an ignition.
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Figure 3.203: Population Density, Flame Length, and Rate of Spread for the Average Fire Season in the Marin County OA
Source: Marin Community Wildfire Protection Plan, 2020 0 2.5 Legend
5 t Miles
Composite Map
Average Fire Season
10 11111 Very High Flame Le"glh, Rate of Spread, & Pop. Density == High Flame Lengtli, Rate of Spread, & Pop. Densrty 1111 Moderate Flame Len,gth, Rate •Of Spre.id, & Pop. Oensi UG .Pf ..
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Figure 3.204 shows areas of concern for the average fire season in the OA where fuel reduction and hazard mitigation efforts might be focused.

Figure 3.204: Areas of Concern for the Average Fire Season in the Marin County OA Source: Marin Community Wildfire Protection Plan, 2020
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Relative Ranking
Average Fire Season
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High
- Mod<>.rat<>.

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A
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Figure 3.205 shows areas of concern for the average fire season in the OA where fuel reduction and hazard mitigation efforts might be focused.

Figure 3.205: Areas of Concern for the Extreme Fire Season in the Marin County OA Source: Marin Community Wildfire Protection Plan, 2020
Unincorporated rural areas within the OA include the coastal communities of Muir Beach, Stinson Beach, and Bolinas; communities near Tomales Bay including Olema, Point Reyes Station, Inverness, Inverness Park, Marshall, Tomales, and Dillon Beach; and rural areas in the interior valleys including Nicasio, Lagunitas, Forest Knolls, San Geronimo, and Woodacre.

These communities are primarily situated within or adjacent to the WUI, with moderate to dense concentrations of structures. The Marin County OA has approximately 60,000 acres of WUI adjacent to 200,000 acres of watershed. Response times in these communities present significant challenges to keeping fires from directly impacting the communities and sub divisions (especially those within the SRA) as emergency fire access and evacuation egress is limited by narrow, winding roads lined with dense vegetation. Figure 3.206 shows the WUI boundary and population density in the OA.
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Areas of Concern
Relative Ranking
Extreme Fire Conditions
- VeryHigh
High
- Moderate
N
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Figure 3.206: WUI Boundary and Population Density in the Marin County OA Source: Marin Community Wildfire Protection Plan, 2020
In the Marin County OA, cul-de-sacs generally service new housing developments and most of the smaller canyons, valleys, and hillsides. Some planned unit developments are served by privately- maintained roads, which create access issues (i.e., narrow paved widths and limited on-street parking). According to California Fire Code specifications, roadways that are considered hazardous in terms of fire access and protection are those with • less than 20 feet of unobstructed paved surface and 13.6 vertical feet; • dead-ends longer than 800 feet, and;
• cul-de-sac diameter less than 68 feet.

Driveways that are less than 16 feet wide or that do not have adequate turnaround space are also considered hazardous. A large number of roadways and driveways in many of the Marin County OA’s communities fall into one or more of the above categories.

Several communities in the Marin County OA lie partially or completely in a High and/or Very High FHSZ and could have a higher susceptibility to wildfire. They are highlighted below.

While most of Lagunitas, Forest Knolls San Geronimo and Woodacre lie in a Moderate FHSZ, the surrounding foothills lie in a High FHSZ. There are hundreds of homes in the High FHSZ along with the Woodacre PG&E substation that could have higher susceptible to wildfire. There are hundreds of homes and numerous businesses and critical facilities including the San l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Geronimo Community Center, San Geronimo Valley Elementary School, Lagunitas Elementary School, the Woodacre Fire Station and the Heartwood Charter School that lie in the Moderate FHSZ and could be susceptible to wildlife.

The area west and north of Inverness Park primarily lies in a High FHSZ. There are dozens of homes in this area that could have higher susceptibility to wildfire. There is a residential area north of Inverness Park with several dozen homes that lie in a Very High FHSZ and could have an even higher susceptibility to wildfire. Most of the core of Inverness lies in a High FHSZ but the outlying areas north lie in a Very High FHSZ. There are dozens of homes in both these areas that could have higher susceptibility to wildfire. The Inverness Fire Department, Inverness Elementary School and a Marin Emergency Radio Authority (MERA) antenna site lie in a High FHSZ area and could have higher susceptibility to wildfire. Populations from Inverness to Inverness Park are particularly susceptible to wildfire as there is essentially only one main road, Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, that could be used in an evacuation and in only one direction (south).

Most of Dogtown and the northern end of Bolinas lie in a High FHSZ. Several residences, the Bolinas PG&E substation and the Bolinas-Stinson Elementary School lie in this area and could have higher susceptibility to wildfire. Most of Bolinas, where there are dozens of homes, the Bolinas Community Center, the Bolinas Stinson School, the MERA antenna sites at Horseshoe Hill and Bolinas, the Bolinas Community Health Center and the Woodrat Water Treatment Plant lie in a Moderate FHSZ and could be susceptible to wildfire.

While most of Stinson Beach is in a Moderate FHSZ, the surrounding area to the south is in a High FHSZ. Several residences and businesses are in this area and could have higher susceptibility to wildfire. The downtown core of Stinson Beach along with the Stinson Beach Fire Department Stations #1 and #2 lie in a Moderate FHSZ just outside of the High FHSZ and could be susceptible to wildfire. The western end of Stinson Beach along Dipsea Road and Seadrift Road also lies in a Moderate FHSZ and includes dozens of homes that could be susceptible to wildfire.

Most of Muir Beach lies in a High FHSZ. This area includes dozens of homes, several businesses and the Muir Beach Community Center that have higher susceptibility to wildfire.

The Muir Beach Fire Department lies just outside the High FHSZ in a Moderate FHSZ and could be susceptible to wildfire.

Most of Tamalpais Valley and Marin City lie in a Very High FHSZ. There are thousands of homes and buildings in this area of Tamalpais Valley, along with a MERA antenna site, the Marin Horizon School, the Southern Marin Fire Protection District Station #4 and the Tamalpais Valley Elementary School that could have a very high susceptibility to wildfire. Populations in this area are particularly susceptible to wildfire due to the presence of numerous cul de sacs and windy secondary roads that could impede an evacuation. Numerous homes and critical facilities, including the Marin City Health and Wellness Center, the Bayside Martin Luther King Jr. Academy, and the Marin City Fire department lie in the Very High FHSZ of Marin City and could have a very high susceptibility to wildfire. The Very High FHSZ in Tamalpais Valley and Marin City is bordered to the east by a High FHSZ. Hundreds of homes and numerous businesses along with the Commodore Center Heliport lie in the High FHSZ and could have higher susceptibility to wildfire. The Mount Tamalpais School lies in the Moderate FHSZ and could be susceptible to wildfire.
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A small area in the north of Strawberry lies in a High FHSZ with a larger area that lies in a moderate FHSZ. There are several homes in this area that could have higher susceptibility to wildfire.

Most of the unincorporated area of the Tiburon Peninsula lie in a High FHSZ. There are dozens of homes in this area that could have higher susceptibility to wildfire. The eastern boundary of the peninsula lies in a Moderate FHSZ and has several homes that could be susceptible to wildfire.

The far northern and western side of Kentfield lie in a High FHSZ and are bordered to the immediate west by a Very High FHSZ. There are dozens of homes, numerous businesses, the Kentfield Hospital and part of the College of Marin that lie in this area and that have higher susceptibility to wildfire. A smaller part of Kentfield and part of Greenbrae and California City lie in a Moderate FHSZ. There are several homes along with part of the College of Marin that lie in this area and that could be susceptible to wildfire. All of San Quentin, including San Quentin State Prison, lies in a Moderate FHSZ and could be susceptible to wildfire.

While all of Sleepy Hollow lies in a Moderate FHSZ, it is bordered to the east, west, and south by areas of a High FHSZ. Dozens of homes along with the San Domenico School, Sleepy Hollow Villa Medical Facility and the Hidden Valley School that lie in this area could be susceptible to wildfire. Most of Los Ranchitos lies in a High FHSZ with a small part in a moderate FHSZ. There are dozens of homes in this area that could be susceptible to wildfire.

Most of Lucas Valley and Marinwood lie in a High FHSZ. There are hundreds of homes and critical facilities, including several medical facilities, Lucas Valley Elementary School, the Marin County Juvenile Complex, Lucas Valley School, the Marinwood Fire Department, Miller Creek School that lie in this area and have a high susceptibility to wildfire. There is a small section of Marinwood with several homes and part of the Mary E. Silveria Elementary School that lie in a Very High FHSZ and that could have an even higher susceptibility to wildfire. The far eastern end of Lucas Valley, which consists of several homes, lies a Moderate FHSZ and could be susceptible to wildfire.

All of the Saint Vincent area, which includes the Saint Vincent School, lies in a Moderate FHSZ and could be susceptible to wildfire. The Saint Vincent area is surrounded to the west, north and south by a High FHSZ.

Most of San Venetia is not in a FHSZ but the eastern foothills of the San Pedro Mountain Open Space Preserve are in a Moderate FHSZ. There are numerous homes and medical facilities along with the Marin School that lie in this area and that could be susceptible to wildfire. Part of the unincorporated community south of China Camp State Park lies in a Moderate FHSZ.

There are dozens of homes in this area that could be susceptible to wildfire. The southwest side of San Pedro Hill lies in a High FHSZ with a small part lying in a Moderate FHSZ. The McNear Brickyard and other industrial facilities lie in this area and could have an even higher susceptibility to wildfire.

The unincorporated residential area west of Novato lies mostly in a High FHSZ. There are hundreds of homes in this area that could have a high susceptibility to wildfire. The Loma Verde area, which includes dozens of homes and the Loma Verde Elementary School, also lies in a l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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High FHSZ and could have a high susceptibility to wildfire. This area is bordered to the south by a Very High FHSZ in the City of Novato.

Most of the Black Point-Green Point area lies in a High FHSZ. There are dozens of homes, several businesses, and the Novato Fire Protection District Station #62 that lie in this area and could have a high susceptibility to wildfire. A smaller section south of the Rush Creek Marsh Wildlife Area lies in a Moderate FHSZ. There are numerous homes and businesses in this area that could be susceptible to wildfire.

Numerous unincorporated communities in Marin County include all or part of a Moderate FHSZ and have no High or Very High FHSZ’s including Point Reyes Station, Olema, Nicasio, Tocoloma, Marshall, Tomales, Dillon Beach, Alto, Paradise Cay, and Bel Marin Keys. Hundreds of homes, numerous businesses, and several critical facilities lie in these communities and could be susceptible to wildfire. Critical facilities in these communities susceptible to wildfire include the Nicasio Fire Department, the Nicasio Elementary School, the Tocoloma PG&E substation, the MERA antenna site at Mt. Barnabe, the Olema PG&E substation, the Point Reyes National Seashore Headquarters and Fire Department, the Point Reyes Fire Station, the Marin County Sherrif’s Substation at Point Reyes, the CalTrans Point Reyes Maintenance Station, West Marin Elementary School, Tomales High School, Tomales Elementary School, Tomales Fire Station, MERA antenna site at Tomales and several medical facilities.

The Marin County Airport, the community of San Antonio, and the unincorporated County along the border of Sonoma County all lie in a Moderate FHSZ. There are numerous rural homes, businesses and buildings along with critical facilities including the Hicks Valley Fire Station, Laguna School, Lincoln School, Stafford Junction PG&E substation, MERA antenna site at Coyote Peak that lie in this area and could be susceptible to wildfire.

Marin County populations within the above-listed communities that are most vulnerable to the effects of wildfire include:
• Low-income households
• Households in poverty
• Persons living on single access roads
• Mobile homeowners
• Persons without access to transportation or telecommunications • Outdoor workers
• Healthcare workers, first responders, and protective service occupations • Houseless population
• Children
• Persons with disabilities
• Persons with chronic health problems,
• Senior community members, and
• Persons living alone.

See the Marin County CWPP for additional information on the susceptibility of the Marin County OA to wildfire.
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Climate Change and Future Development Considerations
Climate change can lead to an increase in wildfire events. Climate change has been a key factor in increasing the risk and extent of wildfires in the western United States. Changes in climate create warmer, drier conditions. Increased drought, and a longer fire season are boosting these increases in wildfire risk.

Figure 3.207: Trends in the Annual Number of Large Wildfires in the United States Source: Fourth Climate Change Assessment
As summer conditions in Northern California become hotter and drier due to climate change, the occurrence and severity of wildfires will only increase. The Marin County OA is particularly susceptible to these future impacts of climate change on wildfire, as the OA’s climate has generally been wet enough historically to avoid major wildfires. Extreme heat events and high wind events could cause electrical systems to become overloaded and fail, sparking wildfires.

An increase in wildfires as a result of climate change could lead to more significantly burned areas that could contribute to debris flows after a significant storm event. Future development in the WUI throughout the Marin County OA will expose more people and property to the impacts of a potentially significant wildfire. The growing number of people in the Marin County OA WUI can increase risk to life, property and public health as a result of a wildfire.

3.4 ADDITIONAL HAZARDS PROFILED
Additional non-natural hazards were identified as having some potential to impact the planning area. The sections below provide short profiles of each of these hazards, including qualitative discussion of their potential to impact Marin County. No formal risk assessment of these hazards was performed, and no mitigation initiatives have been developed to address them. l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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3.4.1 AIR POLLUTION
Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.

Household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities and forest fires are common sources of air pollution. Pollutants of major public health concern and their effects on health and the environment include:

Ozone (O3)
• Respiratory symptoms
• Worsening of lung disease leading to premature death
• Damage to lung tissue
• Crop, forest and ecosystem damage
• Damage to a variety of materials, including rubber, plastics, fabrics, paint and metals PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in aerodynamic diameter) • Premature death
• Hospitalization for worsening of cardiovascular disease • Hospitalization for respiratory disease
• Asthma-related emergency room visits
• Increased symptoms, increased inhaler usage
PM10 (particulate matter less than 10 microns in aerodynamic diameter) • Premature death & hospitalization, primarily for worsening of respiratory disease • Reduced visibility and material soiling
Nitrogen Oxides (NOX)
• Lung irritation
• Enhanced allergic responses
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
• Chest pain in patients with heart disease
• Headache
• Light-headedness
• Reduced mental alertness
Sulfur Oxides (SOX)
• Worsening of asthma: increased symptoms, increased medication usage, and emergency room visits
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Lead
• Impaired mental functioning in children
• Learning disabilities in children
• Brain and kidney damage
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)
• Nuisance odor (rotten egg smell)
• At high concentrations: headache & breathing difficulties Sulfate
• Same as PM2.5, particularly worsening of asthma and other lung diseases • Reduces visibility
Vinyl Chloride
• Central nervous system effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness & headaches • Long-term exposure: liver damage & liver cancer
Visibility Reducing Particles
• Reduced airport safety, scenic enjoyment, road safety, and discourages tourism Toxic Air Contaminants (about 200 chemicals have been listed as toxic air contaminants) • Cancer
• Reproductive and developmental effects
• Neurological effects
Outdoor and indoor air pollution cause respiratory and other diseases and are important sources of morbidity and mortality.

The World Health Organization (WHO) shows that almost all of the global population (99%) breathe air that exceeds WHO guideline limits and contains high levels of pollutants, with lowand middle-income countries suffering from the highest exposures.

Air quality is closely linked to the earth’s climate and ecosystems globally. Many of the drivers of air pollution (i.e. combustion of fossil fuels) are also sources of greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate change–fueled wildfires and extreme heat are adding to the challenges of protecting public health. Policies to reduce air pollution, therefore, offer a win-win strategy for both climate and health, lowering the burden of disease attributable to air pollution, as well as contributing to the near- and long-term mitigation of climate change.

Mold and allergens from trees, weeds, and grass are also carried in the air, are exacerbated by climate change, and can be hazardous to health. Though they aren’t regulated and are less directly connected to human actions, they can be considered a form of air pollution. Pollen allergies are worsening because of climate change.
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135 million people or four out of ten U.S. residents live in counties with unhealthy levels of air pollution. Air monitoring shows that over 90 percent of Californians breathe unhealthy levels of one or more air pollutants during some part of the year. In the U.S., the Clean Air Act has been a crucial tool for reducing air pollution since its passage in 1970. The most effective way to control air pollution is to speed up the transition to cleaner fuels and industrial processes. By switching over to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, maximizing fuel efficiency in vehicles, and replacing more and more gasoline-powered cars and trucks with electric versions, air pollution can be limited at its source while also curbing the global warming that worsens so many of its worst health impacts.

Air Quality Index (AQI) & Health
Millions of people live in areas where air pollution can cause serious health problems. Local air quality can affect our daily lives. Like the weather, it can change from day to day. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the Air Quality Index, or AQI, to make information available about the health effects of the five most common air pollutants, and how to avoid those effects.

The AQI is an index for reporting daily air quality. It tells you how clean or polluted your air is, and what associated health effects might be a concern for you. The AQI focuses on health affects you may experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air. EPA calculates the AQI for five major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act: ground-level ozone, particle pollution (also known as particulate matter), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. For each of these pollutants, EPA has established national air quality standards to protect public health. Ground-level ozone and airborne particles are the two pollutants that pose the greatest threat to human health in this country. https://www.airnow.gov/
https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqi_brochure.index
The purpose of the AQI is to help you understand what local air quality means to your health. To make it easier to understand, the AQI is divided into six categories: Note: Values above 500 are considered Beyond the AQI. Follow recommendations for the Hazardous category. Additional information on reducing exposure to extremely high levels of particle pollution is available here.

Each category corresponds to a different level of health concern. The six levels of health concern and what they mean are depicted in the figure below. l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 3.208: Air Quality Index Concern Levels
Source: AirNow.gov
In the Bay Area, a certain amount of air pollution comes from industrial sources, such as refineries and power plants. But a greater percentage of harmful air emissions comes from cars and trucks, construction equipment, and other motor vehicles. In the wintertime, the largest single source of air pollution is residential wood burning. Ozone and fine particle pollution, or PM2.5, are the major regional air pollutants of concern in the San Francisco Bay Area. Ozone is primarily a problem in the summer, and fine particle pollution in the winter. Along the Marin County coast and in southern Marin County, clean air from the Pacific Ocean helps to keep air pollution at a minimum. Elsewhere in the Marin County OA, ozone only rarely becomes a concern, but the hilly terrain and colder winter temperatures can trap PM2.5 near the surface, resulting in air quality that exceeds health standards.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) is the official air pollution control agency for the San Francisco Bay Area, which includes Marin County. They have issued numerous poor air quality advisories for Marin County over the years as a result of wildfires.

3.4.2 CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE/ UTILITY DISRUPTION
Critical Infrastructure and utility disruption is defined as the disruption of one or more of the physical structures, facilities, networks and other assets which provide services that are essential to the social and economic functioning of a community or society. Examples of infrastructure disruptions include building collapses, water main breaks, gas pipe ruptures, steam pipe explosions, communication system failures and related types of events. These disruptions can be caused by natural disasters such as a landslide or earthquake, by man-made disasters such as a train or major vehicle crash, or by acts of sabotage including terrorism. 1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a ~ ARIN~
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Climate change is expected to heavily affect infrastructure through heatwaves, floods and droughts. Figure 3.208 shows critical infrastructure across the Marin County OA.

Figure 3.209: Marin County OA Critical Infrastructure
Source: Marin County
The availability of critical infrastructure and utilities are crucial for timely recovery after a disaster induced by natural hazards. Maintaining or quickly restoring road access, drinking water supply or healthcare can save lives. Very often disasters are exacerbated by poor infrastructure.

Preparing critical infrastructures, as well as the population, for long-term outages due to natural hazards is crucial. When critical infrastructure and utilities have a disruption, it can disproportionately affect socially vulnerable populations. For individuals stuck at home and who rely on timely medication or electrical devices, a situation can quickly become critical if road access and power supplies are damaged. The increasing complexity, interdependency and scale of infrastructure networks can make them more difficult to protect. While technological developments have improved the quality of essential services, this progress itself creates new vulnerabilities.

Beyond power outages caused by storms, wildfires and PSPS events, the Marin County OA has had no significant critical infrastructure or utility disruptions. Other critical infrastructure and utility disruptions across California and the United States have occurred, however, and could similarly occur in the Marin County OA including the 2011 Southwest power failure, the 2010 San Bruno PG&E gas line explosion, and the 2007 I-35 bridge collapse in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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3.4.3 CYBER THREATS
A cyber threat is any circumstance or event with the potential to adversely impact organizational operations (including mission, functions, image, or reputation), organizational assets, or individuals through an information system via unauthorized access, destruction, disclosure, modification of information, and/or denial of service. A cyber threat is also the potential for a threat-source to successfully exploit a particular information system vulnerability. Cyber threats include:

Malware
Malware — or malicious software — is any program or code that is created with the intent to do harm to a computer, network or server. Malware is the most common type of cyberattack, mostly because this term encompasses many subsets such as ransomware, trojans, spyware, viruses, worms, keyloggers, bots, cryptojacking, and any other type of malware attack that leverages software in a malicious way. Types of malware include:

Ransomware: In a ransomware attack, an adversary encrypts a victim’s data and offers to provide a decryption key in exchange for a payment. Ransomware attacks are usually launched through malicious links delivered via phishing emails, but unpatched vulnerabilities and policy misconfigurations are used as well.

Fileless Malware: Fileless malware is a type of malicious activity that uses native, legitimate tools built into a system to execute a cyber attack. Unlike traditional malware, fileless malware does not require an attacker to install any code on a target’s system, making it hard to detect.

Spyware: Spyware is a type of unwanted, malicious software that infects a computer or other device and collects information about a user’s web activity without their knowledge or consent.

Adware: Adware is a type of spyware that watches a user’s online activity in order to determine which ads to show them. While adware is not inherently malicious, it has an impact on the performance of a user’s device and degrades the user experience.

Trojan: A trojan is malware that appears to be legitimate software disguised as native operating system programs or harmless files like free downloads. Trojans are installed through social engineering techniques such as phishing or bait websites.

Worm: A worm is a self-contained program that replicates itself and spreads its copies to other computers. A worm may infect its target through a software vulnerability or it may be delivered via phishing or smishing. Embedded worms can modify and delete files, inject more malicious software, or replicate in place until the targeted system runs out of resources.

Rootkit: Rootkit malware is a collection of software designed to give malicious actors control of a computer network or application. Once activated, the malicious program sets up a backdoor exploit and may deliver additional malware.
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Mobile Malware: Mobile malware is any type of malware designed to target mobile devices.

Mobile malware is delivered through malicious downloads, operating system vulnerabilities, phishing, smishing, and the use of unsecured WiFi.

Exploit: An exploit is a piece of software or data that opportunistically uses a defect in an operating system or an app to provide access to unauthorized actors. The exploit may be used to install more malware or steal data.

Scareware: Scareware tricks users into believing their computer is infected with a virus.

Typically, a user will see scareware as a pop-up warning them that their system is infected.

This scare tactic aims to persuade people into installing fake antivirus software to remove the “virus.” Once this fake antivirus software is downloaded, then malware may infect your computer.

Keylogger: Keyloggers are tools that record what a person types on a device. While there are legitimate and legal uses for keyloggers, many uses are malicious. In a keylogger attack, the keylogger software records every keystroke on the victim’s device and sends it to the attacker.

Botnet: Botnet is a network of computers infected with malware that are controlled by a bot herder. The bot herder is the person who operates the botnet infrastructure and uses the compromised computers to launch attacks designed to crash a target’s network, inject malware, harvest credentials or execute CPU-intensive tasks.

Denial and Distributed Denial of Service Attacks
A Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack is a malicious, targeted attack that floods a network with false requests in order to disrupt business operations.

In a DoS attack, users are unable to perform routine and necessary tasks, such as accessing email, websites, online accounts or other resources that are operated by a compromised computer or network. While most DoS attacks do not result in lost data and are typically resolved without paying a ransom, they cost the organization time, money and other resources in order to restore critical business operations.

The difference between DoS and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks has to do with the origin of the attack. DoS attacks originate from just one system while DDoS attacks are launched from multiple systems. DDoS attacks are faster and harder to block than DOS attacks because multiple systems must be identified and neutralized to halt the attack.

Phishing
Phishing is a type of cyberattack that uses email, SMS, phone, social media, and social engineering techniques to entice a victim to share sensitive information — such as passwords or account numbers — or to download a malicious file that will install viruses on their computer or phone. Types of phishing include:

Spear Phishing: Spear-phishing is a type of phishing attack that targets specific individuals or organizations typically through malicious emails. The goal of spear phishing is to steal sensitive information such as login credentials or infect the targets’ device with malware. l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Whaling: A whaling attack is a type of social engineering attack specifically targeting senior or executive employees with the purpose of stealing money or information, or gaining access to the person’s computer in order to execute further cyberattacks.

