NOISE AND SAFETY12
Th is element presents an overview of the environmental and man-made hazards aff ecting Santa Rosa. Noise generation, geology and seismicity, fl ooding, hazardous materials, and wildland fi res are all addressed.
12-1 VISION
Santa Rosa has safe and livable neighb orhoods, shopping areas, workplaces, and recreation facilities in 2035. Noise levels along highways and regional/arterial streets are reduced through improved le vels of service and noise attenuation measures, such as wide setbacks, landscaping, and traffi c control signals. Noise along Highways 101 and 12 is buff ered through construction of attractive sound walls adjacent to residential neighborhoods.
All new rehabilitated structures are constructed according to the California Building Code to ensure safety. Geologic hazards are considered in site and building design, and storm water improvements ensure that development along creek corridors is protected from fl ooding hazards. New structures built within downtown or along the Rodgers Creek Fault Zone are designed to withstand seismic activity. Potential for wildland fi res is addressed through site and landscaping design. Education about safety in the event of disaster continues, to ensure that Santa Rosa residents are well prepared for earthquakes, fl oods, and fi res.
12-2 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Th e Santa Rosa Emergency Operations Plan addresses how the city will respond to extraordinary events or disasters, from preparation through recovery. It includes a comprehensive assessment of potential hazards and threats, and sets forth policies and procedures pertaining to emergency planning, organization, and response.
Th e plan is based on the principles and functions of the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS). Additionally, in 2006 the city adopted a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Th e plan’s overall goal is to make Santa Rosa a disaster resistant community by reducing the potential loss of life, property damage, and environmental degradation from natural disasters while accelerating economic recovery. Th e Sonoma County Fire and Emergency Services Department is the lead A ttach ment 2
NOISE AND SAFETY
12-2
agency for the Sonoma Operational Area and the City is one of nine incorporated cities within the organizational boundary.
12-3 NOISE
Noise is defi ned as unwanted sound. In most of Santa Rosa, noise can be characterized as routine background sounds, and unusual or in termittent events. Cars, trucks, buses, trains, air conditioning systems, and aircraft generate background city noise. Intermittent, and sometimes excessive, noise can come from leaf blowers, helicopters, train whistles (at grade crossings), chain saws, un-muffl ed motor vehicles, and similar sources. Excessive noise can cause annoyance, health problems, economic loss, and ultimately hearing impairment.
Sound waves, traveling outward from a source, exert a sound pressure level usually measured in decibels (dB). Environmental noise is usually measured in A-weighted decibels; a metric corrected for the human ear’s response to various frequencies (some animals can hear sounds outside the human range). Th is plan describes noise in A-weighted scale. Most people can detect a change in sound level at about 3 dB. An increase of 10 dB is perceived as a doubling of loudness.
PROJECTED NOISE SOURCES
Th e major sources of noise in Santa Rosa throughout the General Plan timeframe include:
U.S. Highway 101 and State Highway 12. Widening Highway 101 to six lanes through the city may increase noise levels as traffi c is attracted from alternate routes (i.e. Petaluma Hill Road). Noise is created by tire interaction with the roadbed, and truck engines. In terms of sound energy, noise from one truck is equivalent to 20 autos.
Regional/Arterial streets. Major regional/arterial streets with substantial noise levels include Fulton Road, Guerneville Road, Bellevue Av enue, Stony Point Road, Mendocino Avenue, Fountaingrove Parkway, Calistoga Road, Summerfi eld Road, and College Avenue. In general, auto traffi c volumes will increase by 2035, along with greater noise levels.
Railroad operations. When freight service resumes and passenger rail commences on the Northwestern Pacifi c Railroad, a number of large trucks and some vehicles may be removed from travel on Highway 101. Railroad noise will be most noticeable from horn soundings at grade crossings.
Emergency medical helicopters and vehicles. Emergency medical vehicles with sirens create intermittent but signifi cant noise. Helicopter operations can aff ect a large population; the city has received complaints regarding the me dical helicopter operations at Memorial and Sutter hospitals.
SANTA ROSA GENERAL PLAN
12-3
Landscaping equipment. Landscaping equipment, such as gasoline powered leaf blowers, generate noise and are regulated by the city’s Noise Ordinance.
Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport. Operation of the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport is addressed in the Sonoma County Transportation Element and the Airport Land Use Plan. Th e city regulates the type of development permitted on a small portion of land within the noise-shed of the airport runways.
Industrial and commercial facilities. To a lesser extent, industrial and commercial facilities are sometimes the sources of noise, particularly auto wrecking and commercial loading operations. Th e city receives infrequent complaints about noises occasionally generated by these businesses.
