Agenda packet — Sutter Creek City Council, April 6, 2026 (part 4 of 6)

Different than the FEMA DFIRMs which have been prepared to support the NFIP and reflect only the 100- year event risk, the BAMs are provided for informational purposes and are intended to reflect current 100- , 200-(as applicable), and 500-year event risks using the best available data. The 100-year floodplain limits on the BAM are a composite of multiple 100-year floodplain mapping sources. It is intended to show all currently identified areas at risk for a 100-year flood event, including FEMA’s 100-year floodplains. The BAM are comprised of different engineering studies performed by FEMA, Corps, and DWR for assessment of potential 100-, 200-, and 500-year floodplain areas. These studies are used for different planning and/or regulatory applications, and for each flood frequency may use varied analytical and quality control criteria depending on the study type requirements. The value in the BAMs is that they provide a bigger picture view of potential flood risk to the City than that provided in the FEMA DFIRMs. The BAM map for the City of Jackson is shown in Figure C-17.
818
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-58
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure C-17 City of Jackson – Best Available Map
Source: California DWR
Legend explanation: Blue - FEMA 100-Year, Orange – Local 100-Year (developed from local agencies), Red – DWR 100-year (Awareness floodplains identify the 100-year flood hazard areas using approximate assessment procedures.), Pink – USACE 100- Year (2002 Sac and San Joaquin River Basins Comp Study), Yellow – USACE 200-Year (2002 Sac and San Joaquin River Basins Comp Study), Tan – FEMA 500-Year, Grey – Local 500-Year (developed from local agencies), Purple – USACE 500-Year (2002 Sac and San Joaquin River Basins Comp Study).

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
A list of state and federal disaster declarations for Amador County from flooding is shown on Table C-22.

These events also likely affected the City to some degree.

Table C-22 Amador County – State and Federal Disaster Declarations from Flood 1950-2025 Disaster Type State Declarations Federal Declarations
Count Years Count Years
Flood (including heavy
rains and storms)
22 1950, 1955, 1958 (twice), 1959,
1963, 1964, 1969, 1980, 1982,
1986, 1995 (twice), 1997, 2006
(twice), 2017 (twice), 2019,
2021, 2023 (twice)
20 1950, 1955, 1958, 1962, 1963,
1964, 1969, 1986, 1995 (twice),
1997, 1998, 2006 (twice), 2017
(twice), 2019, 2023 (three)
Source: Cal OES, FEMA
819
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-59
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
NCDC Events
The NCDC tracks flooding events for the County. Events have been tracked for flooding since 1993.

Amador County has seen 43 events. These events most likely had some impact on the City.

City of Jackson Events
The City noted that the following events had affects and damages to the City:

The City noted an event in January and February 2017. Heavy rains caused damages to multiple areas in the City:
➢ Wastewater Treatment Plant Road: The slope slipped at the road to the sewer treatment plant. An emergency repair was made to repair the slope and road. ($600,000 in damages) ➢ Michelle Drive/Kristi Court Intersection: Asphalt concrete experienced transverse cracking in multiple locations. Asphalt concrete would be ground out and replaced. ($20,000 in damages) ➢ Westview Drive and Westview Drive at Terry Place & Erinn Place Intersection: Asphalt concrete experienced alligator cracking in multiple locations. Asphalt concrete would be ground out and replaced. ($20,000 in damages)
➢ Busi Parking: There is slope slippage at the Busi Parking lot adjacent to Mel's Diner. The slope would require reconstruction. ($500,000 in damages)
➢ Summit Street: Asphalt erosion has deteriorated the road. Asphalt concrete would be ground out and replaced. ($30,000 in damages)
➢ City Hall Roof: High gusty winds damaged the roof at City Hall. The roof will require fixing to alleviate the damage. ($60,000 in damages)
➢ Argonaut Drive: Asphalt concrete has deteriorated on road way adjacent to Fire Station. Asphalt concrete would be ground out and replaced. ($20,000 in damages) ➢ Stark Ln: existing bridge deck damaged underneath the deck, concrete is falling off and reinforcement is now exposed. Bridge to be replaced with a concrete box culvert before it fails. ($950,000 in damages) ➢ Jackson Gate Rd - Kennedy Mine walking trail, the base rock was washed out and material ended up on Jackson Gate Road. The runoff has created large rills in the trail. Place new base rock and compact. ($20,000 in damages)
➢ Jackson Gate/China Graveyard: the material around an existing culvert that crosses Jackson Gate from China Graveyard was undermined from the large amount of runoff. Pipe needs to be exposed and rebackfilled with cement slurry and the trench repaved. ($12,000 in damages) ➢ China Graveyard: the existing roadside ditch along the north side of the road starting from New York Ranch Rd east 630 has been washed out and the westbound lane edge of pavement is sluffing off and starting to get undermined. A 6' wide section of the edge of the road needs to be rebuilt with 3" ac over 8" ab. Roadside ditch needs to be cleaned and regraded and RSP placed in the ditch. ($85,350 in damages)
➢ Mattley St: repair bank failure above city parking lot bathrooms. ($525,000 in damages) ➢ Sutter St: existing roadside ditch washed out and asphalt concrete ditch has been undermined from the high flows coming down Sutter St. 800 linear feet of a new asphalt concrete ditch that ties into the existing roadway edge of pavement needs to be constructed. ($52,600 in damages) ➢ Spunn Rd: there are two existing culverts that daylight on the east side of the road at 10340 Spunn Rd.

High flows have eroded the bank at the outlet of the culverts. An energy dissipator is needed with rip rap at the two outlets. ($21,000 in damages)
The City also noted flooding occurred inside the City from December 27, 2022 to January 2, 2023. Heavy rains from an atmospheric river storm event occurred. This caused both riverine flooding as well as 820
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-60
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
localized flooding. Water had to be pumped from the Argonaut HS lift station and dumped into a manhole on Hoffman to keep that area from flooding. Areas along the North Fork of Jackson Creek caused soil erosion that exposed pipes that ran along the river, which needed to be fixed. These were sewer lines that were buried under and within creek beds. The Wastewater Treatment Plant saw damages from flooding, high sewer flows, as well as landsliding in areas around the Plant (as discussed in the Past Occurrences of Landslide, Mudslide, and Debris Flow below). The City saw stormwater drainage issues and damages in the French Bar Road and South Avenue areas.

The City utilized force account labor overtime, materials, and contracts in taking the Emergency Protective Measures of providing emergency access by clearing debris from roadways and conducting emergency road repairs, flood fighting including emergency pumping including removal of stormwater from sewer lift station and overtime labor to keep wastewater treatment facility operational throughout the incident, emergency slope stabilization including repairs to a slope where a mudslide occurred depositing debris onto a public roadway, and emergency repairs necessary to prevent further damage including mudslide remediation at wastewater treatment plant and repairs to pump valves to lessen or eliminate immediate threats to lives, public health and safety, and improved property.

Climate Change and Flood
It is likely that climate change will increase the chance of future occurrence as well as future impacts associated with flood. More information on future impacts to the City can be found in the Future Conditions/Future Development section of the Vulnerability Assessment below.

According to the 2021 CAS (as well as the 2024 Draft CAS), climate change may affect flooding in California, the Amador County Planning Area, and the City of Jackson. While average annual rainfall may increase or decrease slightly, the intensity of individual rainfall events is likely to increase during the 21st century. It is possible that average soil moisture and runoff could decline, however, due to increasing temperature, evapotranspiration rates, and spacing between rainfall events. Reduced snowpack and increased number of intense rainfall events are likely to put additional pressure on water infrastructure which could increase the chance of flooding associated with breaches or failures of flood control structures such as levees and dams. Cal Adapt future precipitation projections were shown in Section 4.3.4.

Vulnerability to Flood: 1% and 0.2% Annual Chance
Floods have been a part of the City’s historical past and will continue to be so in the future. During winter months, long periods of precipitation and the timing of that precipitation are critical in determining the threat of flood, and these characteristics further dictate the potential for widespread structural and property damage. Predominantly, the effects of 1% and 0.2% annual chance flooding are generally confined to areas near the waterways of the City. As waterways grow in size from local drainages, so grows the threat of flood and dimensions of the threat.

The whole of the City is at some measure of vulnerability to floods. An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to flood begins with an understanding of local exposure to flood. This is included in the Local Concerns section below followed by a discussion of the City’s Assets at Risk to this hazard. 821
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-61
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Local Concerns
The City has specific concerns and unique vulnerabilities regarding this hazard. These concerns form a portion of the basis for the mitigation strategy and mitigation actions that seek to reduce risk and vulnerability to this hazard.

The General Plan Safety Element noted that the historic center of the Jackson area is the junction of the branches of Jackson Creek into the main stream. There are no major dams located on the creeks upstream from the City. Flooding is confined to narrow areas along the streams, typically less than 150 feet wide, as shown on the DFIRM. The flood waters seldom rise above the natural high banks of the streams. In the central business district, portions of the natural banks have been replaced with masonry walls and in a few places the North Fork has been covered over with buildings.

During periods of heavy rains and more recently, atmospheric rivers, flooding can be extensive along the waterways resulting in a variety of damages. Recent events have caused local stormwater drainage systems to be overwhelmed causing damage to culverts and underground pipes; roads, ditches, and bridges have been damaged and eroded, and certain key facilities, such as the WWTP, City Hall, and the Argonaut High School have experienced damage, as seen in the 2017 and 2022/2023 storm events. There are numerous areas around the City that experience a variety of issues during larger flood events.

Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from flood include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

People and Populations
All people and populations located in the 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains are at some risk to flooding. Certain vulnerable populations located within areas prone to flooding may be at increased risk to this hazard, especially during a large event with minimal advance notice. These vulnerable populations include: the unsheltered, those with limited mobility, and those that lack the resources to leave the area.

Those residential parcels that intersect the flood zones were counted and multiplied by the 2023 Census Bureau average household factors for the City of Jackson – 2.20. According to this analysis, there is a total population of 332 and 29 residents of the City at risk to flooding in the 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains, respectively. This is shown in Table C-23. 822
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-62
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table C-23 City of Jackson – Improved Residential Parcels and Population by Summary FEMA DFIRM Flood Zone
Jurisdiction
1% Annual Chance 0.2% Annual Chance
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population at
Risk
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population at
Risk
Jackson 151 332 13 29
Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data, US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 Household Size Estimates.

The City noted that the Critical Facilities and Infrastructure section below includes the facilities used by At-Risk populations that are threatened by this hazard. While this is not specific to what special populations reside in the City, it does speak to facilities that area used to serve (portions) of this population.

Structures
Certain structures in the City are at risk of DFIRM flooding and primarily include those structures located within the 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains. GIS was used to determine the possible impacts of flooding on parcels and structures within the City of Jackson. The methodology described in Section 4.3.11 of the Base Plan was followed in determining structures and values at risk to the 1% (100-year) and 0.2% (500-year) annual chance flood event. Table C-24 is a summary table for the City of Jackson. Parcel counts, land and improved values (i.e., those with a structure improvement on the parcel), estimated content replacement values, and total values in the City are shown for the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood zones, as well as for those properties that fall outside of the mapped FEMA DFIRM flood zones. Table C-25 breaks down Table C-24 and shows the same analysis further broken out by detailed FEMA flood zone and property use.

Table C-24 City of Jackson – Count and Value of Parcels and Structures in Summary DFIRM Flood Zone
Flood Zone Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
Total Value
1% Annual
Chance Flood
Hazard
291 207 $38,297,775 $145,588,113 $122,294,239 $306,180,127

0.2% Annual
Chance Flood
Hazard
29 24 $3,525,241 $10,794,147 $9,553,139 $23,872,527
Other Areas 1,804 1,525 $160,028,972 $411,492,479 $248,465,038 $819,986,489 Jackson Total 2,124 1,756 $201,851,988 $567,874,739 $380,312,415 $1,150,039,142 Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data *With respect to improve parcels within the floodplain, the actual structures on the parcels may not be located within the actual floodplain, may be elevated and or otherwise outside of the identified flood zone **This parcel count only includes those parcels in the 0.2% annual chance flood zone, exclusive of the 1% annual chance flood zone.

The 0.2% annual chance flood, in actuality, also includes all parcels in the 1% annual chance flood zone. 823
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-63
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table C-25 City of Jackson – Count and Values of Parcels and Structures by Detailed DFIRM Flood Zone and Property Use
Flood Zone /
Property Use
Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
Total Value
1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Agricultural 4 1 $4,307,193 $557,676 $557,676 $5,422,545 Commercial 67 54 $16,456,161 $98,463,104 $98,463,104 $213,382,369 Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous 15 0 $100 $0 $0 $100
Residential 204 151 $17,527,135 $46,546,917 $23,273,459 $87,347,511 Unknown 1 1 $7,186 $20,416 $0 $27,602
1% Annual
Chance Flood
Hazard Total
291 207 $38,297,775 $145,588,113 $122,294,239 $306,180,127

0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Agricultural 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Commercial 12 11 $2,471,163 $8,312,130 $8,312,130 $19,095,423 Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous 2 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Residential 15 13 $1,054,078 $2,482,017 $1,241,009 $4,777,104 Unknown 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0

0.2% Annual
Chance Flood
Hazard Total
29 24 $3,525,241 $10,794,147 $9,553,139 $23,872,527
Other Areas
Agricultural 7 1 $303,112 $170,466 $170,466 $644,044
Commercial 189 152 $35,934,192 $76,764,673 $76,764,673 $189,463,538 Industrial 12 9 $3,001,381 $6,178,312 $9,267,468 $18,447,161 Miscellaneous 47 2 $616,110 $1,465,924 $0 $2,082,034
Residential 1,535 1,349 $119,144,592 $324,524,861 $162,262,431 $605,931,884 Unknown 14 12 $1,029,585 $2,388,243 $0 $3,417,828
Other Areas
Total
1,804 1,525 $160,028,972 $411,492,479 $248,465,038 $819,986,489 Jackson Total 2,124 1,756 $201,851,988 $567,874,739 $380,312,415 $1,150,039,142 Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data *With respect to improve parcels within the floodplain, the actual structures on the parcels may not be located within the actual floodplain, may be elevated and or otherwise outside of the identified flood zone **This parcel count only includes those parcels in the 0.2% annual chance flood zone, exclusive of the 1% annual chance flood zone.

