Sebastopol City Council
June 7, 2022

5.3.3 Mitigation Action Plan
This action plan presents the recommendations developed by the HMPC outlining how the City of Sebastopol can reduce the risk and vulnerability of people, property, infrastructure, and natural and cultural resources to future disaster losses. The mitigation actions developed by the HMPC are summarized in Table 5-1 and listed in detail in the mitigation action worksheets that follow. Table 5.1 is a summary table for quick reference. It identifies the mitigation action title, lead agency/department, hazards mitigated, priority and if the action mitigates losses to existing or future development. The ‘Related Goal’ column notes which of the four goals in Section 5.2 that the action helps achieve. The action worksheets that follow provide more background information, ideas for implementation, lead agency, partners, potential funding sources, cost estimates, benefits, and timeline for each identified action.

The City of Sebastopol has other existing, detailed action descriptions in planning documents, such as General Plan Safety Element, CIP, and other planning mechanisms. These actions are considered to be part of this plan, and the details, to avoid duplication, should be referenced in their original source document. The HMPC also realizes that new needs, priorities, and adaptation strategies may arise as a result of a disaster or other circumstances and reserves the right to support new actions and strategies, as necessary, as long as they conform to the overall goals of this plan.

The actions included in this mitigation strategy are subject to further review and refinement; alternatives analyses; and reprioritization due to funding availability and/or other criteria. The City is not obligated by this document to implement any or all of these projects. Rather this mitigation strategy represents the desires of the City, the HMPC, and the community to mitigate the risks and vulnerabilities from identified hazards.

Many of the action items included in this plan are also a collaborative effort among City of Sebastopol departments, Sonoma County, the City of Petaluma, Planning Commission, the Sebastopol Senior Center, and other state, regional, and local agencies and stakeholders in the City of Sebastopol Planning Area.

Table 5-1: Mitigation Action Summary Table
Action
ID
Action Title New
Action/2010
Action
Hazard(s) Mitigated Responsible Office /
Agency
Address
Existing or
Future
Development
Priority Related
Goal
Earthquake
E-1 Inventory soft-story structures in
the City and provide notification
to property owners of the
findings of those inspections
2010 Action Earthquake Building Department Both High 1, 2, 3 E-2 Inventory all non-ductile
concrete, concrete tilt-up, and
other suspicious building in the
City
2010 Action Earthquake Building Department Both High 1, 2, 3 E-3 Use both the non-ductile
concrete and concrete tilt-up
inventory and the soft-story
inventory to recommend private
owners to inform existing tenants
(and prospective tenants prior to
signing a lease agreement) that
they live in this building type
2010 Action Earthquake Building Department Both Low 1, 2, 3 E-4 Adopt incentives to encourage
retrofitting of privately-owned
seismically vulnerable residential
buildings
2010 Action Earthquake Building Department Both Medium 1, 2, 3 E-5 Hillside Slope Stabilization
Project at Burbank Farm
New Earthquake, Landslide Public Works
Department
Both Low 1, 2, 3, 4
Flood
F-1 Temporary Flood Protection for
the Sebastopol Community
Cultural Center Main Hall
New Flood Engineering
Department
Both High 1, 2, 3, 4
F-2 Housing Replacement and
Recreation Easement Project at
the Park Village Property
New Flood Planning Department Both High 1, 2, 3, 4
F-3 Repetitive Loss Area Analysis New Flood Building Department Both Medium 1, 2, 3, 4 F-4 Consider joining Community
Rating System Program
New Flood Building Department Both Low 1, 2, 3, 4

Action
ID
Action Title New
Action/2010
Action
Hazard(s) Mitigated Responsible Office /
Agency
Address
Existing or
Future
Development
Priority Related
Goal
F-5 Participation in the FEMA Sea
Level Rise Study
New Flood Planning Department Both High 1, 2, 3, 4
F-6 Sebastopol Community Cultural
Center Main Hall Flood
Mitigation Alternative
Implementation
New Flood Planning Department Both High 1, 2, 3, 4
F-7 Ives Park Calder Creek
Daylighting and Stormwater
Improvement and Green
Infrastructure Project
New Flood Public Works
Department /
Planning Department
Both Medium 1, 2, 3
Wildfire
W-1 Promote Wildfire-Resistant
Construction Materials for New
Construction in the City
New Wildfire Building Department Both High 1, 2, 3, 4
W-2 Develop a Tree Ordinance that
requires defensible space
maintenance and promotes
healthy landscapes
New Wildfire Fire Department Both High 1, 2, 3, 4
W-3 Develop a Sebastopol
Community Wildfire Protection
Plan
New Wildfire Fire Department Both High 1, 2, 3, 4
Drought
D-1 Continue participation in the
Groundwater Sustainability
Agency and support future
project-specific groundwater
management projects related to
the City’s water system
New Drought Engineering
Department
Both Medium 1, 2, 3, 4
D-2 Build resiliency in the City’s water
conveyance system by upgrading
and replacing water line
infrastructure
New Drought Public Works
Department
Existing High 1, 2, 3, 4
D-3 Enhance the City’s local drought
contingency plan to focus on
New Drought Public Works
Department
Existing Low 1, 2, 3, 4

Action
ID
Action Title New
Action/2010
Action
Hazard(s) Mitigated Responsible Office /
Agency
Address
Existing or
Future
Development
Priority Related
Goal
additional water conservation
measures
D-4 Conduct a City-wide Facility
Energy and Water Audit
New Drought Public Works
Department
Existing Medium 3, 4
Dam Incidents
DI-1 Participate in the Emergency
Action Plan for Warm Springs
Dam
New Dam Incidents Fire Department Both Medium 1, 2, 3, 4 Extreme Heat
EH-1 Identify locations for Sebastopol
Designated Cooling Centers and
including the locations in
updated outreach information
New Extreme Heat Fire Department Existing Medium 1, 2, 3, 4 Severe Weather: Heavy Rain/Thunderstorms/Lightning/Dense Fog SW-1 Upgrade emergency back-up
power generation for essential
areas of the public safety building
New Severe Weather; MultiHazardPublic Works
Department
Both Low 1, 2, 3, 4
Severe Weather: High Wind
HW-1 PSPS Readiness & Community
Outreach Preparedness Program
New Severe Weather: High
Wind; PSPS, Wildfire
Fire Department Both Low 1, 3, 4, 5
HW-2 Inspect City-owned critical
facilities and create a plan that
corrects deficiencies and
addresses infrastructure
hardening and utility
undergrounding to ensure
resiliency to high winds and
severe weather
New Severe Weather: High
Wind; PSPS; Wildfire;
Multi-Hazard
Building Department Existing Low 1, 2, 3
Public Health Hazards
PH-1 Pandemic Preparedness and
Response Plan
New Public Health Hazards:

Epidemic/Pandemic
City Manager’s Office Both Medium 1, 2, 3, 4
Multi-Hazard

Action
ID
Action Title New
Action/2010
Action
Hazard(s) Mitigated Responsible Office /
Agency
Address
Existing or
Future
Development
Priority Related
Goal
M-1 Ensure that the Police and Fire
Departments have adequate and
interoperable radio
communication systems and
equipment to meet current
technology requirements and to
support first responders during
response and recovery operations
2010 Action Multi-Hazard,
Earthquake, Flooding,
Wildfire
Fire Department Both High 1, 2, 3
MH-2 Ensure that emergency
operational plans meet SEMS and
NIMS compliance and are
adequate for federal and state
response and recovery
New Wildfire Fire Department Existing High 1, 2, 3, 4
MH-3 Develop plans and procedures for
Para-Transit system response and
recovery from disasters that
utilizes the Sonoma County
Mutual Aid Program
2010 Action Multi-Hazard,
Earthquake, Flooding,
Wildfire
Fire Department Both High 1, 2, 3, 4
MH-4 Update the City Emergency
Operations Plan
New Multi-Hazard Fire Department Both High 1, 2, 3, 4
MH-5 Evacuation Route Plan New Earthquake, Flooding,
Wildfire, Multi-Hazard
Fire Department Both High 1, 2, 3, 4
The following mitigation actions provide project specific information and implementation details on each mitigation activity identified. They are grouped by the type of hazard(s) they address.

E-1 Inventory soft-story structures in the City and provide notification to property owners of the findings of the
inspections to promote participation in seismic retrofits Mitigation Project Title Inventory soft-story structures in the City and provide notification to property owners of the findings of the inspections to promote participation in seismic retrofits
Hazard(s) Mitigated Earthquake
Project Description,
Issue/Background
A soft-story or weak story floor, wood-frame building is a structure where the first story is substantially weaker and more flexible than the stories above due to lack of walls or frames at the first floor. Typically, these buildings contain large open areas for parking or commercial space such as restaurants or convenience stores on the first floor leaving the building vulnerable to damage in an earthquake. The inspections of soft-story buildings were conducted with the assistance of staff from the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) after the adoption of the City’s 2010 LHMP Annex and an inventory list was prepared for those buildings. Property owners were notified and advised that they should notify their tenants of the issues with these buildings.

As of 2021, the City has no regulatory means to require tenant notification regarding the inspection process. As a result, the City modified this action to focus on voluntary seismic retrofits that seek to strengthen older buildings that contain a soft story condition often found in the lower levels.

Related planning
mechanisms
General Plan Safety Element, Emergency Operations Plan
Other Alternatives Mandatory Seismic Retrofit Program, Enhancing Local Building Ordinance Responsible Office/
Agency
Building Department
Partners None
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
High
Cost Estimate > $150,000 depending on the building size and the level of the hazard and the needed seismic upgrade work needed in Sebastopol.

Building owners will need to consult a licensed structural engineer or architect that specializes in seismic retrofits.

Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
Performing a seismic upgrade of a soft story building will reduce the risk of collapse during an earthquake. This will prevent more people and businesses from being displaced.

Potential Funding General Fund, Private financing options may be available Schedule 2021 – 2026, Short-Term (1 to 5 years)

E-2 Inventory all non-ductile concrete, concrete tilt-up, and other suspicious buildings in the City
Mitigation Project Title Inventory all non-ductile concrete, concrete tilt-up, and other suspicious building in the City
Hazard(s) Mitigated Drought
Project Description,
Issue/Background
Non-ductile concrete and concrete tilt-up buildings are concrete buildings built before 1980 that have poor seismic performance largely due to brittle concrete materials (columns, beams, walls, etc.) and lack of lateral reinforcement (steel beams, structural force-resisting systems, etc.), causing them to potentially fail without warning and result in the loss of human life, injury, and property damage. This failure was evident during the Northridge earthquake in 1994.

The construction of non-ductile concrete buildings was common prior to the enforcement of modern seismic codes for ductile concrete in the mid-1970s, and the construction of non-ductile concrete buildings likely continued into the 1980s while the new seismic code requirements came into effect. This mitigation action involves the inventory of all non-ductile concrete buildings in the City of Sebastopol that should be subject to seismic retrofits.

Related planning
mechanisms
Title 15 Building and Construction Code, Sebastopol Municipal Code Other Alternatives Mandatory Seismic Retrofit Program, Enhancing Local Building Ordinance Responsible Office/
Agency
Building Department
Partners None
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
High
Cost Estimate $50,000 – $150,000 depending on the building size and the level of the hazard and the needed seismic upgrade work.

Building owners will need to consult a licensed structural engineer or architect that specializes in seismic retrofits.

Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
Completing a comprehensive inventory of non-ductile concrete buildings in the City will identify at-risk buildings and subsequent seismic retrofits will reduce the risk of collapse during an earthquake. This will prevent more people and businesses from being displaced.

Potential Funding General Fund
Schedule 2021 – 2026, Short-Term (1 to 5 years)

E-3 Use both the non-ductile concrete and concrete tilt-up inventory and the soft-story inventory to recommend
private owners to inform existing tenants (and prospective tenants prior to signing a lease agreement) that they live in building type
Mitigation Project Title Use both the non-ductile concrete and concrete tilt-up inventory and the soft-story inventory to recommend private owners to inform existing tenants (and prospective tenants prior to signing a lease agreement) that they live in this building type
Hazard(s) Mitigated Earthquake
Project Description,
Issue/Background
This inventory has been partially completed to date. Concrete tilt-up buildings have been identified and inventoried, but the identification of other suspicious buildings and the soft-story inventory in the City will require engineering professionals to perform a complete inventory of all building in the City of Sebastopol. The City has also lacked funding for this mitigation project in the past.

This project is focused on an effort to increase property owner and tenant safety in the City. Using information from the inspection inventory and subsequent engineering evaluations, this action will involve notification of affected property owners and the possible installation of other signate and warning information so that renters or tenants are aware that such a building may not be safe during an earthquake.

Related planning
mechanisms
Title 15 Building and Construction Code, Sebastopol Municipal Code Other Alternatives Mandatory Seismic Retrofit Program, Enhancing Local Building Ordinance, Soft Story Ordinance
Responsible Office/
Agency
Building Department
Partners None
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
Medium
Cost Estimate $10,000 – $100,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
Notification of property owners and tenants will increase property and tenant safety and promote needed seismic retrofits that will reduce the risk of collapse during an earthquake.