Th e noise standards used by the City of San ta Rosa include the Land Use Compatibility Standards for Community Noise environment (Figure 12-1), State of California Noise Insulation Standards (California Code of Regu lations, Title 24, Part 2), and applicable standards in the City of Santa Rosa Noise Ordinance. General Plan policies address noise attenuation along major regional/arterial streets thr ough location of land uses, site design, architectural standards, barriers, and street materials.
Figure 12-2 illustrates projected noise contours. A larger, separate fold-out map illustrating projected 2020 noise contours, along with data tables specifying projected distances to 2020 noise contours, is available from the Santa Rosa Community Development Department. 12-4 GEOLOGY AND SEISMICITY
Santa Rosa is within the natural region of California known as the Coast Ranges geomorphic province. Th e geology of Santa Rosa can vary from bedrock uplands to alluvial fl atlands.
Because of this varied geology, geologic hazards that could aff ect the City of Santa Rosa include:
Expansive soils. Expansive soils possess a “shrink-swell” characteristic (cyclic change in volume due to the increase or decrease in moisture content) that occurs in fi ne- grained clay sediments. Expansion and contraction over the long term causes structural damage, usually the result of inadequate soil and foundation engineering or the placement of structures directly on expansive soils. Landsliding. A landslide is a mass of rock, soil, and debris displaced down-slope by sliding, fl owing, or falling. Steep slopes and down-slope creep (slow downward slope movement) of surface materials characterize areas most susceptible to landsliding.
Th e landslide hazard is increased with st eep slopes located close to the Rodgers Creek Fault Zone.
55 60 65 70 75 80
COMMUNITY NOISE EXPOSURE
L dn or CNEL, dB
Residential - Low Density Single Family,
Duplex, Mobile Homes
Residential - Multifamily
Transient Lodging - Motels, Hotels
Schools, Libraries, Churches, Hospitals,
Nursing Homes
Auditorium, Concert Halls, Amphitheaters
Sports Arena, Outdoor Spectator Sports
Playgrounds, Neighborhood Parks
Golf Courses, Riding Stables,
Water Recreation, Cemeteries
Office Buildings, Business Commercial
and Professional
Industrial, Manufacturing Utilities,
Agriculture
LEGEND:
NORMALLY ACCEPTABLE
Specified land use is satisfactory, based
upon the assumption that any building
involved is of normal conventional
construction, without any special noise
insulation requirements.
CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTABLE
New construction or development should be
undertaken only after a detailed analysis of
the noise reduction requirements is made
and needed noise insulation features
included in the design. Conventional
construction, but with closed windows and
fresh air supply systems or air conditioning
will normally suffice.
NORMALLY UNACCEPTABLE
New construction or development should
generally be discouraged. If new
construction or development does
proceed, a detailed analysis of the noise
reduction requirements must be made
and needed noise insulation features
included in the design.
CLEARLY UNACCEPTABLE
New construction or development
should generally not be undertaken.
Figure 12-1
Land Use Compatibility Standards
Source: Environmental Science Associates, 2001
NOISE AND SAFETY
12-4
12 101
12 101
MONTECITO
BLVD
CALISTOGA
RD
FOUNTAINGROVE PKWY
BRUSH CREEK RD
MON
TGOMERY
DR
MONTGOMERY DR
WALLACE
RD
OAKMONT