The 0.2% annual chance flood, in actuality, also includes all parcels in the 1% annual chance flood zone. 824
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-64
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table C-26 summarizes Table C-25 and shows City of Jackson loss estimates and improved values at risk by FEMA 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood zones. According to Table C-25 and Table C-26, the City of Jackson has 207 parcels and $53.6 million of structure and contents values or values in the 1% annual chance flood zone, and 24 improved parcels and $267.9 million of structure and contents values in the 0.2% annual chance flood zone. These values can be refined a step further. Applying the 20 percent damage factor as previously described in Section 4.3.11 of the Base Plan, there is a 1% chance in any given year of a flood event causing $53.6 million in damage and a 0.2% chance in any given year of a flood event causing $1.4 million in damage in the City of Jackson. The loss ratio of 0.775% indicates that flood losses for 1% annual chance flooding would be relatively minor, but the City would be able to readily recover. The loss ratio of 0.59% indicates that flood losses for 0.2% annual chance flooding would be relatively minor and the City should also be able to recover with limited.

Table C-26 City of Jackson – Flood Loss Estimates
Flood
Zone
Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
Total Value Loss
Estimate
Loss
Ratio
1%
Annual
Chance
Flood
Hazard
291 207 $38,297,775 $145,588,113 $122,294,239 $267,882,352 $53,576,470 0.775%

0.2%
Annual
Chance
Flood
Hazard
29 24 $3,525,241 $10,794,147 $9,553,139 $20,347,286 $4,069,457 0.059% Total 320 231 $41,823,016 $156,382,260 $131,847,378 $288,229,638 $57,645,927 0.008% Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data *With respect to improve parcels within the floodplain, the actual structures on the parcels may not be located within the actual floodplain, may be elevated and or otherwise outside of the identified flood zone **This parcel count only includes those parcels in the 0.2% annual chance flood zone, exclusive of the 1% annual chance flood zone.

The 0.2% annual chance flood, in actuality, also includes all parcels in the 1% annual chance flood zone.

Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
1% and 0.2% annual chance flooding present a threat to critical facilities and infrastructure. The following analysis discusses critical facilities and infrastructure. A separate analysis was performed on the critical facility inventory in the City to determine which critical facilities fall into each FEMA DFIRM flood zone.

Using GIS, the FEMA DFIRM flood zones were overlayed on the critical facility GIS layer. This is shown on Figure C-25 for the FEMA DFIRM flood zones. Table C-46 details which critical facilities fall in which FEMA DFIRM flood zones. Details of critical facility categories, type, name, and address by FEMA DFIRM flood zones are listed in Appendix F.
825
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-65
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure C-18 City of Jackson – Critical Facilities in FEMA DFIRM Flood Zones Table C-27 City of Jackson – Critical Facilities by Category and Type in FEMA DFIRM Flood Zones
Flood Zone Critical Facility Category / Critical Facility Type Facility Count 1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Zone A
Essential Services
Clinic 1
Essential Services Total 1
Zone A Total 1
Zone AE
Essential Services
Civic Center 1
Police Station 1
Public Administration Building 1
Essential Services Total 3
Zone AE Total 3
1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard Total 4
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Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-66
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Flood Zone Critical Facility Category / Critical Facility Type Facility Count

0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Zone X (shaded) Essential Services
Clinic 1
Essential Services Total 1
Zone X (shaded) Total 1

0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Total
1 Other Areas
Zone X (unshaded)
Essential Services
Clinic 7
Communications 1
Community Center 2
Court House 1
DMV 1
EOC 1
Evacuation Shelter 2
Fire Station 2
Government Administration 1
Healthcare/School Services 1
Hospital 1
Jail 1
Library 1
Police Station 2
Post Office 1
Public Administration Building 1
School District Office 1
Wastewater Facility 2
Wastewater Treatment Plant 1
Essential Services Total 30
At Risk Population
Community Center 1
Other 1
Residential Care Facility 4
School 5
Veterans Services 2
At Risk Population Total 13
Zone X (unshaded) Total 43
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Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-67
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Flood Zone Critical Facility Category / Critical Facility Type Facility Count Other Areas Total 43
Jackson Total 48
Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, City of Jackson
Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Large flood events can affect natural, historic, and cultural resources. There are a number of ways floodwaters can impact natural resources and the environment. Wildlife habitats can be destroyed by floodwaters. Contaminated floodwater can pollute rivers and habitats. Silt and sediment can destroy natural areas. Riverbanks and natural levees can be eliminated as rivers reach bankfull capacity. Rivers can be widened, and deposition can increase downstream. Trees can be uprooted by high-velocity water flow.

Plants that survive the initial flood may die due to being inundated with water. Historic and cultural resources may also be affected. Generally, the impacts are associated with damage to structures within the flooded areas, but other cultural resources such as those associated with Native Americans and old tribal areas can also be disturbed, damaged and lost during extreme flood events. Any of these that fall in the flood zones shown on Figure C-16 would be vulnerable.

Impacts from Flood: 1% and 0.2% Annual Chance
Floods are among the costliest natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss nationwide.

Large flood events, including those associated with 1% and 0.2% annual chance floods, can cause substantial damage to structures, landscapes, and utilities as well as life safety issues. People may be swept away in floodwaters, causing injuries or deaths. Floods can be extremely dangerous, and even six inches of moving water can knock over a person given a strong current. During a flood, people can also suffer heart attacks or electrocution due to electrical equipment short outs. Direct impacts, such as drowning, can be limited with adequate warning and public education about what to do during floods. Floodwaters can transport large objects downstream which can damage or remove stationary structures. Structures can be damaged directly from floodwaters and can also be damaged from trees falling as a result of water-saturated soils. Ground saturation can result in instability, collapse, or other damage. Objects can also be buried or destroyed through sediment deposition. Floodwaters can also break utility lines and interrupt services causing power outages. The interruption of power causes major problems and can result in the closure of governmental offices and community businesses. Public schools may also be required to close or be placed on a delayed start schedule. Roads can be damaged and closed, causing safety and evacuation issues.

Standing water can cause damage to crops, roads, foundations, and electrical circuits. Other problems connected with flooding and stormwater runoff include erosion, sedimentation, degradation of water quality, loss of environmental resources, and economic impacts.

Impacts that are not quantified, but can be anticipated in large future events, include:
➢ Injury and loss of life;
➢ Commercial and residential structural and property damage; ➢ Disruption of and damage to public infrastructure, utilities, and services; ➢ Damage to roads/bridges resulting in loss of mobility; 828
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-68
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Significant economic impact (jobs, sales, tax revenue) to the community; and ➢ Negative impact on commercial and residential property values Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the City may be affected in the future by climate change (which was discussed in the hazard profile discussion above), changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. These are discussed below.

Insurance Coverage, Claims Paid, and Repetitive Losses
Standard property insurance does not include flood coverage because of the relatively high risk. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides flood insurance to residents in those communities that participate in the NFIP. Federal financial assistance requires the purchase of flood insurance for structures located within a 100-year floodplain – a requirement that affects nearly all mortgages financed through commercial lending institutions. Flood insurance is also recommended for all structures protected by levees, even if not mapped within a floodplain.

The City of Jackson joined the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on August 19, 1985. The City does not participate in the CRS program. NFIP data indicates that as of March 2, 2020, there were 28 flood insurance policies in force in the City with $8,054,500 of coverage. There have been 40 historical claims for flood losses totaling $1,030,257.19. 29 were for pre-FIRM structures. 25 of these pre-FIRM losses was in the A zone, while the other 4 were in the B, C, or X zones. 5 were for post-FIRM structure in the A zone. NFIP data further indicates that there are 7 repetitive loss and 0 severe repetitive loss buildings in the City. The repetitive loss buildings are 2 single family homes, 1 multi-family home, and one nonresidential building. There has been one substantial damage claim since 1978 in the City.

Based on this analysis of insurance coverage, the City has values at risk to the 1% annual chance and greater floods. Of the 207 improved parcels within the 1% annual chance flood zone, 24 of those parcels maintain flood insurance. This can be seen on Table C-28.

Table C-28 City of Jackson – Percentage of Policy Holders to Improved Parcels in the 1% Annual Chance Floodplain
Jurisdiction Improved Parcels in
SFHA (1% Annual
Chance) Floodplain*
Insurance Policies
in the SFHA (1%
Annual Chance)
Floodplain
Percentage of 1%
Annual Chance
Floodplain Parcels
Currently Insured
City of Jackson 207 24 11.6%
Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data, NFIP CIS data.

Future Conditions/Future Development
This section provides a discussion of how future conditions will influence or affect the hazard over time and also discusses future development relative to each hazard. 829
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-69
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Future Conditions
Future conditions may be affected by climate change, changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. Findings on this for the City of Jackson include the following:
➢ Climate change is likely to exacerbate future flood conditions and associated impacts and vulnerability of the County to 1% and 0.2% annual chance flooding.
➢ Future population growth should be considered, as having more or less people in a community affects the overall hazard vulnerability to the City. Population growth in the City of Jackson has recently slowed; however, additional growth within the levee protected areas of the County and other 1% and

0.2% annual chance floodplains would place additional populations at risk to flood. Additional population growth would likely bring continued diversity to the County. Vulnerable population groups could face disproportionate effects from flooding and should be planned for. Changes in population and population patterns may or may not increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard depending on the location and nature of growth and continued planning for future hazard conditions and the location of future flood events.
➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. Six residential lots are expected to be built in the next five years. These are located outside of the known floodplain. Locating new development, structures and critical facilities and infrastructure within or near areas of flood risk may put additional development at risk. However, City building codes and the City’s floodplain ordinance are in effect to reduce this risk and should be updated as necessary to continue to address future flood conditions. Six residential lots are expected to be built in the next five years, with more likely in the extended future. Changes in land use and development may or may not increase the impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the City to this hazard depending on where and how this future growth occurs and the nature and extent of future flood events.

Future Development
The potential for flooding may increase as floodwaters are channeled due to land development. Such changes can exacerbate flooding problems inside and outside of natural floodplains by altering or confining natural drainage channels. Floodplain modeling and master planning should be based on built out property use to ensure that all new development remains safe from future flooding. While local floodplain management, stormwater management, and water quality regulations and policies address these changes on a site-by-site basis, their cumulative effects can have a negative impact on the overall floodplain.

The City enforces its floodplain management ordinance. The City’s floodplain ordinance should be updated to ensure new development within floodplains is adequately protected. More detail on the specifics of the floodplain ordinance can be found in the Capability section below.

Future development areas and their vulnerability to 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood are discussed further in the below GIS analysis.

GIS Analysis
The City provided a future development area which was used as the basis for the inventory of future development for the City. This area was mapped in GIS. Utilizing the future development area spatial 830
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-70
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
layer, the parcel polygon data was intersected to determine the future development areas within each DFIRM flood zone. Figure C-19 shows the locations of the future development area overlayed on the DFIRM flood zones. These lie outside of the mapped DFIRM flood zones; as such, no tabular analysis is presented.

Figure C-19 City of Jackson – Future Development Areas in FEMA DFIRM Flood Zones Flood: Localized Stormwater Flooding
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Highly Likely
Vulnerability–Medium
Hazard Profile
Flooding occurs in areas other than the FEMA mapped 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains. Flooding may be from drainages not studied by FEMA, lack of or inadequate drainage infrastructure, or inadequate maintenance. Localized, stormwater flooding occurs throughout the City during the rainy season from November through April. Prolonged heavy rainfall (including that from atmospheric river events) contributes to a large volume of runoff resulting in high peak flows of moderate duration. 831
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-71
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Location and Extent
The City of Jackson is subject to localized flooding throughout the City. Areas prone to localized flooding are included in Table C-29 below. Flood extents are usually measured in areas affected, velocity of flooding, and depths of flooding. Expected flood depths in the City vary by location. Flood durations in the City tend to be short to medium term, or until either the storm drainage system can catch up or flood waters move downstream. Localized flooding in the City tends to have a shorter speed of onset, especially when antecedent rainfall has soaked the ground and reduced its capacity to absorb additional moisture.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
There have been no state or federal disaster declarations from localized floods. There would most likely have been localized flood events during the disaster declarations from flood as shown in the previous 1%/0.2% annual chance flood section.

NCDC Events
The NCDC occurrences of localized flooding are included in the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood hazard profile above where past flood events were noted.

City of Jackson Events
The City noted that localized flooding happens every year, to varying extent. There were issues in 2017 and 2022/2023 that were discussed in the Flood:-1% and 0.2% annual chance flood section of this Annex.

Climate Change and Localized Flood
It is likely that climate change will increase the chance of future occurrence as well as future impacts from localized flood. More information on future impacts to the City can be found in the Future Conditions/Future Development section of the Vulnerability Assessment below.

Even if average annual rainfall may decrease slightly, the intensity of individual rainfall events is likely to increase during the 21st century, increasing the likelihood of overwhelming stormwater systems built to historical rainfall averages. This makes localized flooding more likely.

Vulnerability to Localized Flood
Flood vulnerability and their impacts vary by location and severity of any given flood event and will likely only affect certain areas of the City during specific times. Based on the risk assessment, it is evident that floods will continue to have potentially significant impacts to certain areas of the City. However, while flooding can cause significant impacts, depending on the duration and volume of precipitation and the drainage in any given area, many of the floods in the City are minor, localized flood events that are more of a nuisance than a disaster.
832
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-72
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Many areas of the City are at some measure of vulnerability to localized flooding. An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to localized flooding begins with an understanding of local exposure to localized flooding. This is included in the Local Concerns section below followed by a discussion of the City’s Assets at Risk to this hazard.

Local Concerns
The City has specific concerns and unique vulnerabilities regarding this hazard. These concerns form a portion of the basis for the mitigation strategy and mitigation actions that seek to reduce risk and vulnerability to this hazard.

Historically, the City has been affected by flooding of streams and creeks occurring during heavy rain and storm (including atmospheric river) events. Additional development in the City and in the watersheds of these streams affects both the frequency and duration of damaging floods through an increase in stormwater runoff and contributes to localized flooding occurring in areas throughout the City. The lack of or inadequate drainage infrastructure in the City contributes to localized flooding issues.

The City tracks localized flooding areas. Affected localized flood areas identified by the City of Jackson are summarized in Table C-29.

Table C-29 City of Jackson – List of Localized Flooding Problem Areas Area Name Flooding Pavement
Deterioration
Washout High
Water
Landslide/
Mudslide
Debris Downed
Trees
Argonaut Heights area
along Buena Vista Drive
X
Westview Drive in the
Westview Estates
subdivision area
X
South Avenue X
Jackson Gate Road X
Area of 749 No. Main,
Downstream of French Bar
Bridge, Area of 315 No.