SMiShing: Smishing is the act of sending fraudulent text messages designed to trick individuals into sharing sensitive data such as passwords, usernames and credit card numbers. A smishing attack may involve cybercriminals pretending to be your bank or a shipping service you use.

Vishing: Vishing, a voice phishing attack, is the fraudulent use of phone calls and voice messages pretending to be from a reputable organization to convince individuals to reveal private information such as bank details and passwords.

Spoofing
Spoofing is a technique through which a cybercriminal disguises themselves as a known or trusted source. In so doing, the adversary is able to engage with the target and access their systems or devices with the ultimate goal of stealing information, extorting money or installing malware or other harmful software on the device. Types of spoofing include:

Domain Spoofing: Domain spoofing is a form of phishing where an attacker impersonates a known business or person with fake website or email domain to fool people into the trusting them. Typically, the domain appears to be legitimate at first glance, but a closer look will reveal subtle differences.

Email Spoofing: Email spoofing is a type of cyberattack that targets organizations by using emails with forged sender addresses. Because the recipient trusts the alleged sender, they are more likely to open the email and interact with its contents, such as a malicious link or attachment.

ARP Spoofing: Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) spoofing or ARP poisoning is a form of spoofing attack that hackers use to intercept data. A hacker commits an ARP spoofing attack by tricking one device into sending messages to the hacker instead of the intended recipient. This way, the hacker gains access to your device’s communications, including sensitive data.

Code Injection Attacks
Code injection attacks consist of an attacker injecting malicious code into a vulnerable computer or network to change its course of action. Types of code injection attacks include:

SQL Injection: A Structured Query Language (SQL) Injection attack leverages system vulnerabilities to inject malicious SQL statements into a data-driven application, which then allows the hacker to extract information from a database. Hackers use SQL Injection techniques to alter, steal or erase application's database data.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Cross Site Scripting (XSS) is a code injection attack in which an adversary inserts malicious code within a legitimate website. The code then launches as an infected script in the user’s web browser, enabling the attacker to steal sensitive information or impersonate the user. Web forums, message boards, blogs and other websites that allow users to post their own content are the most susceptible to XSS attacks. l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Malvertising: Malvertising attacks leverage many other techniques to carry out the attack.

Typically, the attacker begins by breaching a third-party server, which allows the cybercriminal to inject malicious code within a display ad or some element thereof, such as banner ad copy, creative imagery or video content. Once clicked by a website visitor, the corrupted code within the ad will install malware or adware on the user’s computer.

Identity-Based Attacks
Identity-based attacks are attacks on the behavior of an individual and are extremely hard to detect. When a valid user’s credentials have been compromised and an adversary is masquerading as that user, it is often very difficult to differentiate between the user’s typical behavior and that of the hacker using traditional security measures and tools. Types of identitybased attacks include:

Kerberoasting: Kerberoasting is a post-exploitation attack technique that attempts to crack the password of a service account within the active directory where an adversary masquerading as an account user with a service principal name requests a ticket, which contains an encrypted password, or Kerberos.

Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attack: A man-in-the-middle attack is a type of cyberattack in which an attacker eavesdrops on a conversation between two targets with the goal of collecting personal data, passwords or banking details, and/or to convince the victim to take an action such as changing login credentials, completing a transaction or initiating a transfer of funds.

Pass-the-Hash Attack: Pass the hash (PtH) is a type of attack in which an adversary steals a “hashed” user credential and uses it to create a new user session on the same network. It does not require the attacker to know or crack the password to gain access to the system.

Rather, it uses a stored version of the password to initiate a new session.

Silver Ticket Attack: A silver ticket is a forged authentication ticket often created when an attacker steals an account password. A forged service ticket is encrypted and enables access to resources for the specific service targeted by the silver ticket attack.

Credential Stuffing: Credential stuffing attacks work on the premise that people often use the same user ID and password across multiple accounts. Therefore, possessing the credentials for one account may be able to grant access to other, unrelated account.

Password Spraying: The basics of a password spraying attack involve a threat actor using a single common password against multiple accounts on the same application. This avoids the account lockouts that typically occur when an attacker uses a brute force attack on a single account by trying many passwords.

Brute Force Attacks: A brute force attack uses a trial-and-error approach to systematically guess login info, credentials, and encryption keys. The attacker submits combinations of usernames and passwords until they finally guess correctly.

Insider Threats
Insider threats are internal actors such as current or former employees that pose danger to an organization because they have direct access to the company network, sensitive data, and l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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intellectual property (IP), as well as knowledge of business processes, company policies or other information that would help carry out such an attack.

Internal actors that pose a threat to an organization tend to be malicious in nature. Some motivators include financial gains in exchange for selling confidential information on the dark web, and/or emotional coercion using social engineering tactics. On the other hand, some insider threat actors are not malicious in nature but instead are negligent in nature. To combat this, organizations should implement a comprehensive cybersecurity training program that teaches stakeholders to be aware of any potential attacks, including those potentially performed by an insider.

Supply Chain Attacks
A supply chain attack is a type of cyberattack that targets a trusted third-party vendor who offers services or software vital to the supply chain. Software supply chain attacks inject malicious code into an application in order to infect all users of an app, while hardware supply chain attacks compromise physical components for the same purpose. Software supply chains are particularly vulnerable because modern software is not written from scratch: rather, it involves many off-the-shelf components, such as third-party APIs, open-source code and proprietary code from software vendors.

DNS tunneling
DNS Tunneling is a type of cyberattack that leverages domain name system (DNS) queries and responses to bypass traditional security measures and transmit data and code within the network. Once infected, the hacker can freely engage in command-and-control activities. This tunnel gives the hacker a route to unleash malware and/or to extract data, IP or other sensitive information by encoding it bit by bit in a series of DNS responses. DNS tunneling attacks have increased in recent years, in part because they are relatively simple to deploy. Tunneling toolkits and guides are even readily accessible online through mainstream sites like YouTube.

IoT-Based Attacks
An IoT attack is any cyberattack that targets an Internet of Things (IoT) device or network. Once compromised, the hacker can assume control of the device, steal data, or join a group of infected devices to create a botnet to launch DoS or DDoS attacks. Given that the number of connected devices is expected to grow rapidly over the next several years, cybersecurity experts expect IoT infections to grow as well. Further, the deployment of 5G networks, which will further fuel the use of connected devices, may also lead to an uptick in attacks.

The Marin County OA has had several cybersecurity issues. More than $300,000 was stolen by fraudulent electronic transfers at the Marin County Civic Center, unwittingly approved by county financial gatekeepers in 2018. Marin County’s computer network has been hacked into and breached at least five times between July 2017 and August 2018. In addition, more than half of Marin’s cities — Corte Madera, Fairfax, Larkspur, Novato, Sausalito and Tiburon — have had their cybersecurity compromised including:

Town of Fairfax: In July 2016, Fairfax was victimized by a ransomware attack. An employee received an email with a malware program attached; and when the employee clicked on the attachment, the town’s servers were infected and became unusable. No ransom was paid, but the town was forced to use a previous backup in order to rebuild its systems. The Town lost data l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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for the day of the attack, since it had not yet been backed up. The Town suffered a similar breach in October 2014.

City of Novato: In 2017, Novato fell victim to a phishing attack. A city employee received an email purporting to be from a senior city official, requesting a wire transfer of funds. The employee initiated the wire transfer to the account specified by the hacker. The breach was reported to local law enforcement and the FBI. After the attack, the City strengthened its email security and implemented mandatory employee training to reduce its vulnerability to emailbased attacks.

City of Sausalito: In January 2018, Sausalito was the victim of a phishing attack in which a fake email, purporting to be from the city manager, was sent to a city employee. This employee complied with the fake email’s request for copies of the W-2 tax forms of all of the city’s employees and councilmembers. As a result, all these individuals were exposed to the risk of identity theft. The Sausalito breach was reported to the FBI. For two years after the attack, the city provided free credit monitoring services to all employees, at a cost of approximately $27,000. Nevertheless, three employees had fraudulent state tax returns filed in their names, although the attempts were unsuccessful because taxing authorities had been alerted.

Town of Tiburon: In 2019, Tiburon suffered a ransomware attack, also initiated by a fake email attachment opened by an employee. No ransom was paid, but the Town’s systems were largely disabled for more than three days. Most of its data was recovered using a backup, but the town discovered that one of its applications was not being backed up properly, so the town needed to rebuild much of that data by hand from paper records.

Town of Corte Madera: In 2019, Corte Madera suffered a direct attack. During a brief moment when a vendor intentionally disabled the town’s firewall for system updates, hackers were able to access its network and disable it using ransomware. No ransom was paid, but the system had to be restored from a backup.

City of Larkspur: In August 2019, Larkspur’s network was compromised in a direct attack. Four of its computers were reportedly accessed from one of the public computers in the Larkspur library. It is unknown what data may have been accessed.

Having a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy is vital. Organizations should secure their critical areas of risk, know their threats, be ready to respond quickly to a threat, monitor the criminal underground through hidden messaging platforms and dark web forums, utilize technology to stop sophisticated threats, and build a comprehensive cybersecurity training program.

3.4.4 OIL SPILLS
Oil spills can happen anywhere oil is drilled, transported, or used. They can happen in many different ways including when pipelines break, oil tanker ships sink, or drilling operations go wrong. Consequences to ecosystems and economies can be felt for decades following a large oil spill. Thousands of oil spills occur in U.S. waters each year. Most of these spills are small but can still cause damage, especially if they happen in sensitive environments, like beaches and wetlands. Large oil spills can be significant disasters. l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Where oil is spilled, what kinds of plants, animals, and habitats are found there, and the amount and type of oil, among other things, can influence how much harm an oil spill causes. Generally, oil spills harm ocean life in two ways:

Fouling or oiling: Fouling or oiling occurs when oil physically harms a plant or animal. Oil can coat a bird’s wings and leave it unable to fly or strip away the insulating properties of a sea otter’s fur, putting it at risk of hypothermia. The degree of oiling often impacts the animal’s chances of survival.

Oil toxicity: Oil consists of many different toxic compounds. These toxic compounds can cause severe health problems like heart damage, stunted growth, immune system effects, and even death. Our understanding of oil toxicity has expanded by studying the effects of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Wildlife recovery, cleaning, and rehabilitation is often an important part of oil spill response.

However, wildlife is difficult to find and catch, oil spills can happen over wide areas, and some animals (like whales) are too big to recover. Unfortunately, it’s unrealistic to rescue all wildlife impacted during oil spills.

The U.S Coast Guard is primarily responsible for cleaning up oil spills, while NOAA provides scientific support to make decisions that protect people and the environment. There are different equipment and tactics that trained experts can use to contain or remove oil from the environment when a spill occurs:

Booms are floating physical barriers to oil, which help keep it contained and away from sensitive areas, like beaches, mangroves, and wetlands.

Skimmers are used off of boats and can “skim” oil from the sea surface. In situ burning, or setting fire to an oil slick, can burn the oil away at sea, and chemical dispersants can break up oil slicks from the surface.

Cleanup activities can never remove 100% of the oil spilled, and scientists have to be careful that their actions don’t cause additional harm.

Figure 3.209 shows the largest oil spills affecting United States waters from 1969-2017. l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 3.210: Largest Oil Spills Affecting U.S. Waters 1969-2017 Source: NOAA
The Marin County OA has been impacted by oil spills. In 2007, an oil tanker colided with one of the San-Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge towers. It spilled 53,569 gallons of bunker fuel into San Francisco Bay. The tidal mechanics of San Francisco Bay caused the spill to spread rapidly, affecting a large area of the California North Coast, including the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Ocean Beach and the Marin Headlands. More than 50 public beaches were closed, including Crissy Field, Fort Point, Baker Beach, China Beach and Kirby Cove. Beaches as far south as Pacifica, California were closed due to the spill. According to Federal and State natural resource trustee agencies, the spill is estimated to have killed 6,849 birds. Several fisheries in the Bay Area may have been affected by the spill, and the crab and sport fishing seasons were postponed by several weeks. As of the end of November 2007, State biologists had tested more than 1100 samples of fish, mussels and Dungeness crab in San Francisco Bay and coastal waters outside the Golden Gate. The tests found unsafe levels of contaminants in mussels from Rodeo Beach and the Berkeley pier. An estimated 1,079,900 recreational use days were also lost as a result of the spill. This includes general shoreline use as well as recreational fishing and boating. Total monetary damages were estimated at more than $70 million for oil spill cleanup.

In 1971, a spill occurred in the San Francisco Bay when two tankers collided and spilled 800,000 gallons of oil, threatening significant sensitive habitat inside and outside the Bay, including the Bolinas Lagoon.

On March 6, 2021, a steel shackle connecting a tugboat to the American Challenger, a 90-foot decommissioned vessel, failed in Bodega Bay, causing the American Challenger to drift into shore. A Coast Guard crew was monitoring it at the time and reported the commercial vessel grounded north of Dillon Beach, off Pt Reyes.
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Million Gallons Spilled
Exxon Valdez - 1989 Largest Oil Spills
Affecting U.S. Waters
134.0 MG 01:iepwater Horizon

75.0 MG
Tank Barge UMTB 283 - 1988
•
•
1969 - Present

50.0 MG

10.0MG

1.0 MG

0.5MG
Tenyo Maru -1991
USS General M.C. Meigs - 1972 Ashland Petr~leum - 1988 \ Kalamazoo River - 2010 \
5 - 1985 Even relatively small oil spills can
cause major harm, depending on
location, season, environmental
sensitivity, and type of oil. The
following spills are examples:

MN Selendang Ayu - 2004. AK
MfT Athas I - 2004 - NJ/PA
MN Cosco Busan - 2007 - CA
MN New Carissa - 1999 - OR
Hawaiian Patriot - 1977
•
N
A
Oregon Standard - 1971
Puerto Rican - 1964
Santa Barbara - 1969/
Sansinena -1976
Citgo Refinery - 2006
Eagle otome - 2010
Apex Barges - 1990
Burmah Agate - 1979
N~r:
9 :a~:~: ~::/,
Tank Barge OM932 - 2008
Hurricane Katrina - 2005
Westchester - 2000
Chevron Main Pass Block41 -1970
Cape - 1996
go Merchant - 1976
kensack Estuary Tank Farm,
llen Oil Company - 1976
ro Savannah - 1990
Texaco Oklahoma - 1971
Reedy River - 1996
Amazon Venture - 1986
Deepwater Horizon• 2010
Epic Colocotronis - 1975
/ Vista Bella - 1991
lxtoc 1 - 1979 . . Hurricane Hugo- 1989
Santa Augusta - 1971 Zoe Colocotrom - 1973
MN Zanms - 197 4 eek Slip - 1978
Moms J. Berman - 1994
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Officials representing the Marin County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, the U.S. Coast Guard, the EPA, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and state Office of Spill Prevention and Response, responded to the scene and attempted to contain the oil and other hazardous materials leaking from the vessel, ensuring debris and toxic substances did not stray into the surrounding Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. About $2.3 million was spent on the initial response and costs related to the stranding, including oil booms, environmental assessments, shoreline surveys and Coast Guard costs, according to the Office of Spill Prevention and Response. The Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9, paid an estimated $1 million for the dismantling and disposal of the vessel.

Additional oil spills have impacted other areas of California:

In 1910, The Lakeview Gusher created the largest accidental oil spill in history, lasting 18 months and releasing an estimated 9 million barrels of crude oil. It occurred due to an eruption of hydrocarbons from a pressurized oil well in the Midway-Sunset Oil Field in Kern County, California.

In 1969, a blowout on an offshore platform off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, spilled over four million gallons of oil.

In 2021, a major oil spill occurred in Orange County, California, originating from an underwater pipe connected to the Elly platform about 4.5 miles offshore near Long Beach. The U.S. Coast Guard estimated that spill covered 8,320 acres of the ocean's surface, spilling approximately 24,696 gallons of oil.

Two of the most significant marine oil spills in American history, each of which was the largest oil spill into American waterways at the time, include:

In 1989, the Exxon Valdez oil tanker ran aground in the Prince William Sound in Alaska, spilling over 11 million gallons of oil.

On April 20, 2010, an explosion occurred on the Deepwater Horizon drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico, killing 11 people. Before it was capped three months later, approximately 134 million gallons of oil had spilled into the ocean making it the largest marine oil spill in U.S. history. That is equivalent to the volume of over 200 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

While there is currently no oil drilling offshore of Northern California, including Marin County, the potential exists for new drilling to occur in the area in the future. Onshore drilling also does not occur in the Marin County OA. Currently, an oil spill affecting Marin County would most likely emanate from a ship accident as there are no oil pipelines in the Marin County OA.

Environmental, economic, and recreational impacts to the Marin County shoreline could be significant depending on the location of the spill and the tides.

3.4.5 PANDEMIC
A pandemic is a disease outbreak that spreads across countries or continents. It affects more people and takes more lives than an epidemic.
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An epidemic is when an infectious disease spreads quickly to more people than experts would expect. It usually affects a larger area than an outbreak.

An outbreak is when an illness happens in unexpected high numbers. It may stay in one area or extend more widely. An outbreak can last days or years. Sometimes, experts consider a single case of a contagious disease to be an outbreak. This may be true if it’s an unknown disease, if it’s new to a community, or if it’s been absent from a population for a long time.

The number of lives lost in a pandemic depends on:
• How many people are infected.
• How severe of an illness the virus causes (its virulence). • How vulnerable certain groups of people are.
• Prevention efforts and how effective they are.

The California Department of Public Health has identified several diseases that could contribute to an outbreak, epidemic or pandemic in California:

Animal Transmitted
These are diseases that are transmitted to humans by domestic or non-domestic animals.

Examples include:
• Brucellosis (undulant fever)
• Campylobacteriosis
• Cat scratch disease
• Cryptosporidiosis
• Escherichia coli (E. coli)
• Giardiasis
• Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
• Plague
• Psittacosis (ornithosis, parrot fever)
• Q Fever
• Rabies
• Ringworm
• Salmonellosis
• Toxoplasmosis
• Tularemia
Bloodborne
Viruses, bacteria and parasites that can be carried in blood and cause disease are known as bloodborne pathogens. Transmission of these diseases may be from direct blood contact, needle sticks, intravenous drug use, sexual behavior, insects or other vectors. Examples include:
• Tularemia
• Ebola
• Hepatitis C
• Malaria
Community-Acquired Infections
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Community-acquired infections are infections that are contracted outside of a hospital (or are diagnosed within 48 hours of admission) without any previous health care encounter. Examples include:
• Adenovirus
• Bed Bugs
• Body Lice
• Campylobacteriosis
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Common cold viruses
• Enterovirus, non-polio
• Hand, foot, and mouth disease
• Head Lice (‘ukus)
• Impetigo
• Influenza (flu)
• Invasive Group A Streptococcus (necrotizing fasciitis) • Legionnaires’ Disease/Pontiac Fever
Foodborne
Foodborne diseases can be spread when food becomes contaminated with fecal matter containing bacteria, viruses, or parasites. This contamination can happen at a farm, manufacturing plant, restaurant, or home. Foodborne diseases usually result in gastrointestinal illness, which can include symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomachache, and fever. People who are ill with a foodborne disease can give the infection to others, so proper hygiene and hand washing practices are essential to limit the spread of disease. People experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms should not prepare or handle food for others. Examples include:
• Amebiasis
• Angiostrongyliasis (rat lungworm)
• Anisakiasis
• Botulism
• Brucellosis (undulant fever)
• Campylobacteriosis
• Cholera
• Ciguatera fish poisoning
• Cryptosporidiosis
• Cyclosporiasis
• Escherichia coli (E. coli)
• Giardiasis
• Listeriosis
• Norovirus
• Salmonellosis
• Scombroid
• Shigellosis
• Tularemia
• Typhoid Fever
• Vibriosis
• Yersinia enterocolitica
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Influenza
Influenza is an infectious viral disease of birds and mammals commonly transmitted through airborne aerosols such as coughing or sneezing. Symptoms are chills, headache, fever, nausea, muscle pain and occasionally pneumonia. Flu pandemics in the late 19th and 20th centuries include:
• Russian flu
• 1918 Spanish flu
• Asian flu
• Hong Kong flu
• A/H1N1 or the swine flu.

Avian flu strains H5N1 and H7N9 caused human deaths but did not escalate to pandemic proportions.

Mosquito-Transmitted
Mosquitoes found in California are capable of spreading many diseases to humans and animals. Examples include:
• Malaria
• Yellow fever
• Dengue
• Chikungunya
• Zika
• Canine heartworm
• West Nile virus
• Other encephalitis viruses
Historically, California has experienced local transmission of malaria, western equine encephalomyelitis, St. Louis encephalitis, California encephalitis viruses, canine heartworm, and West Nile virus. Canine heartworm and West Nile virus continue to have frequent local transmission in California, with West Nile virus human cases numbering in the hundreds every year. With increased global travel, the potential exists for the introduction or reintroduction of many mosquito-borne diseases into California.

Waterborne Diseases
Diseases caused by micro-organisms transmitted in water can be spread while bathing, washing, drinking water, or eating food exposed to contaminated water. • Cholera
• Giardiasis
• Legionnaires’ Disease /Pontiac Fever
• Leptospirosis
• Typhoid Fever
Sexually Transmitted Disease
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HIV/AIDS, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are the predominant sexually transmitted infections.
• Chlamydia
• Genital warts
• Gonorrhea
• Hepatitis A, B, and C
• Herpes
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) • Human papillomavirus
• Syphilis
• Zika
Respiratory Viruses
Respiratory viruses are responsible for influenza-like illness. They can also cause the common cold. The virus that caused the Covid-19 pandemic is a respiratory virus. People at high risk (those with certain underlying conditions, the elderly, the very young, and pregnant women) can develop severe illness that results in hospitalization or death. The best protection is proper hygiene and avoiding contact with sick individuals. The best way for those who are infected to protect others is to cover their nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, use good hand hygiene, and stay home from work or school.
• Adenovirus
• Coronaviruses
• Influenza
• Parainfluenza
• Parvovirus B19
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus
• Rhinovirus (Common Cold)
• Measles
• Pertussis (whooping cough)
Marin County, like the rest of the United States, was included in the March 2020 FEMA major disaster declaration for the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Since March 2020, Marin County Public Health collected and analyzed information about COVID-19 impact in every community.

Figure 3.210 shows Marin County Covid-19 hospitalizations and Figure 3.211 shows Marin County Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations by demographic. l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 3.211: Marin County Covid-19 Hospitalizations
Source: California Department of Public Health
Figure 3.212: Marin County Covid-19 Hospitalizations by Demographics Source: California Department of Public Health
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The 1918 Spanish Flu also had impacts on the Marin County OA. San Rafael city officials took action before the disease hit the rest of Marin County. All unnecessary public gatherings in social halls and fraternal lodge were prohibited in San Rafael. Schools remained open but theaters were closed. The City of San Rafael passed an ordinance authorizing the arrest of people who failed or refused to wear gauze masks when appearing on the streets. Masks were considered a necessity and ultimately the rest of the Marin County OA public was mandated to wear them. By October 24, 1918, all Marin County schools had been closed and churches and lodges were ordered to postpone all planned meetings. The first death in Marin from the flu was reported that same day “when Seth Morby, of Kentfield was taken.” The Hotel Rafael in San Rafael was used to house flu patients. A resurgence of flu cases across the Marin County OA occurred throughout much of 1919. Several additional deaths occurred and emergency measures had to be reinstated before being lifted again later in the year.

Climate Change
Climate change is expected to have an impact on health hazards. Projected increases in hot days and extreme heat events will increase the risk of heat-associated deaths. Air quality impacts and drier conditions may exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions through greater concentrations of pollution and allergens. Prolonged droughts from climate change can also affect the quality of drinking water (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020).

The California 4th Climate Assessment finds that Bay Area public health is threatened by a number of climate related changes, including more extreme heat events, increased air pollution from ozone formation and wildfires, longer and more frequent droughts, and flooding from sea level rise and high-intensity rain events. Heat waves pose increased health risks due to urban heat islands and lack of local experience and cooling infrastructure (air conditioning) in bayside cities. These risks are compounded for low-income communities.