DR
VALL
EYOAKS
DR
SONOMA AVE
PETALUMA HILL RD
SANTA ROSA AVEYOLANDA AVEKAWANA SPRINGS RD
HEARN AVE
DUTTON AVE
BELLEVUE AVE
TODD RD
SCENIC AVE
STONY POINT RD
SANTA ROSA AVE
STONY POINT RD
CORPORATE CTR PKWY
SEBASTOPOL RD
S. WRIGHT RD
FULTON RDFULTON RD
W
.3RD
ST
MARLOW RD
W. COLLEGE AVE
N. DUTTON
AVE
GUERNEVILLE RD
GUERNEV
ILLE
RD
JENNINGS AVE
W. STEELE LN
RANGE AVE
PINER RD
PINER
RD
COFFEY LNHOPPER AVE
SAN
MIGUEL
AVE
PETERSON
LN
MENDOCINO
AVE
BICENTENNIAL
WY
FO
UNTAINGROVE
PKWY
OLDREDWOOD
HWY
MARK
W
ESTSPR
INGS
RD
RIVER RD
RIVER RD
AIRPORT BLVD
OLD
REDWOOD
HWY
SHILOH RD
LOSALAMOS
RD
YE
RBA
BUENA
RD
MIDDLE
RINCON RD
MISSION BLVD
MONTECITO
AVE
HIDDEN
VALLEYDR
CHANATE
RD
FRANKLIN AVE
NORTH AVE
COLLEGE AVE
PACIFIC AVE
4TH ST
SO
NO
MA
HWY
ASTON AVE
BROOKWOOD AVE
3RD ST
YULUPA AVE
HOEN RD
SUMMERFIELD RD
BETHARDS
DR
BENNETT
VALLEY
RD
GRANGE RD
SONOMAMTN
RD
BENNETTVALLEY RD
STEELE
LN
12 10
Acres
40 Acres
012 4
MILES
Noise Contour s
CITY OF
SAN T A ROSA
DYETT & BHA TIA
Urban and Regional Planners
Highway Interchange
Planning Area
Urban Growth Boundary
70 dba
65 dba
60 dba
Existing/Proposed
12 3
4 5
6 7
8 9
10 11
12 13
14 1516
17 18
19 20
21 22 23
24 25
26 27
2829
30 31
32 33
34 35
36 37
38 3940
41 42
43 44
45 46
47 48
49 50
51 52
53 54
55 56
5758
59 60
61 62
63 64
65 66
67 68
69 70
71 72
7374
75 76
77 78
79 82
81 80
Figure 12-2
Noise Contours
Bennett Mountain
Annadel
StatePa r k
Ta
ylor Mountain
CALISTOGA
RD
FOUNTAINGROVE PKWY
BRUSH CREEK RD
MONTGOMERY
DR
MONTGOMERY DR
WALLACE
RD
OAKMONT
DR
SO
NOMA AVE
PETALUMA HILL RD
YOLANDA AVEKAWANA SPRGS
RD
HEARN AVE
DUTTON AVE
BELLEVUE AVE TODD RD SCENIC AVE
STONY POINT RD
SANTA ROSA AVE
STONY POINT RD
CORPORATE CENTER
SEBASTOPOL RD
S. WRIGHT RD
FULTON RDFULTON RD
W.3RD
ST
MARLOW RD
W
. COLLEGE AVE
N. DUTTON
AVE
GUERNEVILLE RD
GUERNEVILLE
RD
JENNINGS AVE
W
. STEELE LN
STEELE
LN
RANGE AVE
PINER RD
PINER
RD
COFFEY LNHOPPER AVE
SAN
MIGUEL
AVE
PETERSON
LN
BICENTENNIALWY
FOUNTAINGROVE
PKW
Y
OLDREDWOOD
HWY
MARKW
ESTSPRINGS
RD
RIVER RD
AIRPORT BLVD
OLDREDWOOD
HWY
SHILOH RD
LOSALAMOS
RD
YERBA
BUENA
RD
MIDDLE
RINCON
MISSION BLVD
MONTECITO
AVE
FRANKLIN AVE
NORTH AVE
COLLEGE AVE
PACIFIC AVE
4TH ST BROOKWOOD AVE
3RD ST
PKWY
ASTON
AVE
SONOMA
HW
Y
MONTECITO
BLVD
VALLEY
OAKSDR
HIDDEN
VALLEYDR
CHANATE
RD
RD
MENDOCINO
AVE
RIVER
RD
BENNETT
VALLEY
RDYULUPA AVE
SUMMERFIELD RD
FARMERS LN
BETHARDS
DR
FRANQUETTE AVE
HOEN AVE
CREEKSIDE
RD
HOEN
AVE
VALLEJO
ST
TACHEVAH
DR
ALDERBROOK
DR
TALBOTDR
BRYD
EN
LN
E ST
SANTA ROSA
AVEHUMBOLDT ST
SPENCER AVE
RIDGWAY AVEELLIOT AVE
CLEVELAND AVE
RIDLEY AVE
EXETER
DR
9TH ST
MARSH RD
WALTZER RD
OCCIDENTAL RD
HALL RD
WILLOWSIDE RD
OLIVET RD
SLUSSER RD
FAUGHT RD
STANDREWS DR
THOMASLAKEHARRISRD
PARKER HILL
RD
EFOOTHILL DR
ROGERS
WY
LEWIS RD
5TH ST
7TH
ST
5TH ST
COLGAN
AVE
BUR
T ST
DOWD DR
CORBY AVE
WILJAN
CT MOORLAND AVE
DUTTON MEADOW
LUDW
IG AVE
BURGESS
DR
YUBA DR
ASH
DR
LEO DR
WEST AVE
BURBANK AVE
BARHAM
AVE
IRWIN LN
SANFORD RD
LAUGHLIN
RD
FRANCISCO AVEBARNES
RD
BRITTAIN LN NORTHPOINTPKW
Y
GIFFEN AVE
LAZZINI
AVE
PYLE DR
FINLEY AVE
PRICE AVECHICO AVE
FRESNO AVE
W ROBLES AVE
MOUNTAIN VIEW AVE
SNYDER LN
RIEBLI RD
STAGE-COACH
RD
HARVILLE
RD
RINCON AVE
BADGER
RD
BAIRD RD
CANYON
DR
PARKHU
RST DR
RINCO
NADADR
STFRANCISRD
DUPONT
DR
MELITA
RD
BRIDGE
RD
WHITE OAK
DR
OAK LEAF
DR
PYTHIAN
RD
GRANGE RD
SONOMAMOUNTAINRD
AD
MINIS-
TRATION
DR
AIRWAY DRINDUSTRIALDR
DENNIS LN 12
101
12 101
12 MarkWest
Creek
Piner
Creek
Paulin
Creek
Mark West Creek
BrushCreek
SantaRosa
Creek
SantaRosaCreek
SantaRosa
Creek
Austin
Creek
Spring
Creek