Potential Funding General Fund, FEMA HMA Grants
Schedule 2021 – 2026; Short-Term (1 to 5 years)
Notification requirement can be phased in over 1-2 years following the building inventory

E-4 Adopt strategies to encourage retrofitting of privatelyowned seismically vulnerable residential buildings Mitigation Project Title Adopt strategies to encourage retrofitting of privately-owned seismically vulnerable residential buildings
Hazard(s) Mitigated Earthquake
Project Description,
Issue/Background
Private property owners are responsible for the success and completion of needed seismic retrofits and it is important for jurisdictions like the City of Sebastopol to provide them information about a voluntary retrofit program, strategies for retrofits, voluntary steps or requirements, and financial incentives. To develop a successful voluntary seismic retrofit program a property owner needs to be notified that their buildings were identified in a soft-story concrete inventory and why retrofits are important. Notifications may alert owners that their buildings are vulnerable to collapse and may not meet standards. Second, the City will need to provide technical assistance that may include construction publications and educational materials on the need for seismic evaluations and information on where to find engineers and construction contractors to perform retrofits. The City may also train Building Department staff to provide plan review and advice on the incentives for retrofits and tools for financing improvements, such as property-assessed financing, (Open Property Assessed Clean Energy [PACE] program that includes seismic strengthening improvements), real estate transfer tax rebates, waivers for building permit fees, tax credits, tax reductions for historic properties, and private loans.

Related planning
mechanisms
Title 15 Building and Construction Code, Sebastopol Municipal Code Other Alternatives Mandatory Seismic Retrofit Program, Soft Story Ordinance Responsible Office/
Agency
Building Department
Partners ABAG
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
Medium
Cost Estimate > $100,000 to develop Incentive Program; $50,000 – $100,000 per building ($5,000 per unit)
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
Adoption of a seismic retrofit program will increase property and tenant safety and promote needed seismic retrofits that reduce the risk of collapse during an earthquake.

Potential Funding General Fund, FEMA HMA Grants
Schedule 2021 – 2026; Short-Term (1 to 5 years)
An incentive program can be phased in or developed based on a tier system that allows owners of certain building types more time to retrofit

E-1 Hillside Slope Stabilization Project at Burbank Farm Mitigation Project Title Hillside Slope Stabilization Project at Burbank Farm Hazard(s) Mitigated Earthquake, Landslide
Project Description,
Issue/Background
A small section of the City of Sebastopol is susceptible to small landslides or mudslides and erosion following rain events. This hillside slope stabilization project is proposed along the southside of Bodega Avenue in between 7781 Bodega Avenue near Luther Burbank Experiment Farm and Pleasant Hill Road. The project will be designed to minimize potential erosion at along Bodega Avenue and rehabilitate the adjacent road conditions. This project is also related to the City’s CIP focused on the rehabilitation of the adjacent bike lanes and road conditions, given the existing Class II bike lane only extends from Nelson Way-Gold Ridge Farm Road and ends before Virginia Avenue. The CIP project is needed to address paving deterioration and includes the construction of shoulder improvements on the south side of Bodega Avenue near Luther Burbank Experiment Farm.

Related planning
mechanisms
General Plan Circulation Element, 5-Year Capital Improvement Program (FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26), 2017 Pedestrian Crossings Safety Study for Bodega Way
Other Alternatives None
Responsible Office/
Agency
Public Works Department
Partners Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC)
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
Medium
Cost Estimate $50,000 – $100,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
Slope stabilization will reduce potential erosion and instability concerns along Bodega Avenue that may be impacted during a rain or earthquake event. The project will also minimize potential impacts to vehicles and bicyclists travelling along the road.

Potential Funding General Fund, One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) Schedule 2021 – 2026; Short-Term (1 to 5 years)

F-1 Temporary Flood Protection for the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center Main Hall
Mitigation Project Title Temporary Flood Protection for the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center Main Hall
Hazard(s) Mitigated Flooding
Project Description,
Issue/Background
The main hall for the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center (SCCC) is located in the 100-year flood plain and has flooded three times in the last 30 years. Significant effort over the past two decades has gone into trying to find another location for the main hall or funding sources to elevate the main hall building, and none of these alternatives have been successful. This mitigation action involves the implementation of temporary flood protection at the main hall building.

Related planning
mechanisms
General Plan Safety Element
Other Alternatives Over the last two decades a number of temporary damming and flood protection technologies have been developed and used successfully in many locations. A permanent alternative would involve the relocation or elevation of the building.

Responsible Office/
Agency
Engineering Department; Building Department, SCCC Board Partners SCCC Board
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
High
Cost Estimate > $50,000 for Engineering Study of Temporary Flood Protection and Dams; Cost Estimates for Construction are underway
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
Avoided damage caused by flood events and lost revenue associated with the SCCC Main Hall closures during repair and rehabilitation work.

Potential Funding General Fund, $1.1 Million Fund from State Allocation for Flood Damage Schedule 2021 – 2026; Long-Term (> 5 years)

F-2 Housing Replacement and Recreation Easement Project at the Park Village Property
Mitigation Project Title Housing Relocation and Recreation Easement Project at the Park Village Property
Hazard(s) Mitigated Flooding
Project Description,
Issue/Background
The City acquired the approximate 13-acre “Village Park” residential mobile home property at 6665 Sebastopol Avenue (State Highway 12) in 2007 with the long-term intention to convert the property into park and open space use. This property includes fixed mobile housing units (on foundations) and trailers located within a 5-acre portion of the site, and an approximate 8-acre portion that includes picnic tables, barbecues, and a short trail that makes up Tomodachi Park. The entire 13-acre site was renamed “Park Village” mobile home and Tomodachi Park are within the 100-year floodplain. The lower areas of the property are generally subject to annual flooding, but the entire site is at risk to major flood events.

While the park improvements were designed to be compatible with flooding, the mobile homes on the property continue to be subject to continual flood risk. The lower most structures and campground have been removed, and the City has adopted a policy of converting permanent foundation mobile homes to truly mobile residential units that can be evacuated in the event of flooding (as was successfully done in accordance with its adopted Flood Plan in 2019 flood event).

The 13-acre site is within the planning area of the City’s Laguna de Santa Rosa Master Plan adopted in 1993. This plan serves as an overall guide for implementation of specific park development objectives that are compatible with the community’s recreation desires, protection and enhancement of the Laguna de Santa Rosa, and regulatory requirements.

The site plans are also based on the 2012 Village Park Feasibility and Planning Study that outlines design recommendations for the property.

The Park Village and Tomodachi Park property occupies a prominent location at the entry way into Sebastopol. It is a gently sloping, riparian woodland with oak, willow, and ash forest and open grassland surrounding the mobile home sites. The wooded Laguna de Santa Rosa channel is located to the east. This mitigation project involves a plan to relocate the vulnerable residential housing out of the floodplain and create a recreation easement and restore habitat along the parcel that connects to existing recreational amenities to the north. The housing units would be proposed for relocation to affordable housing locations in the City through a separate planning and community engagement process.

Related planning
mechanisms
General Plan Safety Element, 2012 Village Park Feasibility Planning Study, 1993 Laguna de Santa Rosa Park Master Plan
Other Alternatives Other Flood Mitigation Projects, Non-Structural Projects

Responsible Office/
Agency
Planning Department
Partners Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, West County Community Services
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
High
Cost Estimate $500,000 – $2,000,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
The replacement of fixed unit housing with mobile housing units, and the continued oversight and operation of the mobile home by a social service provider contracted with the City will ensure the City continues to provide adequate flood protection, which will minimize flood-related losses associated with property damage related to the housing in the mobile home property.

Potential Funding General Fund, FEMA HMA Grants, BRIC Grants Schedule 2021 – 2026; Long-Term (> 5 years)

F-3 Repetitive Loss Area Analysis
Mitigation Project Title Repetitive Loss Area Analysis
Hazard(s) Mitigated Flooding
Project Description,
Issue/Background
The Barlow neighborhood consists of an outdoor market and shopping district in downtown Sebastopol that has a history of repetitive flooding.

It flooded most recently in February 2019, and before that it flooded in January 2017, February 2004, 1995, 1986, and 1964. The objective of a Repetitive Loss Area Analysis (RLAA) is to help property owners in the neighborhood reduce their flood risk by providing a greater understanding of the flooding problem in their neighborhood and identifying solutions to the distress related to repetitive flooding. An RLAA will identify repetitive loss areas, discusses flooding issues and potential mitigation measures for homes and businesses located in the City's Barlow area, and discuss the most appropriate alternatives to reduce future losses.

Related planning
mechanisms
General Plan Safety Element, Barlow Flood Plan, 2020 Barlow Flood Emergency Operation Plan
Other Alternatives Floodplain Regulation Enforcement, Enhancing Building Codes and Development Standards, Building Elevation Certification, CRS Program Participation
Responsible Office/
Agency
Building Department
Partners FEMA, Barlow Development Company
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
Low
Cost Estimate < $50,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
Understanding flood risks, issues, and mitigation actions specific to the Barlow neighborhood would reduce repetitive losses related to flooding.

Potential Funding FEMA HMA Grants, BRIC Grants
Schedule 2021 – 2026; Short-Term (1 to 5 years)

F-4 Consider joining Community Rating System Program
Mitigation Project Title Consider joining Community Rating System Program Hazard(s) Mitigated Flooding
Project Description,
Issue/Background
The CRS is a national program developed by FEMA under the NFIP. The City of Sebastopol participates in the NFIP and enforces floodplain regulations to monitor and regulate development in flood hazard zones in order to minimize flood damage to new development. While the NFIP is effective in requiring new buildings to be protected from damage by a one percent chance flood, flood damage still results from floods that exceed the base flood or from flooding in unmapped areas. Under the CRS, the City of Sebastopol can be rewarded for doing more than enforcing their floodplain regulations. Under the CRS, property owners are notified of the current hazards of living in a flood area and flood insurance premiums are discounted to reflect a community’s work to reduce flood damage to existing buildings, manage development in areas not mapped by the NFIP, protect new buildings beyond the minimum NFIP protection level, and help people obtain flood insurance.

This action would look at the cost/benefit of joining the CRS based on this plan and the findings from the RLAA and compare the findings to the number of flood prone properties and insurance policies in the City.

Being in the CRS includes, but is not limited to public notification, community education classes, and other measures to raise awareness of flood hazards and promote flood safety. Actions would need to be documented to allow FEMA/ISO (Insurance Services Office) to determine the appropriate class rating. Severe repetitive loss properties could also pursue flood mitigation assistance grants designed to reduce flood exposure.

Related planning
mechanisms
General Plan Safety Element, Sebastopol Municipal Code, Floodplain Ordinance
Other Alternatives Continued NFIP Compliance
Responsible Office/
Agency
Building Department
Partners None
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
Low
Cost Estimate < $10,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
Reduction in flood insurance rates for the general public of the City of Sebastopol, greater understanding of flood hazards by City residents and business owners, better property protection, improved public safety Potential Funding FEMA HMA Grants, BRIC Grants
Schedule 2021 – 2026; Short-Term (1 to 5 years)

F-5 Participation in the FEMA Sea Level Rise Study
Mitigation Project Title Participation in the FEMA Sea Level Rise Study Hazard(s) Mitigated Flooding, Sea Level Rise
Project Description,
Issue/Background
FEMA is in the process of updating portions of Sonoma County’s flood maps in 2021 to account for new hydraulic and hydrologic data and sea level rise projections. The new maps will identify the current flood hazards that help building officials and homeowners make effective mitigation decisions, which contribute to safety and more resilient communities. The new mapping study will also take into account climate change and sea level rise projections within the Russian River watershed, and the tidally-influenced Laguna Santa Rosa.

Before the new Sonoma County Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) become effective, there is an appeal period set for December 2021 where residents can review and appeal the flood risk information. FEMA anticipates adopting the new FIRMs in Summer 2022 and they become effective in 2023.

While these FIRMS are preliminary drafts, the proposed base flood elevation (BFE) is proposed to rise by one half-foot to 78.5'. Given the impact of sea level rise on the Laguna de Santa Rosa, the City wants to take in account the effects of climate change on flooding and understand the potential impacts of rising tides, changing shorelines, and sea level rise on Sebastopol.

Related planning
mechanisms
General Plan Safety Element, NFIP Participation, CRS Participation, Preliminary FIRMs
Other Alternatives None
Responsible Office/
Agency
Building Department, Planning Department
Partners FEMA, Sonoma County
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
Low
Cost Estimate < $10,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
Maximizing participation in FEMA Sea Level Rise Study and Preliminary FIRM Map updates will provide the City with an understanding of flooding issues and how climate change may impact BFEs along the Laguna de Santa Rosa. This understanding will help the City prepare and develop strategies to mitigation future flooding issues that may be exacerbated by climate change and sea level rise.

Potential Funding General Fund
Schedule 2021 – 2026, Short-Term (1 to 5 years)

F-6 Sebastopol Community Cultural Center Main Hall Flood Mitigation Alternative Implementation
Mitigation Project Title
Sebastopol Community Cultural Center Main Hall Flood Mitigation Alternative Implementation
Hazard(s) Mitigated Flooding
Project Description,
Issue/Background
The City of Sebastopol recently conducted a flood mitigation alternatives analysis of flood projects designed to reduce or eliminate flooding at the SCCC. An engineering study is underway that will identify and cost several mitigation alternatives. The City should implement one alternative that focuses on permanent flood mitigation versus temporary floodproofing actions. This mitigation action will focus on early implementation of a long-term mitigation project that protects the SCCC and other cityowned and publicly owned facilities in the 100-year floodplain near Laguna Youth Park and the Laguna Wetlands Preserve.

Related planning
mechanisms
General Plan Safety Element, Floodplain Ordinance
Other Alternatives Short-term flood protection
Responsible Office/
Agency
Building Department
Partners SCCC Board
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
Low
Cost Estimate $100,000 – $1,000,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
A plan with an informed community will lead to less confusion and more timely reaction to any accident that requires a response from the community.