3.4.6 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
Vehicle Accident
A vehicle accident occurs when a motor vehicle collides with another vehicle or object. Vehicle collisions can result in mass fatalities and property damage. A number of factors contribute to the risk of a collision including vehicle design, speed of operation, road design, road environment, driver skill, and impairment due to drugs or alcohol. There are numerous different types of vehicle collisions; of primary concern are the ones that result in a mass fatality and/or a hazmat incident. These incidents can occur due to a single vehicle accident, such as with a tour bus or a truck carrying hazardous materials, or due to a multi-vehicle accident. Multi-vehicle collisions generally occur on high capacity and high-speed routes such as freeways. The only interstate in the Marin County OA is Interstate 580 which connects Marin County to Contra Costa County via the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. There are several major state highways that traverse the Marin County OA including Highways 101, 1 and 37. See figure 3.212 for a map of roadways in the Marin County OA.
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Figure 3.213: Marin County Highways
Source: Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau
Multi-vehicle accidents usually occur in low-visibility conditions. Marin County often experiences fog which can hamper visibility. Road hazards, including black ice and landslides, can cause multi-vehicle accidents in good visibility. On roads with high traffic volume, a chain-reaction crash can occur when motorists are unable to stop. Determining the cause of multi-vehicle accidents is often difficult. Multi-vehicle accidents are particularly deadly due to the heightened risk of injury and chances of a fire occurring. Multi-vehicle accidents can also overwhelm local responding units, making rescue more difficult. Accidents in remote areas can hamper the l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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ability to receive medical help. A mass fatality and/or hazmat incident could occur on any one of Marin County’s major highways.

In March 2006, a freak blizzard with two to four inches of slush caused a 28-car pileup on Highway 101 at the then Waldo Tunnel. Two people were killed and more than a dozen injured, and the northbound lanes were closed for 11 hours. The pileup scattered wreckage 350 to 400 feet along the road.

In December 2022, a Marin Transit bus overturned in rainy weather in San Rafael but there was only one person aboard.

Train Accident
A train accident is a violent and destructive crash involving a train. There are several different kinds of train accidents that can occur. A train can derail due to defects in or the compromising of track infrastructure, human error, mechanical or maintenance issues on the train itself, and/or from hitting another object such as a vehicle or another train. A train can also hit another object without derailing. Train accidents can be classified in terms of both cause and effect:

Classification of train accidents by cause:

Engineer/Conductor Error
• Passing signals at danger
• Excessive speed
Mishandling of the engine
• Failure to check brakes and safety systems
• Failure to stop at required positions
Controller Error
• Allowing two trains into the same occupied block section • Other Railway Personnel Error (shunters, porters, maintenance workers) • Accidental track obstruction
• Improper maintenance activities (leading to warped rails, damaged ties, faulty signals, etc.)
Mechanical Failure of Rolling Stock (Train Cars)
• Poor maintenance
• Poor design
• Undetected damage
• Overloading of or improperly secured freight
• Combustion fire
Civil Engineering Failure
• Track faults
• Bridge and tunnel collapses
• Poor track or junction layout
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Non-Railway Personnel Error
• Accidental track obstruction
Deliberate Acts
• Deliberate track obstruction
• Intentional damage to track infrastructure or the train itself • Level crossing misuse
Natural Causes
• Track obstruction due to landslides, avalanches, floods, or felled trees • Fog or snow that can obscure signals or the position of a train • Wet leaves
Classification of Train Accidents by Effect:

Collision (any of which can cause a derailment)
• Head-on collision
• Rear collision
• Slanting collision
• Collision with buffer stops
• Collision with obstructions of the track
Derailment
• Plain track
• Curve
• Junction
Other
• Fires, explosions, and release of hazardous chemicals • People falling from trains
A train accident can cause significant loss of life and/or property and environmental damage depending on the severity of the accident and the type of materials involved. In addition to hazardous commodities being transported, fuel tanks on locomotives can also cause a fire and/or an environmental hazard.

The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) is the North Bay’s passenger rail service for Marin County. SMART is a Class 4 railroad. The current 45-mile system includes stations in Novato, San Rafael, and Larkspur. SMART’s system also includes a bicycle and pedestrian pathway along the rail corridor. SMART also provides freight service to North Bay businesses in Marin County on the same line. SMART Freight operates on the historic rail corridor constructed by Southern Pacific Railroad in the late 1800s and later utilized by Northwestern Pacific Railroad (NWP) beginning in 1914. See Figure 3.213 for a map of the SMART commuter and freight line.
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Figure 3.214: SMART Commuter and Freight Line
Source: SMART
There are currently 24 bridges in the segment of the SMART line from San Rafael to Santa Rosa in Sonoma County as well as 63 at grade crossings. A positive train control system was implemented for the length of the service corridor for customer and pedestrian safety.

The SMART commuter fleet consists of nine two-car Nippon Sharyo DMU trainsets. Each DMU car is powered by a Cummins QSK19-R diesel engine. Trains may be as long as station platforms provided there are cabs facing the outer ends. Each two-car train has room for over 300 passengers. Trains operate 19 round trips on weekdays at an average of 34.1 miles per hour. SMART freight trains do not transport hazardous materials and currently carry grain, food supplies and lumber.

On March 19th, 2023, a SMART freight train carrying corn tipped over in Sonoma County after heavy rainfall saturated the railroad tracks. Several cars derailed. There were no injuries.

On February 10th, 2023, a SMART commuter train hit a car in Novato, killing a woman. No passengers on the train were injured.

On September 17th, 2020, a SMART commuter train hit a car in San Rafael, injuring a woman.

No passengers on the train were injured.

A July 2016 fire aboard one of Toronto's Nippon Sharyo units revealed a design flaw in the engine's crankshaft that would result in premature wear. SMART delayed operations until the engines could be serviced to correct the problem.

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In December 2014, rains washed away some of the SMART train track beds near Petaluma in Sonoma County, but the trains were not running.

Airplane Accident
An airplane accident is an occurrence associated with the operation of an airplane where a person is fatally or seriously injured and where the aircraft sustains damage or loss. Airplane accidents can occur as a result of pilot error, mechanical issues associated with aircraft, terrorism, weather, or other human error. The majority of airplane accidents and fatalities occur before or during takeoff and during approach or landing.

There are two airports, two heliports and a seaplane base in Marin County, though none of them serve commercial flights. They are all private with the exception of the Gnoss Field Airport which is operated by Marin County Public Works.

Gnoss Field Airport - DVO
Novato, California
San Rafael Airport - CA35
San Rafael, California
San Rafael Private Heliport - 5CA3
San Rafael, California
Commodore Center Heliport - JMC
Sausalito, California
Commodore Center Seaplane Base - 22CA
Sausalito, California
There could be numerous different impacts from an airplane crash in the Marin County OA. The worst-case scenario would be if a large commercial aircraft were to crash in any heavily populated area of the OA resulting in a mass casualty incident and significant damage on the ground. The chances of this occurring are small. The most likely significant event would be a small to medium size airplane having an incident in a heavily populated area of the OA.

On July 8th 2023, a single-engine Cessna 172 plane crashed near San Rafael Airport. The plane’s tail hit power lines before the plane struck the ground. One person was killed.

On May 9th, 2022, a fixed-wing, single-engine Vans RV-10 plane crashed into a hillside near the Golden Gate Bridge. At the time of the crash, the area was surrounded by thick fog. Two people were killed.

On May 16th, 1946, a U.S. Army B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft crashed into White's Hill near Fairfax, California. Two people were killed and six seriously injured.

Ship Accident
A ship accident is a marine event that occurs directly in connection with the operation of a ship and results in loss of life, environmental damage, material damage to a ship, and/or the total loss of a ship. Ship accidents can occur as a result of a fire, explosion, collision, grounding/shoaling, contact, heavy weather damage, hull cracking, or hull defect that can result in the immobilization of main engines, penetration of the ship, extensive structural damage, l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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and/or a breakdown that necessitates towing assistance. A ship accident can occur with both cargo and passenger ships.

Since the closure of the Marinship shipyard, Marin County does not have a marine port. There are several ferry terminals in Marin County that cater to passenger vessels:

Larkspur Landing, also known as the Larkspur Ferry Terminal, serves the Golden Gate Ferry which travels to two locations in San Francisco.

The Tiburon Ferry Terminal serves the Golden Gate Ferry which travels to two locations in San Francisco and the Angel Island–Tiburon Ferry Company for ferry service to Angel Island State Park.

The Sausalito Ferry Terminal serves the Golden Gate Ferry and the Blue & Gold Fleet which both travel to San Francisco.

The Golden Gate Ferry has a fleet of four catamarans and three monohull vessels. The monohull vessels are named M.S. Marin, M.S. San Francisco, and M.S. Sonoma. The Marin can carry 750 passengers, and the San Francisco and Sonoma can carry 630 passengers each.

The catamarans are named the M.V. Del Norte, M.V. Golden Gate, M.V. Mendocino, and M.V.

Napa. The Del Norte has a capacity of 400 passengers while the other three vessels have a capacity of 450 passengers. The Blue & Gold Fleet operates a fleet of 21 vessels, the largest of which can hold approximately 450 people. The Angel Island Tiburon ferry operates three vessels, the largest of which can hold 400 people.

There are numerous public and private marinas and boating facilities in the Marin County OA along San Francisco Bay, Richardson Bay and Tomales Bay that serve smaller passenger watercraft and commercial fishing vessels.

The most significant maritime incident that could occur in the Marin County OA would be from a large ferry at full capacity having an incident in San Francisco or Richardson Bay or at one of the ferry terminals.

On November 23rd, 2018, a ferry carrying 53 passengers from Larkspur to San Francisco crashed into the dock at the San Francisco Ferry Terminal. Two people on board were injured.

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SECTION 4.0: MITIGATION STRATEGY
Mitigation projects that address the goals and objectives developed in the previous section were identified, evaluated, and prioritized. These actions form the core of the hazard mitigation plan. A capabilities assessment was conducted by Marin County and its participating jurisdictions, reviewing existing local plans, policies, and regulations for any other capabilities relevant to hazard mitigation planning. An analysis of their capability to carry out these implementation measures with an eye toward hazard and loss prevention was conducted.

The capabilities assessment required an inventory of each jurisdiction’s legal, administrative, fiscal and technical capacities to support hazard mitigation planning. After completion of the capabilities assessment, each jurisdiction evaluated and prioritized their proposed mitigations.

Each jurisdiction considered the social, technical, administrative, political, legal, economic, and environmental opportunities and constraints of implementing a particular mitigation action. This step resulted in a list of acceptable and realistic actions that address the hazards identified in each jurisdiction.

4.1 CHANGES IN DEVELOPMENT
Overall hazard vulnerability has remained unchanged over the past 5 years due to development and population changes. Marin County development and populations have increased in some cities and decreased in several others over the last 5 years. Overall vulnerability and risk reduction has been achieved through carefully planned development and application of the capabilities detailed in Section 4.3 CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT. 44 CFR Requirement §201.6(c)(3) [The plan shall include the following:] A mi�ga�on strategy that provides the jurisdic�on’s blueprint for reducing the poten�al losses iden�fied in the risk assessment, based on exis�ng authori�es, policies, programs, and resources, and its ability to expand on and improve these exis�ng tools.
§201.6(c)(3)(i) [The hazard mi�ga�on strategy shall include a] descrip�on of mi�ga�on goals to reduce or avoid long‐term vulnerabili�es to the iden�fied hazards. §201.6(c)(3)(ii) [The hazard mi�ga�on strategy shall include a] sec�on that iden�fies and analyzes a comprehensive range of specific mi�ga�on ac�ons and projects being considered to reduce the effects of each hazard, with par�cular emphasis on new and exis�ng buildings and infrastructure. All plans approved by FEMA a�er October 1, 2008, must also address the jurisdic�on’s par�cipa�on in the NFIP, and con�nued compliance with NFIP requirements, as appropriate. §201.6(c)(3)(iii) [The hazard mi�ga�on strategy shall include an] ac�on plan, describing how the ac�on iden�fied in paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this sec�on will be priori�zed, implemented, and administered by the local jurisdic�on. Priori�za�on shall include a special emphasis on the extent to which benefits are maximized according to a cost benefit review of the proposed projects and their associated costs.
§201.6(c)(3)(iv) For mul�‐jurisdic�onal plans, there must be iden�fiable ac�on items specific to the jurisdic�on reques�ng FEMA approval or credit of the plan. §201.6(c)(4)(ii) [The plan shall include a] process by which local governments incorporate the requirements of the mi�ga�on plan into other planning mechanisms such as comprehensive or

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Marin County is a county located in the northwestern San Francisco Bay Area. As of the 2020 census, the population was 262,231. Its county seat and largest city is San Rafael. Marin County is across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco and is included in the San Francisco–Oakland–Berkeley, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Unincorporated Marin County includes most of West Marin, which borders the Pacific Coast and is the most rural part of the county, with Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the Point Reyes National Seashore occupying much of the area and small communities mixed throughout. There are also pockets of unincorporated areas along the central, Highway 101 corridor and the San Francisco Bay shoreline. Altogether, there are 22 distinct communities within unincorporated Marin County.

According to the U.S. Census, the population in unincorporated Marin is 66,987. While population in both the unincorporated County and the County grew in the first half of the 2010s, since 2017 the population has decreased in both areas, with the most significant drop occurring in the most recent year. Between 2020 and 2021, the population in the unincorporated County decreased by 2.6%, over twice as much as in the County as whole (1.2%). The Association Bay Area of Governments (ABAG) projects that the population in the unincorporated County will grow by only 2% in the next two decades.

Based on 2021 data from the California Department of Finance (DOF), the unincorporated area of Marin has 24,778 single-family homes constituting 83% of the total housing stock, 4,452 multi-family homes comprising 15% of all housing, and 588 mobile homes, for a total of 29,818 homes. The beauty of the natural landscape helps define the character of the community, but it also presents risk of natural hazards that present challenges to locating and building new housing, which have been skillfully met in the 2023 update to Marin County’s Housing Element.

The Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation for unincorporated Marin for the 2023-31 planning period has been determined by ABAG to be 3,569 housing units, including 550 units for extremely low income, 550 units for very low-income households, 634 units for low-income households, 512 units for moderate-income households, and 1,323 units for above moderate-income households.

Table 4.1 presents entitled projects and pending entitled projects in unincorporated Marin County.

Table 4.1: Unincorporated Marin County Future Growth Areas Development # of
Units
# of
Parcels
Project
Date Acres
Fire
Severity
Zone
Flood
Zone
North Knoll Rd/Saint Thomas Dr 59 2 N/A 3.7 NA NA
Pan Pac Ocean Site 32 4 N/A 16 NA NA
Strawberry Commercial 60 4 N/A 2 NA NA
Strawberry Rec District Site 46 1 N/A 2.3 NA NA
Strawberry Village Center 100 2 N/A 3.3 NA NA
Oak Manor Commercial Center 36 2 N/A 1.6 NA NA
Kentfield Commercial
Underutilized
71 12 N/A 2.4 Moderate AE
Sloat Garden Center 31 2 N/A 1.1 NA AO
Marin County Juvenile Hall 80 1 N/A 2.7 High NA
Marinwood Plaza 125 4 N/A 125 High NA
Office Building (Across from
Juvenile Hall)
58 1 N/A 2.32 High NA
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St. Vincents 680 3 34 NA NA
Marin Gateway Center 100 1 5 NA X02
MLK Academy School 63 1 6 High NA
825 Drake 74 1 Moderate NA
Atherton Corridor 147 4 7.4 Moderate NA
Black Point (Vacant) 58 1 14.5 Moderate NA
Buck Center Vacant Property 249 2 12.5 NA NA
Greenpoint Nursery 53 1 3.5 Moderate AE
Bernard Osher Marin Jewish
Community Center
49 4 1.6 Moderate NA
Cal Park 110 11 3.7 NA AE
Church of Jesus Christ 35 1 1.2 Moderate NA
McPhail School 33 3 1.1 NA AE
Old Gallinas Children Center 50 1 1.7 Moderate NA
San Quentin Adjacent Vacant
Property
230 1 7.7 NA NA
Office – Lagunitas (Upper
Floors and Rear Prop)
30 2 1.5 Moderate NA
San Domenico School 50 1 1.7 High NA
Sacramento/San Anselmo
Properties
64 4 2.1 Moderate –
NA
NA
Holiday Inn Mill Valley 72 1 2.4 NA AE
Jack Krystal Hotel Parcel Site 36 1 1.2 NA AE
Shoreline Unified School
District
44 2 2.2 Moderate NA
Olema Underutilized 36 4 3.6 Moderate –
NA
AE
Pt Reyes Coast Guard
Rehabilitation/Conversion
50 1 10 Moderate NA
Pt. Reyes County Vacant Site 37 2 1.9 Moderate NA
Shoreline Unified School
District
44 2 2.2 Moderate NA
Tomales (Vacant) 30 5 32 Moderate NA
Total 3,122 95
Table 4.1: Unincorporated Marin County Future Growth Areas Source: Marin County Department of Community Development

4.2 CHANGES IN PRIORITIES
The overall hazard mitigation priorities in Marin County and its participating jurisdictions have not changed since the 2018 MJHMP update. However, the strategies that support the overall county priorities have changed since the 2018 MJHMP and are reflected in the sections below.

There were many projects that were either ongoing day-to-day activities or were response related that were deleted from the 2018 MJHMP project list and not carried over to this plan update. Several actions were completed, and new projects were added to coincide with the changes in priorities, progress in local mitigation efforts and changes in development.

4.2.1 VULNERABILITY AND RISK REDUCTION
All new development occurring in the future growth area identified in Table 4.1 will provide hazard vulnerability and risk reduction for the county. This reduction will occur due to the anticipated improvements and investments implemented in the 2023 revisions to the Marin County General Plan. In addition, any new development will comply with the most up-to-date building codes and use the latest techniques, further reducing vulnerabilities throughout the County.
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4.3 CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT
Capabilities are the programs and polices currently in place to reduce hazard impacts or that could be used to implement hazard mitigation activities. The capability assessment identifies the local planning mechanisms where information from the 2018 MJHMP is incorporated and where updated hazard mitigation information from this 2023 MJHMP will be incorporated once approved. The capability assessment is divided into four sections: regulatory, administrative and technical, fiscal, and outreach and partnerships.

4.3.1 REGULATORY CAPABILITIES
The legal and regulatory capabilities include existing ordinances and codes that affect the county’s or city’s physical or built environment. Examples of legal and/or regulatory capabilities can include: a jurisdiction’s building codes, zoning ordinances, subdivision ordnances, special purpose ordinances, growth management ordinances, site plan review, general plans, capital improvement plans, economic development plans, emergency response plans, and real estate disclosure plans. The table below lists regulatory mitigation capabilities, including planning and land management tools, typically used by local jurisdictions to implement hazard mitigation activities and indicates those that are in place.

Table 4.2: Legal and Regulatory Capabilities
Plans
Yes/No
Latest
Update
Does the plan/program address hazards?
Does the plan identify projects to include in the mitigation strategy?
Can the plan be used to implement mitigation actions?
Countywide Plan: Water
Resources, Environmental
Hazards, and Public Safety
Sections
Y
2023
Describes hazard areas and regulates current and future development based on known hazard areas.

Expansion and Improvement: The HMP will be informed
by referencing the Safety Element of the General Plan. The City will adopt the approved HMP as part of the General Plan Safety Element to meet the requirements of AB 2140.

Local Coastal Program Y
2023
Pursuant to the California Coastal Act, Marin County’s Local Coastal Program guides land use and development to
ensure protection of public access and other coastal
resources along Marin County’s Pacific coastline.

Expansion and Improvement: Included is a hazards
section with policies that guide development standards and project review for areas subject to hazards including
flooding, bluff retreat, earthquakes, and coastal erosion.

County Emergency
Operations Plan
Y
2018
This plan describes what the County’s actions will be during a response to all hazards. Includes annexes that describe in more detail the actions required of departments/agencies.

Further, this plan describes the role of the Emergency
Operation Center (EOC) and the coordination that occurs between the EOC and the local jurisdiction’s departments and other response agencies.

Expansion and Improvement: This plan may be used for
mitigation in that it describes risk and vulnerability in the county.
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Area Housing Authority
Organizational Emergency
Response Plan
Y
Enhances the Area Housing Authority’s ability to effectively respond to emergencies by establishing procedures and
assigning responsibilities.

Expansion and Improvement: This plan may be used for
mitigation in that it describes risk and vulnerability in the county.

Strategic Plan No
Capital Improvements Plan
Y
2021
The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) was developed
through collaboration between Capital Project staff of
Public Works (DPW) and the County Administrator’s
office. Significant input was provided by multiple County departments, special districts, and enterprise funds of outside the general County General Funds. The CIP
presents the proposed funding for the fiscal year (FY) of 2021-2022 to improve four key areas. Facility
improvements, water resources, road infrastructure, and airports. Expansion and Improvement: CIP identifies
potential hazard mitigation projects.

Economic Development
Plan
Y
2022
The Marin County Economic Vitality Strategic Plan
outlines “Flagship Initiatives” that the County of Marin and community partners will pursue over the next 5 years.

Ultimately, the actions taken are intended to create a
dynamic economy, providing equitable access to good
jobs, opportunities for new business creation and a high quality of life for all Marin’s residents.

Expansion and Improvement: The plan has a strong
focus on the impact of Covid-19 on the local economy, so may be used to show how disasters impact Marin’s
businesses and workforce, but does not have mitigation
projects.

Continuity of Operations
Plan
N
Flood Safety Plan Y Plan addresses flood hazard response, not mitigation. It was created in 2018 and a 2023 update is in progress.

Engineering Studies for
Streams
Y
There are many existing studies on marinflooddistrict.org.

A study of Novato Creek is currently underway.

Expansion and Improvement: These studies do identify
potential hazard mitigation projects.

Open Space Management
Plan
Y
Marin County Parks holds numerous plans that guide
open space management: Strategic Plan, Road and Trail
Management Plan, Vegetation and Biodiversity
Management Plan, Inclusive Access Plan.

Expansion and Improvement: Some of these plans
contain guidance for mitigation projects and will be aligned with the MJHMP to describe developmental trends,
hazards, and potential development in hazard areas.

Regional Transportation
Plan (RTP)
Y
2021
The Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) participates in the nine-county Metropolitan Transportation
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Commission, which adopted Plan Bay Area 2050. The
plan outlines strategies spread across transportation,
housing, the economy and the environment that seek a
more equitable Bay Area.

Expansion and Improvement: The plan does outline
regional strategies for mitigation that may be used in
Marin.

Stormwater Management
Plan/Program
Y
2022
SWRP is a watershed-level resource planning document
covering the County and Marin’s 11 cities that describes watershed issues, identifies project opportunities with multiple benefits, and creates a prioritized list of project opportunities based on quantifying multiple benefits.

Expansion and Improvement: The Plan will be aligned
with the MJHMP in describing and developing mitigation
actions to address climate change and drought. Water
demand reduction strategies contained in the plan should be considered for inclusion as mitigation activities in the MJHMP.

Repetitive Loss Area
Analysis Y
On July 18, 2023, an expanded and updated multijurisdictional analysis was adopted by the County Board of Supervisors.

Community Wildfire
Protection Plan
Y
2020
CWPP addresses wildfire risk and mitigation measures to take throughout the county.

Expansion and Improvement: The plan can be used to
support and guide mitigation efforts.

Other special plans (e.g.,
brownfields redevelopment,
disaster recovery, coastal
zone management, climate
change adaptation)
Y
25 Community and area plans within Marin. Climate change adaptation policies and programs in Countywide Plan
Safety, Element/Environmental Hazards section. Policies and programs address sea level rise, flooding, extreme heat, wildfire, equitable safety planning for vulnerable populations.

Building Code, Permitting,
and Inspections Y/N Are codes adequately enforced?
Building Code Y
Yes, the Community Development Agency established a
code compliance program to ensure adherence with the
County’s law and regulations related to zoning,
construction, and environmental health.

Expansion and Improvement: Adherence to building
codes, including local codes, regulates growth and
controls land use patterns. Addressing known hazards, as codes are updated, results in lowered risk and potentially fewer losses.

Building Code
Effectiveness Grading
Schedule (BCEGS) Score
Y 3
Yes, codes are adequately enforced. The County’s score
is 3.

Fire department ISO rating: Y 3/3X
The County’s ISO Rating is 3/3x; to be rated a “3” the parcel must be within 1000-ft of a municipal fire hydrant and 5- miles from a fire station. If either of those criteria are not met, the parcel is 3x (the old 9). Furthermore, per the State, if the parcel is more than 5-miles from a fire station, the parcel is rated “10”. Yes, our codes are adequately
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enforced.

Site plan review
requirements Y
Yes, this is adequately achieved.