Spring
Creek
Matanzas
Creek
M
atanzas
Creek
Colgan
Creek
Flood
Control
Channel
Laguna de Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa Flood Control Channel
Lake
Ralphine
SpringLake
Fo
untaingrove
Lake
LakeIlsanjo
Brush CreekMiddleforkRese
rv
oir
MatanzasCr
eekRese
rvoir
Ducker
Creek
Active Fault
Potentially Active Fault with
Displacement within the Last
700,000 Y ears.
Potentially Active Faults with
Displacement Occurring within the
Last 2 Million Y ears.
Approximate Limits of Area of
Violent Groundshaking During an
Earthquake on Rodgers Creek Fault.
Area of V ery Violent
Groundshaking During an
Earthquake on Rodgers Creek Fault
Alquist-Priolo Fault Zone
Figure 12-2
Geologic and Seismic Hazards
012 4
MILES
CITY OF
SANTA ROSA
DYETT & BHA TIA
Urban and Regional Planners
Areas of Relatively Unstable Rock
on Slopes greater than 15%
Landslide Complex
(Previous Failure)
USGS Seismometer Station
Epicenter of 1969 Earthquake
DYETT & BHA TIA
Urban and Regional Planners
Highway
Regional/Arterial
Transitional/Collector
Conceptual Local Street
Planning Area
Urban Growth Boundary
Existing/Proposed
Figure 12-3
Geologic and Seismic Hazards
SANTA ROSA GENERAL PLAN
12-7
SEISMICITY
Earthquakes pose especially high risks to Santa Rosa because of the city’s proximity to active faults, as shown in Figure 12-3. Th e Rodgers Creek Fault Zone, approximately eight miles southeast of the Maacama Fault Zone, and 20 miles northeast of the San Andreas Fault Zone runs through the central part of Santa Rosa. Th e Rodgers Creek and San Andreas faults are the two principally active, Bay Area “strike-slip ” faults and have experienced movement within the last 150 years--strike-slip faults primarily exhibit displacement in a horizontal direction.
Th e San Andreas Fault Zone is a major structural feature in the region. Other principal faults capable of producing ground shaking in Santa Rosa include the Hayward, San Gregorio-Hosgri Fault Zone, the Calaveras fault, and the Concord-Green Valley fault.
Santa Rosa could experience a major Rodgers Creek Fault Zone earthquake or an earthquake on any one of the active or potentially active faul ts in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. General Plan policies seek to ensure that the new structures are built with consideration of the four major hazards associated with earthquakes.
Surface Fault Rupture. Surface fault rupture, displacement at the earth’s surface resulting from fault movement, is typically obs erved close to or on the active fault trace. Th e Rodgers Creek Fault Zone extends beneath downtown and has the highest potential for signifi cant fault rupture.
Ground Shaking. Santa Rosa could be aff ected by strong ground shaking caused by a major earthquake during the next 30 years. Ground shaking can be described in terms of peak acceleration, peak velocit y, and displacement of the ground. Areas that are underlain by bedrock tend to experience less ground shaking than those underlain by unconsolidated sediments such as artifi cial fi ll. Ground shaking may aff ect areas hundreds of miles away from the earthquake’s epicenter. Liquefaction and Ground Failure. Liquefaction is the process by which water-saturated soil materials lose strength and fail during strong seismic ground shaking. Th e shaking causes the pore-water pressure in the soil to increase, thus transforming the soil from a solid to a liquid. Liquefaction has been responsible for ground failures during almost all of California’s great earthquakes.