Potential Funding General Fund, FEMA HMA Grant, BRIC Grants Schedule 2021- 2026; Long-Term (> 5 years)

F-7 Ives Park Calder Creek Daylighting and Stormwater
Improvement and Green Infrastructure Project
Mitigation Project Title Ives Park Calder Creek Daylighting and Stormwater Improvement and Green Infrastructure Project
Hazard(s) Mitigated Flooding
Project Description,
Issue/Background
Ives Park is located in downtown Sebastopol in a residential neighborhood adjacent to the commercial district. Calder Creek flows west to east as an open concrete channel or drainage ditch through Ives Park. This mitigation project involves daylighting Calder Creek through Ives Park and the area east of Petaluma Avenue to alleviate flooding and improve surface water flood and stormwater runoff. This mitigation project includes installing stormwater and green infrastructure improvements east of Petaluma Avenue to minimize historical flooding along Petaluma Avenue. The mitigation project is tied to the 2013 Ives Park Master Plan Report and 2005 Stormwater Plan. This project is also in the 2020-21 to 2025-26 CIP.

The City currently proposes to complete a Hydrology Study and Conceptual Design for the Improvement Project. This mitigation project involve re-naturalizing the Calder Creek streambed as it traverses the Park by removing concrete materials and replacing them with vegetative, natural features. This would alleviate localized stormwater flooding and runoff issues within and around Ives Park and flooding within the area east of Petaluma Avenue; this area recently flooded in October 2021. The project is also designed to restore and realign a segment of Calder Creek to a more natural state to improve access, enhance habitat, and incorporate sustainable stormwater infiltration.

Related planning
mechanisms
General Plan Safety Element, Conservation and Open Space Element, 5-Year Capital Improvement Program (FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26), 2005 Stormwater Management Plan
Other Alternatives Setback policies, Improved Building Codes, The City prefers a naturebased solution over the existing underground stormwater conveyance system within Ives Park.

Responsible Office/ Agency Planning Department and Public Works Department Partners None
Priority (High, Medium, Low) Low
Cost Estimate > $30,000 for Hydrology Study and Conceptual Design Plan, $1,200,000 for construction
Benefits (Avoided Losses) Reduced potential for flooding and stormwater issues in the Calder Creek area and area east of Petaluma Avenue/State Highway 116.

Potential Funding General Fund, Measure M Parks Fund, Park Improvement Fund, EPA Green Infrastructure Grant

Schedule 2021 – 2026, Short-Term (1 to 5 years)

W-1 Promote Wildfire-Resistant Construction Materials for New Construction in the City
Mitigation Project Title
Promote Wildfire-Resistant Construction Materials for New Construction in the City
Hazard(s) Mitigated Wildfire
Project Description,
Issue/Background
During a wildfire, buildings including commercial buildings and residential homes are at risk of wildfire in the City of Sebastopol. The majority of homes that burn during wildfires are ignited by burning embers carried by wind and ignite combustible exterior components of a building, such as roof coverings, siding, and decking that can lead to severe damage or the total loss of a structure. These risks can be reduced through the use of appropriate construction materials, such as noncombustible or fire-resistant materials for exterior components and the creation of defensible space.

This mitigation action promotes the use of wildfire-resistant construction materials for all new construction in the City of Sebastopol. It would involve voluntary participation of the community residents. FEMA recommends that State and local building codes include requirements for wildfire mitigation for both new construction and upgrades to existing buildings in wildfire zones (e.g. High Fire Hazard Severity Zones [FHSZs].

Such projects are also eligible for FEMA mitigation funding if the local government has an approved LHMP. Eligible projects include the installation of asphalt shingle roofs, encasing buildings with ignitionresistant siding, installing non-combustible exterior doors and tempered glass panels, and installing dual-pane windows and metal gutters.

Related planning
mechanisms
General Plan Safety Element, Sebastopol Building Code
Other Alternatives Mandatory Wildfire-Resistant Fire Construction Requirements Responsible Office/
Agency
Building Department
Partners None
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
High
Cost Estimate < $10,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
Wildfire-resistant construction and building code requirements save lives and protect the environment. Buildings that meet the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) and 2018 International Building Code (IBC) lead to $11 saved for every $1 invested compared to old requirements.

Potential Funding General Fund, FEMA HMA Grants, BRIC Grant funding Schedule 2021 – 2026, Short-Term (1 to 5 years)

W-2 Develop a Tree Ordinance that requires defensible space maintenance and promotes healthy landscapes
Mitigation Project Title
Develop a Tree Ordinance that requires defensible space maintenance and promotes healthy landscapes
Hazard(s) Mitigated Wildfire
Project Description,
Issue/Background
Defensible space, coupled with home hardening, is essential to improve a home’s chance of withstanding a wildfire. It is the buffer created between a building on a property and the grass, trees, shrubs, and any wildland area around it. The space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it helps a home from catching on fire from embers, direct flame, or radiant heat. California law requires (California Public Resources Code Section 4290 and 4291) that homeowners maintain 100 feet of defensible space around homes and structures. The 100 feet of defensible space is broken down into two zones currently required by law. Zone 1 consists of 30 feet of space referred to as the “Lean, Clean, and Green Zone” and involves removal of all dead plants and pine needles from the yard and trimming tree branches so they are at least 10 feet away from the home.

Zone 2 consists of 30 to 100 feet of reduced fuel and is referred to as the “Reduce Fuel Zone” and involves cutting annual grass to a maximum height of 4 inches, creating a horizontal space between shrubs and tress and creating a vertical space between gras and shrubs.

Recent legislation, passed in 2020 (Assembly Bill 3074) now requires a third zone of defensible space. This law requires the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to develop a regulation for a new ember-resistant zone, referred to as Zone 0 within 0 to 5 feet of a home. This requirement must be met by January 1, 2023.

This mitigation action involves developing a local tree ordinance for the City of Sebastopol that requires defensible space maintenance consistent with state requirements and current legislation. The local tree ordinance is intended to promote healthy landscapes through selection of native and less flammable plant species, planting shorter plants, the use of green herbaceous plants rather than shrubs, and the avoidance of planting non-native species, such as Eucalyptus species. The City may also chose to develop a more stringent ordinance than the State’s minimum requirements (e.g. some Counties require 50 feet clearance in Zone 1 in a Defensible Space Ordinance).

Related planning
mechanisms
General Plan Safety Element, Sebastopol Municipal Code
Other Alternatives Compliance with California Public Resources Code Section 4290 and 4291 Responsible Office/
Agency
Fire Department
Partners Sonoma County

Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
High
Cost Estimate < $10,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
The accumulation of combustible vegetation, dead, and dying trees and other materials on private property can create hazardous fire conditions.

This ordinance will reduce the potential of property damage or loss, and minimize impacts related to the health, safety, and general public welfare.

Potential Funding General Fund
Schedule 2021 – 2026; Short-Term (1 to 5 years)

W-3 Develop a Sebastopol Community Wildfire Protection Plan Mitigation Project Title Develop a Sebastopol Community Wildfire Protection Plan Hazard(s) Mitigated Wildfire
Project Description,
Issue/Background
A Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) is a science-based, hazard, asset, and risk assessment performed using high resolution topography, vegetation fuels data, and GIS information combined with local parcel, weather and fuel condition data. The City of Sebastopol is interested in developing a CWPP with local fire districts and partners around the City.

The CWPP would focus on identifying areas of concern in the City limits and around the City and prioritize areas where wildfire threat is greatest based on the risk assessment. The plan will also cover pre-fire planning, outreach and education, vegetation management and fuels reduction, and maintaining defensible space by promoting building codes, local municipal ordinances, and state requirements. The plan would also be prepared by support and align with the California Fire Plan, CALFIRE’s Unit Strategic Plan for the County (Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit 2020 Strategic Fire Plan), and the Sonoma County CWPP that is currently being updated.

Related planning
mechanisms
City Emergency Operation Plan, California Fire Plan, Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit 2020 Strategic Fire Plan, Sonoma County CWPP
Other Alternatives None
Responsible Office/
Agency
Fire Department
Partners Sonoma County
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
High
Cost Estimate $50,000 – $100,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
The results of the risk assessment and community-level hazard mitigation actions in the CWPP can be used to identify areas that are at greatest risk of being impacted by wildfires and prevent the loss of property.

Potential Funding General Fund, FEMA HMA Grants
Schedule 2021 – 2026; Short-Term (1 to 5 years)

D-1 Continue participation in the Groundwater Sustainability Agency and support future project-specific groundwater
management projects related to the City’s water system
Mitigation Project Title
Continue participation in the Groundwater Sustainability Agency and support future project-specific groundwater management projects related to the City’s water system
Hazard(s) Mitigated Drought
Project Description,
Issue/Background
The Santa Rosa Plains Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) is required to prepare a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) by 2021. The City of Sebastopol already participates in the Santa Rosa Plains GSA. This mitigation action involves continued participation in the planning process, development of the Draft GSP, and implementation of projectspecific efforts where the City can provide meaningful support.

Related planning
mechanisms
5-Year Capital Improvement Program (FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26) Other Alternatives None
Responsible Office/
Agency
Engineering Department
Partners Sonoma County, City of Santa Rosa
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
Medium
Cost Estimate $50,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
Participation on the Santa Rosa Plains GSA will promote awareness on groundwater management and minimize losses associated with economic disruptions that may occur due to droughts.

Potential Funding General Fund
Schedule 2021 – 2026; Short-Term (1 to 5 years)

D-2 Build resiliency in the City’s water and wastewater conveyance system by constructing alternative back-up
systems for drought events
Mitigation Project Title
Build resiliency in the City’s water and wastewater conveyance system by constructing an alternative back-up system for drought events.

Hazard(s) Mitigated Drought
Project Description,
Issue/Background
The City needs to enhance and build resiliency by constructing a secondary wastewater conveyance system to minimize disturbances during earthquake or wildfire events that may impact the City's one wastewater line to the City of Santa Rosa's WWTP. A redundant water system or strategies to reduce potable use will also minimize the impact of drought events on the ability of the City to delivery potable water to customers.

This mitigation action is focused on building resiliency not capacity within the City’s water and wastewater lifelines to minimize stressors on the system during earthquake, wildfire, and drought events. Alternative backup systems may consist of new groundwater wells, reclaimed water strategies, and/or adding a secondary wastewater conveyance system that connects to the City of Santa Rosa’s WWTP.

Related planning
mechanisms
5-Year Capital Improvement Program (FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26) Other Alternatives None
Responsible Office/
Agency
Engineering and Public Works Departments
Partners None
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
High
Cost Estimate > $500,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
Loss of disruption associated with the conveyance of wastewater out of the City to the City of Santa Rosa WWTP.

Potential Funding General Fund, FEMA HMA Grants
Schedule 2021 – 2026; Long-Term (> 5 years)

D-3 Enhance the City’s local drought contingency plan to focus on additional water conservation measures
Mitigation Project Title
Enhance the City’s local drought contingency plan to focus on additional water conservation measures
Hazard(s) Mitigated Drought
Project Description,
Issue/Background
California and the City of Sebastopol continue to experience statewide and regional droughts. Since the last major statewide drought ended five years ago in 2015, the winters of 2016-2017 and 2018-2019 were some of the wettest in history. These wet winters were followed by dry seasons from 2019 through 2021 and the lack of precipitation and below average snowpack have strained the State’s water supply. On April 21, 2021 the Governor issued a proclamation declaring a State of Emergency in California due to severe drought conditions and called for water use reductions.

While the City of Sebastopol relies exclusively on groundwater this water supply source is limited and severe drought conditions will impact this groundwater source and the water delivery system. The City’s Municipal Code requires that water resources available to the City be put to maximum beneficial use and promote the efficient use of potable water.

As a result, the City established a water contingency plan in 2014 (Ordinance 1070), put into effect water conservation strategies to better manage their groundwater supply. The development of water usage reductions and conservation measures related to outdoor water irrigation for landscaping minimize drought impacts on the City’s water supply.

This mitigation action will include the development of water conservation measures the City can mandate that will help them reduce water use consumption during drought events. It will build on Ordinance 1070 adopted in 2014. It will also expand mandatory water prohibitions put in place during the recent State 2 mandatory compliance resolution adopted on July 6, 2021 calling for a mandatory 25% reduction of water use in the City. Additional water conservation measures that may be mandated in subsequent stages may include reducing lawn watering to two days per week, requiring pool covers, completing water-wise home surveys and audits, replacing old appliances with high-efficient alternatives, and installing smart water meters.

Related planning
mechanisms
Sebastopol Municipal Code 13.06.070 (Water Shortage Contingency Plan); Title 15 (Building Code)
Other Alternatives Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) – Water Upgrade Program (Water Upgrades $ave)
Responsible Office/
Agency
Public Works Department
Partners Regional Climate Protection Authority (RCPA), Metropolitan Transportation Commission, Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)

Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
High
Cost Estimate $100,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
The development of additional water conservation measures associated with the City’s water contingency plans will prevent economic losses associated with severe drought events.

Potential Funding General Fund, FEMA HMA Grants
Schedule 2021 – 2026; 1 to 3 years

D-4 Conduct a City-wide Facility Energy and Water Audit Mitigation Project Title Conduct a City-wide Facility Energy and Water Audit Hazard(s) Mitigated Drought
Project Description,
Issue/Background
Water rates have been rising dramatically over the past decades. The rising prices can impact the economic viability of water and energy conservation practices. Water audits, and often in conjunction with energy audits, is a practical step for local governments to conduct to improve the efficiency of buildings and property landscaping and irrigation. Benchmarking is a first step to monitoring water usage. The audits provide a way for the City to inventory water uses and identify ways to increase water use efficiency. The results of the audits will help the City prioritize steps to implement the most cost-effective watersaving measures first for the City and then for both residents and business owners.