Land Use Planning and
Ordinances Y/N
Is the ordinance an effective measure for reducing
hazard impacts?
Is the ordinance adequately administered and enforced?
County Code of Ordinances Y
The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum
requirements to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare through structural strength, means of
egress facilities, stability, access to persons with
disabilities, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation and energy conservation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built
environment; to regulate and control the demolition of all buildings and structures, and for related purposes.

Expansion and Improvement: Adherence to local
ordinances regulates growth and enforces standards.

Addressing known hazards, as codes are updated,
results in lowered risk and potentially fewer losses.

Zoning ordinance Y
2023
Zoning ordinances are regularly updated (last update
2023).

Yes, they are adequately administered and enforced.

Expansion and Improvement: Adherence to local
ordinances regulates growth and enforces standards.

Addressing known hazards, as codes are updated,
results in lowered risk and potentially fewer losses.

Subdivision ordinance Y
Yes, the ordinance is adequately administered and
enforced. It is regularly updated (last update 2023).

Expansion and Improvement: Adherence to local
ordinances regulates growth and enforces standards.

Addressing known hazards, as codes are updated,
results in lowered risk and potentially fewer losses.

Floodplain ordinance Y
Marin County Code 23.09 Floodplain Management.

Ordinance 3293 Sec 1, 1999
Expansion and Improvement: Adherence to local
ordinances regulates growth and enforces standards.

Addressing known hazards, as codes are updated,
results in lowered risk and potentially fewer losses.

Natural hazard specific
ordinance (stormwater,
steep slope, wildfire)
Hazards are addressed in the Development Code, Title

22. Regularly updated. Expansion and Improvement:

Adherence to local ordinances regulates growth and
enforces standards. Addressing known hazards, as
codes are updated, results in lowered risk and potentially fewer losses.

Flood insurance rate maps Y
Hard copies of the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps
(FIRM) are maintained in the DPW Land Development
office. Electronic copies are available on MarinMap.org.

Expansion and Improvement: The maps can be used
to support and guide mitigation efforts.
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Elevation Certificates
Elevation Certificates are required for all new and
substantially remodeled structures. Hard copies of all
Elevation Certificates since 1982 are maintained in the DPW Land Development office.

Expansion and Improvement: The certificates can be
used to support and guide mitigation efforts.

Acquisition of land for open
space and public recreation
uses
Y
The County of Marin is committed to continuing to
preserve open space.

Expansion and Improvement: As a member of Together
Bay Area, the County has prioritized purchasing multiple open space properties to that may be used as open space preserves and recreation space.

Erosion or sediment
control program Y
Requires property owners to have effective Best
Management Practices in place to control pollutants in
runoff from certain earth-disturbing activities.

Expansion and Improvement: The program can be
used to support and guide mitigation efforts.

Table 4.2: Marin County Legal and Regulatory Capabilities Source: Marin County
Plans
Marin General Plan
California Government Code 65300 requires that every City and County in the state have a General Plan. The Marin General Plan, adopted in 2007, was prepared over a multiyear period that included an extensive public review process. The Marin General Plan was updated in 2015, with the Housing and Safety Elements updated in 2023. The Marin General Plan is the most important policy and planning document in the county and is used by virtually every department. The Marin General Plan is the County's statement of its vision for the future. The Marin General Plan contains policies covering every aspect of the County: land use (how land can be developed), circulation, noise, air quality, housing, open space and conservation, and health and safety.

Marin County specific goals and policies related to mitigation of natural hazards are as follows:
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Table 4.3: County of Marin General Plan
Goal/Policy/
Program Explanation
Land Use Element
Goals
The requirements of the land use element are met in the following sections of the General Plan: water resources, community development, planning areas. The goals for these elements are:

To support healthy watersheds and provide clean and adequate water for wildlife and humans.

To utilize the Environmental Corridor Land Use Framework, coordinate with other jurisdictions, and map land use designations.

To establish land use policies for the seven planning areas.

Policies
Overall policies for land use are intended: to protect, improve, and restore resources, including, directing land use to appropriate areas, reducing impacts, establishing land use designations and categories, and setting land use standards.

Programs
Programs for land use include, setting standards, monitoring and assessing programs, coordinating with other jurisdictions, following best practices, maintaining urban, agricultural, and natural corridors, consider amending urban service areas preserve resources, consider sea level rise. Programs also include, updating plans, reviewing codes, and revising zoning maps.

Conservation and Open Space Element
Goal To sustainably manage and preserve open space and biological resources for the benefit of the environment and Marin residents.

Policy
Policies for Conservation and Open Space include; support efforts and continue to acquire open space, balance shoreline protection and access, protect natural resources, support vegetation and wildlife disease management, control non-native plants and species, and restrict use of toxic chemical substances in habitats.

Program
Conservation programs include mapping natural communities, developing monitoring programs, and partnering with local actors.

Open space programs include, coordinating with partners, establish compatible policies, inform and enforce, research, and acquire and protect lands.

Safety Element
Goals To reduce risk, increase safety, and bolster resilience in an equitable manner.

Policies
Policies in the Safety Element are to represent an inclusive, community-led approach to bolstering resilience. Furthermore, policies are evidence of an all-hazard informed, approach to protection, planning, and regulation.

Programs
Programs in the Safety Element include specific outreach and support to vulnerable populations, working with local leaders, coordinating with private and public partners, improving hazard information sharing with residents, improving infrastructure and systems to support/improve emergency response, and utilizing planning functions.

Public Facilities Element
Goal To provide adequate public facilities and services to accommodate the level of development planned by cities and towns and the County.

Policies
Policies to support the County’s Public Facility Element include requiring cost sharing, effective planning, discouraging privatization, and reducing demand on public facilities.

Programs
Programs include requiring fair share contributions, planning for service expansion, preparing naming and sponsorship guidelines, and reducing demand on public facilities.

Table 4.3: Marin County Goals and Policies
Source: Marin County General Plan
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4.3.2 ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES
The administrative and technical capability assessment identifies the personnel responsible for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in Marin County. Many positions are full time and/or filled by the same person.

Table 4.4: Administrative and Technical Capabilities
Administrative Yes/No Is coordination effective?
Planning Commission
Y Administrative Services Division handles finance and
purchasing, budgeting, risk management, information
technology, and business licensing for the community.

The department may be responsible for implementing
mitigation actions related to the department’s scope.

Expansion and Improvement: Prioritize new initiatives
that support mitigation activities within the county.

Marin Operational Area
Hazard Mitigation Working
Group
Y The County participates in the Marin Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Working Group that meets quarterly to review and manage Hazard Mitigation projects and
programs. The Hazard Mitigation Committee is the
supporting branch of the disaster council.

Expansion and Improvement: Prioritize new initiatives
that support mitigation activities within the County.

Maintenance programs to
reduce risk (e.g., tree
trimming, clearing
drainage systems)
Y Many Flood Zones have creek and drainage
maintenance programs. These only cover a small portion
of creeks in the County, where residents formed a flood zone and where a project was initiated and right of way acquired by the Marin County Flood Control & Water
Conservation District. Under the guidelines of the 2020 Pacific Gas and Electric Wildfire Mitigation Plan, PG&E will assist with mitigation efforts by clearing trees.

Expansion and Improvement: The Marin Wildfire
Prevention Authority will provide funding and educational programs on best practices for prevention efforts. Brush clearance and controlled burns will assist with mitigation efforts.

Mutual aid agreements Y Fire, Law, PW, Water agencies, MHOAC Technical
Yes/No Has capability been used to assess/mitigate risk in the past?
Warning systems/services
(Reverse 911, outdoor
warning signals)
Y Utilizes the emergency warning systems through the EAS system as their primary warning capability. Utilizes the emergency warning systems through telephone, text, and
email notification utilizing reverse 911.

Expansion and Improvement: To ensure the
effectiveness of the emergency warning system and
proper community response, monthly LRAD testing, and
IPAWs drills are required.

Hazard data and
information
Y Yes, previous and new mitigation projects are informed by hazard data and information.
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Grant writing Y Yes
Hazus analysis N
Staff/Personnel Resources
Yes/No
Full
Time/
Part
Time
Is staffing adequate to enforce regulations?
Is staff trained on hazards and mitigation?
Is coordination between agencies and staff effective?
Chief Building Official Y/PT Yes
Expansion and Improvement: Integrate mitigation
actions and strategies into the Capital Improvements
Program and annual budgeting.

Planner(s), engineer(s) and
technical staff knowledge
of land development, land
management practices,
and natural hazards.

Y/FT Develops and maintains the General Plan, including the Safety Element.

Develops area plans based on the General Plan, to provide more specific guidance for the development of more specific areas.

Reviews private development projects and proposed capital improvements projects and other physical projects involving property for consistency and conformity with the General Plan.

Anticipates and acts on the need for new plans, policies, and Code changes.

Applies the approved plans, policies, code provisions, and other regulations to proposed land uses.

Expansion and Improvement: Provide opportunities for
continued education to staff to maintain knowledge of new code and regulatory requirements.

Engineer(s), Building
Inspectors/Code
Enforcement Officers or
other professional(s) and
technical staff trained in
construction requirements
and practices related to
existing and new
buildings.

Y/FT
Oversees the effective, efficient, fair, and safe
enforcement of the California Building Code
Expansion and Improvement: Provide opportunities for
continued education to staff to maintain knowledge of
new code and regulatory requirements.

GIS Coordinator Y/FT Yes
Community Development
Staff
Y/FT Develops and maintains the General Plan, including the Safety Element. Develops area plans based on the
General Plan, to provide more specific guidance for the development of more specific areas. Reviews private
development projects and proposed capital
improvements projects and other physical projects
involving property for consistency and conformity with
the General Plan.

Expansion and Improvement: Provide opportunities
for continued education to staff to maintain knowledge
of new code and regulatory requirements.
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Engineer(s), project
manager(s), technical staff,
equipment operators, and
maintenance and
construction staff.

Y/FT
Maintains and operates a wide range of local
equipment and facilities as well as providing assistance to members of the public. These include providing
sufficient clean fresh water, reliable sewer services,
street maintenance, storm drainage systems, street
cleaning, streetlights and traffic signals.

Expansion and Improvement: Provide opportunities
for continued education to staff to maintain knowledge
of new code and regulatory requirements.

Floodplain Administrator
Y/FT Reviews and ensures that new development proposals do not increase flood risk, and that new developments
are not located below the 100 year flood level. In
addition, the Floodplain Administrator is responsible for planning and managing flood risk reduction projects
throughout the unincorporated county.

Expansion and Improvement: Provide opportunities
for continued education to staff to maintain knowledge
of new code and regulatory requirements.

Emergency Management
Y/FT Maintains and updates the Emergency Operations Plan for the county. In addition, coordinates local response and relief activities within the Emergency Operation
Center, and works closely with local, state, and federal partners to support planning and training and to
provide information and coordinate assistance.

Expansion and Improvement: Develop a quarterly
countywide emergency management and hazard
mitigation coordination meeting.

Procurement Services
Manager
Y/FT Provides a full range of municipal financial services, administers several licensing measures, and functions as the county’s Procurement Services Manager.

Marin County Sheriff’s
Office Staff
Y/FT Yes, the Marin County Sheriff’s Office is
comprehensively staffed and trained on hazards. In
addition to field services, the responsibilities of the Sheriff’s Office include maintaining the county jail,
providing security to the Superior Court, operating a
countywide communications division, operating a
documentary services division consisting of records,
warrants, civil units, and more.

Expansion and Improvement: Proactively identify
opportunities to coordinate and collaborate with
neighboring jurisdictions to increase County and regionwide capabilities.

Marin County Fire Staff
Y/FT The Marin County Fire has responsibility for fire
suppression and emergency response in commercial,
residential, wildland / urban interface. The Marin County Fire supports implementation of mitigation actions that reduce the risk of wildfire.

The Marin County Office of Emergency Management, a
division of the County Fire Department, conducts
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emergency preparedness activities for the community.

Mitigation activities related to emergency preparedness can be implemented by OEM in partnership with other
county partners.

Expansion and Improvement: Proactively identify
opportunities to coordinate and collaborate with
neighboring jurisdictions to increase County and regionwide capabilities.

Table 4.4: Marin County Goals and Policies
Source: Marin County General Plan
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4.3.3 FISCAL CAPABILITIES
The fiscal capability assessment shows specific financial and budgetary tools available to Marin County such as community development block grants; capital improvements project funding; authority to levy taxes for specific purposes; fees for water, sewer, gas, or electric services; impact fees for homebuyers or developers for new development; ability to incur debt through general obligations bonds; and withholding spending in hazard-prone areas.

Table 4.5: Marin County Fiscal Capabilities
Financial Yes/No
Has the funding resource been used in past and for what type of activities?
Could the resource be used to fund future mitigation
actions?
Capital improvements
project funding Y Yes, Capital Improvements Project funding has been used in the past and can be used for future mitigation projects.

Authority to levy taxes for
specific purposes
Y
Post Prop 13 and Prop 218 the success in levying taxes
for mitigation projects has been significantly reduced.

Many flood-prone areas historically relied on special taxes to build out levee improvements and pump stations. In the last 20 years (a total of 4) special tax measures for flood mitigation projects have not passed. In March 2020, tax Measure C was passed. The measure will raise
approximately $20 million annually to fund wildland fire hazard mitigation efforts throughout the county. Marin
Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA) was formed to
serve as the governing body to manage the funds raised
through Measure C funds go to public outreach,
vegetation management, fire hazard assessments, among
other projects.

Fees for water, sewer, gas, or
electric services (water - fire
flow increase, sewer, more
research on G&E)
Y
Funding has not been used in the recent past for
mitigation, but could possibly fund future mitigation
activities. For example, some Special Districts are
considering potential projects with dual water storage and flood benefit utilizing water fees.

Impact fees for new
development Y
Road and transportation related impact fees are collected in connection with building permit issuance. These funds are not available for future mitigation.

Storm water utility fee
Y
Storm water fees have been used for mitigation projects in Flood Zone 9, including: bridge replacement, pump
stations, levee evaluations, and stormwater detention
basin construction. The Zone 9 fee expires in 2027. We
are following the work of other agencies after SB 231 to see if the County would pursue it again.

Incur debt through general
obligation bonds and/or
special tax bonds N
This approach has been taken in the 1980s for flood
mitigation in Novato creek, but not recently. They typically require voter approval to levy a special tax to pay back the bonds but those have not been successful in recent years.

Incur debt through private
activities N
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Community Development
Block Grant
Y
The County has been administering the CDBG program
for 30+ years through a collaboration with the cities and towns. Funds are currently used to serve low-income
residents of Marin and address historical patterns of
segregation in our communities. Priorities for the use of funds are set through a Countywide Priority Setting
committee. Given the small amount of funds available,
less than $1.5 million countywide and many competing
needs, this may not be a viable source for mitigation
funds.

Other federal funding
programs Y
Yes, federal funding has been used for mitigation projects through Emergency Management Performance Grant and
the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program.

State funding programs
Y
There have been several Department of Water Resources
grants in support of flood mitigation projects and there will likely continue to be in the foreseeable future.

The State Coastal Conservancy grants have funded sea
level rise adaptation.

Table 4.5: Marin County Fiscal Capabilities
Source: Marin County
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4.3.4 OUTREACH AND PARTNERSHIPS CAPABILITIES
The outreach and partnerships capability assessment shows outreach and public education programs available to the County and the County partnerships utilized to promote those programs.

Table 4.6: Marin County Community Outreach
Outreach and Partnerships Yes/No Could the program/organization help implement future mitigation activities?
Local citizen groups or non-profit
organizations focused on
environmental protection, emergency
preparedness, access and functional
needs populations, etc.

Yes
Yes, these groups can assist with informing
project plans.

Expansion and Improvement: Proactively
identify opportunities to coordinate and
collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions to
increase County and region-wide capabilities.

Ongoing public education or
information program (e.g., responsible
water use, fire safety, household
preparedness, environmental
education)
Yes
Yes, these communities can assist with
informing project plans.

Expansion and Improvement: Proactively
identify opportunities to coordinate and
collaborate with communities to increase
educational opportunities.

Natural disaster or safety related school
programs
Yes
Yes, school partners can assist with informing
project plans.

Expansion and Improvement: Proactively
identify opportunities to coordinate and
collaborate with schools to increase
educational opportunities.

StormReady certification
Yes
Marin County is a StormReady community.

Expansion and Improvement: Proactively
identify opportunities to expand participation.

Firewise Communities certification
Yes
With over 80 Firewise Communities, Marin is
the fastest growing "Firewise USA" county in
the nation. These communities can assist with
informing project plans.

Expansion and Improvement: Proactively
identify opportunities to expand participation
and increase educational opportunities.

Community Rating System Yes Marin County is a Class 6 CRS community Public-private partnership initiatives
addressing disaster-related issues
Yes
Through Marin Voluntary Organizations Active
in Disasters, the County of Marin leverages
partnerships with public-private partners for
disaster related initiatives.

Expansion and Improvement: Proactively
identify opportunities to coordinate and
collaborate.

Table 4.6: Marin County Community Outreach
Source: Marin County
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4.4 PARTICIPATION IN THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM Marin County has participated in the Regular Phase of the NFIP since March 1, 1982. Since then, the County has administered floodplain management regulations that meet or exceed the minimum requirements of the NFIP. Under that arrangement, residents and businesses paid the same flood insurance premium rates as most other communities in the country.

The Community Rating System (CRS) was created in 1990. Marin County has been in the CRS program since May 1, 2016. The program is designed to recognize floodplain management activities that are above and beyond the NFIP’s minimum requirements. CRS is designed to reward a community for implementing public information, mapping, regulatory, loss reduction and/or flood preparedness activities. On a scale of 10 to 1, Marin County is currently ranked Class Six community, which gives a 20% premium discount to individuals in the unincorporated Marin County Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), and a 10% discount to policyholders outside the SFHA.

Presently, the County manages its floodplains in compliance with NFIP/CRS requirements and implements a floodplain management program designed to protect the people and property of the County. Floodplain regulations are a critical element in local floodplain management and are a primary component in Marin County’s participation in the NFIP. As well, Marin County’s floodplain management activities apply to existing and new development areas, implementing flood protection measures for structures and maintaining drainage systems to help reduce the potential of flooding within the unincorporated Marin County.

As part of the County’s efforts to comply with NFIP, Marin County will make updates and revisions to these regulations periodically to ensure they are most effective at minimizing the threat of harm from flood events. These updates and revisions may be promoted by changes in local demographics, shifts in land use, changes to flood regimes such as frequency and intensity of flood events, and other factors that may warrant action. The County will also continue to incorporate any changes to the locations and designations of mapped floodplains into future planning documents, including future updates to this Plan.

The County will also explore opportunities to enforce or enhance County ordinances, building code, and other regulatory actions to address substantial improvements/substantial damage properties. Marin County will consider developing a Substantial Damage Management Plan.

The Marin County will continue to manage their floodplains in continued compliance with the NFIP. An overview of the Marin County’s NFIP status and floodplain management program is discussed in Table 4.7. Additional information on the Marin County’s CRS program follows.

The activities credited by the CRS program provide direct benefits to Marin County and its residents,
including:
• Enhanced public safety;
• A reduction in damage to property and public infrastructure; • Avoidance of economic disruption and losses;
• Reduction of human suffering; and
• Protection of the environment.
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The activities for which Marin County implements and receives CRS credits include:
310 Elevation Certificates – Marin County receives credit for creating Construction Certificate Management Procedures as well as to maintaining Post-FIRM elevation certificates. 320 Map Information Services – Marin County receives credit for providing map information to inquirers in all seven elements such as providing information from the FIRM necessary for flood insurance, notifying inquirers of the mandatory purchase of flood insurance for all federally backed loans, providing information regarding properties located in a floodway, sea level rise area, tsunami or dam inundation area, repetitive loss areas, and areas that should be protected such as wetlands and critical habitat.
330 Outreach Projects – Marin County has a robust outreach program and receives maximum credit for this Activity. The County mails out an annual brochure prior to the rainy season to properties in the Special Flood Hazard Area, Repetitive Loss Areas, Tsunami and Dam inundation areas and to local lenders, real estate brokerages and insurance companies. Marin County also receives credit for its social media outreach on Facebook, Twitter and NextDoor. 340 Hazard Disclosure – Marin County works with local real estate brokerages to encourage them to advise prospective home buyers of required disclosures and receives credit for this Activity.
350 Flood Protection Information – Marin County receives credit for Elements in this Activity by maintaining required information documents available in the Marin County Library catalog as well as documents that are pertinent to residents. The County also receives credit for maintaining a presence on the County Public Works website. 360 Flood Protection Assistance – Marin County receives credit for providing property protection advice. The County also provides information about available financing, such as grants and other funding sources, to all who inquire. County staff is also available to make site visits to assist residents.
370 Flood Insurance Promotion – Marin County receives credit for advising people about flood insurance.

410 Floodplain Mapping – Marin County receives credit for mapping special hazards such as tsunamis.
420 Open Space Preservation – Marin County receives credit for preserving open space, preserving the natural functions of open space, creating incentives for preserving open space and for maintaining low density zoning regulations.
430 Higher Regulatory Standards – Marin County receives credit for many of the elements under this Activity such as freeboard, foundation protection, providing local drainage protection, and administering floodplain management regulations. The County also receives credit for l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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creating, adhering, and enforcing a robust building code. The County also enforced the floodplain management provisions of our zoning, subdivision and building code ordinances. 440 Flood Data Maintenance – Marin County receives credit for maintaining digital Flood Rate Insurance Maps (FIRM). Electronic availability improves public access. Maintaining copies of previous version of the FIRMs provides a significant research tool and valuable service to the residents of Marin County.
450 Stormwater Management – Marin County receives credit for maintaining a Storm Water Management system via healthy erosion and sediment control requirements and water quality regulations. The County regulates development on a case-by-case basis to ensure that runoff is treated before it leaves the site. The County also ensures that stormwater runoff from a site will not exceed the pre-development runoff. The County promotes the use of onsite bio-retention areas or other treatment facilities have been provided to mitigate runoff and water quality. The County enforces regulations to minimize erosion from land disturbance due to construction. 502 Repetitive Loss – Marin County is a Category C community with greater than 50 repetitive Loss properties. The repetitive loss areas are mapped and can be viewed by the public on MarinMap.org. A notice is mailed to each property in the repetitive loss area to advise them of flood prevention measures, insurance requirements and availability, and available financial assistance.
510 Floodplain Management – Marin County receives credit for both its Floodplain Management Plan and its Repetitive Loss Area Analysis. The County has adopted the Marin County MultiJurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and produces an annual progress report. Marin County participates in FEMA’s Home Elevation Program which is actively raising homes in the Special Flood Hazard Area.
520 Acquisition and Relocation – Marin County receives some credit for removing homes that have been demolished from the Special Flood Hazard Area.

530 Flood Protection – Marin County receives credit for elevating structures in the Special Flood Hazard Area above the Base Flood Elevation. Staff also provide information on other flood protection techniques such as barriers, wet floodproofing and dry floodproofing. Marin County participates in FEMA’s Home Elevation Program which is actively raising homes in the Special Flood Hazard Area.
540 Drainage Systems Maintenance – Marin County receives credit for removing debris from natural drainage channels and maintaining an active and ongoing maintenance program of problem site area. Marin County also has strong stream dumping regulations which includes outreach to the public.
610 Flood Warning and Response - Marin County receives credit for all of the Elements in the Flood Warning and Response Activity. These Elements include our flood threat recognitions system that identifies an impending flood, our emergency warning dissemination system that warns the public of impending flood, our flood response plan and operations, and coordination with critical facility operators. Marin County is also a registered Storm Ready Community and a Tsunami Ready Community. Marin County receives credit for annual outreach advising l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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residents of flood warning and safety precautions. The County organizes and participates in an annual flood exercise with the purpose of being prepared for an actual activation of the operations. Following an exercise, the County produces an After Action Report which includes lessons learned as a method to document and improve our flood warning and response procedures.
630 Dams: Credit is provided for a State Dam Safety Program.

Table 4.7: Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) NFIP Topic Source of Information Comments
Insurance Summary
How many NFIP policies
are in the community?
What is the total premium
and coverage?
State NFIP Coordinator or
FEMA NFIP Specialist
As 10/2/23 there are 1327 policies in
force. Total premiums $1,734,601.

Coverage is $406,7104,000.

How many claims have
been paid in the
community? What is the
total amount of paid
claims? How many of the
claims were for
substantial damage?
FEMA NFIP or Insurance
Specialist
As of 10/2/23 the total number of claims
was 773. Total amount of paid claims is
$10,173,472.49.