Earthquake-Induced Landslides. Seismically induced landsliding is typical of upland areas with slopes greater than 25 percent. Earthquake groundshaking can trigger slope movements such as earth fl ows and rotational landslides, or dislodge fractured bedrock material resulting in a rockfall.
NOISE AND SAFETY
12-8
12-5 FLOODING
Flooding hazards may be considered in two categories: natural fl ooding and dam inundation.
Natural fl ooding hazards are those associated with major rainfall events, which result in the fl ooding of developed areas due to overfl ows of nearby waterways, or inadequacies in local storm drain facilities. In the City of Santa Rosa, most of the annual precipitation falls between the months of November and April. Th e Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has identifi ed several 100-year and 500 year fl ood zones along portions of Spring Creek, Matanzas Creek, Colgan Creek, Naval Creek, Roseland Creek, and Kawana Springs Creek in Santa Rosa.
Figure 12-4 illustrates areas subject to fl ooding and dam inundation.
Major creeks in Santa Rosa have the potential to cause fl ooding during a large storm event and historically fl ooding has occurred in areas near creeks. In northern Santa Rosa, the number and geographic distribution of creeks, combined with favorable topography creates a condition in which fl ooding risks are expected to remain minimal during the planning period. In southern Santa Rosa, drainage conditions are less favorable due to fl at topography and the limited number of drainageways (creeks and conduits) that are available for storm water disposal.
Currently, the majority of collected storm water in southern Santa Rosa is channeled into Colgan and Roseland creeks. Limited capacity and concentrated discharge place these creeks at the greatest risk of fl ooding during a 100-year storm event. Drainage improvements to both creeks will be necessary to minimize fl ooding risks in the future.
To reduce fl ood risk within the community, the City of Santa Rosa complies with National Flood Insurance Program regulations which apply to all areas of special fl ood hazard within the city. Flood hazard maps indicate the level of risk for fl ooding within various watersheds and provide a foundation from which to make key decisions for future developments and projects.
Dam inundation hazards are those associated with the downstream inundation that would occur given a major structural failure in a nearby reservoir. A major earthquake could potentially cause damage or failure to a dam structure, and cause localized fl ooding.
Although dam failure is unlikely due to current state regulations for design, maintenance, and monitoring of dams, Santa Rosa is exposed to the hazard of inundation from failure of local dams such as Lake Ralphine.
Improvements to the storm drain system consistent with expansion or intensifi cation of urban development is essential to protecting Santa Rosans from fl ooding hazards. Additionally, General Plan policies require provision of open space areas for storm water retention and infi ltration and opportunities for groundwater recharge. Monitoring urban runoff resulting from planned development will allow for controlled stormdrain discharge into existing creeks while also adding to groundwater supply in order to replenish existing aquifers. Limiting the
SANTA ROSA GENERAL PLAN
12-9
amount of stormwater runoff discharged into the city stormdrain system will help reduce fl ooding events. Th e city will maintain and monitor the city hydraulic corridors in order to prevent future hazards associated with fl ooding.
12-6 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Hazardous materials are used in the city for industrial, commercial, and household purposes, and are regulated by federal, state , and local government agencies. Th ese regulations are intended to protect both the environment and public health and safety from improper use, handling, storage, and transport of hazardous materials and waste. For example, the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates transportation of hazardous materials. Th e North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board has jurisdiction over water quality issues, including groundwater contamination. Th e Santa Rosa Fire Department has been designated by the State of California as a Certifi ed Unifi ed Program Agency (CUPA) for hazardous materials regulatory enforcement. Th e Fire Prevention Bureau is responsible for hazardous materials, hazardous waste program management, hazardous materials enforcement and oversight of contaminated soils remediation, including underground and aboveground storage tanks containing hazardous materials and petroleum products. Th e Santa Rosa City Fire Department Hazardous Materials Response Unit responds to hazardous materials spills.
Potential environmental and health and safety risks associated with hazardous materials in Santa Rosa include automobile accidents involving vehicles transporting hazardous materials or wastes (particularly along the Highway 101 corridor), accidental spills or leaks associated with seismic events, and improper use, handling, st orage, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials.
Santa Rosa strictly adheres to federal, state, an d local regulations to prevent chemical storage and handling activities associated with industrial and commercial uses. Th ese regulations ensure that underground storage tanks do not release hazardous materials such as petroleum products into the soil and groundwater. Public education eff orts reduce improper disposal of household-generated hazardous waste such as us ed motor oil, paints, and solvents which can impact local waterways and drinking water supplies.