Main St, Quail Hollow area
X
Below Mattley St, Busi
parking lot and downstream
of Busi parking lot
X
French Bar Road X X
Source: City of Jackson
Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from localized flood include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections. 833
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-73
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
People and Populations
People and populations (including vulnerable populations) are traditionally not highly vulnerable to localized flooding, but their structures and contents can be at risk. Localized flooding may also cause transportation issues as roads and lanes are impacted or closed and affect the ability for people to travel throughout the City.

Structures
Structures in areas with localized flooding can be affected if floodwaters intrude into the structure.

Structures in low lying areas, or those with basements can be at greater risk. Buildings with older foundations that are prone to water intrusion are also at greater risk. Once water finds its way into a structure, it tends to continue to do so until the path that brings water into a structure is mitigated. Structures can also be damaged by trees that have become uprooted and fall during rain and storm events. Large trees falling onto structures can cause significant damage.

Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Localized flooding, while often more of a nuisance, can cause damage to critical facilities and infrastructure during a heavy rain and storm event. Any facility that experiences localized flooding can be impacted.

Utilities and other critical infrastructure can all be affected, causing interruptions in service until repairs can be made. For example, water and wastewater systems can be vulnerable to heavy rains and flood events. Rainfall creates a high water table, surging streams and creeks, and saturates soil. Infiltration of stormwater into water and wastewater systems may occur and presents a threat to public health and safety, when the infrastructure is no longer able to meet operational needs and local demands. Other critical facilities such as roads, bridges and other transportation facilities can also experience localized flooding causing road closures and other impacts until storm waters recede. This can result in extended road closures requiring alternate routes.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Natural resource assets may have some vulnerabilities to localized flood during major storm events, but can benefit from floodwaters, often by design. Many parks and green spaces are designed to take overflow water and release it into the underlying soils and natural areas. Wetlands areas in the City actually help reduce the risk of flooding, as they can absorb excess rainfall that would have to be drained away from impervious surfaces. Flooding can provide many benefits to the natural environment, including recharging wetlands and groundwater, increasing fish production, creating wildlife habitat, and rejuvenating soil fertility. These smaller localized flooding events often provide more benefits to the environment in comparison to negative impacts associated with large flood events. Historic and cultural resources may be at some measure of vulnerability if they are located in areas subject to repeated localized flooding.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-74
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
be buried or destroyed through sediment deposition. Floodwaters can break utility lines and interrupt services. Standing water can cause damage to crops, roads, and foundations. Other problems connected with flooding and stormwater runoff include erosion, sedimentation, degradation of water quality, losses of environmental resources, and certain health hazards.

Life safety issues from localized flooding would be more limited. The amount and type of damage or flooding that occurs varies from year to year and from storm to storm, depending on the quantity of precipitation and runoff.

Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the City may be affected in the future by climate change (which was discussed in the Likelihood of Future Occurrence discussion above), changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. These are discussed below.

Future Conditions/Future Development
Future conditions may be affected by climate change, changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. Findings on this for the City of Jackson include the following:
➢ Climate change is likely to exacerbate future heavy rain conditions and associated impacts and vulnerability of the City to localized flood.
➢ Population growth in the City of Jackson has recently slowed. Additional population growth would likely bring continued diversity to the City. This can also impact the vulnerable populations, like lowincome individuals and households living in areas that are typically more hazardous. Vulnerable population groups such as low-income individuals and households living in flood prone areas could face disproportionate effects from localized flood and should be planned for. Changes in population and population patterns may or may not increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard depending on the location and nature of growth and continued planning for future hazard conditions. ➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. Development in more urban areas causes an increase in peak flow and stormwater runoff. Six residential lots are expected to be built in the next five years. Such growth will consume previously undeveloped acres, and the impacts may overwhelm existing drainage and flood control facilities. Locating new development, structures and critical facilities and infrastructure within or near areas of localized flooding risk may put additional development at risk. However, City building codes are in effect to reduce this risk and should be updated as necessary to continue to address future localized flood conditions. Depending on the location of new development and adherence to protective building codes, changes in land use and development may or may not increase the impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the City to this hazard.

The City will need to be proactive to ensure that increased development has proper siting and drainage for stormwaters. The risk of localized flooding to future development can also be minimized by accurate recordkeeping of repetitive localized storm activity. Mitigating the root causes of the localized stormwater flooding will reduce future risks of losses.
835
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-75
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Landslide, Mudslide, and Debris Flow
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Likely
Vulnerability–Medium
Hazard Profile
Like its earthquake‐generating faults, California’s mountainous terrain is a consequence of dynamic geologic processes in operation as the North American Plate grinds past the Pacific Plate. According to the CGS, a landslide is a general term for a variety of mass-movement processes that generate a down-slope movement of mud, soil, rock, and/or vegetation. Landslides are classified into many different types based on form and type of movement. They range from slow‐moving rotational slumps and earth flows, which can slowly distress structures but are less threatening to personal safety, to fast‐moving rock avalanches and debris flows that are a serious threat to structures and have been responsible for most fatalities during landslide events. For the purposes of this LHMP Update, the term landslide includes mudslides, debris flows, and rockfalls that tend to occur suddenly; as well as hillside erosion, which is a similar process that tends to occur on smaller scales and more gradually but can exacerbate landslide events.

Landslides, debris flows and mudslides are closely related to flooding, as both processes are related to precipitation, runoff, and the saturation of ground by water. In addition, landslides, mud flows, and debris flows can occur on small, steep stream channels and are often mistaken for floods. However, landslide events may be much more destructive than floods because of their higher densities, high debris loads, and high velocities.

Soil erosion is another common form of soil instability. Erosion is a function of soil type, slope, rainfall intensity, and groundcover. It accounts for a loss in many dollars of valuable soil, is aesthetically displeasing, and often induces even greater rates of erosion and sedimentation. Sedimentation is simply the accumulation of soil as a result of erosion. Construction activities often contribute greatly to erosion and sedimentation. Besides being a pollutant in its own right, sediment acts as a transport medium for other pollutants, especially nutrients, pesticides, and heavy metals, which adhere to the eroded soil particles. As the sediment drains into watercourses, the combination of these pollutants adversely affects water quality.

Natural conditions that contribute to landslide, mudslides, debris flows, hillside and streambank erosion, include the following:
➢ Degree of slope
➢ Water (heavy rain, river flows, or wave action)
➢ Unconsolidated soil or soft rock and sediments
➢ Lack of vegetation (no stabilizing root structure)
➢ Previous wildfires and other forest disturbances (discussed in the Wildfire section below) ➢ Road building, excavation, and grading
➢ Earthquake
The 2023 California State Hazard Mitigation Plan noted that more than one third of California is mountainous terrain that generally trends parallel to the coast, forming a barrier that captures moisture from offshore storms originating in the Gulf of Alaska and Mexico. Steep topography, weak rocks, heavy winter 836
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-76
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
rains, and occasional earthquakes all lead to slope failures more frequently than would otherwise occur under gravity alone.

Location and Extent
Landslides can occur in areas with steep slopes and weak soils. It can also occur in areas where erosion has previously occurred. Both winter storms (precipitation-induced) and earthquake triggered landslides tend to occur in or near places that have experienced previous landslides. However, landslides may also occur in other locations over time. Landslides may also occur in fire burn scar areas.

Figure C-20 shows the CGS areas at susceptible to deep-seated landslides. The legend on Figure C-20 shows the susceptibility scale (from 0-X with 0 being the least and X being the most susceptible) that the CGS uses to show the susceptibility of landslides. It is a primarily a combination of slope class and rock strength. Geographic extents of these classes are shown on Table C-30. According to the 2023 State Hazard Mitigation Plan, the susceptibility classes were further categorized into Very High (susceptibility class X) and High (susceptibility classes VII, VIII, & IX) for exposure analysis. The rest of the classes were not categorized. CGS mapping indicates that there are areas of the City and surrounding area are at high to very high susceptibility areas for landslides. This can be seen in the darker orange and red colors. The speed of onset of landslide is often short, especially in past landslide areas as well as in post-wildfire burn scar areas, but it can also take years for a slope to fail. Landslide duration is usually short, though digging out and repairing landslide areas can take some time.
837
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-77
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure C-20 City of Jackson – Susceptibility to Deep-Seated Landslides Table C-30 City of Jackson – Susceptibility to Deep-Seated Landslide Geographical Extents by Class
Susceptibility to DeepSeated Landslide ClassTotal
Acres
% of
Total
Acres
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres
0 1,569 68% 561 72% 1,009 66%
III 419 18% 132 17% 287 19%
V 61 3% 30 4% 31 2%
VI 145 6% 38 5% 107 7%
VII 70 3% 12 2% 57 4%
VIII 33 1% 8 1% 25 2%
IX 3 0.1% 1 0.1% 3 0.2%
X 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
Jackson Total 2,302 100% 782 100% 1,520 100%
Source: CGS
838
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-78
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Past Occurrences
Disaster Declarations
There have been no disaster declarations associated with solely landslides in Amador County; however, as shown in Table C-31, there have been 9 state and 10 federal disaster declarations for flood which included landslides as a component.

Table C-31 Amador County – Federal and State Disaster Declarations Summary 1950-2025 Disaster Type State Declarations Federal Declarations
Count Years Count Years
Flood (events that
included landslide)
9 1995 (twice), 2006 (twice), 2017
(twice), 2019, 2023 (twice)
10 1995 (twice), 2006 (twice), 2017
(twice), 2019, 2023 (three)
Source: Cal OES, FEMA. Retrieved March 2025.

NCDC Events
The NCDC contains no records for landslides in Amador County, but there was one record for debris flow.

This was not known to affect the City.

City of Jackson Past Occurrences
The City has seen damages in the past from landslides. The City noted an event on March 4th of 2009. A hillside slip near Main Street and State Route 49/88 damaged a public building. Mattley Street was closed to evaluate the damages. Damages are shown in Figure C-21 through Figure C-23. 839
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-79
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure C-21 City of Jackson – Past Damages from Landslide Source: City of Jackson
840
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-80
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure C-22 City of Jackson – Past Damages from Landslide Source: City of Jackson
841
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-81
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure C-23 City of Jackson – Past Damages from Landslide Source: City of Jackson
The City had a slide in the Busi Parking Lot in 2017 during the storm events. Repairs have been made but that area is still unstable.

The City noted that landsliding occurred during rainstorm events in the winter of 2022/2023. Atmospheric river rains caused areas to landslide. The City saw landsliding at the Mattley Street hillside near the wastewater treatment plant. A mudslide occurred, depositing soil and rock onto a public roadway. This can be seen on Figure C-24.
842
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-82
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure C-24 City of Jackson – 2022/2023 Mattley St Hillside Landslide

Source: City of Jackson
Additionally, a sinkhole occurred in the Scout Hut parking lot during this event. 843
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-83
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Climate Change and Landslide and Debris Flows
According to the 2021 CAS (as well as the 2024 Draft CAS), climate change may result in precipitation extremes (i.e., wetter wet periods and drier dry periods). More information on precipitation increases can be found in Section 4.3.4 of the Base Plan. While total average annual rainfall may decrease only slightly, rainfall is predicted to occur in fewer, more intense precipitation events. The combination of a generally drier climate in the future, which will increase the chance of drought and wildfires, and the occasional extreme downpour is likely to cause more mudslides, landslides, and debris flows.

Vulnerability from Landslide
Portions of the City are at some measure of vulnerability to landslide. This is true when atmospheric river or heavy rain and storm events occur. An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to landslide begins with an understanding of local exposure to landslide. This is included in the Local Concerns section below followed by a discussion of the City’s Assets at Risk to this hazard.

The City of Jackson General Plan Safety Element noted that due to the high angles of tilting in many of the rock sequences found in the Jackson area great care must be taken in making open cuts in rock slopes.

Professional geophysical-geological advice is needed to avoid creating hazardous new rockslides. Two existing large cuts are located on the western side of Highway 88-49: one adjacent to the southern side of the Safeway market, the other on the northern side of the Busi Municipal Parking Lot. While the southern cut is quite stable, the rockslides in portions of the Busi cut are obvious. One can clearly see the fracturing, joint systems, and tilting of the rock strata north of the parking lot.

The bedrock in the Jackson area has undergone fracturing, tilting, faulting, and weathering creating areas of instability where there are steep slopes or open cuts. Where slopes of over 20% occur or are proposed, careful consideration must be given to any change in the landforms and to the uses to be placed or maintained on or near the steep slopes. The steep slopes are also the location of possible dangerous wildfires of natural vegetation. Because of the inaccessibility the vegetation is usually allowed to grow rankly providing considerable fuel in many years when there have been favorable weather conditions. The inaccessibility of the site frequently hampers firefighting. Adequate clearing of vegetation is needed around structures and land uses that would suffer severe damage from wildfires on the steep slopes.

The City also noted that the Mattley Hill area has seen recent landsliding. Plans are being made to mitigate the risk in this area.

Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from landslide include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections. 844
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-84
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
People and Populations
All populations located within areas of landslide susceptibility, especially in the High to Very High hazard areas (i.e., Classes VII to X) are at some vulnerability to landslide. This includes those people residing in these landslide potential areas as well as those that might reside or work within the landslide run out areas.

People residing in these areas may also be cut off from transportation routes if roads and streets providing a means of ingress and egress are impacted. Certain vulnerable populations may be at greater risk due to the often sudden onset of a landslide event and include: the unsheltered, those with limited mobility, and those that lack the resources to leave the area.

City residents that live in the High and Very High landslide susceptibility areas are often the most vulnerable, but those who live in in the landslide run out areas (which are not mapped) are also vulnerable.

Not only are the residents at risk, but their homes and contents are all at risk, compounding the impacts associated with significant hazard events. To further evaluate the impact to the City’s residential population residing within these hazard areas, an analysis was conducted of those who physically reside in the mapped landslide susceptibility areas. The CGS Susceptibility to Deep-Seated Landslide maps were overlayed on the parcel layer and linked to the assessor data. Those residential parcel polygons that intersect the High or Very High risk areas (Class VII or higher) were counted and multiplied by the 2023 Census Bureau average household factors for the City of Jackson – 2.2. Analysis results are shown in Table C-32.

According to this analysis, there is a total population of 255 residents of the City at high or very high risk to landslides.