Related planning
mechanisms
General Plan, 5-Year Capital Improvement Program (FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26)
Other Alternatives None
Responsible Office/
Agency
Public Works Department
Partners None
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
Medium
Cost Estimate $10,000 – $100,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
Water and energy audits provide a way for the City to inventory water uses and identify ways to increase water use efficiency, thereby limiting the economic impacts that may occur during severe drought events.

Potential Funding General Fund
Schedule 2021 – 2026; Short-Term (1 to 5 years)

DI-1 Participate in the Emergency Action Plan for Warm Springs Dam
Mitigation Project Title Participate in the Emergency Action Plan for Warm Springs Dam Hazard(s) Mitigated Dam Incidents
Project Description,
Issue/Background
There is one potential dam of concern located upstream of the City of Sebastopol. Warm Springs Dam, constructed for flood control, irrigation, and water storage purposes, poses a high hazard to the City of Sebastopol if it were to breach. The earthen dam is located along Dry Creek in northern Sonoma County, approximately 30 miles north of the City and has a capacity of 449,000 acre-feet. The Army Corps of Engineers has an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place for the dam. This action involves City participation in the EAP and any routine exercises for the dam incident planning and preparedness activities.

Related planning
mechanisms
Warm Springs EAP
Other Alternatives None
Responsible Office/
Agency
Fire Department, Police Department
Partners Sonoma County, Army Corps of Engineers, Sonoma Water, City of Santa Rosa
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
Low
Cost Estimate $10,000 – $50,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
The risk to the City is low due to the distance between the dam location and downstream development. Educating home buyers of the upstream dams and flood protections should be considered to avoid loss of life and injuries if an event where to occur. Understanding the risk could also improve warning and evacuation procedures.

Potential Funding General Fund, FEMA Dam Safety Grants
Schedule 2021 – 2026; Short-Term (1 to 5 years)

EH-1 Identify locations for Sebastopol Designated Cooling Centers
Mitigation Project Title Identify locations for Sebastopol Designated Cooling Centers Hazard(s) Mitigated Extreme Heat
Project Description,
Issue/Background
Extreme heat is a severe weather and public health concern in California and in the City of Sebastopol as average annual temperatures continue to increase in frequency and duration in the region. Exposure to extreme heat can cause health problems, including heat stroke and death. The use of colling centers, a cool site, or air-conditioned buildings designated as a safe location during extreme heat is a common strategy to protect the public from high temperatures.

This mitigation action includes the identification of locations and buildings to designated as cooling centers in the City. Preliminary locations under consideration include the High School and SCCC. The action takes into account the feasibility of the center, who runs them, what non-profit partners may be involved, and what sensitive populations the centers should target (vulnerable neighborhoods, etc.). The mitigation may also include an implementation plan when a heat wave occurs and how to communicate information on the cooling centers.

Related planning
mechanisms
None
Other Alternatives None
Responsible Office/
Agency
Fire Department
Partners Sonoma County, Sebastopol Union School District, National Weather Service, American Red Cross, SCCC, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
Medium
Cost Estimate $100,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
Studies have shown that spending time at a cooling center or building with an air conditioner or cooling unit reduces vulnerable populations risk to heat exposure. Cooling centers provide relief during extreme heat events
Potential Funding General Fund
Schedule 2021 – 2026; Short-Term (1 to 5 years)

SW-1 Upgrade permanent emergency power generator for
essential areas of the public safety building
Mitigation Project Title Upgrade permanent emergency power generator for essential areas of the public safety building
Hazard(s) Mitigated Severe Weather
Project Description,
Issue/Background
This action ensures the Police Department emergency power generator has adequate electricity and capability to power all essential services of the public safety building. The installation of an upgraded generator will ensure the public safety building remains in operation during severe weather events and during PSPS events.

Related planning
mechanisms
PSPS Readiness and Community Outreach Preparedness Program Other Alternatives None
Responsible Office/
Agency
Fire Department
Partners Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
High
Cost Estimate < $50,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
Upgrades to the existing City power generators will provide an alternative power source during PSPS events, which would minimize the impacts of high wind and wildfire events that result in rolling blackouts or planned PSPS events. The generators also provide basic health and safety services to residents during extended events and allow the City to continue providing essential services.

Potential Funding General Fund
Schedule 2021 – 2026, Short-Term (1 to 5 years)

HW-1 PSPS Readiness and Community Outreach Preparedness Plan
Mitigation Project Title PSPS Readiness and Community Outreach Preparedness Plan Hazard(s) Mitigated High Winds, Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) Project Description,
Issue/Background
Northern California continues to face the possibility of multiple long periods of power brownouts, or intentional blackouts by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) during anticipated or actual wind events that could result in wildfires or the spread of existing wildfires. There are raising concerns about the impact of PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) on at-risk or vulnerable residents and the City’s ability to sustain essential public services past the first 24 to 36 hours of a PSPS event. In order to plan for and minimize public and economic disruptions related to the PSPS events, the City needs more generators to serve as an alternative power supply. Most City buildings and facilities, with the exception of the Public Works Department building lack generator, which would severely limit their ability to perform most day-to-day operations. The City understands the public’s concerns and needs to be prepared to continue providing the basic health and safety services to its residents.

The action builds upon installing backup battery power and micro-grids at facilities and/or acquiring additional back-up generators at key City-owned facilities and providing generators at designated cooling centers. It is focused on the development of a PSPS readiness program through robust public outreach and engagement and the development of web-based information on the City’s Website. The installation of backup battery power and microgrids at City facilities will also ensure the City is prepared and ready to continue operations during PSPS events.

Related planning
mechanisms
General Plan Safety Element, City Emergency Operations Plan Other Alternatives None
Responsible Office/
Agency
Fire Department
Partners Sonoma County
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
High
Cost Estimate < $100,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
Ensuring day-to-day operations continue within the City of Sebastopol, particularly at City administrative offices and related to the water supply conveyance and sewer connection to the City of Santa Rosa Wastewater Treatment Plan. The PSPS Readiness and Community Outreach Preparedness Plan will reduce impacts to at-risk populations from rolling blackouts; backup battery power and microgrids will also minimize the impact on City operations.

Potential Funding General Fund
Schedule 2021 – 2026, Short-Term (1 to 5 years)

HW-2 Inspect City-owned critical facilities and create a plan that corrects deficiencies and addresses infrastructure hardening and utility undergrounding to ensure resiliency to high winds and severe weather
Mitigation Project Title Inspect City-owned critical facilities and create a plan that corrects deficiencies and addresses infrastructure hardening and utility undergrounding to ensure resiliency to high winds and severe weather Hazard(s) Mitigated Severe Weather: Heavy Rain/Thunderstorms/Lightning/Hail/High Wind/Dense Fog
Project Description,
Issue/Background
The City has several building and facilities, such as water wells and pump stations that are critical to the delivery of public services, such as potable water, sewer conveyance, and fire and police protection. Several of these critical facilities are vulnerable to earthquake, flood, and severe weather hazards, such as heavy rain, lightning, hail, high wind, and dense fog.

There are improvements the City can take to harden facilities and infrastructure and minimize the natural hazards stressors.

This mitigation action would involve implementing hardening susceptible facilities against severe weather events related to lightning, thunder, and high wind, as well as dense fog that may limit the accessibility of fire and police protection services. Specific actions may include adding concrete, masonry, steel, or other ignition-resistant materials during construction retrofits; incorporating baffled vents to prevent embers from entering structures and building panels and installing lightning protection devices (e.g. lightning rods and grounding devices) and surge protectors on electrical control panels and equipment. The City will also consider installing sirens or audible alarm systems notifying motorists of dense fog conditions along State Highway 12. The list of facilities vulnerable to severe weather events could be prioritized based on how critical each facility is to the functionality of the City’s water and wastewater system and delivery of essential public services related to health and safety.

Related planning
mechanisms
General Plan Safety Element, City Emergency Operations Plan Other Alternatives Replacement of Facilities, Building Modernization Responsible Office/
Agency
Fire Department, Public Works Department
Partners None
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
Medium
Cost Estimate $100,000 - $200,000 depending on the actions and needs identified Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
The benefits include losses avoided related to limiting service disruptions and replacement costs of damaged facilities from severe weather events.

Potential Funding General Fund, CIP Funds, FEMA HMA Grants Schedule 2021 – 2026, Short-Term (1 to 5 years)

PH-1 Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan
Mitigation Project Title Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan Hazard(s) Mitigated Public Health Hazards
Project Description,
Issue/Background
A pandemic may occur when an influenza virus radically changes and easily infects humans, and against people that have little or no immunity.

The City of Sebastopol has been working with Sonoma County to plan, prepare for, and response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. This action involves developing a detailed preparedness and response plan. This plan provides a roadmap on how the City can support testing, contact tracing and other health protections during a pandemic event. It also provides resilience strategies that the City can promote and enforce related to safety and preparedness for essential workers, lowering risk in workplaces and modifying school and childcare program safety guidelines, enforcing guidelines for high-risk work places, and announcing programs that end stay-at-home orders and promote the return to work.

Related planning
mechanisms
General Plan Safety Element, City Emergency Operations Plan Other Alternatives None
Responsible Office/
Agency
City Manager’s Office
Partners Sonoma County Department of Public Health
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
High
Cost Estimate < $50,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
A pandemic preparedness and response plan can improve public health, safety, and well-being and substantially minimize at-risk workers and segments of the populations exposure to influenza viruses and other public health hazards that can result in health problems and death.

Potential Funding General Fund
Schedule 2021 – 2026, Short-Term (1 to 5 years)

HM-1 Protection of the City’s groundwater resources
Mitigation Project Title Protection of the City’s groundwater resources Hazard(s) Mitigated Hazardous Materials, Drought
Project Description,
Issue/Background
The City’s water supply is from groundwater resources. Efforts to protect groundwater will minimize impacts associated with hazardous material releases as well as drought events. Groundwater protection should focus on protection of groundwater recharge and source zones . Recharge zones control both the quantity and quality of water reaching the discharge zone. The City can install protective measures, such as fencing around critical groundwater recharge areas based on property ownership near and around groundwater source wells and regional hydrogeology, which is commonly referred to as groundwater zoning. Examples to protect groundwater recharge zones can also be drawn from groundwater protection policies for drinking water supply regulations.

Related planning
mechanisms
General Plan Safety Element, Sebastopol Municipal Code
Other Alternatives None
Responsible Office/
Agency
Public Works Department
Partners None
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
High
Cost Estimate $50,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
Protects critical groundwater sources and recharge areas and avoids losses associated with disruptions in the delivery of potable water supplies.

Potential Funding General Fund
Schedule 2021 – 2026, 1 to 5 years

MH-1 Ensure that the Police and Fire Departments have adequate and interoperable radio communication systems and
equipment to meet current technology requirements to
support first responders during response and recovery
operations
Mitigation Project Title Ensure that the Police and Fire Departments have adequate and interoperable radio communication systems and equipment to meet current technology requirements to support first responders during response and recovery operations
Hazard(s) Mitigated Multi-Hazard
Project Description,
Issue/Background
The issue of interoperability in emergency communications is a priority concern for first responders and public safety officials. Interoperability refers to the ability of first responders, emergency managers, and government agencies to seamlessly interact with one another and is a key element of emergency communications and data sharing. This mitigation action ensures the City of Sebastopol has an interoperable radio communication system that meets current technologies to support first responders during response and recovery operations.

Related planning
mechanisms
General Plan Safety Element, City Emergency Operations Plan Other Alternatives None
Responsible Office/
Agency
Fire Department
Partners Sonoma County, City of Santa Rosa
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
High
Cost Estimate > $100,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
Communication interoperability makes it possible for emergency response agencies that respond to hazard events and disaster to work effectively together. It also reduces losses of life and property by allowing the response teams to maximize resources during response events and when providing disaster relief and recover support.

Potential Funding General Fund
Schedule 2021 – 2026, 1 to 5 years

MH-2 Ensure that emergency operational plans meet SEMS and NIMS compliance and are adequate for federal and state
response and recovery
Mitigation Project Title Ensure that emergency operational plans meet SEMS and NIMS compliance and are adequate for federal and state response and recovery Hazard(s) Mitigated Multi-Hazard
Project Description,
Issue/Background
The Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS) are designed to provide a comprehensive approach to incident management that is applicable to all jurisdictional levels and across functional disciplines. Both of these systems use the Incident Command System (ICS). ICS is a standardized emergency management system designed for meeting small and large emergency and non-emergency situations. SEMS contains several systems as part of its framework for responding to and managing emergencies involving multiple jurisdictions or multiple agency response.

Most significant of these systems is the ICS. NIMS provides a consistent nationwide template that enables all government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations to work together during domestic incidents. The components of NIMS are complimentary to the SEMS components. The use of NIMS is required for Federal disaster assistance.

This mitigation action aims to ensure that all Sebastopol emergency operation plans, such as the LHMP and the updated EOP meet SEMS and NIMS compliance. Both SEMS and NIMS would be formally adopted as standards for incident management in the City of Sebastopol. It also requires the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to contain such systems and supporting materials necessary to implement ICS.

Related planning
mechanisms
General Plan Safety Element, City EOP
Other Alternatives None
Responsible Office/
Agency
Fire Department
Partners Sonoma County
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
High
Cost Estimate $100,000 – $300,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
Both SEMS and NIMS allow emergency personnel to respond to frequent and multiple disasters occurring anytime and anywhere in the City through a clear and consistent organizational structure. This structure allows different teams to communicate effective and work together to avoid losses and protect lives, property, and the environment.