Since 1978, there have been 51
substantial damage claims.

How many structures are
exposed to flood risk
within the community?
*“flood risk” is defined as
the 1% annual chance flood
(100-year flood. Numbers
are from overlay of FEMA
SFHA and building stock
data.

Community Floodplain
Administrator (FPA)
There are 4536 buildings in the SFHA in
the unincorporated County
Describe any areas of
flood risk with limited
NFIP policy coverage
Community FPA and
FEMA Insurance
Specialist
None
Staff Resources
Is the Community
Floodplain Administrator
or NFIP Coordinator
certified?
Community FPA No
Is floodplain management
an auxiliary function?
Community FPA Yes
Provide an explanation of
NFIP administration
services (e.g., permit
review, GIS, education or
outreach, inspections,
engineering capability)
Community FPA Permits are reviewed for FEMA regulation
and compliance. GIS is used to ascertain
if property is in a flood zone. A final
inspection is performed to ensure
compliance. An annual outreach is
mailed to all properties in SFHA.

What are the barriers to
running an effective NFIP
program in the
community, if any?
Community FPA There are no barriers to running an
effective NFIP program.
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Table 4.7: Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) NFIP Topic Source of Information Comments
Compliance History
Is the community in good
standing with the NFIP?
State NFIP Coordinator,
FEMA NFIP Specialist,
community records
yes
Are there any outstanding
compliance issues (i.e.,
current violations)?
no
When was the most recent
Community Assistance
Visit (CAV) or Community
Assistance Contact
(CAC)?
9/15/20
Is a CAV or CAC
scheduled or needed?
The next scheduled CAV will be October
19, 2023
Regulation
When did the community
enter the NFIP?
Community Status Book
http://www.fema.gov/
national-flood-insuranceprogram/national-floodinsurance-programcommunity-status-book March 1, 1984
Are the FIRMs digital or
paper?
Community FPA Marin County has both digital and paper
FIRMS
Do floodplain
development regulations
meet or exceed FEMA or
State minimum
requirements? If so, in
what ways?
Community FPA Marin County regulations meet and
exceed FEMA requirements in the
following: development limitations, higher
regulatory standards for freeboard,
foundation protection, and building codes.

Marin has adopted and enforces
international building Codes.

Provide an explanation of
the permitting process.

Community FPA,
State, FEMA NFIP
Flood Insurance
Manual
http://www.fema.gov/
flood-insurancemanual
Community FPA,

FEMA CRS
Coordinator, ISO
representative
CRS manual http://
www.fema.gov/library/
viewRecord.do?id=2434
Permit applications are received,
reviewed, and approved by professional
staff. Inspections are required at
foundation, close-in and at final. All
projects that will be constructed in the
SFHA will be subject to the provisions of
Marin County Code 24.04 Development
Code and 23.09 Floodplain Management
Code. The finished floor elevation of any
substantial remodel in the SFHA must be
at least 1 foot above the BFE.

Community Rating System (CRS)
Does the community
participate in CRS?
Community FPA, State,

FEMA NFIP
yes
What is the community’s
CRS Class Ranking?
Flood Insurance Manual
http://www.fema.gov/
flood-insurance-manual
Class 6
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Table 4.7: Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) NFIP Topic Source of Information Comments
What categoriesand
activities provide CRS
points and how can the
class be improved?
Marin receives credit in Series 310, 320,
330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 410, 420, 430,
440, 450, 510, 520. 530, 540, and 610.

Marin County could improve its class
ranking by doing more work in Activities
420, 430, 450, 520, and 630
Does the plan include
CRS planning
requirements
Community FPA,

FEMA CRS
Coordinator, ISO
representative
CRS manual http://
www.fema.gov/library/
viewRecord.do?id=2434
yes
Table 4.7: Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Source: FEMA, Marin County
NFIP Insurance Coverage Details
Unincorporated Marin County joined the NFIP on March 1, 1982. NFIP insurance data provided by FEMA indicates that as of June 22, 2023, there were 1462 policies in force in the unincorporated Marin County with $1,994,164 in premiums, resulting in $452,421,500 of insurance in force.

There have been 889 closed paid losses totaling $10,360,625. Fifty-one (51) of the claims were considered substantial damage losses.

Of these losses, 572 parcels were in A or V zones, and 317 were in B, C, or X zones. Of the 889 claims, 736 were associated with pre-FIRM structures and 33 with post-FIRM structures.

As of October 19, 2023, there were ninety-three (93) repetitive loss structures in the unincorporated County. Five (5) were in X zones, one (1) was in an A 0.2% zones, one (1) was in an AH zone, three(3) were in AO zones , four (4) were in A zones, fifty-four (54) were in AE zones, fifteen (15) were in AE Floodway zones, and ten (10) were in VE zones. These repetitive loss structures account for $5,090,322 of the total losses in unincorporated Marin County. There were 11 severe repetitive loss properties in unincorporated Marin County totaling $1,152,259.

Repetitive Loss Structures
Repetitive Loss Residential Structures: 84
Repetitive Loss Non-Residential Structures: 9
Severe Repetitive Loss Residential Structures: 6
Severe Repetitive Loss Non-Residential Structures: 3
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4.4.1 SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED OR SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED PROPERTIES The NFIP includes a requirement that new buildings and substantially improved buildings be constructed in ways that minimize or prevent damage during a flood. This requirement grew out of the recognition that there were large numbers of buildings already located in flood prone areas that would continue to be subject to damage.

The purpose of the substantially improved (SI) or substantially damaged (SD) requirements is to protect the property owner’s investment and safety, and, over time, to reduce the total number of buildings that are exposed to flood damage, thus reducing the burden on taxpayers through the payment of disaster assistance. The SI/SD requirements are triggered when the local official determines that the cost of repairing or improving a building in an SFHA equals or exceeds 50 percent of the building’s market value (excluding land value).

The Marin County Code 23.09 addresses Floodplain Management standards of construction.

The Marin County Construction Certificate Management Procedures, updated May 2023, describes of how the County implements the substantial improvement/substantial damage provisions of their floodplain management regulations.

The Department of Public Works, Land Development Division is responsible for the review, approval and inspection of all land development issues within the County of Marin including FEMA related administrative documents. Review, approval, and inspections of the structure associated with permits are conducted by both the Land Development Division of Public Works and the Building and Safety Division of the Community Development Department.

The following explains the management procedures for review of Elevation Certificates and all other required floodplain-related construction certificates including, but not limited to, Floodproofing Certificates, V Zone design certificates, and engineered flood opening certificates. These procedures outline the types of certificates required, the collection and review of all certificates, how corrections should be made, where the certificates are stored/archived, and how we make these certificates available to the public. (a) TYPES OF CERTIFICATES REQUIRED
When any new construction, substantial improvement or repair for a substantially damaged building is conducted in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) the Land Development Division of Public Works shall require an Elevation Certificate and any other floodplain-related certificates that are appropriate such as Floodproofing Certificate for Non-Residential Structures, V Zone design certificate, and certification of engineered flood openings for the development.
(a) & (b) WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED
The applicant shall submit an Elevation Certificate marked “construction drawings” with the building permit application. This Elevation Certificate shall be used to determine that the proposed design is in compliance with the Marin County Code 23.09. After the foundation is built and the elevation of the lowest floor is determined, another Elevation Certificate shall be submitted that is marked “building under construction.” This will document the elevation of surrounding grades and the lowest floor to ensure they comply with the approved plans before further construction is allowed. Once construction on the building is finished and all adjacent grading is finalized, a complete and correct “finished-construction” Elevation Certificate must be submitted by the applicant to show the “as-built” characteristics of the building. A “finishedl ~<;>U·N· TY OF ~ ARIN
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construction” Elevation Certificate must be received, reviewed, and corrected (if necessary) before a final inspection can be scheduled. At this point, all other required certificates must also be submitted and reviewed.

Standard Operating Procedure: A final Elevation Certificate is required as a condition to be completed before the final inspection of the building permit. Prior to issuance a hold is placed on the permit pending the submittal of the Elevation Certificate to the Department of Public Works (DPW).

As part of the County’s efforts to comply with NFIP, Marin County and the Marin OA Hazard Mitigation Working Group will annually review and make updates and revisions to these regulations as necessary to ensure they are most effective at minimizing the threat of harm from flood events. These updates and revisions may be promoted by changes in local demographics, shifts in land use, changes to flood regimes such as frequency and intensity of flood events, and other factors that may warrant action. The County will also continue to incorporate any changes to the locations and designations of mapped floodplains into future planning documents, including future updates to this Plan.

The County will also explore opportunities to enforce or enhance County ordinances, building code, and other regulatory actions to address substantial improvements/substantial damage properties. Marin County will consider developing a Substantial Damage Management Plan. l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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4.5 MITIGATION GOALS
The information developed from the risk assessment was used as the primary basis for developing mitigation goals and objectives. Mitigation goals are defined as general guidelines explaining what each jurisdiction wants to achieve in terms of hazard and loss prevention.

Hazard Risk Prioritization
Mitigation Goals & Objectives
Mitigation Project Identification
Mitigation Project Implementation
Goal statements are typically long-range, policy-oriented statements representing jurisdictionwide visions. Objectives are statements that detail how each jurisdiction’s goals will be achieved, and typically define strategies or implementation steps to attain identified goals. Other important inputs to the development of jurisdiction-level goals and objectives include performing reviews of existing local plans, policy documents, and regulations for consistency and complementary goals, as well as soliciting input from the public.

The following represents overarching strategic goals associated with the identification and eventual implementation of appropriate and meaningful hazard mitigation efforts in relation to prioritized hazards and threats confronting Marin County. These goals form the basis for specific supporting process objectives and are shown from the highest priority, at the top of the list, to those of lesser importance.

The establishment of hazard mitigation goals represents both individual and collective strategies that have been mutually agreed upon by the Steering Committee and have changed with the 2023 MJHMP update. Objectives were added to Goals 2 and 5. Eventually, these goals have been adopted by Marin County and its participating jurisdictions as the guiding policy behind local hazard mitigation efforts, in conjunction with other associated principles.

Goals were defined for the purpose of this mitigation plan as broad-based public policy statements that:
• Represent basic desires of the community;
• Encompass all aspects of community, public and private; • Are nonspecific, in that they refer to the quality (not the quantity) of the outcome; • Are future-oriented, in that they are achievable in the future; and • A time-independent, in that they are not scheduled events.

Goals are stated without regard to implementation. Implementation cost, schedule, and means are not considered. Goals are defined before considering how to accomplish them so that they 44 CFR Requirement §201.6(c)(3)(i) [The hazard mi�ga�on strategy shall include a] descrip�on of mi�ga�on goals to reduce or avoid long‐term vulnerabili�es to the iden�fied hazards. 1 ~<;>U·N· TY OF a
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are not dependent on the means of achievement. Goal statements form the basis for objectives and actions that will be used as means to achieve the goals. Objectives define strategies to attain the goals and are more specific and measurable.

Goal 1: Minimize risk and vulnerability of the community to the impacts of natural hazards and protect lives and reduce damages and losses to property, economy, and environment in Marin County.
• Minimize economic and resource impacts and promote long-term viability and sustainability of resources throughout Marin County.
• Minimize impact to both existing and future development. • Provide protection for public health.
• Prevent and reduce wildfire risk and related losses.

Goal 2: Provide protection for critical facilities, infrastructure, utilities, and services from hazard impacts.
• Incorporate defensible space and reduce hazard vulnerability. • Develop redundancies in utilities and services.
• Enhance resilience through enhanced construction.

Goal 3: Improve public awareness, education, and preparedness for hazards that threaten our communities.
• Enhance public outreach and participation in the Alert Marin Emergency Notification System.
• Enhance public outreach, education, and preparedness program to include all hazards of concern.
• Increase public knowledge about the risk and vulnerability to identified hazards and their recommended responses to disaster events, including evacuation and sheltering options.
• Provide planning and coordination for "At-Risk" populations. • Provide planning and coordination for companion animals, livestock, and other animal populations.
• Increase community awareness and participation in hazard mitigation projects and activities.

Goal 4: Increase communities' capabilities to be prepared for, respond to, and recover from a disaster event.
• Improve interagency (local, state, federal) emergency coordination, planning, training, and communication to ensure effective community preparedness, response and recovery.
• Enhance collaboration and coordination of disaster-related plans, exercises, and training with local, state, and federal agencies, neighboring communities, private partners, and volunteers.
• Enhance the use of shared resources/Develop a strong mutual aid support system. • Create and maintain a fully functional, interoperable radio and communication system with all regional public safety partners.

Goal 5: Maintain FEMA Eligibility/Position the communities for grant funding. • Review hazard events and ongoing hazard mitigation projects annually. l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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• Assess the need to pursue or adjust hazard mitigation projects after significant hazard events.

Goal 6: Reduce exposure to High Hazard Dams that pose an unacceptable risk to the public. • Improve alert and warning systems to provide residents downstream of a High Hazard Dam to receive timely warning to evacuation when threatened by potential or imminent dam failure.
• Enhance overall community preparedness to respond and evacuate a potential or imminent dam failure.
• Increase public awareness of the risk posed by High Hazard Dams and the potential for relocation of housing outside a possible inundation zone. • Prioritize High Hazard Dam Mitigation projects and programs.

4.6 HAZARD MITIGATION ACTIONS
The 2023 Marin County OA MJHMP was revised to reflect progress in local mitigation efforts.

Mitigation projects were selected for each hazard and for Marin County and its participating jurisdictions based off the hazard risk assessment. The projects are supported by the mitigation goals and objectives, and are ranked using the following criteria; approximate cost, timeframe of completion, whether the project requires Board of Supervisors regulatory action, and an assumption as to whether or not the project would be subject to CEQA or NEPA requirements.

Funding sources are identified for all projects. All projects consider new, future, and existing development. Project worksheets are used by the Planning Team and Steering Committee to describe criteria for each project.

4.6.1 PROGRESS IN LOCAL MITIGATION EFFORTS
This plan has been created as a “living” document with input from the population and professionals within Marin County and its participating jurisdictions. Based on the planning meetings and the progress monitored by the steering committee members, several mitigation 44 CFR Requirement §201.6(c)(3)(ii) [The hazard mi�ga�on strategy shall include a] sec�on that iden�fies and analyzes a comprehensive range of specific mi�ga�on ac�ons and projects being considered to reduce the effects of each hazard, with par�cular emphasis on new and exis�ng buildings and infrastructure. All plans approved by FEMA a�er October 1, 2008, must also address the jurisdic�on’s par�cipa�on in the NFIP, and con�nued compliance with NFIP requirements, as appropriate.
§201.6(c)(3)(iii) [The hazard mi�ga�on strategy shall include an] ac�on plan, describing how the ac�on iden�fied in paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this sec�on will be priori�zed, implemented, and administered by the local jurisdic�on. Priori�za�on shall include a special emphasis on the extent to which benefits are maximized according to a cost benefit review of the proposed projects and their associated costs.
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actions were accomplished since the last planning cycle. Table 4.8 provides a brief description of the progress made in the local mitigation efforts and the plan for those mitigation actions that were not completed or are ongoing.

4.6.2 STATUS OF PREVIOUS MITIGATION ACTIONS
Table 4.8 summarizes the actions that were recommended in the previous version of the hazard mitigation plan and their implementation status at the time this update was prepared.

Table 4.8: Status of Previous Hazard Mitigation Actions Action Number / Name Completed Ongoing Not
Started
Still
Relevant
Included in
Updated
Action
Plan
(1) Seismic Retrofit of County-owned buildings not
current to code. West Marin Service Center, Point
Reyes Station
X N
(2) Seismic Retrofit of County-owned buildings not
current to code. Civic Center Roof Replacement X N
(3) Seismic Retrofit of County-owned buildings not
current to code. Tomales Fire Station- Replacement X N
(4) Seismic Retrofit of County-owned buildings not
current to code. 120 N. Redwood- Seismic
Assessment
X Y
(5) Seismic Retrofit of County-owned buildings not
current to code. Marin Center- Seismic Assessment
of the Veteran's Memorial Auditorium & Exhibit Hall
X Y
52 Follow all four phases of FEMA's How-to-Guide:
"Integrating Historic Property and Cultural Resource
Considerations Hazard Mitigation Planning"
X N
Acquire electric bikes and safety equipment for
official use during major disasters. X N
Arroyo Corte Madera del Presidio Riverine Flood
Risk Reduction project: Assist with reducing the
frequency and severity of flooding. Study completed
on 03/2022 with the best option to move forward with
a restoration project.

X N
Assess bulkheads surrounding Tomales Bay X Y
Azalea Ave Bridge Replacement project will replace
the original Azalea Bridge, to decrease flood
hazards.

Town of
Fairfax is
project
lead.

Bothin Marsh Restoration project. Thin-lift
placement of sediment from Coyote Creek into
Bothin Marsh.

X Y
Improve City of Novato Drainage Improvement
informed by study currently in process. Goal to
bypass high flows, increase storage, develop flood
barriers, daylighting drainages, and install pump
stations and/ or tide gates.

X Y
Conduct a comprehensive finished floor-elevation
inventory. Project to understand a Floor Elevation
Survey to determine the floor elevation of a
structure.

X N
Consider sea level rise adaptation from
Collaboration: Sea-level Marin Adaption Response
Team (C-SMART).

X Y
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Table 4.8: Status of Previous Hazard Mitigation Actions Action Number / Name Completed Ongoing Not
Started
Still
Relevant
Included in
Updated
Action
Plan
Continue supporting the Sonoma County Water
Agency led Advanced Quantitative Precipitation
Information effort.

X Y
Corrillo Drive Pipe Rehabilitation was completed by
San Rafael in cooperation with flood zone 6. X N
Corte Madera Creek Flood Risk Management Project
will help to reduce the frequency of flooding by
enhancing natural stream functions. An HMGP
application for components in the channel that
reduce flood risk was submitted August 4, 2023
X Y
Cove Pump Station Improvements were completed
in 2022 and will assist with the updates to the pump. X N Coyote Creek Levee Improvements - a levee study
was completed, and a portion of the levee system
has a project underway for seepage mitigation. It is
in the design phase.

X Y
Crest Marin, Cardinal, and Shoreline Pump Station
Upgrades. A condition assessment for Crest Marin is
nearly complete.

X Y
Deer Island Basin Project to setback levees, restore
tidal wetlands, and increase tidal prism to reduce
sedimentation and flood risk. CEQA complete,
design underway.

X Y
Develop Renters and Homeowners Guides to Flood
Preparedness project outlining safety directives for
homeowners and renters during a potential flood
hazard.

X Y Y
Easkoot Creek Flood Flow Bypass Project. National
Park Service is working with FHWA and the Flood
District to identify and plan a potential overflow
channel from Easkoot Creek to the Ocean.

X Y
East Creek Outfall Modifications project is a
pavement rehabilitation project and potentially
include tide gates to reduce sunny day flooding of
Tiburon Blvd.

X Y
Encourage property owners in SFHAs to purchase
flood insurance. X Y
Establish additional local funding mechanisms for
increased flood and fire mitigation. X Y
Estancia Ditch and Pump Station improvement
project. All pump stations in Santa Ventia were
upgraded to the Trimble Unity systems. Additional
upgrades needed.

X Y
Flood Preparedness Pilot Program identifies
resources for flood preparedness on county website. X Y Gallinas Creek Geomorphic Dredge, currently in
design phase for the placement of 100,000 cubic
yards of dredge sediment
X Y
Initiate Community Plans for Adapting to Coastal
Hazards X Y
Karen Way Ditch Improvements is currently on hold X Y
Las Gallinas Levee Evaluation provides geotechnical
engineering service for the elevation and
assessment consistent with the Corps of Engineers
(USACE) Publication Number EM 1110-2-1913.

X N
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Table 4.8: Status of Previous Hazard Mitigation Actions Action Number / Name Completed Ongoing Not
Started
Still
Relevant
Included in
Updated
Action
Plan
Levee Setback and Upgrade Project. Initiation of this
project depends on completion of a land exchange
through State Lands Commission. County is working
on surveying needed to support that exchange.

X Y
Lower Corte Madera Creek Improvements: Levee
evaluation completed in 2020 under a DWR grant
and a geomorphic dredge assessment in process to
be completed in 2023
Y
Lower Ryan Creek Pump Station Study and
Upgrades is currently on hold Y
Madrone Ave Bridge Replacement project will
reduce impacts from floods.

Town of
San
Anselmo is
project
lead.

Manzanita Modifications Project. Caltrans is working
on a project initiation document for December 2023
for sea level rise adaptation at the US 101/SR 1
between Manzanita and Marin City. County is
supporting this work through hydraulic studies.

X Y
Marin City Drainage Improvements Project, currently
in the planning phase of project. X Y
Marin County Structure Elevation Program provides
federal assistance to homeowners with costeffective projects. FEMA funding approved; 7 permits are being reviewed.

X Y
Marin County Watershed Program provides a
framework to integrate flood protection and
environmental restoration with public and private
partners to protect and enhance Marin’s watersheds.

X N
McInnis Park Wetland Restoration Project proposes
to restore subtidal and intertidal habitat at an 180-
acre are of diked wetlands.

X Y
Meadow Drive Interceptor and Ditch Upgrades.

Interim upgrades were made by adding an in-line
check valve to prevent tides from flooding Meadow
Dr. No funding (or local match) currently available
for full conceptual upgrades to proceed to design.

X Y
Mill Valley Comprehensive Flood Control & Drainage
Master Plan X N
Nokomis Ave Bridge Replacement project will assist
with the replacement of the Nokomis Ave Bridge,
with the hopes of reducing flood hazards.

Town of
San
Anselmo is
project
lead.

Novato Levee Study, completed in 2020 under a
DWR grant. X N
Pacheco Pond Project is currently on hold X Y
Protect and restore natural buffers. Two funded and
completed nature-based studies explored the
feasibility of these projects and follow up work is
now happening through the Stinson ARC project and
through pursuit of other grant opportunities.

X Y
Pump Station No. 1 Upgrade is currently on hold. X Y
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Table 4.8: Status of Previous Hazard Mitigation Actions Action Number / Name Completed Ongoing Not
Started
Still
Relevant
Included in
Updated
Action
Plan
Pump Station No. 2 Upgrade, and interconnection to
Pump Station No. 1 is currently on hold. X Y
Pump Station No. 5 Upgrade on hold. X Y
Richardson Bay Shoreline Protection work is to be
integrated into future sea level rise adaptation
planning.

X Y Y
Ross Valley 10 Year Work Plan described technical
rationale for a suite of on-the-ground flood reduction
measures, spread watershed-wide, that work
together as a system to reduce flooding and seek to
restore the ecological health and function of Corte
Madera Creek and its tributaries
X N
Rush Creek Drainage Improvements is currently on
hold X Y
San Anselmo Flood Risk Reduction Project.

Construction of flood detention basin on Fairfax
Creek was substantially completed and the basin
operational in November 2022. The outfall pipe slide
gate can be operated manually and pending
installation of electrical paneling March 2023 for
electrical control operation. The project to remove
the building bridge in downtown San Anselmo is in
the final planning phase
X Y
Santa Venetia and Rafael Meadows Street Drain
Upgrades. Coordinating with County Engineering to
include drainage upgrades with road rehabilitation
projects. Labrea Way, vulnerable to recurrent
stormwater ponding, is currently in design.

X Y
Santa Venetia Pump Station No. 4 Upgrades on hold X Y
Santa Venetia Floodwall Project (Formerly the Santa
Veneita Timber-Reinforced Berm Improvement
Project)
X Y
Seismic Retrofit of County-owned buildings not
current to code. X Y
Seismic upgrades (bolting and anchoring pumps
and roof) to the Cove Pump Station building in
Tiburon.

X Y
Simmons Slough Flood Risk Reduction Project X N
Strawberry Levee Improvements will be incorporated
into sea level rise planning X Y Y
The Sycamore Ave Bridge Replacement project will
reduce the impact of flooding.

Town of
San
Anselmo is
project
lead and
federally
funded.

Tiburon Street Drainage Improvements Plan
identifies support to the town of Tiburon's storm
drainage, providing upgrades to the Cove
Stormwater pump station.

X Y
The upgrade Farmers, Cheda, and Lynwood pump
stations is currently on hold. X Y
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Table 4.8: Status of Previous Hazard Mitigation Actions Source: Marin County

4.6.3 NEW MITIGATION ACTIONS
Based on the hazard profiles, threat assessment, capabilities assessment, community survey results, discussions among the Hazard Mitigation Planning Team members, and existing best practices, a set of potential mitigation actions was developed and then evaluated based on the following criteria:
• FEMA requires local governments to evaluate the monetary and non-monetary costs and benefits of potential mitigation actions. Although local governments are not required to assign specific dollar values to each action, they should identify the general size of costs and benefits.
• The Hazard Mitigation Planning Team may elect to include measures with a high cost or low benefits, but such measures should be clearly beneficial to the community and an appropriate use of local resources.