12-7 WILDLAND FIRES
Hillside residential neighborhoods located in the northern and eastern portions of the city are subject to risk of wildland fi re, and historically have been the site of such fi res. Open areas and slopes covered with tall grasses and/or chaparral provide fuels to feed wildfi res, once started. Th e City has identifi ed a Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) zone that encompasses four types of fi re hazard zones: moderate, high, very high, and mutual threat. Approximately 30 percent of Santa Rosa is located within the WUI zone. Figure 12-6 depicts the WUI zone and the location of very high fi re hazard severity zones within the WUI zone. While the Santa |ÿ
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12 101
12 12
101 Dam Inundation Areas
100 Year FEMA Flood Areas
500 Year FEMA Flood Areas
024 1
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Figure 12-4
Flood Zones
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Fountaingrove
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Annadel
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Bennett Mountain
12 101
12 12
101
Planning Area
Urban Growth Boundary
Existing/Proposed
Regional/Arterial Street
Transitional/Collector Street
Conceptual Local Street
Highway
Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Wildland-Urban Interface Zones
024 1
Miles
²
Figure 12-5
Fire Hazard Zones
Facilities
!O Emergency Operations Center
"u Emergency Hospital
# Existing Fire Station
! Existing Station to be Relocated
" Future Fire Station
Source: Cal Fire for Very High Severity Zone and
City of Santa Rosa for Wildland-Urban Interface Zone
NOISE AND SAFETY
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Rosa Fire Department has primary responsibility for fi re protection within City limits, the City is aided by California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and other surrounding fi re departments such as Rincon Valley Fire Protection District, Bennett Valley Fire Department, Kenwood Fire Department, Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety, Windsor Fire Department, and Sebastopol Fire Department. Fire-resistant building materials and landscaping contribute to prevention of damage to residences in case of a wildfi re. General Plan policies requiring adequate fi re fl ows and community fi re breaks in residential subdivisions also minimize potential for fi re damage.
12-8 GOALS AND POLICIES
NS-A Prepare for disasters.
NS-A-1 Maintain the Emergency Operations Plan as the city’s disaster-response plan.
Work with Sonoma County to update joint-emergency response and disaster response plans, as needed.
NS-A-2 Continue to promote the Citizens Organized to Prepare for Emergencies (COPE) public awareness program on the nature and extent of natural hazards in the Planning Area, and ways of minimizing the eff ects of disasters.
NS-A-3 Establish community programs which train volunteers to assist police, fi re, and civil defense personnel during and after disasters.
NS-A-4 Implement the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan to better prepare Santa Rosa for disaster.
Th e Local Hazard Mitigation Plan is an adopted “implementation appendix” to this Safety Element. It can be viewed on the City of Santa Rosa website.
NS-A-5 Locate essential public facilities, such as hospitals and clinics, emergency shelters, emergency command centers, and emergency communications facilities, outside of high fi re risk area, fl ood hazard zones, and areas subject to dam inundation.
NOISE
NS-B Maintain an acceptable community noise level to protect the health and comfort of people living, working and/or visiting in Santa Rosa, while maintaining a visually appealing community.
SANTA ROSA GENERAL PLAN
12-13
NS-B-1 Do not locate noise-sensitive uses in pr oximity to major noise sources, except residential is allowed near rail to promote future ridership.
NS-B-2 Encourage residential developers to provide buff ers other than sound walls, where practical. Allow sound walls only when projected noise levels at a site exceed land use compatibility standards in Figure 12-1.
In some established neighborhoods and subdivisions, sound walls may provide the only alternative to reduce noise to acceptable community standards. Th e Design Review process shall evaluate sound wall aesthetics and landscaping to ensure attractiveness along with functionality.
NS-B-3 Prevent new stationary and transportation noise sources from creating a nuisance in existing developed areas. Use a comprehensive program of noise prevention through planning and mitigat ion, and consider noise impacts as a crucial factor in project approval.
Th e Land Use Compatibility Standards specify normally acceptable levels for community noise in various land use areas.
NS-B-4 Require new projects in the following categories to submit an acoustical study, prepared by a qualifi ed acoustical consultant:
All new projects proposed for areas with existing noise above 60dBA DNL.
Mitigation shall be suffi cient to reduce noise levels below 45 dBA DNL in habitable rooms and 60 dBA DNL in private and shared recreational facilities. Additions to existing housing units are exempt. All new projects that could generate noise whose impacts on other existing uses would be greater than those normally acceptable (as specifi ed in the Land Use Compatibility Standards).