Potential Funding General Fund
Schedule 2021 – 2026, Short-Term (1 to 5 years)

MH-3 Develop plans and procedures for Para-Transit system response and recovery from disasters that utilizes the
Sonoma County Mutual Aid Program
Mitigation Project Title Develop plans and procedures for Para-Transit system response and recovery from disasters that utilizes the Sonoma County Mutual Aid Program
Hazard(s) Mitigated Multi-Hazard
Project Description,
Issue/Background
Transportation plays an essential support role during incidents and disasters that requires paratransit service. A paratransit providers focus is to serve people with limited accessibility and mobility based on the standards in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This mitigation actions involves planning for para-transit system response and recovery during disaster events in the City to ensure that all people, including those with disabilities are able to safety and efficiently evacuate. It will involve developing procedures for coordinating, scheduling, and dispatching paratransit services during emergency evacuations. This may include interfacing with human service organizations the Senior Center, SBCC, and other organizations and facilities with or supporting vulnerable, special access and functional needs, or disabled populations.

Related planning
mechanisms
General Plan Safety Element, City Emergency Operations Plan, SEMS Other Alternatives None
Responsible Office/
Agency
City Manager’s Office
Partners Sonoma County Transit, Sebastopol Shuttle
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
High
Cost Estimate $50,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
The implementation of a paratransit system and response and recovery plan will avoid the loss of property, injury, death, and disruptions in the normal functionality of transportation and transit services in the City.

Potential Funding General Fund
Schedule 2021 – 2026, Short-Term (1 to 5 years)

MH-4 Update the City Emergency Operations Plan
Mitigation Project Title Update the City Emergency Operations Plan Hazard(s) Mitigated Multi-Hazard
Project Description,
Issue/Background
The City’s EOP is outdated and needs to be updated. It currently is a basic plan that addresses the City of Sebastopol’s responsibilities in emergencies associated with natural disaster, human-caused emergencies, and technological incidents. It provides a framework for coordination of response and recovery efforts within the City and in coordination with local, state, and federal agencies.

The EOP establishes emergency organization staff to direct and control operations during a period of emergency by assigning responsibilities to specific personnel. The scope of the EOP update will address earthquakes, flooding, and wildfires, among other hazards addressed in this LHMP. A comprehensive update of the EOP would ensure it addresses all hazards covered in the General Plan Safety Element and the 2020-2021 LHMP and provides a more user-friendly plan for the City.

Related planning
mechanisms
General Plan Safety Element
Other Alternatives Existing EOP
Responsible Office/
Agency
Fire Department
Partners Sonoma County Neighboring Jurisdictions, Mutual Aid Providers Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
High
Cost Estimate $100,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
An updated plan that consists of training all EOC staff on the plan would help us better identify, prepare, and respond to incidents in a more efficient and productive manner. An updated EOP would also reduce the negative impacts on our community and more rapidly returning City services to normal.

Potential Funding General Fund
Schedule 2021 – 2026, Short-Term (1 to 5 years)

MH-5 Evacuation Route Plan
Mitigation Project Title Evacuation Route Plan
Hazard(s) Mitigated Earthquake, Flooding, Wildfire, Multi-Hazard Project Description,
Issue/Background
The County of Sonoma and its incorporated cities are in the process of establishing standardized evacuation zones. In the past evacuation zones were different for each incident, but now zones will remain mostly the same and residents and workers in the City can be ready to go when an alert requesting a zone evacuate is issued.

The City of Sebastopol is most vulnerable to flooding events that may have a slower onset than other hazards. This mitigation action builds on the development of the Sonoma County Evacuation Zone Maps and develops specific route scenarios for earthquake, flood, and wildfire events that take into consideration the road capacity of designated evacuation routes and the ingress/egress of specific neighborhoods within the four evacuation zones established for the City.

Related planning
mechanisms
General Plan Safety Element, City Emergency Operations Plan Other Alternatives None
Responsible Office/
Agency
Fire Department
Partners Sonoma County
Priority (High, Medium,
Low)
High
Cost Estimate $50,000
Benefits (Avoided
Losses)
Evacuation scenario planning support efficient response and recovery, identify resources, and prepare residents for leaving their home or workplace in a short amount of time. These plans support life safety and incident response and recovery.

Potential Funding General Fund
Schedule 2021 – 2026, Short-Term (1 to 5 years)

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6 Plan Adoption
44 U.S. CFR Requirement §201.6 Local Mitigation Plans (c)(5): The local hazard mitigation plan shall include] documentation that the plan has been formally approved by the governing body of the jurisdiction requesting approval of the plan (e.g., City Council, county commissioner, Tribal Council).

The purpose of formally adopting this plan is to confirm support from the City of Sebastopol, raise awareness of the plan, and formalize the plan’s implementation. The adoption of this plan completes Planning Step 9 of the 10-step planning process: Adopt the Plan, in accordance with the requirements of DMA 2000. This adoption also establishes compliance with California Government Code Section 65302.12 (Assembly Bill 2140) requiring adoption by reference or incorporation into the safety element of the general plan. The Sebastopol City Council has adopted this Local Hazard Mitigation Plan by passing a resolution. A copy of the generic resolution is included in Appendix D: Adoption Resolution. Once the plan is adopted, Appendix D will include the executed copies.

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7 Plan Implementation and Maintenance
44 U.S. CFR Requirement §201.6 Local Mitigation Plans (c)(4): The plan maintenance process shall include a] section describing the method and schedule of monitoring, evaluating, and updating the mitigation plan within a five-year cycle.

Implementation and maintenance of the plan is critical to the overall success of hazard mitigation planning. This is Planning Step 10 of the 10-step planning process. This chapter provides an overview of the overall strategy for plan implementation and maintenance, and outlines the method and schedule for monitoring, updating, and evaluating the plan. The chapter also discusses incorporating the plan into existing planning mechanisms and how to address continued public involvement.

7.1 Implementation
Once adopted, the plan faces the test of its worth: implementation. While this plan contains many worthwhile actions, the City of Sebastopol will need to decide which action(s) to undertake first. Two factors will help with making that decision: the priority assigned to each action and funding availability.

Low or no-cost actions more readily demonstrate progress toward successful plan implementation.

Mitigation is most successful when it is incorporated into the day-to-day functions and priorities of government and development.

Implementation will be accomplished by adhering to the schedules identified for each action (see Chapter 5: Mitigation Strategy) and through constant and energetic efforts to update and highlight the multiobjective, win-win benefits of each project to the City of Sebastopol community and its stakeholders.

These efforts include the routine actions of monitoring agendas, attending meetings, and promoting a safe, sustainable, and resilient community. The four main components of implementation are:
• Implement the actions recommended by this plan;
• Utilize and enforce existing rules, regulations, policies and procedures; • Communicate the hazard information collected and analyzed through this planning process so that the community better understands what and where hazards can occur, and what they can do themselves to be better prepared; and
• Publicize the “success stories” that are achieved through the Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee’s (HMPC) ongoing efforts.

An important implementation mechanism that is highly effective and low-cost is incorporation of the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) recommendations and their underlying principles into other plans, such as the Sebastopol General Plan. The City of Sebastopol already implements 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, such as the Safety Element, and recommends implementing actions, where possible, through these other program mechanisms.

Simultaneously with these efforts, it is important to constantly monitor funding opportunities that can be leveraged to implement the more expensive recommended actions (for example, long-term structural flood control projects). This will include creating and maintaining a bank of ideas on how to meet local match or participation requirements. When funding does become available, the City of Sebastopol will be in a position to capitalize on the opportunity. Funding opportunities to be monitored include special preand post-disaster funds, special district budgeted funds, state and federal earmarked funds, and other grant programs, including those that can serve or support multi-objective applications.

7.1.1 Role of Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee in Implementation and Maintenance With adoption of this plan, the City of Sebastopol will be tasked with plan implementation and maintenance. The City of Sebastopol established HMPC to help develop the City’s LHMP. This team consists of a combination of City representatives from various departments, such as the Planning, Building and Safety, Police, and Fire departments, and the Public Works and Engineering Division. The HMPC also includes representatives from regional and local agencies and organizations, including the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management, Sebastopol Union School District, City of Petaluma, Graton Fire Protection District, Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, Sebastopol Area Senior Center, and the American Red Cross.

During the development of the LHMP, HMPC participation involved attending planning meetings, completing data collection worksheets, identifying mitigation actions for the plan, reviewing the draft plan, and informing the public and local officials about the planning process. Additional information on the planning process is summarized in Chapter 3: Planning Process of this LHMP and in Appendix A.

During the plan implementation and maintenance process the HMPC will be responsible for continuing to engage the department representatives and agency and organization stakeholders. To ensure successful implementation of the LHMP, the HMPC agrees to:
• Provide a forum for hazard mitigation issues;
• Disseminate hazard mitigation ideas and activities to all participants; • Pursue the implementation of high-priority, low/no-cost recommended actions; • Keep the concept of mitigation in the forefront of community decision making by identifying plan recommendations when other community goals, plans, and activities overlap, influence, or directly affect increased community vulnerability to disasters;
• Monitor multi-objective cost-share opportunities to help the community implement the plan’s recommended actions for which no current funding exists; • Assist in implementation and update of this plan;
• Report on plan progress and recommended changes to Sebastopol City Council; and • Inform and solicit input from the public.

The primary duty of the City of Sebastopol HMPC is to see the plan successfully carried out and to report to the City Council and the public on the status of plan implementation and mitigation opportunities.

Other duties include reviewing and promoting mitigation proposals, considering stakeholder concerns about hazard mitigation, passing concerns on to appropriate entities, and posting relevant information on the City of Sebastopol LHMP webpage (and others as appropriate). These activities can be achieved through reconvening the HMPC on at least an annual basis.

7.2 Maintenance
Plan maintenance is defined as the ongoing effort to monitor and evaluate plan implementation, and to update the plan as progress, roadblocks, or changing circumstances are recognized.

The Sebastopol City Council will designate a Lead Hazard Mitigation Manager that consists of representative from the City’s Planning Department or Fire Department who will coordinate plan reviews in consultation with the City’s Building and Safety Department and Public Works and Engineering Division and other participating jurisdictions and stakeholders that comprise the HMPC.

7.2.1 Maintenance Schedule
In order to monitor progress and update the mitigation strategies identified in the action plan, the Lead Hazard Mitigation Manager and the HMPC will revisit this plan annually and within 45 days after a hazard event. The annual review will be conducted by the HMPC each year. The HMPC will review progress on the

LHMP and complete an annual report to the Sebastopol City Council. This annual report will be prepared and completed within the first quarter of each year and timed to prepare for seasonal hazard events (e.g. flooding, wildfires) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant cycles.

This plan will be also updated, approved and adopted within a five-year cycle as per Requirement §201.6(c)(4)(i) of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 unless disaster or other circumstances (e.g., changing regulations) require a change to this schedule. With the initial approval of this plan occurring in late 2021, the plan will need to be updated, reviewed and approved by the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and by FEMA Region IX, and re-adopted by the City of Sebastopol by no later than December of 2026 (or within 5 years of the initial approval, which ever date occurs first).

During this time period, the City’s Lead Hazard Mitigation Manager will monitor planning grant opportunities from Cal OES and FEMA for funds to assist with the update.

7.2.2 Maintenance Evaluation Process
The HMPC will continually monitor the incorporation process, evaluation and update methodology, continued public participation, and completion of the actions/projects to assure that the plan is being implemented. By monitoring these processes, the HMPC will be able to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the plan and facilitate necessary changes as needed.

Evaluation of progress can be achieved by monitoring changes in vulnerabilities identified in the plan.

Changes in vulnerability may include:
• Decreased vulnerability as a result of implementing recommended actions, • Increased vulnerability as a result of failed or ineffective mitigation actions, • Increased vulnerability as a result of new development (and/or annexation) and/or, • Increased vulnerability as a result of new hazards or circumstances.

The HMPC will use the following process to evaluate progress of any changes in vulnerability as a result of plan implementation.
• A representative from the department identified in each mitigation action will be responsible for tracking project status and reporting to the HMPC on an annual basis to provide feedback on whether the mitigation action as implemented meets the defined objectives and is likely to be successful in reducing vulnerabilities.
­ If the project does not meet identified objectives, or if the mitigation action is new, the HMPC will determine what alternate mitigation actions (or projects) may be implemented, and an assigned individual will be responsible for facilitating and overseeing the scope of action definition. The assigned individual will make any required modification recommendations of the plan to the HMPC, implement the action, monitor the results of the action, and report the findings to the HMPC.
• Projects that were not ranked high priority but were identified as potential mitigation strategies will be reviewed for feasibility and continued appropriateness during the annual monitoring period and the 5-year updating of this plan.
• Changes will be made to the plan to accommodate for mitigation action projects that have failed or are not considered feasible after a review for their consistency with established criteria, the time frame, priorities, and/or funding resources.

Updating of the plan will be by written changes and submissions, as the City of Sebastopol deems appropriate and necessary, and as approved by the Sebastopol City Council. Updates to this plan will:

• Consider changes in vulnerability due to action implementation; • Document success stories where mitigation efforts have proven effective; • Document areas where mitigation actions were not effective; • Document any new hazards that may arise or were previously overlooked; • Document hazard events and impacts that occurred within the five-year period; • Incorporate new data or studies on hazards and risks, specifically on climate change and its effects on flooding, wildfires, and sea level rise, specifically flooding projections within the Laguna Santa Rosa; • Incorporate new capabilities or changes in capabilities; • Incorporate documentation of continued public involvement; • Incorporate documentation to update the planning process that may include new or additional stakeholder involvement;
• Incorporate growth and development-related changes to building inventories; • Incorporate new project recommendations or changes in project prioritization; • Include a public involvement process to receive public comment on the updated plan prior to submitting the updated plan to Cal OES and FEMA Region IX; and • Include adoption by Sebastopol City Council following Cal OES/FEMA approval.