Table C-32 City of Jackson – Improved Residential Parcels and Population in Susceptibility to Deep-Seated Landslides - Classes VII, VIII, IX, and X Deep Seated Landslide Class Improved Residential Parcels Population VII 49 108
VIII 50 110
IX 17 37
X 0 0
Source: CGS, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data, US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 Household Size Estimates.

Structures
Landslides can affect the built environment of the City and those structures located within the High to Very High hazard areas (i.e., Classes VII to X) are especially vulnerable, as are the structures located within the landslide run out areas. The CGS Deep-Seated Landslide layer was overlaid with the City parcel (structure) layer in GIS and linked to the assessor data. The mapped landslide susceptibility areas are shown on Figure C-20. Table C-33 summarizes parcel counts, land and improved values (i.e., those with a structure improvement on the parcel), estimated content replacement values, and total values in the City for landslide susceptibility areas. Table C-34 shows the same analysis further broken out by property use. 845
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-85
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table C-33 City of Jackson – Count and Value of Parcels and Structures Susceptible to DeepSeated Landslide Classes Susceptibility to DeepSeated Landslide ClassTotal
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
Total Value
0 1,037 922 $81,153,812 $205,409,492 $126,515,881 $413,079,185 III 540 440 $48,822,598 $138,243,500 $85,274,597 $272,340,695 V 115 100 $9,973,704 $30,412,696 $15,125,519 $55,511,919 VI 224 161 $27,645,839 $135,031,474 $110,107,041 $272,784,354 VII 99 59 $20,349,425 $32,993,251 $26,423,486 $79,766,162 VIII 79 57 $11,053,270 $20,588,206 $14,267,832 $45,909,308 IX 30 17 $2,853,340 $5,196,120 $2,598,060 $10,647,520
Jackson Total 2,124 1,756 $201,851,988 $567,874,739 $380,312,415 $1,150,039,142 Source: CGS, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data
Table C-34 City of Jackson – Count and Value of Parcels and Structures in Deep-Seated Landslide Classes by Property Use
Susceptibility to DeepSeated Landslide
Class/Property Use
Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
0 Agricultural 2 0 $5,956 $0 $0 $5,956
Commercial 151 135 $18,058,442 $46,149,429 $46,149,429 $110,357,300 Industrial 1 1 $360,544 $840,553 $1,260,830 $2,461,927
Miscellaneous 28 1 $1,194 $15,924 $0 $17,118
Residential 851 782 $62,564,388 $158,211,244 $79,105,622 $299,881,254 Unknown 4 3 $163,288 $192,342 $0 $355,630
0 Total 1,037 922 $81,153,812 $205,409,492 $126,515,881 $413,079,185 III
Agricultural 1 $10,268 $0 $0 $10,268
Commercial 61 44 $12,835,412 $31,619,030 $31,619,030 $76,073,472 Industrial 2 1 $120,187 $343,332 $514,998 $978,517
Miscellaneous 17 0 $7,060 $0 $0 $7,060
Residential 459 395 $35,849,671 $106,281,138 $53,140,569 $195,271,378 III Total 540 440 $48,822,598 $138,243,500 $85,274,597 $272,340,695 V
Industrial 4 3 $618,634 $730,698 $1,096,047 $2,445,379
Residential 102 89 $8,747,683 $28,058,943 $14,029,472 $50,836,098 Unknown 9 8 $607,387 $1,623,055 $0 $2,230,442
V Total 115 100 $9,973,704 $30,412,696 $15,125,519 $55,511,919 846
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-86
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Susceptibility to DeepSeated Landslide
Class/Property Use
Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
VI
Agricultural 2 1 $57,025 $557,676 $557,676 $1,172,377
Commercial 36 28 $11,352,210 $86,074,932 $86,074,932 $183,502,074 Miscellaneous 11 1 $600,000 $1,450,000 $0 $2,050,000
Residential 175 131 $15,636,604 $46,948,866 $23,474,433 $86,059,903 VI Total 224 161 $27,645,839 $135,031,474 $110,107,041 $272,784,354 VII
Agricultural 1 $3,114,546 $0 $0 $3,114,546
Commercial 4 1 $718,937 $13,262 $13,262 $745,461
Industrial 4 4 $1,577,016 $4,263,729 $6,395,594 $12,236,339 Miscellaneous 1 $100 $0 $0 $100
Residential 67 50 $5,376,575 $15,717,953 $7,858,977 $28,953,505 Unknown 2 2 $266,096 $593,262 $0 $859,358
VIII Total 79 57 $11,053,270 $20,588,206 $14,267,832 $45,909,308 VIII
Agricultural 1 0 $3,114,546 $0 $0 $3,114,546
Commercial 4 1 $718,937 $13,262 $13,262 $745,461
Industrial 4 4 $1,577,016 $4,263,729 $6,395,594 $12,236,339 Miscellaneous 1 0 $100 $0 $0 $100
Residential 67 50 $5,376,575 $15,717,953 $7,858,977 $28,953,505 Unknown 2 2 $266,096 $593,262 $0 $859,358
VIII Total 79 57 $11,053,270 $20,588,206 $14,267,832 $45,909,308 IX
Commercial 3 0 $193,204 $0 $0 $193,204
Industrial 1 0 $325,000 $0 $0 $325,000
Miscellaneous 2 0 $100 $0 $0 $100
Residential 24 17 $2,335,036 $5,196,120 $2,598,060 $10,129,216 IX Total 30 17 $2,853,340 $5,196,120 $2,598,060 $10,647,520 Jackson Total 2,124 1,756 $201,851,988 $567,874,739 $380,312,415 $1,150,039,142 Source: CGS, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data
Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Landslides present a threat to both critical facilities and infrastructure. The following analysis discusses critical facilities and infrastructure. A separate analysis was performed on the critical facility inventory in the City to determine which critical facilities fall into each deep-seated landslide classes. Using GIS, the 847
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-87
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
deep-seated landslide classes were overlayed on the critical facility GIS layer. This is shown on Figure C-25 for the deep-seated landslide classes. Table C-35 summarizes Table C-36 details which critical facilities fall in which landslide class. Details of critical facility categories, type, name, and address by deep-seated landslide class are listed in Appendix F.

Figure C-25 City of Jackson – Critical Facilities in Deep-Seated Landslide Classes Table C-35 City of Jackson– Critical Facilities by Category in Deep-Seated Landslide Classes Susceptibility to Deep-Seated Landslide Class / Critical Facility Category Facility Count 0 Essential Services 30
At Risk Population 9
0 Total 39
III
Essential Services 3
At Risk Population 2
III Total 5
848
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-88
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Susceptibility to Deep-Seated Landslide Class / Critical Facility Category Facility Count VI
Essential Services 2
At Risk Population 1
VI Total 3
VII
Essential Services 0
At Risk Population 1
VII Total 1
Jackson Total 48
Source: CGS, City of Jackson
Table C-36 City of Jackson – Critical Facilities by Category and Type in Deep-Seated Landslide Classes
Susceptibility to Deep-Seated
Landslide Class
Critical Facility Category Facility Type Facility Count 0 Essential Services Facilities
Clinic 8
Communications 1
Community Center 2
Court House 1
DMV 1
EOC 1
Evacuation Shelter 2
Fire Station 2
Government
Administration
1 Healthcare/School
Services
1 Hospital 1
Jail 1
Library 1
Police Station 2
Post Office 1
Public Administration
Building
1 School District Office 1
Wastewater Facility 2
Essential Services
Total
30 0 Total 30
849
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-89
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Susceptibility to Deep-Seated
Landslide Class
Critical Facility Category Facility Type Facility Count III
Essential Services Facilities
Civic Center 1
Clinic 1
Police Station 1
Essential Services
Total
3 At Risk Populations
Residential Care
Facility
1 School 1
At Risk Population
Total
2 III Total 5
VI
Essential Services Facilities
Public Administration
Building
1 Wastewater
Treatment Plant
1 Essential Services
Total
2 At Risk Population
School 1
At Risk Population
Total
1 VI Total 3
VII
At Risk Population
School 1
At Risk Population
Total
1 VII Total 1
City of Jackson Total 48
Source: CGS, City of Jackson
Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Landslides can affect natural, historic, and cultural resources that lie in the landslide area, or the landslide run out area. Landslides can destroy large tracts of forest and open space areas, destroy wildlife habitat, and remove productive soils and vegetation from slopes. It can also fill in waterways, impact water quality, and potentially affect flooding potential. Natural resources that fall in the High or Very High susceptibility areas shown on Figure C-20 would be most vulnerable, as well as those in the run-out areas. As shown on the map, this would include a relatively small area of the developed area City, since most of this occurs in the in the City (which is undeveloped).

Impacts from Landslide
Any type of landslide may result in damages or complete destruction of buildings in their path, as well as deaths and injuries. Landslides can cause road blockages by depositing debris on road surfaces or road 850
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-90
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
damage if the road surface itself slides downhill. Utility lines and pipes are also prone to breakage in slide areas. Large landslides can collapse into water bodies, causing seiches. Landslides can relocate river channels. Landslides and debris flows can also impact water quality and the storage capacity of surface water reservoirs used to store potable water.

Landslides, debris flows, and mud flows impacts vary by location and severity of any given event and will likely only affect certain areas of the City susceptible to landslide. Based on the risk assessment, there is limited potential for significant landslides to occur in the City. Most, but not all, of the historic landslides in the City have been minor, localized events that are more of a nuisance than a disaster. Impacts that are not quantified, but can be anticipated in large future events, include:
➢ Injury and loss of life;
➢ Commercial and residential structural and property damage; ➢ Disruption of and damage to public infrastructure, utilities, and services; ➢ Damage to roads/bridges resulting in loss of mobility; ➢ Significant economic impact (jobs, sales, tax revenue) to the community; and ➢ Negative impact on commercial and residential property values Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the City may be affected in the future by climate change (which was discussed in the hazard profile above), changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. These are discussed in the Future Conditions/Future Development discussion below.

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October 2025
be updated as necessary to continue to address future landslide conditions. It should be noted that most of the growth in the City is occurring in areas outside the landslide risk areas. Thus, depending on the location of new development and adherence to protective building codes, changes in land use and development may or may not increase the impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the City to this hazard.

Future Development
Additional growth and development within moderate or higher deep-seated landslide susceptibility classes in the City would place additional values at risk to landslide. More vulnerable populations may experience a disproportionate impact from landslide, and this should be considered as development continues.

Future development areas and their vulnerability to landslides are discussed further in the below GIS analysis.

GIS Analysis
The City provided a future development area which were used as the basis for the inventory of future development for the City. This area were mapped in GIS. Utilizing the future development area spatial layer, the parcel polygon data was intersected to determine the future development areas within each deepseated landslide class. Figure C-26 shows the locations of the future development area overlayed on the deep-seated landslide classes. These lie partially in the III, and partially inside the VIII and IX deep-seated landslide class. Since the highest hazard class is applied to all parcels, these are considered to be in IX as shown in Table C-37.
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure C-26 City of Jackson – Future Development Areas in Deep Seated Landslide Classes Table C-37 City of Jackson – Future Development Parcels and Acres in Deep Seated Landslide Classes
Deep-Seated
Landslide
Classes /
Future
Development
Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Unimproved
Parcel Count
Total Acres Total
Improved
Acres
Total
Unimproved
Acres
IX
Jackson View
Lots 87-92
1 0 1 2.07 0 2.07
Very High
Total
1 0 1 2.07 0 2.07
Grand Total 1 0 1 2.07 0 2.07
Source: CGS, City of Jackson
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Severe Weather: Extreme Cold, Freeze, and Snow
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Highly Likely
Vulnerability–Medium
Hazard Profile
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC), extreme cold often accompanies a winter storm or is left in its wake. Snow can occur during these events.

Prolonged exposure to cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and can be life-threatening. Infants and the elderly are most susceptible. Pipes may freeze and burst in homes or buildings that are poorly insulated or without heat. Freezing temperatures can cause significant damage to agricultural industry.

Location and Extent
Due to size of the County and changes in elevation (i.e., from approximately 250 feet to almost 10,000 feet above mean sea level (msl)) and climate, weather conditions can vary greatly across the County. The City falls in western Amador County, which is predominantly below an elevation of 2,000 feet above msl, is generally below the snowfall line, and includes the land to the west (including all incorporated communities). The City is generally below the snowfall line. According to the WRCC, in western Amador County monthly average minimum temperatures from November through April range from the upper-30s to mid-50s. The lowest recorded daily extreme was 20°F on December 20, 1998. In a typical year, minimum temperatures fall below 32°F on 5.2 days with no days falling below 0°F. Extreme cold and freeze events occur on a regional basis. Extreme cold can occur in any location of the City. All portions of the City and County are at risk to extreme cold and freeze.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
The County has had no past federal and one past state (2007) disaster declarations for extreme cold and freeze. There have been two freeze events in 2022 that resulted in USDA disaster declarations.

NCDC Events
The NCDC data shows 575 extreme cold, freeze, and snow incidents for Amador County since 1993, some of which likely affected the City.

City of Jackson Events
The City noted that extreme cold, freeze, and snow occur every year, but no events where damages, injuries, or deaths occurred could be recalled.

Climate Change and Extreme Cold, Freeze, and Snow
According to the 2021 CAS (as well as the 2024 Draft CAS), freezing spells and snow are likely to become less frequent in California as climate temperatures increase; if emissions increase, freezing events could 854
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-94
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
occur only once per decade in large portion of the State by the second half of the 21st century. According to a California Natural Resources Report in 2014, it was determined that while fewer freezing spells would decrease cold related health effects, too few freezes could lead to increased incidence of disease as vectors and pathogens do not die off.

Vulnerability to Extreme Cold, Freeze, and Snow
Extreme cold and freeze events happen in the City each year. Snow can occur, but it is rare. Cold and freeze can impact both structures and populations in the Planning Area. The whole of the City and County Planning Area has some measure of vulnerability to extreme cold and freeze.

An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to this hazard begins with an understanding of local exposure to City. This is included in the Local Concerns section below. After that, vulnerability is discussed in multiple sections that detail how this hazard can affect the City. These sections include assets at risk, impacts, and how future development and future conditions can be affected by this hazard.

The City noted that traffic accidents occur more frequently during these storms in the City. Warming may be needed for certain vulnerable populations. Generators should be sought for these facilities.

Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from extreme cold, freeze, and snow include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

People and Populations
All populations within the City are vulnerable to extreme cold and freeze, but this hazard generally affects vulnerable populations and those spending large amounts of time outside. Prolonged exposure to cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and can be life-threatening. Vulnerable populations to cold and freeze include the unhoused; individuals who exercise or train outdoors; outdoor workers; individuals that lack the resources to afford heat; and the young, old, or medically fragile individuals that are more susceptible to cold related impacts. In addition to vulnerable populations, pets and livestock are at risk to freeze and cold. Since snow is rare, its effect on people and populations are minimal.