NS-B-5 Pursue measures to reduce noise imp acts primarily through site planning.
Engineering solutions for noise mitigatio n, such as sound walls, are the least desirable alternative.
NS-B-6 Do not permit existing uses to generate new noises exceeding normally acceptable levels unless:
Th ose noises are mitigated to acceptable levels; or
Th e activities are specifi cally exempted by the City Council on the basis of community health, safety, and welfare.
NS-B-7 Allow reasonable latitude for noise generated by uses that are essential to
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community health, safety, and welfare. Th ese include emergency medical helicopter and vehicle operations, and emergency vehicle sirens.
NS-B-8 Adopt mitigations, including reduced s peed limits, improved paving texture, and traffi c controls, to reduce noise to normally acceptable levels in areas where noise standards may be exceeded (e.g., where homes front regional/ arterial streets and in areas of mixed use development.) NS-B-9 Encourage developers to incorporate ac oustical site planning into their projects.
Recommended measures include:
Incorporating buff ers and/or landscaped earth berms; Orienting windows and outdoor living areas away from unacceptable noise exposure;
Using reduced-noise pavement (rubberized-asphalt);
Incorporating traffi c calming measures, alternative intersection designs, and lower speed limits; and
Incorporating state-of-the-art structural sound attenuation and setbacks.
NS-B-10 Work with private enterprises to reduce or eliminate nuisance noise from industrial and commercial sources that impact nearby residential areas. If progress is not made within a reasonable time, the city shall issue abatement orders or take other legal measures.
NS-B-11 Work with CalTrans to assign a high priority to traffi c noise mitigation programs. Support construction of attr active sound walls, as necessary along Highway 101 and Highway 12.
NS-B-12 Cooperate with Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, Sutter Medical Center, and other hospitals proposing helipads. Minimize the noise and safety impacts of medical emergency helicopters through location and design of landing pads, regulation of fl ight times and frequency and, if necessary, sound attenuating alterations to nearby residences.
NS-B-13 Prohibit new helipads in developments of industrial, commercial, offi ce, or business park uses. Th e city may make an exception if the helipad will provide a signifi cant benefi t for community health, safety, and welfare.
NS-B-14 Discourage new projects that have potential to create ambient noise levels more than 5 dBA DNL above existing background, within 250 feet of sensitive receptors.
SANTA ROSA GENERAL PLAN
12-15
GEOLOGY AND SEISMICITY
NS-C Prohibit development in high-risk geologic and seismic hazard areas to avoid exposure to seismic and geologic hazards.
NS-C-1 Prior to development approval, require appropriate geologic studies to identify fault trace locations within active fault zones as designated by the provisions of the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act. California registered geologists or engineers must conduct these studi es and investigation methodologies must comply with guidelines set forth by the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act.
Compliance with the Act would insure proper setback or appropriate design to minimize the potential hazards resulting from fault movement and surface displacement.
NS-C-2 Require comprehensive geotechnical investigations prior to development approval, where applicable. Investigatio ns shall include evaluation of landslide risk, liquefaction potential, settlement, seismically-induced landsliding, or weak and expansive soils. Evaluation and mitigation of seismic hazards, including ground shaking, liquefaction, and seismically-induced landslides, shall comply with guidelines set forth in the most recent version of the California Division of Mines and Geology (CDMG) Special Publication 117.
Th e level of investigation would depend on physical site location, local or regional geologic or seismic hazards, and recommendations by a consulting engineer.
NS-C-3 Restrict development from areas where people might be adversely aff ected by known natural or manmade geologic hazards. Hazards might include unstable slopes, liquefi able soils, expansive soils or weak poorly engineered fi lls, as determined by a California registered geologist or engineer.
NS-C-4 Restrict development of critical facilities--such as hospitals, fi re stations, emergency management headquarters, and utility lifelines, including broadcast services, sewage treatment plants, and other places of large congregations--in areas determined as high-risk geologic hazard zones (e.g. Rodgers Creek Fault zone, liquefi able soils, areas of slope instability).
NS-C-5 Require identifi cation and evaluation of existing structural hazards related to unreinforced masonry, poor or outdated construction techniques, and lack of seismic retrofi t. Abate or remove any structural hazard that creates an unacceptable level of risk, including requiring post-earthquake buildings that are
NOISE AND SAFETY
12-16
not currently retrofi tted and are located within areas determined to experience strong ground shaking during an earthquake.
NS-C-6 Require appropriate and feasible seismic retrofi t, as determined by a registered structural engineer, of commercial, industrial, and public buildings that are not currently retrofi tted and are located within areas determined to experience strong ground shaking during an earthquake.