Annual Review
As part of an annual review process, the City’s HMPC will provide opportunities for public input on the LHMP. The City and HMPC will schedule formal LHMP updates at regularly scheduled public meetings to ensure routine maintenance and plan evaluation. The LHMP is designed to be a living document that can be annually updated or revised, as needed. Review will involve the following planning processes to encourage public participation, evaluate the effectiveness of the plan, and track mitigation action progress:
• Circulate a press release announcement on the annual review meeting. The press release will advertise the date, time, and location of the public meeting and provide contact information of the Lead Hazard Mitigation Manager.
• Electronic mailings regarding the annual review meeting will be emailed to federal, state, and local agencies, the HMPC, and other representatives.
• Prior to the annual review meeting, the HMPC and City departments will provide an update on their mitigation actions.
• The Lead Hazard Mitigation Manager will announce the meeting using other forms of traditional and digital media platforms, such as newspaper notices, radio announcements, and social media posts. • An annual review meeting agenda and summary of the annual review meeting will be posted on the City’s LHMP Webpage. It will include an annual report on the status of the implementation of the mitigation actions. An example of an annual review meeting agenda is included in Appendix E of this plan.
• The City should also consider inviting a representative from Cal OES to their annual meeting. The Cal OES representative will discuss current grant opportunities, provide guidance on plan implementation and compliance with new legislation, and make recommendations on incorporation of the plan into existing planning mechanisms.

The review process should also include information on changing conditions in the City. Specifically, the update should note growth and development changes (infill development), the number of retrofitted buildings or relocated housing, or improved buildings with new base elevation certificates, natural hazard events and damage information, and major capital improvement projects to utility infrastructure (e.g. water, sewer, storm water conveyance, roads, levees, gas and electric lines, etc.). The review process

should also address changing legislation and new federal and state policies, so these policy updates can be incorporated into the LHMP.

7.2.3 Incorporation into Existing Planning Mechanisms
Planning mechanisms are governance tools used to manage local land use development and community decision-making, such as general plans, floodplain management plans, building codes, emergency operation plans, capital improvement plans, or other long-range plans. Another important implementation mechanism that is highly effective and low-cost is incorporation of the LHMP recommendations and their underlying principles into existing City plans and mechanisms. Federal regulations require that LHMPs describe a process by which local governments incorporate the requirements of the mitigation plan into other planning mechanisms, such as a general plan or capital improvement plan. An example of incorporating mitigation actions into other planning mechanisms would be to identify the goals and strategies of the LHMP and document how they have been used to further mitigation efforts in other planning documents.

As previously stated in Section 7.1 of this plan, 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, the City of Sebastopol already implements policies and programs to reduce losses to life and property from hazards. This plan therefore builds upon previous related planning efforts and mitigation programs and recommends implementing actions, where possible, through these other program mechanisms.

These existing mechanisms include (but are not limited to) the following:
• Sebastopol General Plan (2016) (Safety Element)
• 2023 Housing Element Update (2015) (part of Sebastopol General Plan) • Sebastopol Zoning Ordinance (including the City Floodplain Ordinance within Municipal Code) • Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) (update in progress as of 2021) • Storm Water Management Plan (MS4 Order No. R1-2015-0030) • 5-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Fiscal Year 2021-2022 to Fiscal Year 2025-2026 • National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) participation • Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Sustainability Agency
­ Draft Groundwater Sustainability Plan (2021)
• City of Sebastopol Climate Emergency Resolution (2019) • Laguna de Santa Rosa Park Master Plan
• Laguna Wetlands Preserve Restoration and Management (2016) • Other plans and policies outlined in the capability assessment • Other plans, regulations, and practices with a mitigation focus

7.2.4 Process for Plan Integration
HMPC members involved in the updates to the planning mechanisms listed above will be responsible for integrating the findings and recommendations of this LHMP with these other plans, programs, and mechanisms as appropriate. As an action step to ensure integration with other planning mechanisms, the Lead Hazard Mitigation Manager will discuss this topic at the annual meeting (refer to Section 7.2.1, Maintenance Schedule) with the HMPC. The HMPC will discuss if there are opportunities to incorporate the plan into other planning mechanisms and who will be responsible for leveraging those opportunities.

HMPC members representing local jurisdictions will work with their jurisdictional planning teams to integrate their identified mitigation actions into their own local plans, programs, and mechanisms. Efforts

to integrate the LHMP into local plans, programs, and policies will be reported during the annual HMPC plan review meeting. Successful integration efforts will be recorded during the meeting.

Specific examples of incorporation of the LHMP into existing planning mechanisms include:
• City adoption (by reference or incorporation) of this LHMP into the Safety Element of the Sebastopol General Plan per California Government Code Section 65302.6 requirements (Assembly Bill 2140). • Integration of wildfire actions identified in this mitigation strategy with the actions and implementation priorities established in the Fire Safe Sonoma plan, the countywide Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). Key people responsible for development of Fire Safe Sonoma CWPP and Steering Committee representatives for the CWPP Update should participate in the future HMPC, as they can identify key projects in the CWPP and integrate them into the mitigation strategy of the City of Sebastopol LHMP. Likewise, actual implementation of these wildfire projects will likely occur through the Cal Fire Units and Battalions, Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management, Sonoma County Fire Chief’s Association, and the California Fire Safe Council. The implementation process will be successful through the coordination and effort of individuals from these various organizations.
• Using the risk assessment information in this plan to update the hazard analysis in the EOP update (in progress).
• Integration of this LHMP into City’s 5-Year CIP. Information on 100-year flood hazards, stormwater flood hazards, and localized flooding can be integrated into the City CIP projects. • Should the City be affected by a natural disaster, the City’s Lead Hazard Mitigation Manager will integrate mitigation actions into any post-disaster recovery planning process, as applicable.

Efforts should continuously be made to monitor the progress of mitigation actions implemented through these other planning mechanisms and, where appropriate, the priority actions should be incorporated into updates of this hazard mitigation plan.

7.2.5 Continued Public Involvement
Continued public involvement is imperative to the overall success of the plan’s implementation and goal(s). Efforts will be made to involve the public in the plan maintenance, evaluation, and review process.

This includes maintaining a digital version of the plan on the City of Sebastopol LHMP webpage for public review. In addition, information on whom to contact within the City will be posted with the plan. The designated Lead Hazard Mitigation Manager at the City of Sebastopol will maintain a file of comments received for reference during the next five-year update.

Annual LHMP Review
Any revisions to the plan that may occur as a result of a disaster will also be made public and posted on the City’s LHMP Webpage, social media sites, and local media platforms. The City’s Lead Hazard Mitigation Manager will place an advertisement in the local newspaper, and also circulate electronic press releases that specify the date and time for review and public input. The City will also invite federal, state, and local agencies to participate, with the HMPC.

Five-Year LHMP Update
The five-year update process provides an opportunity to solicit participation from new and existing stakeholders, to publicize success stories from plan implementation, and seek additional public comment.

A public hearing(s) or survey to receive public comment on the plan will be held during the plan update period. When the HMPC reconvenes for the update, the planning process will involve all stakeholders participating in the planning process, including those who joined the HMPC after the initial effort, to

update and revise the plan. Public participation will be encouraged and invited through LHMP Webpage postings and press releases, in addition to email and social media announcements.

Continued public outreach and education is also a mitigation strategy in Chapter 5 of this plan, emphasizing a multi-hazard public education and awareness program to be conducted on an annual basis. Activities related to public involvement during the 2020-2021 update are documented in Chapter 3 and Appendix A and C of this plan.

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Appendix A: Planning Process contains the following documents in this order:
• 2020-2021 Hazard Mitigation Plan Committee (HMPC) Invitee and Participant List • Press Release Posted about 1st Public Workshop on LHMP • City of Sebastopol Facebook Social Media Announcement on LHMP 1st Public Workshop • City of Sebastopol LHMP Nextdoor Social Media Announcement • City of Sebastopol Community Newsletter on City of Sebastopol LHMP • City of Sebastopol LHMP Webpage
• City of Sebastopol Facebook Social Media Announcement on LHMP 2nd Public Workshop • City of Sebastopol Notice of Availability of Public Review Draft Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP)
• Press Release Posted about 2nd Public Workshop on LHMP • Public Comments – Received between October 21, 2021 through November 19, 2021 • Stakeholder Comments – Received November 19, 2021
• City of Sebastopol LHMP – Public Outreach Strategy (2020 – 2021) • HMPC Meeting #1 Materials – October 20, 2020
• LHMP Data Collection Guide
• HMPC Meeting #2 Materials – February 2, 2021
• 1st Public Workshop Materials – October 27, 2020
• 2nd Public Workshop Materials – October 26, 2021
• City of Sebastopol Online Public Survey and Results (1st Survey Version) The process and handouts provided in HMPC Meeting #3 (Mitigation Strategy) are compiled in Appendix C: Mitigation Strategy.

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Table A.1. Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee Invitee and Stakeholder List Name Agency/Department Title Phone Email
City of Sebastopol Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee Kari Svanstrom City of Sebastopol Planning Director [email protected] Bill Braga City of Sebastopol Fire Chief (707) 823-8061 [email protected] Daryl Philips City of Sebastopol, Building and Safety Floodplain Administrator [email protected] Dante Del Prete City of Sebastopol Public Works Superintendent [email protected] Don Mort City of Sebastopol, Police Department Police Chief [email protected] Skip Jirrels City of Sebastopol Public Safety Outreach Coordinator Zach Douch City of Sebastopol Planning Commissioner/Red Cross/Business Owner
[email protected]
Katie Davis Sebastopol Area Senior Center Executive Director [email protected] Diane Ramirez City of Petaluma Project Manager [email protected] Jill McLewis Sebastopol Community Cultural
Center
Vice President/Executive Director [email protected]
Jennie Bruneman West Sonoma County High School
District
Director of Facilities, Maintenance,
and Operations
[email protected]
Shepley Schroth-Cary Gold Ridge Fire District Fire Chief [email protected] Jeff DuVall Sonoma County Office of Emergency Services [email protected]

Chris Anderegg Sebastopol Senior Center Board Member [email protected]

Press Release Posted about 1st Public Workshop on LHMP

City of Sebastopol Facebook Social Media Announcement on LHMP 1st Public Workshop

City of Sebastopol LHMP Nextdoor Social Media Announcement

City of Sebastopol Community Newsletter on City of Sebastopol LHMP

City of Sebastopol LHMP Webpage

City of Sebastopol Facebook Social Media Announcement on LHMP 2nd Public Workshop

City of Sebastopol Notice of Availability of Public Review Draft Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP)

Press Release Posted about 2nd Public Workshop on LHMP

Table A-1: Public Comments Received – October 21, 2021 through November 19, 2021 Comment Letter Response
Written Emailed Comment #1 (Email sent on 10/26/21 from Paul Fritz) • Commenter noted various minor edits that needed
to be revised in the LHMP, including references to
directions, the number of City Council members,
threatened and endangered species, and
grammatical errors.
• Chapters 2, 4, and 5 of the LHMP have been revised
to address the minor grammatical and typo errors
in the text.

Oral Comment #1 (Oral comment received during Public Workshop #2) • Commenter inquired about the process and
schedule for finalizing the LHMP.
• The City and HMPC will review public comments
after the close of the public review period and
update the Draft LHMP, if needed. The City will
then submit the Draft LHMP to the California Office
of Emergency Services (Cal OES) for review. Cal
OES has 45 days to complete review. Once
reviewed, Cal OES will forward the plan to the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Region IX for a 45-day review. City Council can
consider the Draft LHMP for adoption once FEMA
review is complete.
• Commenter asked about localized flooding areas
and how they are getting incorporated into the
LHMP.
• The risk assessment includes a detailed discussion
and evaluation of flood hazards that covers the
100-year flood and 500-year flood hazards. The
sections qualitatively discuss localized flood
hazards. For example, flood hazards west of
Petaluma Avenue are noted. Other local flood
hazards were reviewed and summarized in the
LHMP if submitted as part of the public survey.
• Commenter mentioned that one of the mitigation
actions proposed is to not allow buildings in
hazard-prone areas. He stated that this action can
potentially conflict with the City’s existing housing
element.
• The mitigation action proposed are designed to
limit new development in hazard-prone area.

Existing development may already occur in such
areas, such as mapped floodplains. The Draft LHMP
goals and mitigation actions were reviewed for
consistency with the goals of the current Housing
Element to ensure the two document complement
each other rather than conflict.
• Commenter asked about how this updated LHMP
gets approved, what role does the City Council
play, and how will the approved LHMP get
incorporated into the City’s General Plan.
• Both Cal OES and FEMA Region IX have 45 days to
review the plan. Cal OES reviews the plan, and then
sends it to FEMA for review.
• The City Council will be notified when the plan is
approved by Cal OES and FEMA. They will send the
City a “Approvable Pending Adoption” letter. At
this point, the Draft LHMP can go to City Council
for review.
• Once the LHMP is approved, the City must notify
and provide Cal OES final adoption documentation.