Structures
Structures in the City have some measure of risk from extreme cold and freeze. Buildings can be affected directly by freeze, pipes that feed buildings can be damaged during periods of extreme cold and cause water 855
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-95
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
damage and other related impacts to a structure. Structures can also be damaged by downed trees during freeze and winter storm events. Snowfall can occur, but it is usually not heavy enough to damage structures.

Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Extreme cold and freeze, occasionally accompanied by high winds and snow, can cause downed trees and power lines, power outages, accidents, and road closures. Transportation networks, communications, and utilities infrastructure are the most vulnerable physical assets in the City. Depending on the facility type and function, critical facilities and infrastructure may be affected directly by freeze. Damage to pipes that feed buildings can be damaged during periods of extreme cold. Other equipment may also be affected.

Infrastructure such as roads, highways, and bridges can become slippery, causing accidents and road closures.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Depending on how low the temperatures go and the duration of an extreme cold and freeze event, natural resources in the City may be affected. During periods of freeze, trees in the City may be damaged. This is especially true if a freeze occurs during a winter storm with winds and precipitation. Other natural resources like wildlife may be at risk during a period of freeze. While it is rare for historic buildings to be affected directly by freeze, damages to pipes that feed historic buildings can be damaged during periods of extreme cold and cause additional impacts to the structures. Snow is relatively rare and is unlikely to affect natural, historic, or cultural facilities.

Impacts from Severe Weather: Extreme Cold, Freeze, and Snow Extreme cold and freeze can affect critical facilities and infrastructure, down trees, break pipes, and can be a life safety issue. Transportation networks, communications, and utilities infrastructure are often the most vulnerable physical assets in the City. Infrastructure such as roads and utilities are at risk to freezing temperatures and snow, causing failures and hazardous road conditions. When extreme cold is coupled with high winds, snows, and freezing storms, power lines may be downed, resulting in power outages and an interruption of utilities and critical services. During periods of extremely low or prolonged cold temperatures, other impacts to the City can include interruption in business and school activities.

The elderly, the young, and those experiencing medical issues are often more vulnerable to temperature extremes, but anyone can be affected. Exposure to cold temperatures can cause hypothermia and frostbite.

Those exercising or recreating outdoors, outdoor workers, and the unhoused may be at a higher risk.

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October 2025
Future Conditions/Future Development
Future conditions may be affected by climate change, changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. Findings on these factors for the City include the following:
➢ Climate change is unlikely to exacerbate extreme cold, freeze, and snow and their associated impacts to the City.
➢ The population of the City is expected to slowly increase as time progresses. Future population growth should be considered, as having more or less people in a community affects the overall hazard vulnerability to the City. Changes in populations patterns should also be considered. Especially vulnerable individuals to this hazard include older adults, children, migrant farm workers, those below the poverty line and the unhoused. During hazard events, existing inequities can get worse, and these groups are the most likely to be affected and may require extra assistance. Planning for population changes will help to decrease the City’s overall vulnerability. Changes in population and population patterns may or may not increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard depending on the location and nature of population growth and continued planning for future hazard conditions. ➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. Six residential lots are expected to be built in the next five years. City building codes are in effect to reduce this risk and should be updated as necessary to continue to address future freeze and extreme cold conditions. Due to adherence to protective building codes, changes in land use and development will likely not increase the impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the City to this hazard.

Future development built to code should be able to withstand extreme cold, freeze, and heavy snow. Current building codes provide such provisions for new construction. Older buildings and infrastructure should be evaluated to ensure that extreme cold and freeze will not cause negative impacts. Future development considerations should be ongoing and proactive. Ensuring that comprehensive land use planning is conducted, regulatory requirements such as building codes are followed, and varying needs for different demographic groups that reside within the County are considered can help make for a more resilient community.

Severe Weather: Extreme Heat
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Highly Likely
Vulnerability–Medium
Hazard Profile
According to FEMA, extreme heat is defined as temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region and lasts for several weeks. Heat kills by taxing the human body beyond its abilities. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed, and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.” Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or has over-exercised for his or her age and physical condition. Older adults, young children, those who are sick or overweight, and those that work or recreate outdoors are more likely to experience heat exhaustion or succumb to extreme heat.
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
In addition to the risks faced by citizens of the City, there are risks to the built environment from extreme heat. While extreme heat on its own does not usually affect structures, extreme heat during times of drought can cause wildfire risk to heighten. Extreme heat can lead to interruptions in power, power outages, and when combined with high winds, to Public Safety Power Shutdown (PSPS) events, creating significant issues in the City.

Location and Extent
Heat is a regional phenomenon and affects the whole of the City. Heat emergencies are often slower to develop, taking several days of continuous, oppressive heat before a significant or quantifiable impact is seen. Heat waves do not strike victims immediately, but rather their cumulative effects slowly affect general and vulnerable populations and communities. Heat waves do not generally cause damage or elicit the immediate response of floods, fires, earthquakes, or other more “typical” disaster scenarios. The City experiences temperatures in excess of 100°F during the summer and fall months. The temperature moves to 105-110°F in rather extreme situations.

The NWS has in place a system to initiate alert procedures (advisories or warnings) when extreme heat is expected to have a significant impact on public safety. The expected severity of the heat determines whether advisories or warnings are issued. The NWS HeatRisk forecast provides a quick view of heat risk potential over the upcoming seven days. The heat risk is portrayed in a numeric (0-4) and color (green/yellow/orange/red/magenta) scale which is similar in approach to the Air Quality Index (AQI) or the UV Index. This can be seen in Section 4.3.3 of the Base Plan.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
There have been no federal or state disaster declarations from extreme heat.

NCDC Events
The NCDC data shows 124 extreme heat incidents for Amador County since 1993, some of which likely affected the City.

City of Jackson Events
The City noted that extreme heat occurs every year. No specific damages, deaths, or injuries could be recalled.

Climate Change and Extreme Heat
The 2021 CAS (as well as the 2024 Draft CAS), citing a California Energy Commission study, states that “over the past 15 years, heat waves have claimed more lives in California than all other declared disaster events combined.” This study shows that California is getting warmer, leading to an increased frequency, magnitude, and duration of heat waves. These factors may lead to increased mortality from excessive heat. 858
Section 7, Item B.

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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
As temperatures increase, California and Amador County will face increased risk of death from dehydration, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heart attack, stroke and respiratory distress caused by extreme heat. According to the 2021 CAS (as well as the 2024 Draft CAS) report and the 2023 State of California Hazard Mitigation Plan, by 2100, hotter temperatures are expected throughout the state, with projected increases of 3-5.5°F (under a lower emissions scenario) to 8-10.5°F (under a higher emissions scenario).

These changes could lead to an increase in deaths related to extreme heat in Amador County.

Vulnerability to Severe Weather: Extreme Heat
Extreme heat is becoming more frequent, intense, longer lasting and geographically widespread. Extreme heat occurs on an annual basis in the County and the City. In recent years, compounded by climate change conditions, summer months continue to get a bit hotter. The whole of the City is at some measure of vulnerability to extreme heat. An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to extreme heat begins with an understanding of local exposure to extreme heat. This is included in the Local Concerns section below followed by a discussion of the City’s Assets at Risk to this hazard.

The City is concerned about having readily available cooling shelters. The City uses the City Civic Center but it takes significant amount of time to activate. Amador Transit is used for transportation to the shelter, but there is concern that not all citizens know this. A backup generator is sought at this facility as well.

Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from extreme heat include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

People and Populations
All populations within the City are vulnerable to extreme heat, but it generally affects people spending large amounts of time outside or without means of cooling indoor structures. During extended periods of high temperatures, extreme heat may overload the demands for electricity to run air conditioners and can present health concerns to individuals. When interruptions in power occur during extreme heat, the risk of heat related illnesses and deaths increases. Extreme heat is a significant concern to vulnerable populations. The unhoused; individuals who exercise or train outdoors; outdoor workers; individuals that lack the resources to afford heat; and the young, old, or medically fragile individuals that are more susceptible to heat related impacts. In addition to vulnerable populations, pets and livestock are at risk to extreme heat conditions.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-99
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
conditioning or other means of cooling. The City noted that extreme heat has caused interruptions to power in the past. Also depending on the structure, sensitive contents such as IT equipment can be impacted, especially if a power outage occurs.

Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Depending on their type and function, critical facilities and infrastructure can also be affected by extreme heat. Interruptions in power caused by extreme heat can lead to system failures. Schools without air conditioning may have to close or operate on a reduced schedule.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Natural resource assets, including those located in City park areas, may be vulnerable during periods of extreme heat. These include turfed areas; landscapes, City trees, wildlife and habitat areas, and wetlands and marsh lands. Recently, trees were lost in areas of the City that were weakened by drought and extreme heat. Extreme heat may also cause drought-like conditions, contributing to other issues. For example, several weeks of extreme heat increases evapotranspiration and reduces moisture content in vegetation, leading to higher wildfire vulnerability in the region for that time period, even if the rest of the season is relatively moist. Historic and cultural resources are not expected to be affected by extreme heat.

Impacts from Severe Weather: Extreme Heat
The City experiences temperatures in excess of 100°F during the summer and fall months. The temperature moves to 105-110°F in rather extreme situations. During these times, drought conditions may worsen, and the City may see an increase in dry fuels. Also, power outage and PSPS events may occur during these times as well. Health issues are a primary concern with this hazard, especially to vulnerable populations, although economic impacts can also be an issue.

Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the County may be affected in the future by climate change (which was discussed in the hazard profile section above), changes in population patterns, and changes in land use and development. The influencing effects of these factors on this hazard are discussed further in the Future Conditions/Future Development discussion below.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-100
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
emergency services and shelters. Changes in population and population patterns may or may not increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard depending on the location and nature of growth and continued planning for future hazard conditions. ➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. Six residential lots are expected to be built in the next five years. City building codes are in effect to reduce this risk and should be updated as necessary to continue to address future extreme heat conditions. Due to adherence to protective building codes, changes in land use and development will likely not increase the impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the County to this hazard.

Future development of new buildings in the City will likely not be affected by extreme heat. Extreme heat is more likely to affect vulnerable populations. Vulnerability to extreme heat will increase as the average age of the population shifts. It is encouraged that nursing homes and elder care facilities have emergency plans or backup power to address power failure during times of extreme heat and in the event of a PSPS.

Low-income residents and unhoused populations are also more vulnerable and should be considered in future growth plans for the City.

Severe Weather: Heavy Rains and Storms
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Highly Likely
Vulnerability–Medium
Hazard Profile
Storms in the City occur annually and are generally characterized by heavy rain often accompanied by strong winds and sometimes lightning and hail. Approximately 10 percent of the thunderstorms that occur each year in the United States are classified as severe. A thunderstorm is classified as severe when it contains one or more of the following phenomena: hail that is three-quarters of an inch or greater, winds in excess of 50 knots (57.5 mph), or a tornado. Heavy precipitation in the City falls mainly in the fall, winter, and spring months. Wind often accompanies these storms; hail and lightning are rare in the City.

Location and Extent
Heavy rain events occur on a regional basis. Rains and storms can occur in any location of the City. All portions of the City are at risk to heavy rains and storms. Most of the severe rains occur during the fall, winter, and spring months in the City as discussed below (with problem flooding areas associated with heavy rains and storms shown in Table C-29 in the Flood: Localized Stormwater section). There is no scale by which heavy rains and severe storms are measured. Magnitude of storms is measured often in rainfall and damages. The speed of onset of heavy rains can be short, but accurate weather prediction mechanisms often let the public know of upcoming events. Hail and lightning are rarer in the City and Amador County.

Duration of severe storms in the City can range from minutes to hours to days. Information on precipitation extremes can be found in Section 4.3.4 of the Base Plan. 861
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
According to historical hazard data, severe weather, including heavy rains and storms, is an annual occurrence in the City. This contributes to many of the federal disaster declarations related to flooding.

Disaster declarations from flooding are shown on Table C-38.

Table C-38 Amador County – State and Federal Disaster Declarations from Flood (Heavy Rain and Storms) 1950-2025
Disaster Type State Declarations Federal Declarations
Count Years Count Years
Flood (including heavy
rains and storms)
22 1950, 1955, 1958 (twice), 1959,
1963, 1964, 1969, 1980, 1982,
1986, 1995 (twice), 1997, 2006
(twice), 2017 (twice), 2019,
2021, 2023 (twice)
20 1950, 1955, 1958, 1962, 1963,
1964, 1969, 1986, 1995 (twice),
1997, 1998, 2006 (twice), 2017
(twice), 2019, 2023 (three)
Source: Cal OES, FEMA
NCDC Events
The NCDC data recorded 114 hail, heavy rain, and winter weather incidents for Amador County since 1950.

City of Jackson Events
The City noted that heavy rains and storms are an annual occurrence. Events causing issues are listed in the Past Occurrences section of the Flood: 1%/0.2% Annual Chance and Flood: Localized Stormwater Flooding discussions above. Winter weather events tend to be rain in the lower elevations of the County, while snow falls in the upper elevations.

Climate Change and Heavy Rains and Storms
It is likely that climate change will increase the chance of future occurrence as well as future impacts from heavy rains and storms. More information on future impacts to the City can be found in the Future Conditions/Future Development section of the Vulnerability Assessment below.

According to the 2021 CAS (as well as the 2024 Draft CAS), while average annual rainfall may increase or decrease slightly, the intensity of individual rainfall events is likely to increase during the 21st century.

It is unlikely that hail will become more common in Amador County and the City of Jackson. The amount of lightning is not projected to change.

Cal-Adapt noted that, on average, the projections show little change in total annual precipitation in California. Furthermore, among several models, precipitation projections do not show a consistent trend during the next century. Cal-Adapt modeled scenarios are shown in Section 4.3.4 of the Base Plan. 862
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Vulnerability to Heavy Rain and Storms
Heavy rain and severe storms are the most frequent type of severe weather occurrences in the City. These events can cause both significant and localized flooding. Flooding can be worse during times where the ground is already saturated. Wind often accompanies these storms and has caused damage in the past. Hail and lightning are rare in the City, but also can cause damage, with lightning occasionally igniting wildfires.