In addition, FEMA directs local governments to consider the following questions as part of the financial analysis:
• What is the frequency and severity of the hazard type to be addressed by the action, and how vulnerable is the community to this hazard?
• What impacts of the hazard will the action reduce or avoid? • What benefits will the action provide to the community? The Hazard Mitigation Planning Team also chose to review and revise the potential hazard mitigation actions with consideration for climate impact and social vulnerability. Projects and programs were assessed with consideration of these variables.

Prioritization
As part of the mitigation actions development and review, the Hazard Mitigation Planning Team also prioritized the actions. The prioritization efforts looked at the risks and threats from each hazard; lifesaving, life safety, property protection and lastly environmental protection; financial costs and benefits; technical feasibility; consideration for climate impact, and social vulnerability, and community values. Hazard Mitigation Planning Team members were asked to identify their priority actions using the following criteria.

Table 4.8: Status of Previous Hazard Mitigation Actions Action Number / Name Completed Ongoing Not
Started
Still
Relevant
Included in
Updated
Action
Plan
The West Creek Flood Wall Alternative Restoration
Project is currently on hold. X Y
The Winship Bridge Replacement project will reduce
the impact of flooding.

Town of
Ross is
the project
lead and
federally
funded.
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Implementation priority ratings were assigned as follows:
• High Priority - An action that meets multiple objectives, is linked to a high risk hazard, has benefits that exceed costs, and has a potential source of funding. Action can begin within the short term (1 to 5 years).
• Medium Priority - An action that meets multiple objectives, is linked to a high or medium risk hazard, has benefits that exceed costs, and is eligible for funding though no funding has yet been secured for it. Action can begin within the short term (1 to 5 years) once funding is secured.
• Low Priority - An action that will mitigate the risk of a hazard, has benefits that do not exceed the costs or are difficult to quantify, has no secured source of funding, and is not eligible for any known grant funding. Action can be completed in the long term (1 to 10 years). Low-priority actions may be eligible for grant funding from programs that have not yet been identified.

Table 4.9 lists the Current Hazard Mitigation Actions for Marin County. l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-1
Develop a Vulnerable Communities
Index specific to Marin County,
aggregating economic, gender,
age, linguistic, ethnic, and racial
characteristics; geographic
locations; hazard impact; and
adaptive capacity.

All Hazards
1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6 County of
Marin - CDA
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC, CDC,
CDPH Public Health
Emergency
Preparedness
2-5 years
Medium Safety Element Action
CA Dept. of Public
Health - Community
Assessment for Public
Health Emergency
Response (CASPER)
MC-2
Develop a climate change
preparedness outreach program for
higher risk populations.

All Hazards
1, 3
County of
Marin – CDA,
OEM/Fire, Fire
Agencies
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium Safety Element Action
MC-3
Provide grants for alternative
housing to community members at
risk of climate change impacts.

All Hazards
1, 3
County of
Marin – CDA,
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
5+ years
Low Safety Element Action
MC-4
Mitigate by planning in advance for
climate change impacts and
incorporating lessons learned in
neighboring counties.

All Hazards
All goals
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire,

CDA, DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium Safety Element Action
MC-5
Develop a Property Rating System. All Hazards
1 County of
Marin - CDA
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium Safety Element Action
MC-6
Develop Resilience Hubs. All Hazards
1, 2, 4
County of
Marin – CDA
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium Safety Element Action
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Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-7
Focus improvements on the
transportation network for risk
reduction, especially informed by
new and emerging climate risk.

All Hazards
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – CDA
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-8
Conduct study to identify natural
methods to limit coastal erosion
Land
Subsidence
1, 4, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-9
Conduct research on best natural
methods to mitigate erosion on
highways and roads and implement
planning and strategy stage.

Land
Subsidence
1, 4, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC, BRIC
technical assistance
2-5 years
Low
MC-10
Conduct research on best natural
methods to mitigate erosion in and
around rivers and streams and
implement planning and strategy
stage.

Land
Subsidence
1, 2, 4, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC, BRIC
technical assistance
2-5 years
Low
MC-11
Addition of vegetation in soil eroded
areas.

Land
Subsidence
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-12
Increase conventional storage that
is filled during high-flow periods
Drought,
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
5+ Years
Low
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Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-13
Provide multilingual outreach on
mitigation tactics to well-dependent
residents
Drought
1, 3
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-14
Conduct Outreach and acquire
grants to pass to rural communities
for installing Rainwater Harvesting
systems
Drought
1, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-15
Identify alternative water supplies
for times of drought; mutual aid
agreements with alternative
suppliers
Drought
1, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-16
Remove non-native plants and trees
from all County and City and Town
facilities, replace with drought
tolerant, native plants
Flooding,
Drought
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-17
Turn soil to increase infiltration rate
and pore space to absorb more
water
Flooding,
Drought
1, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-18
Encourage soil turning on private
land
Flooding,
Drought
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
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Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-19
Install new HVAC systems at
schools and critical infrastructure
facilities
Heat
1, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-20
Implement non-AC solutions to cool
buildings - green roof and naturebased infrastructure systems Heat
1, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-21
Paint roofs with pigments to reduce
heat inside buildings
Heat
1, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-22
Outreach to communities at high
risk of heat impacts
Heat
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-23
Establish policy for cooler homes /
Earthship homes
Heat
1, 4, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-24
Provide grants for high-risk
residents to improve and acquire
cooling mechanism in home.

Heat
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
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Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-25
Provide alternative locations and
equitable response actions for
residents to seek cooler
environments (e.g., movie theaters)
via regional heat response plans
Heat
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
0-2 years
Medium
MC-26
Establish additional and expand
functionality of heating, cooling
centers and resiliency hubs.

Heat
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-27
Replace concrete sidewalks with
DG
Heat,
Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-28
Implement green streets initiatives
in identified areas
Heat,
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-29
Install green roofs on public
buildings supported by non-potable
water
Heat,
Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-30
Conduct a whole county study on
what areas could benefit from more
shaded areas; a green streets
program.

Heat,
Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
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Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-31
Conduct study on how much
concrete can be removed
Heat,
Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-32
Implement countywide flood
monitoring system to inform
mitigation future projects
Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-33
Conduct research on widening
storm channels and aged
infrastructure which has not been
climate change adapted and in need
of enhancements
Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC,
BRIC technical
assistance
2-5 years
Low
MC-34
Widen storm channels in highdensity areas and urban settingsFlooding 1, 2, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
5-10 years
Low
MC-35
Develop policy to remove concrete
parking lots
Flooding
1, 4, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-36
Expand culverts in areas classified
as 100- or 500-year flood plain
Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
5-10 years
Low
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Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-37
Assess County and Town owned
parking lots to implement catch
basins
Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin –
OEM/Fire,
Cities and
Towns
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-38
Design creek restoration projects on
East and West Creek to improve
flood conveyance capacity
Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-39
Marin City Stormwater improvement
project to limit standing water and
flooding.

Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-7 years
High
MC-40
Research, design, and construct the
Santa Venetia Floodwall Project
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC,
BRIC technical
assistance
5-10 years
Low
MC-41
Novato Bypass improvement project
to reduce flooding
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-7 years
Low
MC-42
Corte Madera Creek Flood Risk
Management Project Phase 1,
Access Ramp and Granton Park
Pump Station
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New $4,104,227.00 bid +
contingency. 50%
reimbursed by DWR
Grant, 50% paid by
FCZ 9.
2-5 years
Low
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Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-43
Develop Integrated Flood Modeling
System to New Weather Radars
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-44
Apply below grade waterproofing
and implement other water-intrusion
mitigation measures to protect
facilities that are experiencing
increased levels of hydrostatic
pressure.

Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-45
Cardinal Rd Levee Upgrade -
Seepage Mitigation for a segment of
Coyote Creek Levee (~1,000 LF)
Flooding,
Sea Level
Rise
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-46
Conduct sea level rise vulnerability
analysis of County Flood Control
District-owned and operated flood
control assets
Flooding,
Sea Level
Rise
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-47
Harden the North San Pedro Road
Improvement at China Camp to
preserve the transportation corridor
through China Camp State Park.

Preserve the corridor for emergency
evacuations route and future sea
level rise.

Flooding,
Sea Level
Rise
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-48
Construct coarse-grained beach
marsh and shoreline edge
restoration to inhibit marsh and bay
coastal shoreline edge erosion due
to wind-wave erosion and SLR
Sea Level
Rise
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
I ~'?U ..N. TY OF
~ ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
440
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-49
Construct Corte Madera Creek
Flood Risk Management Project
Phase 1, Lower COM Restoration
Sea Level
Rise
1, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New Cost Estimate
$3,000,000. 50%
eligible for
reimbursement by
DWR Grant, 50% to
be covered by FCZ 9
with additional
construction grant
funding being sought.
2-7 years
Medium
100% design, seeking
additional construction
funding
MC-50
Reduce impacts from Sea level rise
and protect natural storm barriers by
researching and restoring Tiscornia
Marsh and other wetlands and
marsh areas
Sea Level
Rise
1, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire, City of
San Rafael
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC,
BRIC technical
assistance
2-10 years
Medium
MC-51
Create offshore wetlands in low
lying areas susceptible to climate
driven sea level rise
Sea Level
Rise
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-52
Implement vegetation in coastal
areas to limit sea level rise and
storm surge
Sea Level
Rise
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-53
Enhance public awareness of
evolving flood risk hazards due to
sea level rise, both on county's
coast and bay side
Sea Level
Rise
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin – DPW,
OEM
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

FMA, DWR, HMGP,
BRIC
2-5 years,
ongoing
Medium
I ~'?U ..N. TY OF
~ ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
441
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-54
Novato Baylands Resilience
Projects - including, Levee
Improvements, Setback Levee
Construction, Pump Station
Construction and Tidal Restoration
Sea Level
Rise
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

FMA, DWR, HMGP,
BRIC
2-10 years
Low
MC-55
Geomorphic dredging of Tidal Flood
Control Channels and Thin-Lift
Marsh Augmentation for SLR
Resiliency
Sea Level
Rise
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

FMA, DWR, HMGP,
BRIC
2-7 years
Low
MC-56
Southern Marin Levee
Improvements and New Levee
Construction with Associated
Pumping for Direct Coastal Flooding
Impacts
Sea Level
Rise
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – DPW
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

FMA, DWR, HMGP,
BRIC
2-7 years
High
MC-57
Complete designs and implement
wetland restoration project to protect
Bothin Marsh Open Space Preserve
and Bay Trail
Sea Level
Rise
1, 5
County of
Marin – Parks
New $25,000,000
General
Funds/Grants

FMA, DWR, HMGP,
BRIC
15 years
Medium
Preliminary designs
completed
MC-58
Develop designs and implement
wetland resilience improvements
along shoreline of Bolinas Lagoon
Sea Level
Rise
1, 5
County of
Marin – Parks
New $15,000,000
General
Funds/Grants

FMA, DWR, HMGP,
BRIC
15 years
Low
Letter Property and Pine
Gulch Creek
MC-59
Develop designs and implement
McInnis Marsh and Bucks Landing
wetland resilience features
Sea Level
Rise
1, 5
County of
Marin – Parks
New $35,000,000
General
Funds/Grants

FMA, DWR, HMGP,
BRIC
15 years
Low
I ~'?U ..N. TY OF
~ ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
442
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-60
Develop plan to prioritize high value
areas of potential wetland
expansion
Sea Level
Rise
1, 5
County of
Marin – Parks
New $500,000
General
Funds/Grants

FMA, DWR, HMGP,
BRIC
3 years
Low
MC-61
Research, Plan, and Construct
Tsunami Evacuation structures near
high-risk areas vulnerable to
tsunami inundation
Tsunami
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC, BRIC
technical assistance
2-10 years
Low
MC-62
Enhance public awareness of
mitigation approaches for tsunami,
including on bay side of county
Tsunami
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years,
ongoing
Medium
MC-63
Provide incentives to guide
development away from high-risk
areas
Tsunami
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-64
Plan for tsunami evacuation routes Tsunami
1, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-65
Put signage in place for evacuation
routes
Tsunami
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
High
I ~'?U ..N. TY OF
~ ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
443
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-66
Research, Analyze, and Harden
schools in tsunami inundation zones
Tsunami
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC, BRIC
technical assistance
2-10 years
Medium
MC-67
Harden piers and boat ramps to
withstand tsunami forces
Tsunami
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-68
Create barriers around public safety
water resources to mitigate tsunami
forces
Tsunami
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-69
Harden and lift critical infrastructure
in 1 and 3 feet for sea level rise
areas.

Sea Level
Rise,
Flooding,
Tsunami
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-10 years
Low
MC-70
Strengthen roads to withstand
natural hazards like fires and water
inundation. Reduce regulatory
impediments to road construction,
widening, and other improvements
by amending relevant sections of
Marin County Code Titles 22, 23,
and 24 to eliminate discretionary
permit requirements and replace
them with ministerial review to
ensure that both public and private
roads comply with codified
engineering standards
Wildfire,
Flooding
1, 2, 4, 5
County of
Marin – CDA,
DPW, Fire
Agencies
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-10 years
Low
Safety Element Activity
I ~'?U ..N. TY OF
~ ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
444
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-71
Review permit processes to ensure
that all applications for new
development comply with fire safety
and building code standards,
including but not limited to ensuring
the provision of adequate water
supply for fire suppression and fire
flow requirements.

Wildfire
1, 4, 5
County of
Marin – CDA,
Fire Agencies
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC, BRIC
technical assistance
2-5 years
Medium
Safety Element Activity
MC-72
Electric signage for in VHFD and
HFD areas alerting residents on red
flag days
Wildfire
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin – OEM,
HHS
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-73
Amend Wildlands Urban Interface
(WUI) Regulations. Work with Marin
Fire agencies to prepare and adopt
WUI regulations for new
development and substantial
remodels to reduce fire hazards.

Track and update standards as the
areas of high and extreme fire
hazard areas are defined.

Wildfire
1, 4, 5
County of
Marin – CDA,
Fire agencies
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
Safety Element Activity
MC-74
Identify Areas with Insufficient
Evacuation Opportunities.

Wildfire
1, 5
County of
Marin – CDA,
Fire Agencies
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
Safety Element Activity
MC-75
Remove hazardous trees and
vegetation, including non-native
species throughout the High and
Very High Fire Danger Areas.

Wildfire
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-10 years
Low
I ~'?U ..N. TY OF
~ ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
445
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-76
County-wide assessment of
hazardous trees and vegetation
Wildfire
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-77
Deploy additional AI cameras for fire
ignition and detection
Wildfire
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-78
Conduct research on impact of
wildfire smoke on southeastern
portion of the county
Wildfire
1, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC, BRIC
technical assistance
2-5 years
Low
MC-79
Create green breaks in county in
VHFD and HFD Areas
Wildfire
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-80
Expand fuel management by
collaborating with land management
agencies
Wildfire
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-81
Encourage vegetation modification
at private residences
Wildfire
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
I ~'?U ..N. TY OF
~ ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
446
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-82
Conduct a county wide fuels study
to understand how different
vegetation would behave when
ignited
Wildfire
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-83
Conduct a vegetation study in high
and very high fire hazard areas
Wildfire
1, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-84
Implement culturally informed
(especially native tribal culture)
wildfire mitigation projects
Wildfire
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-85
Encourage fire resistant
construction and landscaping
Wildfire
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-86
Exceed codes and standards for fire
resistant construction
Wildfire
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
High
MC-87
Harden fire roads to withstand
impacts from natural hazards
Wildfire
1, 2, 3, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
I ~'?U ..N. TY OF
~ ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
447
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-88
Conduct brush clearance around fire
roads
Wildfire
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-89
Provide grants to harden existing
structures against fires
Wildfire
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-90
Plant native fire-resistant vegetation Wildfire
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-91
Conduct brush clearance around
evacuation routes
Wildfire
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-92
Deploy livestock to remove
vegetation
Wildfire
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-93
Collaborate with land management
agencies to manage vegetation in
open space and common space
areas
Wildfire
1, 2, 5
Co County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
I ~'?U ..N. TY OF
~ ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
448
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-94
Provide direct assistance to property
owners in need of vegetation
management to improve defensible
space
Wildfire
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-95
Retrofit any current roads, highways
and bridges to endure high
magnitude earthquakes in areas
with 0.55 or higher shaking intensity.

Earthquake
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-96
Establish policy for soft story homes Earthquake
1, 4, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-97
Research and assess current roads,
highways, and bridges probability to
endure a high magnitude
earthquake
Earthquake
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC, BRIC
technical assistance
2-5 years
Low
MC-98
Replace or enhance water and
sewage pipes and joints within
areas vulnerable to liquefaction with
flex pipes or alternate infrastructure.

Earthquake
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-10 years
Low
MC-99
Retrofit all County and City and
Town facilities to withstand large
earthquakes.

Earthquake
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire, Cities and
Towns
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-10 years
Low
I ~'?U ..N. TY OF
~ ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
449
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-100
Identify pre-1933 school buildings
and critical infrastructure
Earthquake
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-101
Retrofit all critical infrastructure to
resist severe earthquake shaking
above 0.55 intensity.

Earthquake
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-15 years
Low
MC-102
Expand community outreach to
Great Shakeout Drill – Use Shaker
trailer
Earthquake
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-103
Outreach to hospitals and other
critical care facilities on
infrastructure risk
Earthquake
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
MC-104
Conduct Research on impacts of
San Andreas Fault in West Marin
Earthquake
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC, BRIC
technical assistance
2-5 years
Medium
MC-105
Provide outreach and education on
San Andreas Fault in West Marin
Earthquake
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Medium
I ~'?U ..N. TY OF
~ ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
450
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-106
Study dam spillways and
emergency spillways, specifically for
seepage and to reassess geological
assumptions
Dam
Inundation
1, 2, 5, 6
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-107
Widen dam spillways in areas where
dams may receive additional water
due to climate change
Dam
Inundation
1, 2, 5, 6
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
5-15 years
Low
MC-108
Harden dam spillway infrastructure
to prevent spillway failures during
controlled / emergency releases
Dam
Inundation
1, 2, 5, 6
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
5-15 years
Low
MC-109
Research effective methods to
strengthen wind load for existing
utilities and critical infrastructure
High Wind
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC, BRIC
technical assistance
2-5 years
Low
MC-110
Conduct geotechnical survey of
slope stability county wide
Debris Flow
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
MC-111
Seed and transplant fire resistant
and native plants and trees on
vulnerable sloped areas
Debris Flow
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years
Low
I ~'?U ..N. TY OF
~ ARIN
2023 Marin County Operational Area
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
451
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-112
Outreach and education to areas at
risk of debris flow
Debris Flow
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-5 years,
ongoing
Medium
MC-113
Acquire land and or design new
codes for areas in high-risk
landslide areas and minimize new
construction via policy
recommendations
Debris Flow
1, 2, 4, 5
County of
Marin – OEM /
Fire
New TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
2-10 years
Low
MC-114
Marin County Structure Elevation
Program
Flooding
1, 2, 4, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing, New $4M
General
Funds/Grants
(HMGP)
0-5 years
In progress
Provides federal
assistance to
homeowners with costeffective projects. FEMA
funding approved and 7
permits are being
reviewed
MC-115 Seismic Retrofit of County-owned
buildings not current to code.

Earthquake
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Staff also continue
gathering available
seismic assessment data
on County-owned (and
possibly leased sites in
the future) facilities. This
information will be
brought into an asset
management database,
which is in the early
stages of development,
and will support risk
assessment and work
plan development
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Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-116
Seismic Retrofit of County-owned
buildings not current to code. 120
N. Redwood- Seismic Assessment
Earthquake
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin - DPW,
CDA
Existing
(2018)
TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Local hazard mitigation
by the States Office
MC-117
Seismic Retrofit of County-owned
buildings not current to code. Marin
Center- Seismic Assessment of the
Veteran's Memorial Auditorium &
Exhibit Hall
Earthquake
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin - DPW,
CDA
Existing
(2018)
TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants

HMPG, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Completed assessment,
and HMGP grant secured
for upgrades. Seismic
retrofit work at the Exhibit
Hall completed in
November 2022. The
retrofit design work for
the Veterans' Memorial
Auditorium is complete.

Construction work
anticipated to run from
April 2023 thru January
2024.

MC-118 San Anselmo Flood Risk Reduction
Project.

Flooding
1, 2, 5
San Anselmo is
project lead
Existing
(2018)
$17.6M/ Flood Zone
9/
General
Funds/Grants (DWR,
HMGP application)
0-5 years
In progress
Construction of flood
detention basin on
Fairfax Creek was
substantially completed
and the basin operational
in November 2022.

Outfall pipe slide gate
can be operated
manually and pending
installation of electrical
paneling March 2023 for
electrical control
operation. The project to
remove the building
bridge in downtown San
Anselmo is in the final
planning phase
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Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-119
Arroyo Corte Madera del Presidio
Riverine (Corte Madera Creek)
Flood Risk Management Project
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
$14M/Flood Zone 9:

General
Funds/Grants (DWR,
applications for

FEMA, NOAA)
0-5 years
In progress
Construction in progress
through 2023 - The Marin
County Flood Control and
Water Conservation
District (District)
proposed the Corte
Madera Creek Flood Risk
Management Project,
Phase 1 to reduce the
25-year flood risk along
Corte Madera Creek in
the Town of Ross and
unincorporated Kentfield
and to enhance natural
stream functions. An
HMGP application for
components in the
channel that reduce flood
risk was submitted
August 4, 2023
MC-120 Azalea Ave Bridge Replacement Flooding
1, 5 Town of Fairfax
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years Town of Fairfax is project
lead.

MC-121 Nokomis Ave Bridge Replacement Flooding
1, 5
Town of San
Anselmo
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years Town of San Anselmo is
project lead.

MC-122 Madrone Ave Bridge Replacement Flooding
1, 5
Town of San
Anselmo
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years Town of San Anselmo is
project lead.

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Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-123 Winship Bridge Replacement Flooding
1, 5 Town of Ross
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years Town of Ross is the
project lead.

MC-124 Sycamore Ave bridge replacement Flooding
1, 5
Town of San
Anselmo
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
Currently on hold. A
watershed study has
been scoped out, but not
enough funding has been
identified.

MC-125 Lower Corte Madera Creek
Improvements
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) $2M/Flood Zone 9/
General
Funds/Grants (DWR)
0-5 years
In progress Currently on hold
MC-126
Continue supporting the Sonoma
County Water Agency led Advanced
Quantitative Precipitation
Information effort.

Flooding
1, 4, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
$1.5M
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Working to expand storm
drainage improvement
planning into Nave
Gardens through a Flood
District funded study
currently underway
through 2023. The study
is looking at ways of most
effectively bypassing high
flows and potential
options such as
increasing storage,
building flood barriers,
daylighting drainages,
and installing pump
stations and/or tide gates.

Funding for future
improvements would
likely be sought through
FEMA HMGP.

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Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-127
Pacheco Pond Project - flood flow
diversion to wetlands to improve
water quality and habitat. Upgrade
title gages.

Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Annual outreach
conducted in October
MC-128
Deer Island Basin Project to setback
levees, restore tidal wetlands, and
increase tidal prism to reduce
sedimentation and flood risk.

Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) $10M/ Flood Zone 1/
General
Funds/Grants
(SFBRA grant)
0-5 years
In progress
National Park Service is
working with FHWA and
the Flood District to
identify and plan a
potential overflow
channel from Easkoot
Creek to the Ocean.

MC-129 Rush Creek Drainage
Improvements
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
2-3 years
Low
During final design of the
levee upgrade in
February 2022, the
engineer’s updated
construction cost
estimate came in at
$12M, exceeding the
project’s available
funding for project design
and construction. The
District continues to track
opportunities for project
construction funding.

MC-130 The upgrade Farmers, Cheda, and
Lynwood pump stations
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
Low
Interim upgrades were
made by adding an in-line
check valve to prevent
tides from flooding
Meadow Dr. No funding
(or local match) currently
available for full
conceptual upgrades to
proceed to design.

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Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-131 City of Novato Drainage
Improvement
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
TBD Cost
General
Funds/Flood Zone 1/

FMA, DWR, HMGP,
BRIC
0-5 years
In progress Currently on hold
MC-132 Encourage property owners in
SFHAs to purchase flood insurance.