The City can then schedule another agenda item to

incorporate the LHMP by reference into the City’s
General Plan Safety Element.
• Commenter asked about the data used to calculate
commuters in the Plan and requested further
elaboration.
• The commuter data was compiled from existing
studies.
• Commenter mentioned that there are a couple of
unclear points mapped on the Critical Facility map
of the Wildfire Section.
• Comment noted. Several of the maps that illustrate
critical facilities in the Public Review Draft LHMP
were updated. These include Figures 4-2, 4-16, 4-
25, and 4-26 in Chapter 4 – Risk Assessment. The
revised maps contain a relocated point for Analy
High School and include additional descriptions for
the bridges and associated waterways.
• Commenter asked about when FEMA funding will
start coming in and whether or not the City is
eligible for funding before this newly updated
LHMP gets approved.
• The City needs to be the LHMP approved by both
Cal OES and FEMA Region IX before they are
eligible for federal funding under the Hazard
Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).
• Commenter asked for more elaboration on how the
proposed mitigation actions are prioritized
• Once the mitigation actions were identified, the
HMPC was provided with decision-making tools,
including FEMA’s recommended prioritization
criteria, STAPLEE, to assist in deciding why one
recommended action might be more important,
more effective, or more likely to be implemented
than another. STAPLEE stands for the following:

Social, Technical, Administrative, Political, Legal,
Economic, and Environmental. The HMPC discussed
prioritizing actions that focus on climate
adaptation, social equity, and community resiliency;
these were additional prioritization criteria the City
wanted to use to rate actions. They also reviewed
planning materials and tools designed to assist in
the development of climate adaptation and social
equity goals and strategies.

Table A.2. Summary of Comments Received from the Climate Action Commission Comment Letter Response
Written Email #1 (Received 11/29/21 from the Climate Action Commission) • A Commissioner made a comment regarding
the Public Health Hazards profile (infectious
disease) in the risk assessment. She noted that
the COVID-19 data was outdated and should
reflect December 2021 data.
• The information in the Public Health Hazards
represented COVID-19 statistics from January 2021,
which was when the draft risk assessment was
completed and circulated to the HMPC. The Public
Health Hazards profile was updated to address the
Commissioner’s comments, The revised section includes
the recent COVID-19 data, as of December 2021.

Written Email #2 (Received 12/1/21 from the Climate Action Commission) • The Commission made comments regarding
the need to better emphasize social equity and
environmental justice.
• Chapter 2 – Community Profile of the LHMP includes a
discussion on social equity and environmental justice, as it relates to Senate Bill 1000 and the integration of the

topic in General Plans, and other planning documents,
like the LHMP. Socially vulnerable communities also
also discussed in Chapter 2, specifically where these
communities are located in the City of Sebastopol.

Additionally, each hazard vulnerability assessment
qualitatively discusses socially vulnerable communities in the City and general impacts to these populations.

Additional emphasis can include ongoing outreach
within these communities to ensure they are engaged
during the development of mitigation actions.
• There could be a more detailed analysis of
vulnerable groups impacted for each hazard –
for example public health hazards – who is
located near hazardous facilities in Sebastopol.

This may be included in the next Housing
Element.
• The risk assessment discusses socially vulnerable
populations qualitatively in the “People” section of the vulnerability assessment. For example, disadvantaged
communities are noted, as well as any other
neighborhoods near mapped natural hazards. No major
hazardous material facilities are noted in the LHMP.
• The Commenter noted the City may want to
reference RCPA’s Climate Mobilization
Strategy where there is a discussion on the
2016 CAP. The updated strategy was
completed in 2020.
• The Climate Mobilization Strategy is noted in Chapter 2 – Community Profile in the Capabilities section. It is also noted now in Chapter 4 – Risk Assessment in the
“Climate Change Considerations Summary.”
• The Commenter pointed out that on page 4-
10 in the risk assessment climate change is
human-caused, not just “atmospheric GHG
emissions.”
• Section 4.1.4, Climate Change Considerations Summary
has been updated to indicate that climate change is
“human-caused.”
• The Commenter recommended the LHMP
include a higher resolution logo.
• The higher resolution logo provided by the City has
been added to the LHMP document.

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Appendix C: Mitigation Strategy contains the following documents in this order:
• Mitigation Strategy Guidance Criteria
• Mitigation Strategy HMPC #3 Meeting documentation
o Meeting Agenda
o Meeting Minutes
o Meeting Presentation
• Mitigation Action Selection and Prioritization Criteria • Example Mitigation Actions by FEMA categories with Hazards Identified in the City of Sebastopol Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
• 2021 Mitigation Action Worksheet
Mitigation Strategy Guidance Criteria: Categories of Mitigation Measures Considered The following categories are based on the Community Rating System. • Prevention
• Emergency Services
• Property Protection
• Natural Resource Protection
• Structural Projects
• Public Information
Alternative Mitigation Measures per Category
Prevention
Preventive measures are designed to keep the problem from occurring or getting worse. Their objective is to ensure that future development is not exposed to damage and does not increase damage to other properties.
• Planning
• Zoning
• Open space preservation
• Land development regulations
• Subdivision regulations

• Floodplain development regulations
• Stormwater management
• Fuels management, fire breaks
• Building codes
− Firewise construction
• (also see Property Protection)
Emergency Services
Emergency services protect people during and after a disaster. A good emergency services program addresses all hazards. Measures include:
• Warning (floods, tornadoes, ice storms, hail storms, dam failures) − NOAA weather radio all hazards
− Sirens
− Reverse 911
• Evacuation and sheltering
• Communications
• Emergency planning
− Activating the emergency operations room (emergency management) − Closing streets or bridges (police or public works)
− Shutting off power to threatened areas (utility company) − Holding children at school/releasing children from school (school district) − Passing out sand and sandbags (public works)
− Ordering an evacuation (mayor)
− Opening evacuation shelters (red cross)
− Monitoring water levels (engineering)
− Security and other protection measures (police)
• Monitoring of conditions (dams)
• Critical facilities protection (buildings or locations vital to the response and recovery effort, such as police/fire stations, hospitals, sewage treatment plants/lift stations, power substations) − Buildings or locations that, if damaged, would create secondary disasters, such as hazardous materials facilities and nursing homes
− Lifeline utilities protection
− Health and safety maintenance
Property Protection
Property protection measures are used to modify buildings subject to damage rather than to keep the hazard away. A community may find these to be inexpensive measures because often they are implemented

by or cost-shared with property owners. Many of the measures do not affect the appearance or use of a building, which makes them particularly appropriate for historical sites and landmarks. • Retrofitting/disaster proofing
− Floods
 Wet/dry floodproofing (barriers, shields, backflow valves)  Relocation
 Acquisition
− Tornadoes
 Safe rooms
 Securing roofs and foundations with fasteners and tie-downs  Strengthening garage doors and other large openings
− Drought
 Improve water supply (transport/storage/conservation)  Remove moisture competitive plants (tamarisk/salt cedar)  Water restrictions/water saver sprinklers/appliances
 Grazing on CRP lands (no overgrazing-see noxious weeds)  Create incentives to consolidate/connect water services  Recycled wastewater on golf courses
− Earthquakes
 Removing masonry overhangs, bracing, and other parts
 Tying down appliances, water heaters, bookcases, and fragile furniture so they will not fall over during a quake.
 Installing flexible utility connections that will not break during shaking (pipelines, too) − Wildland fire
 Replacing building components with fireproof materials (roofing, screening)  Creating "defensible space"
 Installing spark arrestors
 Fuels modification
− Noxious weeds/insects
 Mowing
 Spraying
 Replacement planting
 Stop overgrazing
 Introduce natural predators
• Insurance

Natural Resource Protection
Natural resource protection activities are generally aimed at preserving (or in some cases restoring) natural areas. In so doing, these activities enable the naturally beneficial functions of floodplains and watersheds to be better realized. These natural and beneficial floodplain functions include the following:
• Storage of floodwaters
• Absorption of flood energy
• Reduction in flood scour
• Infiltration that absorbs overland flood flow
• Groundwater recharge
• Removal/filtering of excess nutrients, pollutants, and sediments from floodwaters • Habitat for flora and fauna
• Recreational and aesthetic opportunities
Methods of protecting natural resources include:
• Erosion and sediment control
• Wetlands protection
• Riparian area/habitat protection
• Threatened and endangered species protection
• Fuels management
• Set-back regulations/buffers
• Best management practices-Best management practices ("BMPs") are measures that reduce nonpoint source pollutants that enter the waterways. Nonpoint source pollutants come from non-specific locations. Examples of nonpoint source pollutants are lawn fertilizers, pesticides, and other farm chemicals, animal wastes, oils from street surfaces and industrial areas and sediment from agriculture, construction, mining and forestry. These pollutants are washed off the ground's surface by stormwater and flushed into receiving storm sewers, ditches and streams. BMPs can be implemented during construction and as part of a project's design to permanently address nonpoint source pollutants. There are three general categories of BMPs:
− Avoidance-Setting construction projects back from the stream. − Reduction-Preventing runoff that conveys sediment and other water-borne pollutants, such as planting proper vegetation and conservation tillage.
− Cleanse-Stopping pollutants after they are en route to a stream, such as using grass drainageways that filter the water and retention and detention basins that let pollutants settle to the bottom before they are drained
• Dumping regulations
• Water use restrictions
• Weather modification

• Landscape management
Structural Projects
Structural projects have traditionally been used by communities to control flows and water surface elevations. Structural projects keep flood waters away from an area. They are usually designed by engineers and managed or maintained by public works staff. These measures are popular with many because they "stop" flooding problems. However, structural projects have several important shortcomings that need to be kept in mind when considering them for flood hazard mitigation:

They are expensive, sometimes requiring capital bond issues and/or cost sharing with Federal agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or the Natural Resources Conservation Service. • They disturb the land and disrupt natural water flows, often destroying habitats. • They are built to a certain flood protection level that can be exceeded by a larger flood, causing extensive damage.
• They can create a false sense of security when people protected by a structure believe that no flood can ever reach them.
• They require regular maintenance to ensure that they continue to provide their design protection level.

Structural measures include:
• Detention/retention structures
• Erosion and sediment control
• Basins/low-head weirs
• Channel modifications
• Culvert resizing/replacement/maintenance
• Levees and floodwalls
• Fencing (for snow, sand, wind)
• Drainage system maintenance
• Reservoirs (for flood control, water storage, recreation, agriculture) • Diversions
• Storm sewers
Public Information
A successful hazard mitigation program involves both the public and private sectors. Public information activities advise property owners, renters, businesses, and local officials about hazards and ways to protect people and property from these hazards. These activities can motivate people to take protection • Hazard maps and data

• Outreach projects (mailings, media, web, speaker's bureau) • Library resources
• Real estate disclosure
• Environmental education
• Technical assistance
Climate Adaptation and Social Equity Strategies
Climate adaptation strategy guidance materials were distributed prior to and during the mitigation strategy planning session. Materials included the California Adaptation Planning Guide (APG), a set of four complementary documents that provide guidance to support communities in addressing the unavoidable consequences of climate change. The documents provide a step-by-step process on adaptation strategy development. California’s Climate Adaptation Strategy: Safeguarding California Plan: 2018 Update was also distributed prior to and during the mitigation strategy planning session. While information on climate change impacts was integrated into the LHMP Risk Assessment, the mitigation strategy planning session focused on discussing how climate change would affect major natural hazards in the City of Sebastopol Planning Area. The HMPC was then able to review potential adaptation strategies that would help them meet adaptation needs. The APG documents provide a broad sampling of different policies and programs that address climate change. Several of the adaptation example policies and programs also focus on addressing environmental justice (EJ), reducing risk in disadvantaged communities, and promoting social equity. As a result, the HMPC considered various planning tools and resources to support compliance with California Government Code Section 65302 (Senate Bill 379). Subsection (g)(4) requires all cities and counties to include climate adaptation and resiliency strategies in the safety elements of their general plans.

Environmental Justice and Social Equity Strategies
HMPC members reviewed the Senate Bill 1000 Implementation Toolkit: Planning for Healthy Communities.

The toolkit helped the HMPC consider various planning resources to support compliance with California Government Code Section 65302.10 and Senate Bill 1000. Senate Bill 1000, the Planning for Healthy Communities Act, mandates that cities and counties adopt an EJ element or integrate EJ goals, objectives, and policies into other elements of their General Plan. The HMPC discussed and developed various community engagement and outreach programs during the planning sessions, as well as programs that would better assess existing demographics in the City that may influence engagement, such as language access, age, and educational attainment. The intent of the strategies is to promote collaboration with community members and maintain effective relationships with Community-Based Organizations to ensure that hazard mitigation actions are prioritized in disadvantaged and vulnerable communities in Sebastopol.

The resulting climate adaptation and social equity strategies were also considered during prioritization exercises. The policies and programs were then integrated into the mitigation strategy as specific actions tailored to fit the hazard mitigation, adaptation, and social equity needs of all of Sebastopol’s residents.

Mitigation Strategy HMPC #3 Meeting documentation
Meeting Agenda

Meeting Minutes

Meeting Presentation

Mitigation Action Selection and Prioritization Criteria Does the proposed action protect lives?
Does the proposed action address hazards or areas with the highest risk? Does the proposed action protect critical facilities, infrastructure, or community assets? Does the proposed action meet multiple objectives (multi-objective management)?

STAPLE/E
Developed by FEMA, this method of applying evaluation criteria enables the planning team to consider in a systematic way the social, technical, administrative, political, legal, economic, and environmental opportunities and constraints of implementing a particular mitigation action. For each action, the HMPC should ask, and consider the answers to, the following questions:

Social
Does the measure treat people fairly (different groups, different generations)? Technical
Will it work? (Does it solve the problem? Is it feasible?) Administrative
Is there capacity to implement and manage project?

Political
Who are the stakeholders? Did they get to participate? Is there public support? Is political leadership willing to support it?
Legal
Does your organization have the authority to implement? Is it legal? Are there liability implications?
Economic
Is it cost-beneficial? Is there funding? Does it contribute to the local economy or economic development? Does it reduce direct property losses or indirect economic losses? Environmental
Does it comply with environmental regulations or have adverse environmental impacts?