The whole of the City is at some measure of vulnerability to heavy rain and storms. An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to heavy rains and storms begins with an understanding of local exposure to heavy rain and storms. This is included in the Local Concerns section below followed by a discussion of the City’s Assets at Risk to this hazard.

Heavy rains and storms can cause flooding in the City. The City also noted that heavy rains and storms cause localized flooding in the City. The problem areas area shown on Table C-29 above. Atmospheric river events in recent years have increased the impact and damages to the City from these large storms.

Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from heavy rain and storms include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

People and Populations
All populations (including vulnerable populations) in the City have some measure of risk to heavy rains and storms. Those populations that work or recreate outside and unhoused individuals are more vulnerable to impacts from heavy storm events. Heavy rains and storms occur every year and do not generally cause significant adverse impacts to individuals; it is the secondary hazard, flooding, which poses the biggest impact to people. Populations at risk to flooding resulting from heavy rains and storm events include those who live in floodplains (discussed in further detail in the Flood: 1%/0.2% Annual Chance section above) and those who live in and near localized flooding areas (discussed in further detail in the Flood: Localized Stormwater Flooding section above).

Structures
Structures in the City have some risk to heavy rains and storms. Structures built to modern building codes are built to withstand heavy rains and storms (including high winds and lightning). During a heavy storm, localized flooding may cause water intrusion into buildings from the outside. Trees can be downed causing impacts to structures. Older homes and buildings may be at increased risk to heavy rains and storms. Power outages during severe storm events can occur, impacting the use of structures until the power is back online. 863
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Critical Facilities and Infrastructure,
Heavy rain and storms can affect critical facilities and infrastructure during large events. Power outages may occur taking facilities offline. High winds can down power lines and trees impacting facilities. Water intrusion into facilities and infrastructure can impact operations. City roads, streets, and bridges can be impacted resulting in closures restricting traffic flow in the City. In certain areas, large storms can cause erosion and localized landslides which can impact facilities. Many critical facilities are built to modern design standards that take heavy rains and storms into account when siting and building these structures, and others may need to be retrofitted to better withstand these events.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Large rain and storm events and associated flooding can affect natural, historic, and cultural resources. Silt and sediment can damage natural areas. Trees can be uprooted and downed by high winds. Extended periods of rainfall can erode natural banks along waterways and degrade soil stability for terrestrial species.

While some natural systems can be adversely impacted during these large storms, heavy rain events can also provide benefits. Groundwater and wetland areas can be recharged and water supplies replenished.

Historic and cultural resources may also be affected. Generally, the impacts are associated with damage to structures affected by large storm events, but other cultural resources such as those associated with Native Americans and old tribal areas can also be disturbed, damaged, and lost during extreme rain and storm and events.

Impacts from Heavy Rain and Storms
Impacts from heavy rains and storms include damage to property, critical facilities and infrastructure, and the natural landscape. This includes: erosion; downed trees; damaged utility structures and infrastructure; power outages; road damage and blockages; and even lightning strikes to critical infrastructure and people.

Lightning can also cause wildfires and urban fires to occur. Landsliding and erosion occur when the soil on slopes becomes oversaturated and fails. Climate change may cause these impacts to worsen.

Actual damage associated with the primary effects of severe storms and heavy rains has been somewhat limited. It is the secondary hazards caused by these severe weather events, such as floods and erosion that would likely have the greatest impact.

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October 2025
➢ Climate change is likely to exacerbate future heavy rain and storm conditions and associated impacts and vulnerability of the City to flooding.
➢ Population is expected to slowly increase for the City of Jackson; as such, the vulnerability may change depending on changes to the makeup of more vulnerable populations. Certain vulnerable populations, such as those who work or spend extended periods outdoors, could experience disproportional effects from this hazard. and should be addressed as the City continues to grow. Changes in population and population patterns may or may not increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard depending on the location and nature of growth and continued planning for future hazard conditions and the nature and intensity of future storm events.
➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. Six residential lots are expected to be built in the next five years. These changes in land use may also amplify the impacts of heavy rains and storms, as additional impervious surfaces can cause additional runoff and localized flooding throughout the City. However, with only six new residential lots identified for development, new development is unlikely increase the impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the City to this hazard.

Building codes in the City ensure that new development is built to current building standards, which should reduce the risk to future development in the City from heavy rains and storms. New critical facilities such as communications towers and others should be built to withstand hail damage, lightning, and thunderstorm winds. With adherence to development standards, future losses to new development should be minimal.

Changes in land use may also amplify the impacts of heavy rains and storms, as additional impervious surfaces can cause additional runoff and localized flooding throughout the City.

Severe Weather: High Winds and Tornado
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Highly Likely
Vulnerability–Medium
Hazard Profile
High winds, as defined by the NWS glossary, are sustained wind speeds of 40 mph or greater lasting for 1 hour or longer, or winds of 58 mph or greater for any duration. High winds can cause significant property damage, threaten public safety, and have adverse economic impacts from business closures and power loss.

High winds, when combined with high temperatures and low humidity can also lead to PSPS events. Winds can also drive fires in and near the City.

Portions of the City are also located in or near a special wind hazard region, which is a result of foehn winds. A foehn wind is a type of dry down-slope wind that occurs in the lee (downwind side) of a mountain range. Winds of this type are called "snow-eaters" for their ability to make snow melt or sublimate rapidly.

These types of winds are also associated with the rapid spread of wildfires, making some regions which experience these winds particularly fire prone.

Tornadoes are rotating columns of air marked by a funnel-shaped downward extension of a cumulonimbus cloud whirling at destructive speeds of up to 300 mph, usually accompanying a thunderstorm. Tornadoes form when cool, dry air sits on top of warm, moist air. Tornadoes are the most powerful storms that exist. 865
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October 2025
Tornadoes, though rare, can affect areas of the City, primarily during the rainy season in the late fall, winter, and early spring.

Location and Extent
The entire City is subject to significant, non-tornadic (straight-line), winds. Each area of the City is at risk to high winds. Magnitude of winds is measured often in speed and damages. These events are often part of a heavy rain and storm event but can occur outside of storms. The speed of onset of winds can be short, but accurate weather prediction mechanisms often let the public know of upcoming events. Duration of winds in California is often short, ranging from minutes to hours. The Beaufort scale is an empirical 12 category scale that relates wind speed to observed conditions at sea or on land. Its full name is the Beaufort Wind Force Scale. The Beaufort Scale was shown in Section 4.3.5 of the Base Plan.

Tornadoes, while rare, can occur at any location in the City. Prior to February 1, 2007, tornado intensity was measured by the Fujita (F) scale. This scale was revised and is now the Enhanced Fujita scale. Both scales are sets of wind estimates (not measurements) based on damage. The new scale (EF) provides more damage indicators (28) and associated degrees of damage, allowing for more detailed analysis and better correlation between damage and wind speed. It is also more precise because it considers the materials affected and the construction of structures damaged by a tornado. The F Scale and EF Scale are shown in Section 4.3.5 of the Base Plan.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declarations
There have been no federal or state disaster declarations in the County for winds and tornadoes.

NCDC Events
The NCDC data recorded 160 high wind, 3 funnel cloud, and 0 tornado incidents for Amador County since 1950. Many of these wind events likely affected the City.

City of Jackson Past Occurrences
The City noted that past events where trees have come down in the City have occurred. This happened in the winter of 2022/2023. Some of this was discussed in the Flood discussion above. During this event, winds knocked over trees whose root masses were loosened by heavy rains. This occurred in Detert Park.

Multiple trees were blown over. One of these trees fell on a playground. This can be seen on Figure C-27 and Figure C-28.
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-106
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure C-27 City of Jackson – Detert Park Trees Downed during 2022/2023 Storms

Source: City of Jackson
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-107
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure C-28 City of Jackson – Detert Park Trees Downed during 2022/2023 Storms

Source: City of Jackson
Climate Change and High Winds and Tornado
According to the 2021 CAS (as well as the 2024 Draft CAS), while average annual rainfall may increase or decrease slightly, the intensity of individual thunderstorm events is likely to increase during the 21st century. This may bring stronger thunderstorm winds. The CAS does not discuss non-thunderstorm winds or tornadoes.

Vulnerability to Severe Weather: High Wind and Tornadoes The City is subject to potentially destructive high winds and tornadoes. High winds are common throughout the area and can happen during most times of the entire year and outside of a severe storm event. Tornadoes are rare. High winds and tornadoes can be a significant public safety and economic concern. The whole of the City is at some measure of vulnerability to wind and tornadoes.

An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to high winds begins with an understanding of local exposure to wind and tornadoes. This is included in the Local Concerns section below followed by a discussion of the City’s Assets at Risk to this hazard.
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Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-108
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Local Concerns
The City has specific concerns and unique vulnerabilities regarding this hazard. These concerns form a portion of the basis for the mitigation strategy and mitigation actions that seek to reduce risk and vulnerability to this hazard.

The City is in or adjacent to a special wind hazard region, which is a result of foehn winds. A foehn wind is a type of dry down-slope wind that occurs in the lee (downwind side) of a mountain range. Winds of this type are called "snow-eaters" for their ability to make snow melt or sublimate rapidly. This snow-removing ability is caused not only by warmer temperatures, but also the low relative humidity of the air mass coming over the mountain(s). They are also associated with the rapid spread of wildfires, making some regions which experience these winds particularly fire prone. Burn patterns of almost all historic large wildfires in the larger County indicate they occurred during foehn winds.

Downed trees during high wind events are an ongoing concern to the City, as evidenced during the 2022/2023 storm events. High wind events can also cause power outages and lead to PSPS events. The City has numerous critical facilities that may lose power during high wind events. These critical facilities should have reliable backup power sources to keep them up and running during high winds and storm events. The City is also concerned with the potential for wind driven fires that can cause significant damages. Any ignition, under certain conditions, has the potential to become a out of control wildfire which could quickly move through the City creating the potential for catastrophic damages.

Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from winds and tornadoes include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

People and Populations
All populations are at some vulnerability to high winds and tornadoes. Certain vulnerable populations are at the greatest risk to the effects of high winds and tornadoes. These include:
➢ The unsheltered.
➢ Citizens who reside in mobile homes.
➢ Citizens in buildings with no tornado shelter or below ground floors. ➢ Those with access and functional needs.
➢ The medically fragile experiencing power outages as a result of wind events. ➢ Those working or caught outdoors during a wind or tornado event.

Structures
All structures in the City have some measure of risk from high wind and tornadoes. Though rare, a tornado could cause damage to virtually all facilities in the tornado touchdown path. This would affect homes, businesses, commercial property, as well as government and critical facilities. During a wind or tornado event, power lines in the City can be damaged by falling trees caused by wind. High winds are a cause for PSPS events to be declared, causing power outages to occur. High winds and tornadoes could cause sparks 869
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-109
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
from electric wires and other sources, which could lead to wildfire ignition. Once ignited, high winds can also cause wildfires to rapidly spread and become out of control. High wind conditions can cause wildfires to move into more urban areas destroying structures and whole subdivisions, as seen in recent wildfire events in the West.

Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Though most critical facilities are built to withstand winds, high wind speeds can still cause damage to critical facilities and infrastructure in the City. Though rare, a tornado could cause damage to virtually all facilities in the tornado touchdown path. Winds can cause power outages affecting system operations.

Winds can also contribute to PSPS events, and lead to out of control wildfires, which can damage critical facilities and impact their abilities to perform their critical roles in the community.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Natural resources, such as trees, are vulnerable to winds. Increased levee and streambank erosion can occur during periods of high water and high winds. High wave action during significant wind events can impact marsh lands and habitat areas. Soil erosion can also occur during high winds. Most all natural, historic, or cultural resources are at risk to tornadoes. Tornadoes can tear apart habitats, causing fragmentation across ecosystems and can damage and destroy historic structures and cultural resources.

Impacts from Severe Weather: High Wind and Tornado
Wind and tornadoes can cause damage to property and loss of life. While most tornado damage is caused by violent winds, the majority of injuries and deaths generally result from flying debris. Property damage can include damage to buildings, fallen trees, and power lines. Local industries may also be damaged or destroyed. Access roads and streets may be blocked by debris, delaying necessary emergency response.

Winds can push automobiles off roads, damage roofs and structures, cause power outages, and cause secondary damage due to flying debris and hazardous trees. High winds can also contribute to the spread and intensity of wildfires. High winds during periods of high water can cause impacts to levees and streambanks from accelerated erosion. Climate change may affect this hazard and cause winds to increase in velocity and more tornadoes to affect the City.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-110
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Future population growth should be considered as having more or less people in a community affects the overall hazard vulnerability to the City. Population growth in the City is expected to continue slowly. Vulnerable populations could experience disproportional effects from this hazard and should be planned for as development of the City continues. Changes in population and population patterns may or may not increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard depending on the location and nature of growth and continued planning for future hazard conditions. ➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. Six residential lots are expected to be built in the next five years. Building codes in the City ensure that new development is built to current building standards to withstand high winds, which should reduce the risk to future development in the City from high winds and tornadoes. With adherence to development standards, future losses to new development should be minimal. Changes in land use and increased development may amplify the impacts of high winds and tornadoes, as additional structures in the City increase the number of buildings at risk to high winds and tornadoes; however, given the limited development planned in the next five years, any increase in vulnerability of the City should be limited.

Future development considerations should be ongoing and proactive. Ensuring that comprehensive land use planning is conducted, regulatory requirements, such as building codes, are followed, and varying needs for different demographic groups with intersecting identities that reside within the City are considered can help make for a more resilient community. The City enforces the state building codes which includes standards for new development to minimize damage from windstorms. New and existing critical facilities and infrastructure should also consider adding backup power systems to limit impacts associated with power outages.

Wildfire (with smoke and air quality)
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Highly Likely
Vulnerability–Extremely High
Hazard Profile
Wildland fire and the risk of a conflagration is an ongoing concern for the City of Jackson. Throughout California, communities are increasingly concerned about wildfire safety as increased development in the foothills and mountain areas and subsequent fire control practices have affected the natural cycle of fire regimes. Wildland fires affect grass, forest, and brushlands, as well as structures. Where there is human access to wildland areas the risk of fire increases due to a greater chance for human carelessness and historical fire management practices. Historically, the fire season extends from early spring through late fall of each year during the hotter, dryer months; however, in recent years, the risk of wildfire has become a year around concern.