Flooding
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin - DPW,
OEM/Fire
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
Ongoing
In progress Currently on hold
MC-133
Easkoot Creek Flood Flow Bypass
Project. (National Park Service/
FHWA project being scoped
currently as part of parking lot work)
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress Currently on hold
MC-134
Santa Venetia Floodwall Project
(Formerly the Santa Venetia
Timber-Reinforced Berm
Improvement Project)
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
$12 Million
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Coordinating with County
Engineering to include
drainage upgrades with
road rehabilitation
projects. Labrea Way,
vulnerable to recurrent
stormwater ponding, is
currently in design.

MC-135 Meadow Drive Interceptor and Ditch
Upgrades.

Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
Low
Currently in design phase
for the placement of
100,000 cubic yards of
dredge sediment. Goal to
support navigation and
storm drain outfall.

MC-136 Santa Venetia Pump Station No. 4
Upgrades on hold
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) $3M/ Flood Zone 7
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
In 2021, County and
Parks staff received a
grant from the San
Francisco Bay
Restoration Authority
(SFBRA) Measure AA
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Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
Bay region wetlands
grant program. This grant
funding will allow the
McInnis Marsh
Restoration project to
continue work on final
design, compliance with
the California
Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) and
permitting including the
proposed CSA 6 Gallinas
Creek geomorphic
dredge project. Note that
the proposed McInnis
Marsh Restoration project
is not currently funded for
implementation.

MC-137
Pump Station No. 2 Upgrade, and
interconnection to Pump Station No.
1 is currently on hold.

Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) $3M
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Initiation of this project
depends on completion of
a land exchange through
State Lands Commission.

County is working on
surveying needed to
support that exchange.

MC-138 Pump Station No. 5 Upgrade Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) $3M
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress Currently on hold
MC-139 Santa Venetia and Rafael Meadows
Street Drain Upgrades.

Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
In 2022 all pump stations
in Santa Venetia were
upgrade to Trimble Unity
System for alerts and
notifications to staff.

Funding for additional
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Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
upgrades not available at
this time.

MC-140 Gallinas Creek Geomorphic Dredge Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
$3M/ County Service
Area 6/
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Flood district is
supporting the Town of
Tiburon's storm drainage
master plan
implementation out by
designing the upgrade to
the Cove Stormwater
Pump Station
(construction completed,
Project 33 in 2018 LHMP)
to have capacity to
handle the increased
flows that would be
conveyed to the station
by the full buildout of the
Town's master plan.

MC-141 McInnis Park Wetland Restoration
Project
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress Currently on hold
MC-142 Levee Setback and Upgrade
Project.

Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Integrated into future sea
level rise adaptation
planning.

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Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-143 Pump Station No. 1 Upgrade Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) $2M
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
On hold due to lack of
property owner
easements. Considering
a creek restoration
project instead.

MC-144 Estancia Ditch and Pump Station
improvement project
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
$4M/ Flood Zone 7/
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Coordinating with
Caltrans on a scheduled
2024 pavement
rehabilitation project to
potentially include tide
gates to reduce sunny
day flooding of Tiburon
Blvd.

MC-145 Tiburon Street Drainage
Improvements Plan
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
A levee study was
completed, and a portion
of the levee system has a
project underway for
seepage mitigation. It is
in the design phase.

MC-146 Karen Way Ditch Improvements Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost/ Flood
Zone 4/ General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Currently in the planning
phase of project.

MC-147 Strawberry Levee Improvements
Sea Level
Rise
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) $1M / Flood Zone 4/
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Integrated into future sea
level rise adaptation
planning.

MC-148 West Creek Flood Wall Alternative
Restoration Project
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
5-10 years
In progress
The district is working
with the County's Parks
Department to evaluate a
potential pilot project for
thin-lift placement of
sediment from Coyote
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Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
Creek in Bothin Marsh. It
would require a Measure
AA grant to design,
permit, construct, and
monitor.

MC-149 East Creek Outfall Modifications
Project
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
$10M/ Flood Zone 4/
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
3 years
In progress
Caltrans is working on a
project initiation
document for December
2023 for sea level rise
adaptation at the US
101/SR 1 between
Manzanita and Marin
City. County is supporting
this work through
hydraulic studies.

MC-150 Coyote Creek Levee Improvements Flooding
1, 2, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) $40M/ Flood Zone 3/
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress Currently on hold
MC-151 Marin City Drainage Improvements
Project
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Following the condition
assessment design will
proceed in 2024. After
construction of the crest
Marin improvements a
study of Cardinal and
shoreline pump stations
and associated drainage
is anticipated.

MC-152
Richardson Bay Shoreline
Protection work is to be integrated
into future sea level rise adaptation
planning.

Sea Level
Rise
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
$150M
TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
5-10 years
In progress
County maintains a flood
preparedness webpage
with resources and
information for
landowners.

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Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-153 Bothin Marsh Restoration project Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
$2.4 M
General
Funds/Flood Zone
3/Grants (SFBRA
application in
progress)
5-10 years
In progress
Ongoing through Local
Coastal Program update,
funded and completed,
nature-based adaptation
studies, and the Safety
Element update.

MC-154
Manzanita Modifications Project. To
support/supplement a Caltrans
project
Flooding,
Sea Level
Rise
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Funded through Ocean
Protection Council grant
and AARPA funds.

Ongoing Stinson Beach
Adaptation and
Resilience Collaboration
(Stinson ARC) project.

MC-155 Lower Ryan Creek Pump Station
Study and Upgrades
Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) $2.5M/ Flood Zone 3/
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
5-10 years
In progress
Project has not started
due to lower community
priority. However, the
project has not been
abandoned and may be
completed in the next
year.

MC-156 Crest Marin, Cardinal, and Shoreline
Pump Station Upgrades.

Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018)
$7.5M/ Floods Zone
3/
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
In progress
Two funded and
completed nature-based
studies explored the
feasibility of these
projects and follow up
work is now happening
through the Stinson ARC
project and through
pursuit of other grant
opportunities.

MC-157 Flood Preparedness Pilot Program Flooding
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) Negligible cost
General funds
0-5 years
In progress In Progress
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Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions No. Mitigation Action
Hazards
Mitigated/
Goals
Met
Jurisdiction/
Responsible
Agency
New,
Existing,
Completed,
Removed
Estimated Cost
and Potential
Funding Source
Timeline/
Priority Comments/Progress
MC-158
Consider sea level rise adaptation
from Collaboration: Sea-level Marin
Adaption Response Team (CSMART).

Sea Level
Rise
1, 4, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
Ongoing
In progress
MC-159 Initiate Community Plans for
Adapting to Coastal Hazards
Flooding,
Sea Level,
Rise,
Tsunami
1, 2, 3, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
Ongoing
In progress
MC-160
Develop Renters and Homeowners
Guides to Flood Preparedness
project
Flooding
1, 3, 5
County of
Marin - DPW,
OEM
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
0-5 years
Low
MC-161 Protect and restore natural buffers. Flooding
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
Ongoing
In progress
MC-162 Assess bulkheads surrounding
Tomales Bay
Flooding
(coastal)
1, 5
County of
Marin - DPW
Existing
(2018) TBD Cost
General
Funds/Grants/ FMA,

DWR, HMGP, BRIC
Ongoing
In progress
Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions Source: Marin County
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4.7 PLAN INTEGRATION
For hazard mitigation planning, “integration” means that hazard mitigation information is used in other relevant planning mechanisms, such as general planning, capital facilities planning, emergency management, hazard specific planning, and that relevant information from those sources is also used in hazard mitigation. This section identifies where such integration is already in place from the 2018 MJHMP, and where the 2023 MJHMP will be used for further integration.

The Marin County Office of Emergency Management will be the central coordination point for maintaining this plan and will serve as a lead staff for grant project applications on the countywide projects selected for application under the Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs. Additionally, each participating jurisdiction applying for grant funds on its own will serve as lead staff for project implementation with assistance from the County and participating Steering Committee members as requested.

An important integration mechanism that is highly effective and low-cost is incorporation of the hazard mitigation plan recommendations and their underlying principles into other county, city and town plans and mechanisms. Where possible, plan participants will use existing plans and/or programs to implement hazard mitigation actions. Mitigation is most successful when it is incorporated into the day-to-day functions and priorities of government and development. As described in this plan’s capability assessment, Marin County and its jurisdictions already implement policies and programs to reduce losses to life and property from hazards. This plan builds upon the momentum developed through previous and related planning efforts and mitigation programs and recommends implementing actions, where possible, through these other program mechanisms. These existing mechanisms include:
• County, City and Town general and master plans - Integrates hazard mitigation through the consideration of hazards most likely to impact the County. These hazards are considered in the Safety Element, Housing Element and Open Space Element. • County, City and Town Emergency Operations Plans - Integrates hazard mitigation through the consideration of the Town’s planned response to hazards most likely to impact the Town.
• County, City and Town ordinances - Integrates hazard mitigation through the consideration of plans and policies outlined in the capability assessments in the jurisdictional annexes.
• Flood/storm water management/master plans - Integrates hazard mitigation through the consideration of strategies to reduce flood risk and storm water management for the protection of life and property.
• Community Wildfire Protection plan - Integrates hazard mitigation through the consideration of strategies to reduce fire hazard and the risk of catastrophic wildfires in the WUI, while promoting the protection and enhancement of the county’s economic assets and ecological resources.
• Capital improvement plans and budgets - Integrates hazard mitigation through the consideration of strategies for the development and funding a critical facilities and infrastructure.
• Other plans and policies outlined in the capability assessments in the jurisdictional annexes.
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• Other plans, regulations, and practices with a mitigation focus Steering Committee members involved in these other planning mechanisms will be responsible for integrating the findings and recommendations of this plan with these other plans, programs, etc., as appropriate. Implementation and incorporation into existing planning mechanisms will be done through the routine actions of:
• Monitoring other planning/program agendas
• Attending other planning/program meetings
• Participating in other planning processes
• Monitoring community budget meetings for other community program opportunities The successful implementation of this mitigation strategy will require constant and vigilant review of existing plans and programs for coordination and multi-objective opportunities that promote a safe, sustainable community. A few examples of incorporation of the MJHMP into existing planning mechanisms include:
1) As recommended by Assembly Bill 2140, each community should adopt (by reference or incorporation) this MJHMP into the Safety Element of their General Plans. Evidence of adoption (by formal, certified resolution) shall be provided to CalOES and FEMA 2) Integration of flood actions identified in this mitigation strategy with the actions and implementation priorities established in existing Flood Management Programs 3) Using the risk assessment information to update the hazards section in the County, City and Town Emergency Operations Plans
Efforts should continuously be made to monitor the progress of mitigation actions implemented through these other planning mechanisms and, where appropriate, their priority actions should be incorporated into updates of this hazard mitigation plan.

4.8 FUTURE DEVELOPMENT TRENDS
Marin County’s abundance of natural, recreational, and scenic resources has supported a long history of open space preservation. Its rolling hills, expansive ranchlands, beaches, coastlines, and more are appreciated by both visitors and locals alike. This quote, from the Marin Independent Journal 1934 Editorial captures this sentiment:
"No community on earth is more favored than Marin with the wealth and beauty of potential playgrounds. If we don’t acquire some of these lands, the opportunity will surely slip away from us.”
In the 1960s, housing/transportation development proposals were underway throughout Marin County including for the Marin Headlands, outer coast, Tomales Bay area and more. Such proposals threatened Marin’s rural character and long heritage of family farming, sparking community activism which drew national attention. These efforts led to the employment of land use planning tools to ensure the County’s natural and agricultural areas remain protected in perpetuity. Establishment of the Point Reyes National Seashore in 1962, and a handful of other Federal/State Park units, ensured the protection of a large amount of the County’s most l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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cherished lands as publicly accessible open space. Additionally, the Marin Agricultural Land Trust, established in 1980, has placed agricultural conservation easements on over 60,000 acres of farmland, to ensure protection from development in perpetuity.

Furthermore in 1972 the California Coastal Commission was established as a regulatory agency whose mission is “To protect, conserve, restore, and enhance the environment of the California coastline”. Pursuant to the California Coastal Act of 1976, the agency is tasked with the protection of a variety of resources including public access, habitat, and water quality. The Commission issues Coastal Development Permits, until a local agency has a certified Local Coastal Program (LCP), with a land use plan and implementation plan.

West Marin’s coastal zone covers approximately 82,168 acres. Of this approximately 33,913 acres are owned and managed by the National Park Service, leaving 48.255 acres under County Jurisdiction subject to the LCP. This encompasses a handful of small communities along the Pacific Coast and Tomales Bay shorelines including Muir Beach, Stinson Beach, Bolinas, Inverness, Point Reyes Station, East Shore and Dillon Beach. New growth in these communities is limited by a variety of factors including few remaining undeveloped parcels; land use policies and plans which protect public access and natural resources; and environmental features such as the coast itself, Tomales Bay, and steep bluffs which naturally restrain development.

Development in the County over the last 5 years has been limited due to build out, and similarly future development is limited by these same constraints. For this reason, development related considerations to plan updates were not applicable to the planning process. Instead, the plan was revised to consider regional development trends and incorporation of new science such as potential climate change impacts.

Marin County has focused on sea level rise planning and climate action for several years.

Currently, the LCP is being updated to reflect the changing risks to coastal areas and develop appropriate policies and actions to avoid and minimize the risk of disaster and harm to its residents, infrastructure and coastal resources. Coastal Act policies Sections 30210, 30240, and 30251 dictate that new development shall be safe from hazards and recognize that shoreline protective devices such as seawalls may be appropriate in certain instances to serve coastaldependent uses or to protect existing structures or public beaches in danger from erosion.

However, shoreline protective devices must be designed to eliminate or mitigate the adverse impacts on the sand supply of surrounding natural shorelines. Other development-limiting Coastal Act policies include:

Section: 30210: Development shall not interfere with the public’s right of access to the sea including the use of beaches
Section 30240: Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHA) shall be protected.

Section 30251: The scenic and visual qualities of coastal areas shall be considered and protected as resources of public importance.

The 2040 population projection for Marin County is 277,087 (Department of Finance). In order to accommodate population growth over the next several years, Marin County and its incorporated cities have implemented a number of land use plans and development policies to direct growth away from hazardous conditions. For example, as required by state law, the County and each l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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incorporated city have a general plan with a safety element that identifies hazards affecting the County and incorporated cities. Likewise, the County and the incorporated cities have a number of planning policies, such as floodplain ordinances and building codes, restricting new development in hazard areas and/or increasing construction requirements in hazard areas.

In addition to steering away growth from hazard areas, Marin County and its incorporated cities have a history of aggressive growth management that seeks to limit growth overall and to direct it within the incorporated cities and urban areas of the unincorporated County.

The 2007 Marin Countywide Plan was last updated in 2015 to reflect the theme of planning for sustainable communities. Twelve principles support this theme including the preservation of natural assets and the protection of agricultural assets in order to minimize development in open space. The plan is divided into specific elements, each with goals, policies, and implementation programs. The Plan’s land use pattern reflects existing development potential shifted to a degree from environmentally constrained sites to more appropriate locations. Specific Countywide Plan policies which limit urban development through the protection of open space resources include:
• Biological Resources 1.1 Protect Wetland Habitats for Special-Status Species, Sensitive Natural Communities, and Important Wildlife Nursery Areas and Movement Corridors. • Biological Resources 1.2 Acquire Habitat
• Biological Resources 2.1 Include Resource Preservation in Environmental Review Biological Resources 2.2 Limit Development Impacts
• Biological Resources 3.1 Protect Wetlands
• Biological Resources 4.1 Restrict Land Use in Stream Conservation Areas • Biological resources 5.1 Protect the Baylands Corridor • Biological Resources 5.2 Limit Development and Access • Biological Resources 5.3 Leave Tidelands in Their Natural State • Air 4.m Focus Development in Urban Corridors
• Open Space 2.2 Continue to Acquire or Otherwise Preserve Open Space Countywide Open Space 2.4 Support Open Space Efforts Along Streams • Open Space 2.5 Support Open Space Efforts in the Inland Rural Corridor • Open Space 2.6 Support Open Space Efforts in the Coastal Corridor • Agriculture 1.1 Limit Residential Use
• Agriculture 1.2 Encourage Contractual Protection
• Agriculture 1.3 Preserve Agricultural Zoning
• Agriculture 1.4 Limit Non-Agricultural Zoning
• Agricultural 1.5 Restrict Subdivision of Agricultural Lands Within the Coastal, Inland Rural and Baylands Corridors
• Agriculture 1.6 Limit Non-Agricultural Development
• Additionally, the Plan includes policies to limit development in hazardous areas, including:
• Environmental Hazards 3.a Regulate Development in Flood and inundation Areas • Environmental Hazards 3.e Restrict Development in Flood Prone Areas • Environmental Hazards 4.1 Limit Fire Risks to Structures l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Implementation tools such as the County Development Code are used to carry out Countywide Plan goals. Some of the policies and programs in the Countywide Plan will require rezoning of individual properties for consistency with land use designations and policies. Furthermore, many unincorporated communities are guided by community plans which may include customized building and site design standards, ridgeline and view corridor protection mechanisms, home size regulations and more.
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SECTION 5.0: PLAN REVIEW, EVALUATION, AND

IMPLEMENTATION
The strategies presented are deemed appropriate and effective by recommendation of the Marin County OA Hazard Mitigation Steering Committee, senior management of local governments and public agencies, and individual organizations and groups that have participated in its creation, or reviewed the end product.

5.1 PLAN ADOPTION
Upon submission to the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) for review, and subsequent approval by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Marin County OA MJHMP will be presented to local government for formal adoption. It will then be incorporated into local general plans for integration into organizational policy.

5.2 PLAN MONITORING AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
The process of hazard mitigation does not end with the completion, approval, and adoption of the Marin County OA MJHMP. During the five-year lifespan the Marin plan, the County, cities, towns and special districts, along with community-based organizations will ensure that the mitigation goals and strategies identified are exercised and monitored under a collaborative and cooperative umbrella, and that the document itself is properly maintained.

The Marin County Office of Emergency Management, as lead coordinating agency for hazard mitigation planning within the Marin County OA, leads the Marin Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Working Group that meets quarterly to review and manage the plan, projects, and programs. The review will identify changing community priorities, updated or new planning documents and the progress or status of the mitigation actions as detailed in the mitigation strategy. Additional questions to complete the review will be considered as follows:
• Do the goals address current and expected conditions? • Are the goals and objectives consistent with changes in the local, state, and federal policy?
• Status updates on all mitigation actions?
• Have the hazards or risks changed?
• Are current resources appropriate for implementing the MJHMP? • Have the outcomes occurred as expected?
44 CFR Requirement §201.6(d)(3) A local jurisdic�on must review and revise its plan to reflect changes in development, progress in local mi�ga�on efforts, and changes in priori�es, and resubmit if for approval within 5 years in order to con�nue to be eligible for mi�ga�on project grant funding. §201.6(d)(5) [The plan shall include…] Documenta�on that the plan has been formally adopted by the governing body of the jurisdic�on reques�ng approval of the plan (e.g., City Council, County commissioner, Tribal Council). For mul�‐jurisdic�onal plans, each jurisdic�on reques�ng approval of the plan must document that it has been formally adopted. l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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• Is the County and jurisdictions or districts participating in the plan implementation process as expected?
The Working Group is a subgroup of the Marin Disaster and Citizens Corps Council. During the five-year update cycle, the Marin Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Working Group will have quarterly update meetings with the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee and local stakeholders to discuss revisions to the plan and progress updates for the hazard mitigation actions. Further, Marin OEM will host an annual one-day mitigation summit to increase engagement and enhance collaboration on the plan and projects. The summit will also have the goal to educate stakeholders on innovative approaches to mitigation, trends, and new plan requirements. Marin OEM, as the host, will seek subject matter experts, state and federal officials, and representatives from within the Marin OA to speak to mitigation and planning. The knowledge gathered and the coordination facilitated during the summit will be used to update the base plan and annexes.

Marin OEM has the capacity to lead the Working Group and Multi-Jurisdictional Planning with one coordinator assigned with direct maintenance of the plan, a department analyst assigned to support the coordinator with project and grant tracking, and a community preparedness coordinator assigned with conducting regular public outreach on the plan and education on mitigation. Community feedback and integration will continue through outreach events and OEM website, where residents and visitors are invited to provide feedback through a survey, available in English or Spanish.

Specific plan maintenance activities by the Marin County Office of Emergency Management and its participating jurisdictions/special districts may include:
• Hold quarterly update meetings with the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee and local stakeholders to discuss revisions to the plan and progress updates for the hazard mitigation actions.
• Annual Hazard Mitigation Summit
• Holding public meetings after the first quarter and third quarter update meetings. • Maintaining the Marin County OEM Hazard Mitigation Website, which provides the public with the ability to access identified hazard impact maps, location address search capability, and a listing of hazard mitigation actions. • Monitoring of the Marin County and all participating jurisdiction mitigation project activities and dissemination of status reports.
• Generation of reports relative to plan status, project management, and revision updates to executive leadership.
• Preparations for the plan’s future revision and updating.

5.3 PLAN EVALUATION
Upon approval and adoption by Marin County and all participating jurisdictions, the prioritized mitigation strategies will be further developed for funding and implementation by the lead agencies. The plan describes the potential sources of hazard mitigation funding, and general procedures to obtain that funding.

The mitigation strategies represented and adopted within this plan are recommendations only and must be approved and funded in order to be implemented as official mitigation solutions.

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strategies, funding availability, and local need when it arises. The Marin County Office of Emergency Management will meet with the Marin Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Working Group to evaluate the plan after each update meeting.