Example Mitigation Actions by FEMA categories with Hazards Identified in the City of Sebastopol Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Alternative
Mitigation
Actions
Floods Earthquakes Wildfires
Drought
and Severe
Weather:

Extreme
Heat
Dam
Incidents
Severe
Weather:

Heavy Rain/
Lightning/
Hail
Severe
Weather:

Wind
Hazardous
Materials
PLANS and REGULATIONS
Building codes and enforcement ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Comprehensive Watershed Tax ■
Density controls ■ ■ ■ ■
Design review standards ■ ■ ■ ■
Easements ■ ■ ■
Environmental review standards ■ ■ ■ ■
Floodplain development regulations ■ ■ ■
Hazard mapping ■ ■ ■ ■
Floodplain zoning ■ ■ ■
Forest fire fuel reduction ■
Housing/landlord codes ■ ■ ■
Slide-prone area/grading/hillside
development regulations ■
Manufactured home guidelines/regulations ■ ■ ■
Minimize hazardous materials waste generation ■
Multi-Jurisdiction Cooperation within watershed ■ ■
Open space preservation ■ ■ ■
Performance standards ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Periodically contain/remove wastes for disposal ■

Alternative
Mitigation
Actions
Floods Earthquakes Wildfires
Drought
and Severe
Weather:

Extreme
Heat
Dam
Incidents
Severe
Weather:

Heavy Rain/
Lightning/
Hail
Severe
Weather:

Wind
Hazardous
Materials
Pesticide/herbicide management regulations ■
Special use permits ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Stormwater management regulations ■ ■
Subdivision and development regulations ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Surge protectors and lightning protection ■
Tree Management ■ ■ ■
Transfer of development rights ■ ■ ■
Utility location ■ ■ ■ ■

STRUCTURE AND INFRASTRUCTRE

PROJECTS
Acquisition of hazard prone structures ■ ■ ■ ■
Facility inspections/reporting ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Construction of barriers around structures ■ ■ ■
Elevation of structures ■ ■
Relocation out of hazard areas ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Structural retrofits
(e.g., reinforcement, floodproofing,
bracing, etc.)
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Channel maintenance ■
Dams/reservoirs (including maintenance) ■ ■ ■
Isolate hazardous materials waste storage sties ■
Levees and floodwalls (including maintenance) ■
Safe room/shelter ■ ■ ■ ■
Secondary containment system ■
Site reclamation/restoration/revegetation ■

Alternative
Mitigation
Actions
Floods Earthquakes Wildfires
Drought
and Severe
Weather:

Extreme
Heat
Dam
Incidents
Severe
Weather:

Heavy Rain/
Lightning/
Hail
Severe
Weather:

Wind
Hazardous
Materials
Snow fences ■
Water supply augmentation ■ ■
Debris Control ■
Defensible Space ■
Stream stabilization ■

EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
Flood Insurance ■ ■
Hazard information centers ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Public education and outreach programs ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Real estate disclosure ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Crop Insurance ■ ■ ■
Lightning detectors in public areas ■

NATURAL SYSTEMS PROTECTION
Best Management Practices (BMPs) ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Forest and vegetation management ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Hydrological Monitoring ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Sediment and erosion control regulations ■ ■ ■
Stream corridor restoration ■ ■
Stream dumping regulations ■ ■
Urban forestry and landscape management ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Wetlands development regulations ■ ■ ■ ■

EMERGENCY SERVICES
Critical facilities protection ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Emergency response services ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Facility employee safety training programs ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Alternative
Mitigation
Actions
Floods Earthquakes Wildfires
Drought
and Severe
Weather:

Extreme
Heat
Dam
Incidents
Severe
Weather:

Heavy Rain/
Lightning/
Hail
Severe
Weather:

Wind
Hazardous
Materials
Hazard threat recognition ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Hazard warning systems
(community sirens, NOAA weather radio) ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Health and safety maintenance ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Post-disaster mitigation ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Evacuation planning ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

2021 Mitigation Action Worksheet

Note to Reviewers: When this plan has been reviewed and approved pending adoption by FEMA Region IX, the adoption resolutions will be signed by the Sebastopol City Council and added to this appendix. A model resolution is provided below:

Resolution # ______
Adopting the City of Sebastopol Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Whereas, the City of Sebastopol recognizes the threat that natural hazards pose to people and property within our community; and
Whereas, undertaking hazard mitigation actions will reduce the potential for harm to people and property from future hazard occurrences; and
Whereas, the U.S. Congress passed the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (“Disaster Mitigation Act”) emphasizing the need for pre-disaster mitigation of potential hazards; Whereas, the Disaster Mitigation Act made available hazard mitigation grants to state and local governments;
Whereas, an adopted Local Hazard Mitigation Plan is required as a condition of future funding for mitigation projects under multiple FEMA pre- and post-disaster mitigation grant programs; and Whereas, the City of Sebastopol fully participated in the FEMA-prescribed mitigation planning process to prepare this local hazard mitigation plan; and
Whereas, the California Office of Emergency Services and Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region IX officials have reviewed the City of Sebastopol Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and approved it contingent upon this official adoption of the participating governing body; Whereas, the City of Sebastopol desires to comply with the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act and to augment its emergency planning efforts by formally adopting the City of Sebastopol Local Hazard Mitigation Plan;
Whereas, adoption by the governing body for the City of Sebastopol, demonstrates the jurisdiction’s commitment to fulfilling the mitigation goals and objectives outlined in this Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Whereas, adoption of this legitimacies the plan and authorizes responsible agencies to carry out their responsibilities under the plan.

Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the City of Sebastopol adopts the City of Sebastopol Local Hazard Mitigation Plan as an official plan; and

Be it further resolved, the City of Sebastopol will submit this adoption resolution to the California Office of Emergency Services and FEMA Region IX officials to enable the plan’s final approval in accordance with the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and to establish conformance with the requirements of AB 2140.

Passed:
(date)

Certifying Official

City of Sebastopol Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Annual Progress Meeting Agenda

1. Discussion on hazard events and impacts that occurred during the performance period

2. Review of progress on mitigation action implementation

3. Discussion on success stories

4. Recommendations for new actions/projects

5. Review of funding options and grant opportunities

6. Review of changes in plan maintenance or implementation

7. Review of continuing public involvement

City of Sebastopol
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Annual Progress Report Template
Reporting Period:

Background: The City of Sebastopol developed a hazard mitigation plan to reduce risk from all hazards by identifying resources, information, and strategies for risk reduction. The federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires state and local governments to develop hazard mitigation plans as a condition for federal disaster grant assistance. To prepare the plan, the City and participating stakeholders and partners organized resources, assessed risks from natural hazards within the City, developed planning goals and objectives, reviewed mitigation alternatives, and developed an action plan to address probable impacts from natural hazards. By completing this process, the City maintained compliance with the Disaster Mitigation Act, achieving eligibility for mitigation grant funding opportunities afforded under the Robert T. Stafford Act. The plan can be viewed online at: https://ci.sebastopol.ca.us/CityGovernment/Departments-Services/Fire/Local-Hazard-Mitigation-Plan Summary Overview of the Plan’s Progress: The performance period for the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan became effective on ____, 2021, with the final approval of the plan by FEMA. The initial performance period for this plan will be 5 years, with an anticipated update to the plan to occur before ______, 2026.

The City of Sebastopol Local Hazard Mitigation Plan has targeted 30 hazard mitigation initiatives to be pursued during the 5-year performance period. As of the reporting period, the following overall progress can be reported:
__ out of __ initiatives (__%) reported ongoing action toward completion. __ out of __ initiatives (__%) were reported as being complete. __ out of __ initiatives (___%) reported no action taken.

Purpose: The purpose of this report is to provide an annual update on the implementation of the action plan identified in the City of Sebastopol Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. The objective is to ensure that there is a continuing and responsive planning process that will keep the hazard mitigation plan dynamic and responsive to the needs and capabilities of the City. This report discusses the following:
• Natural hazard events that have occurred within the last year • Changes in risk exposure within the planning area (all of the City of Sebastopol) • Mitigation success stories
• Review of the action plan
• Changes in capabilities that could impact plan implementation • Recommendations for changes/enhancement
The Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee: The Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC), made up of City staff, planning partners, and stakeholders within the planning area, reviewed and approved this progress report at its annual meeting held on _____, 202_. It was determined through the plan’s development process that the HMPC would remain in service to oversee maintenance of the plan. At a minimum, the HMPC will provide technical review and oversight on the development of the annual progress report. It is anticipated that there will be turnover in the membership annually, which will be

documented in the progress reports. For this reporting period, the HMPC membership present at the meeting is as indicated in Table 1.

TABLE 1.

HMPC MEMBERS PRESENT
Name Title Jurisdiction/Department/Agency
Natural Hazard Events within the Planning Area: During the reporting period, there were __ natural hazard events in the planning area that had a measurable impact on people or property. A summary of these events is as follows:
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
Changes in Risk Exposure in the Planning Area: (Insert brief overview of any natural hazard event in the planning area that changed the probability of occurrence or ranking of risk for the hazards addressed in the hazard mitigation plan)
Mitigation Success Stories: (Insert brief overview of mitigation accomplishments during the reporting period)
Review of the Action Plan: Table 2 reviews the action plan, reporting the status of each initiative.

Reviewers of this report should refer to the City of Sebastopol Local Hazard Mitigation Plan for more detailed descriptions of each initiative and the prioritization process.

Address the following in the “status” column of the following table:

Was any element of the initiative carried out during the reporting period? If no action was completed, why?
Is the timeline for implementation for the initiative still appropriate? If the initiative was completed, does it need to be changed or removed from the action plan?

TABLE 2.

ACTION PLAN MATRIX
Action
No. Action Title
Action
Taken? (Yes
or No)
Timeline Priority Comments Status
(√, O, X)
City of Sebastopol 1
Inventory soft-story structures in the City and
provide notification to property owners of the
findings of those inspections
2 Inventory all non-ductile concrete, concrete
tilt-up, and other suspicious building in the
City
3 Use both the non-ductile concrete and
concrete tilt-up inventory and the soft-story
inventory to recommend private owners to
inform existing tenants (and prospective
tenants prior to signing a lease agreement)
that they live in this building type
4 Adopt incentives to encourage retrofitting of
privately-owned seismically vulnerable
residential buildings
5 Hillside Slope Stabilization Project at Burbank
Farm
6 Temporary Flood Protection for the Sebastopol
Community Cultural Center Main Hall
7 Housing Replacement and Recreation
Easement Project at the Park Village Property
8 Repetitive Loss Area Analysis 9
Consider joining Community Rating System
Program
10 Participation in the FEMA Sea Level Rise Study
11 Sebastopol Community Cultural Center Main
Hall Flood Mitigation Alternative
Implementation
12 Ives Park Calder Creek Daylighting and
Stormwater Improvement and Green
Infrastructure Project

TABLE 2.

ACTION PLAN MATRIX
Action
No. Action Title
Action
Taken? (Yes
or No)
Timeline Priority Comments Status
(√, O, X)
13 Promote Wildfire
-Resistant Construction
Materials for New Construction in the City
14 Develop a Tree Ordinance that requires
defensible space maintenance and promotes
healthy landscapes
15 Develop a Sebastopol Community Wildfire
Protection Plan
16 Continue participation in the Groundwater
Sustainability Agency and support future
project-specific groundwater management
projects related to the City’s water system
17 Build resiliency in the City’s water conveyance
system by upgrading and replacing water line
infrastructure
18 Enhance the City’s local drought contingency
plan to focus on additional water conservation
measures
19 Conduct a City
-wide Facility Energy and Water
Audit
20 Participate in the Emergency Action Plan for
Warm Springs Dam
21 Identify locations for Sebastopol Designated
Cooling Centers and including the locations in
updated outreach information
22 Upgrade emergency back-up power
generation for essential areas of the public
safety building
23 PSPS Readiness & Community Outreach
Preparedness Program
24 Inspect City-owned critical facilities and create
a plan that corrects deficiencies and addresses
infrastructure hardening and utility

TABLE 2.

ACTION PLAN MATRIX
Action
No. Action Title
Action
Taken? (Yes
or No)
Timeline Priority Comments Status
(√, O, X)
undergrounding to ensure resiliency to high
winds and severe weather
25 Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan
26 Ensure that the Police and Fire Departments
have adequate and interoperable radio
communication systems and equipment to
meet current technology requirements and to
support first responders during response and
recovery operations
27 Ensure that emergency operational plans meet
SEMS and NIMS compliance and are adequate
for federal and state response and recovery
28 Develop plans and procedures for Para-Transit
system response and recovery from disasters
that utilizes the Sonoma County Mutual Aid
Program
29 Update the City Emergency Operations Plan
30 Evacuation Route Plan
Status Legend: ✓= Project Completed
O = Action ongoing toward completion
X = No progress at this time

Changes That May Impact Implementation of the Plan: (Insert brief overview of any significant changes in the planning area that would have a profound impact on the implementation of the plan. Specify any changes in technical, regulatory and financial capabilities identified during the plan’s development) Recommendations for Changes or Enhancements: Based on the review of this report by the HMPC, the following recommendations will be noted for future updates or revisions to the plan:
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
Public review notice: The contents of this report are considered to be public knowledge and have been prepared for total public disclosure. Copies of the report have been provided to the governing boards of all planning partners and to local media outlets and the report is posted on the City of Sebastopol Local Hazard Mitigation Plan website. Any questions or comments regarding the contents of this report should be directed to:

Insert Contact Info Here

Prepared by:

Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc.
10940 White Rock Road, Suite 190
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670