Fire conditions arise from a combination of high temperatures, low moisture content in the air and fuel, accumulation of vegetation, and high winds. These weather conditions can result in red flag (e.g., fire weather) days, and can result in PSPS events in the City. While wildfire risk has predominantly been associated with more remote forested areas and wildland urban interface (WUI) areas, significant wildfires can also occur in more populated, urban areas. There is also the concern of wildfires occurring in these more remote, forested areas that under certain weather conditions, can extend into areas not generally 871
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-111
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
considered at a high risk to wildfire. Smoke and air quality also become an issue, both from fires occurring inside and outside of the Amador County Planning Area and the City.

Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality
Smoke from wildfires is made up of gas and particulate matter, which can be easily observed in the air. Air quality standards have been established to protect human health with the pollutant referred to as PM2.5 which consists of particles 2.5 microns or less in diameter. These smaller sizes of particles are responsible for adverse health effects because of their ability to reach the lower regions of the respiratory tract.

Wildfire smoke can have negative effects to those who live in or near a fire burn area. Smoke and air pollution from wildfires can be a severe health hazard. Significant wildfires occurring in both Amador County and nearby northern California communities since the 2020 LHMP Update have created significant air pollution affecting area residents. This was the case during the 2021 Caldor Fire, as well as others that affected the nearby areas.

Location and Extent
Wildfire can affect all areas of the City. CAL FIRE has estimated that the risk varies across the City and has created maps showing risk variance. Following the methodology described in Section 4.3.15 of the Base Plan, wildfire maps for the City of Jackson were created. Figure C-29 shows the CAL FIRE Federal Responsibility Areas (FRA) and State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and their associated Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in the City. Figure C-30 shows the CAL FIRE Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) and their associated Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in the City. As shown on the maps, FHSZs within the City range from Non-wildland to Very High.
872
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-112
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure C-29 City of Jackson – CAL FIRE SRA/FRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones 873
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-113
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure C-30 City of Jackson – CAL FIRE LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones Wildfires tend to be measured in structure damages, injuries, and loss of life as well as on acres burned.

Fires can have a quick speed of onset, especially during periods of drought or during hot dry summer months. Fires can burn for a short period of time or may have durations lasting for a week or more.

Geographical FHSZ extents in the SRA/FRA are shown in Table C-39, while extents in the LRA are shown on Table C-40.

Table C-39 City of Jackson – CAL FIRE SRA/FRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone Geographical Extents
Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
Total Acres % of Total
Acres
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres
SRA
Very High 0.6 0.0% 0.1 0.0% 0.5 0.0%
High 12.2 0.5% 3.1 0.4% 9.1 0.6%
SRA Total 12.8 0.6% 3.2 0.4% 9.6 0.6%
Jackson Total 12.8 0.6% 3.2 0.4% 9.6 0.6%
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-114
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
Total Acres % of Total
Acres
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres
Grand Total 12.8 0.6% 3.2 0.4% 9.6 0.6%
Source: CAL FIRE
Table C-40 City of Jackson – CAL FIRE LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone Geographical Extents
Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
Total Acres % of Total
Acres
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres
Very High 253 11% 65 8% 188 12%
High 1,810 79% 590 75% 1,220 80%
Moderate 126 5% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
Non-Wildland 109 5% 53 7% 56 4%
Outside of LRA
Responsibility
Area
6 0.2% 2 0.3% 3 0.2%
Jackson Total 2,302 100% 782 100% 1,520 100%
Source: CAL FIRE
Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
There has been three state and two federal disaster declarations due to fire, as shown in Table C-41.

Table C-41 Amador County – State and Federal Wildfire Disaster Declarations 1950-2025 Disaster Type State Declarations Federal Declarations
Count Years Count Years
Fire 3 1961 (unnamed), 2015 (Summer
2015 Fires), 2021 (Caldor Fire)
2 2016 (Butte Fire), 2021 (Caldor
Fire)
Source: Cal OES, FEMA
NCDC Events
The NCDC has tracked 50 wildfire events in the County dating back to 1993.

City of Jackson Events
The City noted no past events of wildfire inside the City. The City has had smoke issues from previous fires, especially the Butte Fire in 2015, the Caldor Fire in 2021, and the Electra Fire in 2022. 875
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-115
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Climate Change and Wildfire
It is likely that climate change will increase the chance of future occurrence as well as future impacts from wildfire. More information on future impacts to the City can be found in the Future Conditions/Future Development section of the Vulnerability Assessment below.

Warmer temperatures can exacerbate drought conditions. Drought often kills plants and trees, which serve as fuel for wildfires. Warmer temperatures could increase the number of wildfires and pest outbreaks, such as the western pine beetle. Cal-Adapt’s wildfire tool predicts the potential increase in the amount of burned areas for the year 2090-2099, as compared to recent (2010) conditions. This is shown in Section 4.3.15 of the Base Plan. Based on this model, Cal-Adapt predicts that wildfire risk in Amador County will increase moderately at the end of the century. However, wildfire models can vary depending on the parameters used. Cal-Adapt does not take landscape and fuel sources into account in their model. In all likelihood, in the Amador County Planning Area, precipitation patterns, high levels of heat, topography, and fuel load will determine the frequency and intensity of future wildfire.

Vulnerability to Wildfire
Risk and vulnerability to the City from wildfire is of significant concern. Wildfires that occur in the City occur from a variety of both natural and manmade causes. The City can be affected both by fires that start on or near City lands as well as those that start elsewhere and move into the City. In addition to burning large areas of land, air quality can be affected in the City by smoke from fires occurring inside the City as well as those from many miles away. As growth continues and populations increase in the City, the potential for wildfires will also increase.

The whole of the City is at some measure of vulnerability to wildfire. An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to wildfire begins with an understanding of local exposure to wildfire. This is included in the Local Concerns section below. After that section, assets at risk are discussed.

The City of Jackson General Plan Safety Element also noted that the bedrock in the Jackson area has undergone fracturing, tilting, faulting, and weathering creating areas of instability where there are steep slopes or open cuts. Where slopes of over 20% occur or are proposed, careful consideration must be given to any change in the landforms and to the uses to be placed or maintained on or near the steep slopes. The steep slopes are also the location of possible dangerous wildfires of natural vegetation. Because of the inaccessibility the vegetation is usually allowed to grow rankly providing considerable fuel in many years when there have been favorable weather conditions. The inaccessibility of the site frequently hampers firefighting. Adequate clearing of vegetation is needed around structures and land uses that would suffer severe damage from wildfires on the steep slopes.
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-116
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
The City of Jackson General Plan Safety Element also noted that there are two major conflagration hazards:
one would be a major fire in the historic central business district where there are few large open spaces between buildings; the other could occur in any built up portion of the area if a broad area wildfire occurred during an extremely dry spell with a high hot wind. Firefighting is difficult in the Jackson area because of the steep grades. Also, there are several narrow roadways and local access streets without turnaround areas in which the firefighting equipment can maneuver safely.

Jackson Creek is annually overgrown with vegetation. This vegetation can cause an increase in wildfire risk. Currently, the City contracts with CalFire and other organizations to clear the vegetation by hand, annually.

The City noted that it does not have a large risk to large scale wildfires as a higher density population compared to other areas in Amador County. The greatest risk is a WUI wildfire situation and the lack of personnel to fight the fire.

Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from wildfire include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

People and Populations
All populations are at vulnerable to wildfire. Certain vulnerable populations are at greater risk to the effects of wildfire as well as smoke and air quality issues that wildfires bring. Vulnerable populations include:
➢ Unhoused
➢ Infants and children under age five and their caregivers ➢ Elderly (65 and older)
➢ Individuals with disabilities
➢ Individuals’ dependent on medical equipment
➢ Individuals who exercise, recreate, or work outdoors
➢ Individuals with impaired mobility
To further evaluate the impact to the residential population within the City, the CAL FIRE FHSZ dataset was overlayed on the parcel layer. Those residential parcels that intersect the FHSZs were counted and multiplied by the 2023 Census Bureau average household factors for the City of Jackson – 2.20 According to this analysis, there is a total population of 0 residents of the City of Jackson falling within the moderate or higher SRA/FRA FHSZs. This is shown in Table C-42. There is a total population of 3,025 residents of the City of Jackson falling within the moderate or higher LRA FHSZs, as shown on Table C-43. 877
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-117
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table C-42 City of Jackson – Improved Residential Parcels and Population by CAL FIRE SRA/FRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone
Jurisdiction
Very High High Moderate
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population
at Risk
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population
at Risk
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population
at Risk
Jackson 0 0 0 0 0 0
Source: CAL FIRE, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data, US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 Household Size Estimates.

Table C-43 City of Jackson – Improved Residential Parcels and Population by CAL FIRE LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone
Jurisdiction
Very High High Moderate
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population
at Risk
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population
at Risk
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population
at Risk
Jackson 144 317 1,054 2,319 177 389
Source: CAL FIRE, 2024 Amador County Parcel/Assessor’s Data, US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 Household Size Estimates.

Structures
All structures in the City have some risk to wildfire. GIS was used to determine the possible impacts of wildfire within the City of Jackson. The methodology described in Section 4.3.15 of the Base Plan was followed in determining structures and values at risk in both the CAL FIRE’s SRA/FRA and LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone layer. Analysis results for the SRA/FRA in the City of Jackson are shown in Table C-44, which summarizes total parcel counts, improved parcel counts and their structure values by SRA/FRA FHSZs. Analysis results for the LRA in the City of Jackson are shown in Table C-45, which summarizes total parcel counts, improved parcel counts and their structure values by SRA/FRA FHSZs.

Table C-44 City of Jackson – Count and Value of Parcels and Structures by CAL FIRE SRA/FRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone
Fire Hazard
Severity Zone/
Property Use
Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Values
Total Value
SRA
High
Agricultural 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Commercial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-118
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Fire Hazard
Severity Zone/
Property Use
Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Values
Total Value
Miscellaneous 1 0 $7,756 $0 $0 $7,756
Residential 2 0 $819 $0 $0 $819
Unknown 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
High Total 3 0 $8,575 $0 $0 $8,575
SRA Total 3 0 $8,575 $0 $0 $8,575
Jackson Total 3 0 $8,575 $0 $0 $8,575
Source: CAL FIRE, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data Table C-45 City of Jackson – Count and Value of Parcels and Structures by CAL FIRE LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone
Fire Hazard
Severity Zone/
Property Use
Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Values
Total Value
Very High
Agricultural 2 0 $3,244,494 $0 $0 $3,244,494
Commercial 11 6 $1,192,328 $3,620,224 $3,620,224 $8,432,776 Industrial 9 7 $2,520,650 $4,994,427 $7,491,641 $15,006,718 Miscellaneous 4 1 $1,394 $15,924 $0 $17,318
Residential 176 144 $15,359,688 $44,148,162 $22,074,081 $81,581,931 Unknown 11 10 $873,483 $2,216,317 $0 $3,089,800
Very High Total 213 168 $23,192,037 $54,995,054 $33,185,946 $111,373,037 High
Agricultural 9 2 $1,365,811 $728,142 $728,142 $2,822,095 Commercial 124 102 $38,194,407 $142,367,619 $142,367,619 $322,929,645 Industrial 3 2 $480,731 $1,183,885 $1,775,828 $3,440,444 Miscellaneous 48 1 $614,816 $1,450,000 $0 $2,064,816
Residential 1,233 1,054 $98,193,294 $270,478,069 $135,239,035 $503,910,398 Unknown 4 3 $163,288 $192,342 $0 $355,630
High Total 1,421 1,164 $139,012,347 $416,400,057 $280,110,623 $835,523,027 Moderate
Agricultural 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Commercial 75 66 $11,848,348 $30,718,636 $30,718,636 $73,285,620 Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous 6 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Residential 195 177 $13,373,268 $33,139,286 $16,569,643 $63,082,197 Unknown 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
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Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-119
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Fire Hazard
Severity Zone/
Property Use
Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Values
Total Value
Moderate Total 276 243 $25,221,616 $63,857,922 $47,288,279 $136,367,817 Non-Wildland
Agricultural 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Commercial 58 43 $3,626,433 $6,833,428 $6,833,428 $17,293,289 Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous 6 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Residential 149 138 $10,726,971 $25,788,278 $12,894,139 $49,409,388 Unknown 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Non-Wildland
Total
213 181 $14,353,404 $32,621,706 $19,727,567 $66,702,677 Outside of LRA Responsibility Area
Agricultural 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Commercial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Residential 1 0 $72,584 $0 $0 $72,584
Unknown 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Outside of LRA
Responsibility
Area Total
1 0 $72,584 $0 $0 $72,584
Jackson Total 2,124 1,756 $201,851,988 $567,874,739 $380,312,415 $769,726,727 Source: CAL FIRE, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Wildfire present a threat to critical facilities and infrastructure. The following analysis discusses critical facilities and infrastructure. A separate analysis was performed on the critical facility inventory in the City to determine which critical facilities fall into each fire hazard severity zone. Using GIS, the SRA/FRA and LRA fire hazard severity zones were overlayed on the critical facility GIS layer. Only LRA fire hazard severity zones intersect critical facilities in the City; as such no SRA/FRA analysis is presented here. Only LRA analysis is presented. This is shown on Figure C-25 for the LRA fire hazard severity zones. Table C-46 details which critical facilities fall in which LRA fire hazard severity zone. Details of critical facility categories, type, name, and address by SRA/FRA and LRA fire hazard severity zones are listed in Appendix F.
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-120
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure C-31 City of Jackson – Critical Facilities in LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones Table C-46 City of Jackson – Critical Facilities by Category in LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Fire Hazard Severity Zone Critical Facility Category Facility Type Facility Count Very High
Essential Services Facilities
Wastewater Facility 1
Essential Services Total 1
Very High Total 1
High Total Essential Services Facilities
Clinic 8
Community Center 1
Court House 1
Evacuation Shelter 1
Fire Station 1
Healthcare/School
Services
1 Hospital 1
Library 1
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-121
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Fire Hazard Severity Zone Critical Facility Category Facility Type Facility Count Police Station 1
Wastewater Facility 1
Essential Services Total 17
At Risk Population
Community Center 1
Other 1
Residential Care Facility 4
School 1
Veterans Services 1
At Risk Population
Total
8 High Total 25
Moderate Total
Essential Services Facilities
Civic Center 1
Clinic 1
Evacuation Shelter 1
Fire Station 1
Police Station 1
Post Office 1
Public Administration
Building
2 Essential Services Total 8
At Risk Population
School 2
Veterans Services 1
At Risk Population
Total
3 Moderate Total 11
Non-Wildland
Essential Services Facilities
Communications 1
Community Center 1
DMV 1
EOC 1
Government
Administration
1 Jail 1
Police Station 1
School District Office 1
Essential Services Total 8
At Risk Population
School 2
At Risk Population
Total
2 Non-Wildland Total 10
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-122
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Fire Hazard Severity Zone Critical Facility Category Facility Type Facility Count City of Jackson Total 47
Source: CGS, City of Jackson
Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Natural, historic, and cultural resources located within areas at risk to wildfire would be vulnerable. Should a wildfire occur in the City, the impacts to natural, historic and cultural resources could be extensive and include air pollution, contamination from water runoff containing toxic products, and other environmental discharges or releases from burned materials affecting soils, habitat areas, wildlife, and aquatic resources.