5.4 PLAN UPDATE
During the five-year update cycle, the Marin County Office of Emergency Management will be responsible for updating the MJHMP. This update process will begin in 2024 through quarterly update meetings by the Marin Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Working Group and local stakeholders. The Marin OEM will lead these meetings to discuss revisions to the plan and progress updates for the hazard mitigation actions. Additional plan update actions are described in 5.2 Plan Monitoring and Public Engagement. The Marin County Office of Emergency Management and all participating jurisdictions and special districts will continue to hold public meetings after the first quarter and third quarter update meetings annually and will continue to invite public participation in the update process via updated public surveys. l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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FIGURES AND TABLES INDEX

FIGURES
Figure 1.1: Map of Marin County...............................................................................................13 Figure 1.2: Fire Protection Districts in Marin County..................................................................21 Figure 1.3: School Districts in Marin County..............................................................................22 Figure 1.4: Muir Woods National Monument .............................................................................23 Figure 1.5: Marin County Parks and Public Lands.....................................................................24 Figure 1.6: Population of Marin County 1860-2020 ...................................................................25 Figure 1.7: Marin County Environmental Corridors....................................................................34 Figure 1.8: Marin County Habitat Types ....................................................................................35 Figure 1.9: Marin County Wetlands ...........................................................................................37 Figure 1.10: Marin County Watersheds .....................................................................................38 Figure 1.11: Marin County Geologic Units (East of San Andreas Fault).....................................44 Figure 1.12: Marin County Geologic Units (West of San Andreas Fault)....................................45 Figure 1.13: Marin County Mineral Resource Sites ...................................................................46 Figure 1.14: Marin County Average Precipitation 1895-2022.....................................................47 Figure 1.15: Marin County Average Temperature 1895-2022 ....................................................48 Figure 1.16: Diablo Wind Patterns.............................................................................................48 Figure 1.17: Historic Sites in Marin County ...............................................................................54 Figure 1.18: Generalized NRI Risk Equation.............................................................................55 Figure 1.19: Marin County NRI – Expected Annual Loss...........................................................62 Figure 1.20: Marin County National Risk Index Map..................................................................63 Figure 1.21: Marin County CDC Social Vulnerability Index Map................................................65 Figure 2.1: Marin County OEM MJHMP Website.......................................................................94 Figure 2.2: Marin County OA MJHMP Town Hall Meeting..........................................................95 Figure 2.3: Collecting community feedback on the MJHMP.......................................................96 Figure 2.4: Hazard Mitigation Plan Public Outreach Press Release ..........................................97 Figure 2.5: Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey ................................................................................98 Figure 3.1: Marin County Risk Assessment – Top Hazards Graphed ...................................... 111 Figure 3.2: NASA Global Temperature Change CO2 Gas .......................................................113 Figure 3.3: NASA Global Temperature Change 1884 to 2022 .................................................113 Figure 3.4: NASA Global Temperature Change Sea Level ......................................................114 Figure 3.5: Human Health Impacts from Climate Change........................................................115 Figure 3.6: Annual Mean Sea Level Trends.............................................................................117 Figure 3.7: California Climate Impact Regions ........................................................................118 Figure 3.8: Dams in and around the Marin County OA............................................................124 Figure 3.9: Marin County Dam Inundation Susceptibility to Critical Facilities...........................125 Figure 3.10: Phoenix Lake Dam Inundation Area ....................................................................127 Figure 3.11: Phoenix Lake Dam Inundation Area – Kentfield North .........................................128 Figure 3.12: Phoenix Lake Dam Inundation Area – Kentfield South ........................................129 Figure 3.13: Novato Creek/ Stafford Lake Dam Inundation Area .............................................130 Figure 3.14: Novato Creek Dam Inundation Area – Green Point and Bel Marin Keys..............131 Figure 3.15: Bon Tempe Dam Inundation Area........................................................................132 l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 3.16: Bon Tempe Dam Inundation Area – Lagunitas-Forest Knolls-San Geronimo Area ...............................................................................................................................................133 Figure 3.17: Bon Tempe Dam Inundation Area – Point Reyes Station Area South...................134 Figure 3.18: Bon Tempe Dam Inundation Area – Point Reyes Station Area North and Inverness ...............................................................................................................................................134 Figure 3.19: Peters Dam Inundation Area ...............................................................................135 Figure 3.20: Peters Dam Inundation Area – Lagunitas-Forest Knolls Area ..............................136 Figure 3.21: Peters Dam Inundation Area – Point Reyes Station Area ....................................137 Figure 3.22: Alpine Dam Inundation Area................................................................................138 Figure 3.23: Alpine Dam Inundation Area – Point Reyes Station .............................................139 Figure 3.24: Lagunitas Dam Inundation Area ..........................................................................140 Figure 3.25: Seeger Dam Inundation Area ..............................................................................141 Figure 3.26: Seeger Dam Inundation Area – Point Reyes Station East ...................................142 Figure 3.27: Seeger Dam Inundation Area – Point Reyes Station West ..................................143 Figure 3.28: Big Rock Ranch Dam Inundation Area ................................................................144 Figure 3.29: Big Rock Ranch Dam Inundation Area East ........................................................145 Figure 3.30: Big Rock Ranch Dam Inundation Area West .......................................................146 Figure 3.31: Soulajule Dam Inundation Area ...........................................................................147 Figure 3.32: Soulajule Dam Inundation Area around Soulajule Dam .......................................148 Figure 3.33: Soulajule Dam Inundation Area – Walker Creek at Highway 1.............................149 Figure 3.34: Soulajule Dam Inundation Area – Walker Creek at Highway 1 and Tomales Bay . 149 Figure 3.35: Vonsen Dam Inundation Area..............................................................................150 Figure 3.36: Vosen Dam Inundation Area................................................................................151 Figure 3.37: Landslide Susceptibility Classes..........................................................................156 Figure 3.38: Mud Flow Areas ..................................................................................................157 Figure 3.39: Landslide Susceptibility in the Marin County OA .................................................158 Figure 3.40: Marin County Landslide Susceptibility for Critical Facilities Map..........................159 Figure 3.41: Landslide Susceptibility – Lagunitas, Forest Knolls, San Geronimo and Woodacre ...............................................................................................................................................160 Figure 3.42: Landslide Susceptibility – Nicasio and Tocoloma.................................................160 Figure 3.43: Landslide Susceptibility – Olema and Point Reyes Station..................................161 Figure 3.44: Landslide Susceptibility – Inverness....................................................................161 Figure 3.45: Landslide Susceptibility – Dillon Beach and Tomales ..........................................162 Figure 3.46: Landslide Susceptibility – Dogtown, Bolinas and Stinson Beach .........................162 Figure 3.47: Landslide Susceptibility – Southern Marin County...............................................163 Figure 3.48: Landslide Susceptibility – West Central Marin County.........................................164 Figure 3.49: Landslide Susceptibility – Novato West...............................................................165 Figure 3.50: Landslide Susceptibility – West Central Marin County.........................................166 Figure 3.51: Landslide Susceptibility – North Novato ..............................................................167 Figure 3.52: Landslide Inventory in the Marin County OA .......................................................168 Figure 3.53: Damage in Inverness from the January 1982 Storm............................................169 Figure 3.54: January 1982 Highway 101 Mudslide in Marin County ........................................169 Figure 3.55: February 2017 Landslide on Lucas Valley Road..................................................170 Figure 3.56: March 2023 Mudslide in Marin County ................................................................171 Figure 3.57: U.S. Drought Monitor for California (2023) ..........................................................177 Figure 3.58: U.S. Drought Monitor for California (2020) ..........................................................178 Figure 3.59: U.S. Drought Monitor for California (2016) ..........................................................179 l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 3.60: Water Supply Conditions in California 2005-2018................................................179 Figure 3.61: Drought Impacts..................................................................................................181 Figure 3.62: 2022 Locations of Tree Mortality in the Marin County OA....................................182 Figure 3.63: Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale .........................................................................185 Figure 3.64: Mercalli Scale vs. Magnitude...............................................................................186 Figure 3.65: Soil Types ...........................................................................................................186 Figure 3.66: Earthquake Faults and Probability of Shaking in the Marin County OA ...............188 Figure 3.67: Marin County Earthquake Shaking Potential and Critical Facilities......................189 Figure 3.68: Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast Version 3................................. 192 Figure 3.69: Population/Social Vulnerability to an Earthquake in California.............................195 Figure 3.70: Diagram of an Atmospheric River Event..............................................................198 Figure 3.71: FIRM Zones in the Marin County OA...................................................................199 Figure 3.72: The 100-year, 200-year and 500-year floodplains in the Marin County OA..........200 Figure 3.73: 100, 200, 500-Year Floodplains in the Marin County OA .....................................201 Figure 3.74: 100-Year Floodplain – Lagunitas .........................................................................202 Figure 3.75: 100-Year Floodplain – Forest Knolls Area............................................................203 Figure 3.76: 100-Year Floodplain – San Geronimo Area .........................................................203 Figure 3.77: 100-Year Floodplain – Woodacre Area ................................................................204 Figure 3.78: 100-Year Floodplain – Tocoloma .........................................................................204 Figure 3.79: 100-Year Floodplain – Nicasio.............................................................................205 Figure 3.80: 100-Year Floodplain –Nicasio East......................................................................206 Figure 3.81: 100-Year Floodplain –Olema...............................................................................206 Figure 3.82: 100-Year Floodplain – Point Reyes Station Area - South.....................................207 Figure 3.83: 100-Year Floodplain – Point Reyes Station Area - North .....................................208 Figure 3.84: 100-Year Floodplain – Inverness Park Area.........................................................209 Figure 3.85: 100-Year Floodplain – Inverness South...............................................................210 Figure 3.86: 100-Year Floodplain – Inverness .........................................................................211 Figure 3.87: 100-Year Floodplain – Reynolds and Marconi Area.............................................212 Figure 3.88: 100-Year Floodplain – Marshall Area...................................................................213 Figure 3.89: 100-Year Floodplain – Tomales Area...................................................................214 Figure 3.90: 100-Year Floodplain – Bolinas North ...................................................................215 Figure 3.91: 100-Year and 500-Year Floodplain – Bolinas and Stinson Beach West ...............216 Figure 3.92: 100-Year and 500-Year Floodplain – Stinson Beach............................................217 Figure 3.93: 100-Year and 500-Year Floodplain – Muir Beach ................................................218 Figure 3.94: 100-Year and 500-Year Floodplain – Tamalpais Valley Area................................218 Figure 3.95: 100-Year and 500-Year Floodplain – Alto and Strawberry....................................219 Figure 3.96: 100-Year and 500-Year Floodplain – Kentfield and Greenbrae............................220 Figure 3.97: 100-Year Floodplain – Marin City ........................................................................221 Figure 3.98: 100-Year Floodplain – Lucas Valley and Marinwood............................................222 Figure 3.99: 100-Year Floodplain – Saint Vincent....................................................................223 Figure 3.100: 100-Year and 500-Year Floodplain – Santa Venetia Area ..................................223 Figure 3.101: 100-Year and 500-Year Floodplain – San Pedro Hill Area..................................224 Figure 3.102: Novato Flooding - Marin County Landfill and Marin County airport...................225 Figure 3.103: Flooding in San Rafael Area..............................................................................226 Figure 3.104: 100-Year Floodplain – Bel Marin Keys...............................................................227 Figure 3.105: Stinson - Bolinas Area Flooding.........................................................................228 Figure 3.106: Flood Control Zones in the Marin County OA....................................................229 l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 3.107: Damage in Inverness from 1982 Storm .............................................................231 Figure 3.108: Flooding in Marin City – 2019 Storm ................................................................. 232 Figure 3.109: Population/Social Vulnerability to Flooding in California ....................................240 Figure 3.110: Dissolution Sinkhole Formation .........................................................................241 Figure 3.111: Cover-Subsidence Sinkhole Formation..............................................................242 Figure 3.112: Cover-Collapse Sinkhole Formation ..................................................................242 Figure 3.113: Land Subsidence in California 2007-2018 with Marin County Cutout.................243 Figure 3.114: U.S. Rock types Susceptible to Water Dissolution .............................................244 Figure 3.115: Levee Failure Mechanisms................................................................................247 Figure 3.116: Marin County Levee System..............................................................................249 Figure 3.117: Levees in Tamalpais Valley................................................................................250 Figure 3.118: Levees in Strawberry.........................................................................................251 Figure 3.119: Tam Junction Levees.........................................................................................252 Figure 3.120: Levee in Kentfield..............................................................................................253 Figure 3.121: Greenbrae Levee System..................................................................................254 Figure 3.122: McNears Sea Wall in the San Pedro Hill Area...................................................255 Figure 3.123: Santa Venetia Levee in Santa Venetia ..............................................................256 Figure 3.124: Marin Levee 33, Marin County Levees 33 and 24 and the Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District Levee in St. Vincent ......................................................................................257 Figure 3.125: Santa Venetia Levee System ............................................................................258 Figure 3.126: Bel Marin Keys Levee System...........................................................................259 Figure 3.127: Levees Around the Marin County Airport...........................................................260 Figure 3.128: Novato North Levee System..............................................................................261 Figure 3.129: Marin County Sea Level Rise Susceptibility to Critical Facilities ........................267 Figure 3.130: Average July Temperatures in California............................................................268 Figure 3.131: Projections of Sea Level Rise in the San Francisco Bay Area, 2000-2100 ........275 Figure 3.132: Heat Index........................................................................................................276 Figure 3.133: Heat Disorders by Heat Index Level..................................................................277 Figure 3.134: Annual Average Temperatures in the San Francisco Bay Area, 2000-2100 .......281 Figure 3.135: Beaufort Wind Scale..........................................................................................282 Figure 3.136: Wind Zones in the US .......................................................................................283 Figure 3.137: Enhanced Fujita Scale ......................................................................................287 Figure 3.138: Waterspout Formation.......................................................................................288 Figure 3.139: Tsunami Inundation Zones in the Marin County OA...........................................291 Figure 3.140: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Inverness Area.......................................................292 Figure 3.141: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Inverness ...............................................................293 Figure 3.142: Tsunami Inundation Zone – South of Inverness.................................................294 Figure 3.143: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Inverness Park and Point Reyes............................295 Figure 3.144: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Reynolds and Marshall ..........................................296 Figure 3.145: Tsunami Inundation Zone – McDonald and Blakes Landing ..............................297 Figure 3.146: Tsunami Inundation Zone – South of Tomales ...................................................298 Figure 3.147: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Dillon Beach Area ..................................................299 Figure 3.148: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Dillon Beach...........................................................300 Figure 3.149: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Bolinas Lagoon North ............................................300 Figure 3.150: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Bolinas Area ..........................................................301 Figure 3.151: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Bolinas Core ..........................................................302 Figure 3.152: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Bolinas North .........................................................303 l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 3.153: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Stinson Beach Area ...............................................303 Figure 3.154: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Stinson Beach........................................................304 Figure 3.155: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Muir Beach ............................................................305 Figure 3.156: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Tamalpais Valley South..........................................306 Figure 3.157: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Tamalpais Valley North...........................................307 Figure 3.158: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Marin City ..............................................................308 Figure 3.159: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Manzanita..............................................................308 Figure 3.160: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Strawberry South...................................................309 Figure 3.161: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Unincorporated Tiburon Peninsula.........................310 Figure 3.162: Tsunami Inundation Zone – Paradise Cay .........................................................311 Figure 3.163: North Marin Tsunami Inundation Zones .............................................................312 Figure 3.164: Santa Venetia Tsunami Inundation Zones..........................................................313 Figure 3.165: Greenbrae Tsunami Inundation Zones...............................................................314 Figure 3.166: Richardson Bay Tsunami Inundation Zones.......................................................315 Figure 3.167: Tomales Bay Tsunami Inundation Zones ...........................................................316 Figure 3.168: Bolinas – Stinson Tsunami Inundation Zones ....................................................317 Figure 3.169: Federal, State and Local Responsibility Areas in the Marin County OA.............324 Figure 3.170: Fuel Model Map for the Marin County OA .........................................................328 Figure 3.171: Wildfire Ignition Points in the Marin County OA .................................................331 Figure 3.172: WUI Boundary in the Marin County OA.............................................................332 Figure 3.173: Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in the Marin County OA.............................334 Figure 3.174: Marin County Wildfire Susceptibility to Critical Facilities ....................................335 Figure 3.175: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Lagunitas, Forest Knolls, San Geronimo and Woodacre ...............................................................................................................................336 Figure 3.176: Fire Hazard Severity Zones –Woodacre............................................................336 Figure 3.177: Fire Hazard Severity Zones –Woodacre Area....................................................337 Figure 3.178: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Nicasio ...............................................................338 Figure 3.179: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Tocoloma............................................................339 Figure 3.180: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Olema................................................................. 340 Figure 3.181: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Point Reyes Station............................................341 Figure 3.182: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Inverness Park ...................................................342 Figure 3.183: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Inverness............................................................343 Figure 3.184: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Inverness Area ...................................................344 Figure 3.185: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Marconi/Marshall Area........................................345 Figure 3.186: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – McDonald/Blakes Landing Area..........................346 Figure 3.187: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Tomales..............................................................347 Figure 3.188: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Dillon Beach .......................................................348 Figure 3.189: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Dogtown.............................................................349 Figure 3.190: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Bolinas ...............................................................350 Figure 3.191: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Stinson Beach and Surrounding Area.................351 Figure 3.192: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Stinson Beach ....................................................351 Figure 3.193: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Muir Beach .........................................................352 Figure 3.194: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Tamalpais Valley and Marin City .........................353 Figure 3.195: Fire Hazard Severity Zone – Unincorporated Tiburon Peninsula and Paradise Cay ...............................................................................................................................................354 Figure 3.196: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – San Quentin .......................................................355 Figure 3.197: Fire Hazard Severity Zones – Lucas Valley and Marinwood ..............................355 l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Figure 3.198: Fire Hazard Severity Zone – Bel Marin Keys and Loma Verde ..........................356 Figure 3.199: Fire Hazard Severity Zone – San Antonio & Marin County Airport .....................357 Figure 3.200: Historic Wildfires in the Marin County OA 1919 - 1995 ......................................358 Figure 3.201: Historic Wildfires in the Marin County OA 1973 - 2020 ......................................359 Figure 3.202: 1995 Vision Fire ................................................................................................360 Figure 3.203: Population Density, Flame Length, and Rate of Spread for the Average Fire Season in the Marin County OA..............................................................................................365 Figure 3.204: Areas of Concern for the Average Fire Season in the Marin County OA............366 Figure 3.205: Areas of Concern for the Extreme Fire Season in the Marin County OA............367 Figure 3.206: WUI Boundary and Population Density in the Marin County OA........................368 Figure 3.207: Trends in the Annual Number of Large Wildfires in the United States................372 Figure 3.208: Air Quality Index Concern Levels.......................................................................376 Figure 3.209: Marin County OA Critical Infrastructure .............................................................377 Figure 3.210: Largest Oil Spills Affecting U.S. Waters 1969-2017 ...........................................385 Figure 3.211: Marin County Covid-19 Hospitalizations ............................................................391 Figure 3.212: Marin County Covid-19 Hospitalizations by Demographics................................391 Figure 3.213: Marin County Highways ....................................................................................393 Figure 3.214: SMART Commuter and Freight Line..................................................................396 TABLES
Table 1.1: Marin County Population Changes 1860-2020..........................................................26 Table 1.2: Marin County Estimated Jurisdictional Population.....................................................26 Table 1.3: Marin County Estimated Jurisdictional Population Change 2010-2020 .....................27 Table 1.4: Marin County Population Age by Gender 2020 .........................................................28 Table 1.5: Marin County Population by Race or Ethnicity ..........................................................28 Table 1.6: Marin County Housing Stock.....................................................................................29 Table 1.7: Marin County Jurisdictional Housing Stock ...............................................................31 Table 1.8: Historic Sites in Marin County...................................................................................53 Table 1.9: NRI Risk Components and Factors...........................................................................56 Table 1.10: NRI Hazards and Marin County OA MJHMP Hazards.............................................57 Table 1.11: NRI Hazard Type Risk Index for Marin County ........................................................59 Table 1.12: NRI Highest-Risk Communities in Marin County.....................................................60 Table 1.13: Marin County Civilian Employed Population 16 Years and Over .............................67 Table 1.14: Marin County OA MJHMP Participants 2018 and 2023...........................................69 Table 2.1: 2023 Marin OA MJHMP Participating Jurisdictions ...................................................76 Table 2.2: Marin County OA MJHMP Steering Committee Members .........................................77 Table 2.3: Marin County OA MJHMP Preparative Consulting Planning Team Members ............78 Table 2.4: Marin County OA MJHMP Planning Team Members.................................................82 Table 2.5: Marin County OA MJHMP Planning Meetings...........................................................86 Table 3.1: Marin County OA MJHMP Hazard Identification and Comparison...........................101 Table 3.2: Marin County OA MJHMP Other Hazards Profiled ..................................................102 Table 3.3: State and Federal Declared Disasters in Marin County...........................................104 Table 3.4: Marin County Hazard Risk Assessment..................................................................108 Table 3.5: Hazard Magnitude and Severity Scale....................................................................109 l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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Table 3.6: Marin County Hazard Risk Assessment – Top Hazards Scored ..............................110 Table 3.7: Hazard Ranked Dams in Marin County with Potential to Impact to the OA..............123 Table 3.8: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Dam Failure .....................................153 Table 3.9: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Debris Flow......................................173 Table 3.10: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Drought..........................................183 Table 3.11: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Earthquake.....................................193 Table 3.12: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Flooding.........................................236 Table 3.13: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Land Subsidence ...........................246 Table 3.14: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Levee Failure................................. 263 Table 3.15: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment - Sea Level Rise ...............................270 Table 3.16: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Severe Weather, Extreme Heat......279 Table 3.17: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Severe Weather; Wind...................286 Table 3.18: Tornado Activity in the Marin County OA...............................................................288 Table 3.19: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment - Tsunami..........................................319 Table 3.20: Marin County OA Hazard Risk Assessment – Wildfire...........................................363 Table 4.1: Unincorporated Marin County Future Growth Areas................................................401 Table 4.2: Marin County Legal and Regulatory Capabilities.....................................................406 Table 4.3: Marin County Goals and Policies ............................................................................407 Table 4.4: Marin County Goals and Policies ...........................................................................411 Table 4.5: Marin County Fiscal Capabilities............................................................................413 Table 4.6: Marin County Community Outreach........................................................................414 Table 4.7: Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) ................................420 Table 4.8: Status of Previous Hazard Mitigation Actions..........................................................430 Table 4.9: Marin County Current Hazard Mitigation Actions.....................................................462 l ~<;>U·N· TY OF
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ACRONYMS
Acronym Definition
ABAG Association Bay Area of Governments
AQI Air Quality Index
ARP Address Resolution Protocol
ASL American Sign Language
ATSDR Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
BAAQMD Bay Area Air Quality Management District
BCDC Bay Conservation and Development Commission
BCPUD Bolinas Community Public Utility District
BRIC Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities
CA California
CAL FIRE California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Cal OES California Office of Emergency Services
CAP Climate Action Plan
CASPER Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response - California Department of Public Health
CDA Community Development Agency
CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDI Certified Deaf Interpreter
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CGS California Geological Survey
CIP Capital Improvement Plan
CMFD Central Marin Fire District
CNRA California Natural Resource Agency
CNRA California Natural Resource Agency
CNRA California Natural Resource Agency
CO Carbon Monoxide
COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease 2019
COYL Coyote Creek Left Bank Levee
CPUC California Public Utilities Commission
CRF Community Risk Factor
CRI Community Resilience Index
CRS Community Rating System
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CRT Community Response Team
CSA County Service Area
C-SMART Sea-level Marin Adaption Response Team
CWPP Community Wildfire Protection Plan
DDoS Distributed Denial of Service
DMA Disaster Mitigation Act
DNS Domain Name System
DOF California Department of Finance
DoS Denial-of-Service
DPW Department of Public Works
DR Disaster Relief
DSOD Division of Safety of Dams - California Department of Water Resources DWR California Department of Water Resources
EAL Expected Annual Loss
EAS Emergency Alert System
EOC Emergency Operation Center
EOP Emergency Operations Plan
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
ESHA Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas
FD Fire Department
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FHSV Fire Hazard Severity Zones
FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Maps
FMA Flood Mitigation Assistance
FMP Flood Mitigation Plan
FPA Floodplain Administrator
FRA Federal Responsibility Areas
FY Fiscal Year
GGNRA Golden Gate National Recreation Area
GGNRA Golden Gate National Recreation Area
GIS Geographic Information System
Gov Government
GPAC General Plan Advisory Committee
H2S Hydrogen Sulfide
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HFHSZ High Fire Severity Zone
HIRA Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
HIV/AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome HLR Historic Loss Ratio
HMGP Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
IoT Internet of Things
IP Intellectual Property
IPAWS Integrated Public Alert and Warning System
ISEPA Identified Site Emergency Planning Application
LCP Local Coastal Program
LGVSD Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District
LHMP Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
LRA Local Responsibility Areas
LRAD Long-Range Acoustic Device
LSAC Levee Safety Action Classification
Marin IJ Marin Independent Journal
MCEP Marin Climate Energy Partnership
MCFD Marin County Fire Department
MCOSD Marin County Open Space District
MCPIO Marin County Public Information Officers
MCSTOPP Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program MERA Marin Emergency Radio Authority
MERS Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome
MFHSZ Moderate Fire Severity Zone
MHOAC Medical/Health Operational Area Coordinator
MJHMP Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
MMI Modified Mercalli Intensity
MMWD Marin Municipal Water District
MRZ Mineral Resource Zones
MV2040 Mill Valley General Plan 2040
Mw Scale Moment Magnitude Scale
MWPA Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority
NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NCDC National Climatic Data Center
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NFDRS National Fire Danger Rating System
NFIP National Flood Insurance Program
NID National Inventory of Dams
NIH National Institute for Health
NMWD North Marin Water District
NPR Northwestern Pacific Railroad
NR National Register of Historic Places
NRI National Risk Index
NWS National Weather Service
O3 Ozone
OA Operational Area
OEM Office of Emergency Management
OHP Office of Historic Preservation
OWTA On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems
PD Police Department
PG&E Pacific Gas & Electric
PM10 Particulate Matter Less Than 10 Microns In Aerodynamic Diameter PSPS Public Safety Power shutoffs
PtH Pass the hash
PW Public Works
RAWS Remote Automated Weather Stations
RCD Resource Conservation District
RHNA Regional Housing Needs Assessment
SASM Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin
SFBRA San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority
SFHA Special Flood Hazard Area
SFHA Special Flood Hazard Areas - FEMA
SFHA Special Flood Hazard Area
SHMP State Hazard Mitigation Plan
SMART Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit
SMFD Southern Marin Fire District
SOX Sulfur Oxides
SQL Structured Query Language
SRA State Responsibility Areas
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SVI Social Vulnerability Index
TAM Transportation Authority of Marin
UCERF2 Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast, Version 2 UCERF3 Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast, Version 3 USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
USGS United States Geological Survey
VHFHSV Very High Fire Severity Zone
WC/ATWC West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center
WHO World Health Organization
WUI Wildland Urban Interface
XSS Cross-Site Scripting
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APPENDIX A: ADOPTION LETTERS
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December 1, 2022
CITY of BELVEDERE'
450 San Rafael Ave. • Belved ere, CA 94920-2336
Tel: 415/435-2611 • Fax: 415/ 435-8471