NS-C-7 Require inspection for structural integr ity of water storage facilities, water conveyance facilities, electricity transmission lines, roadways, water detention facilities, levees, and other utilities aft er a major seismic event, especially on the San Andreas or Rodgers Creek faults.
NS-C-8 Adopt mandatory, minimum erosion control measures for current properties and those under construction that exhibit high erosion potential, are in areas of steep slopes, or have experienced past erosion problems. Control measures shall reduce soil erosion from primary erosional agents, including wind, construction operations, and storm water runoff .
FLOODING
NS-D Minimize hazards associated with storm fl ooding.
NS-D-1 Ensure fl ood plain protection by retaining existing open areas and creating new open areas needed to retain stormwater, recharge aquifers, and prevent fl ooding.
Creek beds that are dry most of the year can provide fl ood retention needed for public safety.
NS-D-2 Maintain current fl ood hazard data, and coordinate with the Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA, Sonoma County Water Agency, and other responsible agencies to coordinate fl ood hazard analysis and management activities.
NS-D-3 Require that new development and redevelopment projects meet the requirements of the Storm Water Low Impact Development Technical Design Manual to reduce impermeable surface area, increase surface water infi ltration, and minimize surface water runoff during storm events. Such features may include:
Additional landscape areas;
Vegetated swales with bioretention;
SANTA ROSA GENERAL PLAN
12-17
Rain gardens; and
Pervious pavement.
NS-D-4 Incorporate features and appropriate standards that reduce fl ooding hazards.
NS-D-5 Apply design standards and guidelines to new development that help reduce project runoff into local creeks, tributaries, and drainage ways.
NS-D-6 Evaluate fl ood hazards prior to approval of development projects within a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated fl ood zone. Ensure that new development within fl ood zones is designed to be protected from fl ooding without negatively aff ecting adjacent areas.
NS-E Provide protection of public and private properties from hazards associated with dam inundation.
NS-E-1 Support eff orts to conduct periodic inspections of local dams to ensure all safety measures are in place.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
NS-F Minimize dangers from hazardous materials.
NS-F-1 Require remediation and cleanup, and evaluate risk prior to reuse, in identifi ed areas where hazardous materials and petroleum products have impacted soil or groundwater.
NS-F-2 Require that hazardous materials used in business and industry are transported, handled, and stored in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
NS-F-3 Restrict siting of businesses, including hazardous waste repositories, incinerators or other hazardous waste disposal facilities, that use, store, process, or dispose large quantities of hazardous materials or wastes in areas subject to seismic fault rupture or very violent ground shaking.
NS-F-4 Where applicable, identify and regulate appropriate regional and local routes for transportation of hazardous materials and hazardous waste. Require that fi re and emergency personnel can easily access these routes for response to spill incidences.
NOISE AND SAFETY
12-18
NS-F-5 Require commercial and industrial compliance with the Sonoma County Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Plan.
NS-F-6 Generate and support public awareness and participation in household waste management, control, and recycling through county programs including the Sonoma County Household Hazardous Waste Management Plan.
WILDLAND FIRES
NS-G Minimize the potential for wildland fi res.
NS-G-1 Require proposed developments in the Wildland Urban Interface zone, including the Very High Fire Hazard Severity zone, to investigate a site’s vulnerability to fi re and to minimize risk accordingly.
NS-G-2 Require new development in Wildland Urban Interface areas to utilize fi re- resistant building materials. Require the use of on-site fi re suppression systems, including enhanced automatic sprinklers
systems, smoke and/or detection
systems, buff ers and fuel breaks, and fi re resistant landscaping. Require development and ongoing implementation of vegetation management plans to reduce the risk of wildland fi res and to help prevent fi res from spreading.
NS-G-3 Prohibit untreated wood shake roofs in Wildland Urban Interface areas.
NS-G-4 Continue monitoring water fi re-fl ow capabilities throughout the city and improving water availability at any locations having fl ows considered inadequate for fi re protection.
NS-G-5 Require detailed fi re prevention and control measures, including community fuel breaks, for development projects in the Wildland-Urban Interface, including very high fi re hazard severity zones.
NS-G-6 Minimize single-access residential neighborhoods in development areas near open space, and provide adequate access for fi re and other emergency response personnel.
NS-H Prepare for climate changes
NS-H-1 Participate in regional eff orts to prepare for the impacts of climate change.
NS-H-2 Engage the community in preparing for climate change through the promotion of Climate Action Plan measures, distribution of information, and through local schools.