Historic and cultural resources can be damaged or destroyed and are often more vulnerable due to their older age, construction type, and lack of fire prevention infrastructure such as sprinklers.

Impacts from Wildfire
Potential impacts from wildfire include loss of life and injuries; damage to structures and other improvements, natural and cultural resources, croplands, and timber; and loss of recreational opportunities.

Out of control wildfires can have catastrophic impacts. Wildfires can cause short-term and long-term disruption to the City. Fires can have devastating effects on watersheds through loss of vegetation and soil erosion, which may impact the City by changing runoff patterns, increasing sedimentation, reducing natural and reservoir water storage capacity, and degrading water quality. Fires can also affect air quality in the City; smoke and air pollution from wildfires can be a severe health hazard. Smoke impacts may come from wildfires outside the City, as well as from within.

Although the physical damages and casualties arising from wildland-urban interface or conflagration fires may be severe, it is important to recognize that they also cause significant economic impacts by resulting in a loss of function of buildings and infrastructure. Economic impacts of loss of transportation and utility services may include traffic delays/detours from road and bridge closures and loss of electric power, potable water, and wastewater services. Schools and businesses can be forced to close for extended periods of time.

Recently, the threat of wildfire, combined with the potential for high winds, heat, and low humidity, has caused PG&E to initiate a PSPS which can also significantly impact a community through loss of services, business closures, and other impacts associated with loss of power for an extended period. In addition, catastrophic wildfire can create favorable conditions for other hazards such as flooding, landslides, and erosion during the rainy season.

The impacts of a fire are felt long after the fire is extinguished. In addition to the loss of property in fires, the loss in vegetation and changes in surface soils alters the environment. When supporting vegetation is burned, hillsides become destabilized and prone to erosion. The burnt surface soils are harder and absorb less water. When winter rains come, this leads to increased runoff, erosion, and landslides in hilly areas.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-123
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Significant economic impact (jobs, sales, tax revenue) to the community; and ➢ Negative impact on commercial and residential property values Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the City may be affected in the future by climate change (which was discussed in the hazard profile above), changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. These are discussed in the Future Conditions/Future Development discussion below.

Future Conditions
Future conditions may be affected by climate change, changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. Findings on this for the City of Jackson include the following:
➢ Climate change is likely to exacerbate future wildfire conditions and associated impacts and vulnerability of the City to wildfire.
➢ Population growth in the City of Jackson has recently slowed. Additional population growth would likely bring continued diversity to the City. Vulnerable population groups could face disproportionate effects from wildfire and should be planned for. Changes in population and population patterns may or may not increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard depending on the location and nature of growth and continued planning for future hazard conditions. ➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. Six residential lots are expected to be built in the next five years. These are in the Very High FHSZ. Locating new development, structures and critical facilities and infrastructure within or near areas of wildfire risk may put additional development at risk. However, City building codes are in effect to reduce this risk and should be updated as necessary to continue to address future wildfire conditions. Specifically, with the release of the new 2025 LRA mapping for Amador County, wildfire building codes should be updated as required to include enhanced measures to reduce wildfire impacts on new construction, and including the formal adoption of the new LRA maps. It should be noted that most of the growth in the City is occurring in areas outside the moderate or higher fire hazard severity zones. Thus, depending on the location of new development and adherence to protective building codes, changes in land use and development may or may not increase the impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the City to this hazard. It should also be noted that once new building codes are adopted for LRA, it should reduce vulnerability on new construction especially in the higher hazard zones.

Future Development
Additional growth and development within moderate or higher fire hazard severity zones in the City would place additional values at risk to wildfire. More vulnerable populations may experience a disproportionate impact from wildfire, and this should be considered as development continues. However, City building codes are in effect and should continue to be updated as appropriate to reduce future impacts. 884
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-124
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Future development areas and their vulnerability to wildfire are discussed further in the below GIS analysis.

GIS Analysis
The City provided a future development area which was used as the basis for the inventory of future development for the City. This area were mapped in GIS. Utilizing the future development area spatial layer, the parcel polygon data was intersected to determine the future development areas within each SRA/FRA and LRA fire hazard severity zone. No facilities fell in the SRA/FRA fire hazard severity zones.

Figure C-32 shows the locations of the future development area overlayed on the LRA fire hazard severity zones. As shown in Table C-47, the future development area falls in the Very High fire hazard severity zone.

Figure C-32 City of Jackson – Future Development Areas in LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones 885
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-125
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table C-47 City of Jackson – Future Development Parcels and Acres in LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Fire Hazard
Severity Zone
/ Future
Development
Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Unimproved
Parcel Count
Total Acres Total
Improved
Acres
Total
Unimproved
Acres
Very High
Jackson View
Lots 87-92
1 0 1 2.07 0 2.07
Very High
Total
1 0 1 2.07 0 2.07
Grand Total 1 0 1 2.07 0 2.07
Source: CAL FIRE, City of Jackson
C.5 Capability Assessment
Capabilities are the programs and policies currently in use to reduce hazard impacts or that could be used to implement hazard mitigation activities. This capabilities assessment is divided into five sections:
regulatory mitigation capabilities, administrative and technical mitigation capabilities, fiscal mitigation capabilities, mitigation education, outreach, and partnerships, and other mitigation efforts.

C.5.1. Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities
Table C-48 lists regulatory mitigation capabilities, including planning and land management tools, typically used by local jurisdictions to implement hazard mitigation activities and indicates those that are in place in the City of Jackson.

Table C-48 City of Jackson’s Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities Plans
In Place
Y/N
Does the plan address hazards? Can the plan be used to
carry out mitigation actions? When was it last updated?? Capital Improvements Plan N
Climate Change Adaptation Plan N
Community Wildfire Protection Plan N
Comprehensive/Master Plan Y Comprehensive update in 2023 Continuity of Operations Plan N
Economic Development Plan N
Land Use Plan Y 2023
Local Emergency Operations Plan Y
Stormwater Management Plan N
Transportation Plan Y 2023
Other N
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Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-126
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Land Use Planning and Ordinances Y/N
Is the ordinance an effective way to reduce hazard
impacts?
Is the ordinance adequately administered and enforced?
Acquisition of land for open space and
public recreation use
N
Building code Y Yes
Flood insurance rate maps Y Yes
Floodplain ordinance Y Yes
Natural hazard-specific ordinance
(stormwater, steep slope, wildfire)
Y Yes
Subdivision ordinance Y Yes
Zoning ordinance Y Yes
Other
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? General Plan was updated in 2023 to address climate change, hazards, wildfire interface, emergency services, circulation, etc. It will be important to align future practices with new General Plan goals, objectives, and policies.

Source: City of Jackson
City of Jackson General Plan (dates vary by element)
The City of Jackson General Plan Program serves as the blueprint for future growth and development and provides comprehensive planning for the future. It encompasses what the City is now, and what it intends to be, and provides the overall framework of how to achieve this future condition (see the discussion in Section 4.3.1 Growth and Development Trends).

The General Plan is a document that guides the future development within the City. It contains broad community values and goals, giving a picture of the desired character and quality of development in the County and policies which outline the steps to accomplish those goals. Of primary concern to this planning document is the Safety and Land Use Elements of the General Plan. The Safety Element, adopted in 1981, reflects hazards related to the City. The Land Use Element, adopted in 2008, is more specific and implementation oriented with respect to protecting future development in the City.

Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures related to hazard mitigation include the following:
➢ Goal 1: Growth in the City of Jackson shall occur only if new development adequately mitigates its environmental impacts, addresses housing availability and affordability needs, respects open space resources and occurs so that the growth is in a manner which is not detrimental to the City’s neighborhoods and small town quality of life.
✓ Policy 1.5: A hazards study shall be performed for the purpose of outlining areas considered hazardous due mainly to historic mining operations. The hazards study shall consider hazards associated with the use of hazardous materials and with ground disturbances that may have resulted in land instability. Once identified, these areas will be designated in a Hazards Overlay to be incorporated into this Land Use Element. New development standards for properties within this overlay shall be developed to protect the City’s citizens from exposure to hazardous materials. 887
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-127
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Goal 2: The City of Jackson has numerous natural and historic features. These features shall be identified, enhanced if necessary, and protected.
✓ Policy 2.5: Limit new development within the Creek/Floodplain overlay by requiring new development proposed within the overlay to obtain Planning Commission approval.

Mitigation Related Ordinances
Weed Abatement (Chapter 8.12)
This ordinance provides for the declaration and abatement of Nuisances to include, “any brush or weeds which attain such large growth as to become, when dry, a fire menace to adjacent improved property”.

Uniform Codes (Chapter 14.04)
The following codes are adopted for the City of Jackson:
➢ The 2022 Edition of the California Administrative Code contained in Part 1 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations is hereby adopted by reference as the Administrative Code of the City of Jackson; ➢ The 2022 Edition of the California Building Code contained in Part 2, Volume 1 and Volume 2, of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, which incorporates and amends the 2015 Edition of the International Building Code published by the International Code Council, including Chapter 1, is hereby adopted by reference as the Building Code of the City of Jackson; ➢ The 2022 Edition of the California Residential Code contained in Part 2.5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, which incorporates and amends the 2015 Edition of the International Residential Code, Second Printing, and the 2012 Edition of the International Residential Code published by the International Code Council, including Chapter 1, is hereby adopted by reference as the Reference Code of the City of Jackson;
➢ The 2022 Edition of the California Electrical Code contained in Part 3 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, which incorporates and amends the 2014 Edition of the National Electric Code published by the National Fire Protection Association, including Chapter 1, is hereby adopted by reference as the Electrical Code of the City of Jackson; ➢ The 2022 Edition of the California Mechanical Code contained in Part 4 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, which incorporates and amends the 2015 Edition of the Uniform Mechanical Code published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, including Chapter 1, is hereby adopted by reference as the Mechanical Code of the City of Jackson; ➢ The 2022 Edition of the California Plumbing Code contained in Part 5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, which incorporates and amends the 2015 Edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code published by the International Association of Plumbing and Plumbing Officials, including Chapter 1, is hereby adopted as the Plumbing Code of the City of Jackson; ➢ The 2022 Edition of the California Energy Code contained in Part 6 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations is hereby adopted by reference as the Energy Code of the City of Jackson; ➢ The 2022 Edition of the California Historical Building Code contained in Part 8 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations is hereby adopted by reference as the Historical Building Code of the City of Jackson;
➢ The 2022 Edition of the California Fire Code contained in Part 9 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, which incorporates and amends the 2015 Edition of the International Fire Code as published by the International Code Council, including Chapter 1, is hereby adopted as the Fire Code of the City of Jackson;
888
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-128
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ The 2022 Edition of the California Existing Building Code contained in Part 10 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations is hereby adopted by reference as the Existing Building Code of the City of Jackson;
➢ The 2022 Edition of the California Green Building Standards Code contained in Part 11 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations is hereby adopted by reference as the Green Building Standards Code of the City of Jackson;
➢ The 2022 Edition of the California Referenced Standards Code contained in Part 12 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations is hereby adopted by reference as the Referenced Standards Code of the City of Jackson;
➢ The 2021 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code as published by the International Code Council is hereby adopted by reference as the Property Maintenance Code of the City of Jackson; ➢ The 2021 Edition of the Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials is hereby adopted by reference as the Swimming Pool Code of the City of Jackson;
➢ The 1997 Edition of the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, published by the International Conference of Building Officials, is hereby adopted by reference as the Dangerous Buildings Code of the City of Jackson;
➢ The 1997 Edition of the Uniform Housing Code, published by the International Conference of Building Officials, as referenced and adopted by the California Department of Housing and Community Development in Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations pursuant to Sections 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, 17958.9 and 17959 of the Health & Safety Code is hereby adopted by reference as the Housing Code of the City of Jackson;
➢ The 1997 Edition of the Uniform Building Security Code, published by the International Conference of Building Officials, is hereby adopted by reference as the Security Building Code of the City of Jackson;
The above-identified codes in this Section 14.04.010 (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Uniform Codes”) are adopted for the purpose of prescribing regulations for the erection, construction, modification, repair, maintenance, demolition, use and occupancy of buildings and structures. One copy of each of the Uniform Codes shall be maintained for use and examination of the public in the Office of the Building Official.

Floodplain Management (Chapter 17.34)
The flood hazard areas of the City are subject to periodic inundation which results in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety, and general welfare.

These flood losses are caused by uses that are inadequately elevated, floodproofed, or protected from flood damage. The cumulative effect of obstructions in areas of special flood hazards which increase flood heights and velocities also contribute to the flood loss.

It is the purpose of this Chapter to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions designed to:
➢ Protect human life and health;
➢ Minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects; 889
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-129
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;
➢ Minimize prolonged business interruptions;
➢ Minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains; electric, telephone and sewer lines; and streets and bridges located in areas of special flood hazard; ➢ Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of areas of special flood hazard so as to minimize future blighted areas caused by flood damage:
➢ Ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is in an area of special flood hazard; and ➢ Ensure that those who occupy areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility for their actions. ➢ In order to accomplish the above purpose, this Chapter includes methods and provisions to:
➢ Restrict or prohibit uses which are dangerous to health, safety, and property due to water or erosion hazards, or which result in damage increases in erosion or flood heights or velocities; ➢ Require that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve the uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;
➢ Control the alteration of natural flood plains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers, which help accommodate or channel flood waters;
➢ Control, file, grade, dredge, and other development which may increase flood damage; and ➢ Prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert flood waters, or which may increase flood hazards in other areas.

17.34.220 – Floodways
Locations within areas of special flood hazard established in Section 17.34.070 (Basis for Establishing the Areas of Special Flood Hazard) are designated as floodways. Since the floodway is an extremely hazardous area due to the velocity of floodwaters which carry debris, potential projectiles, and erosion potential, the following provisions apply.
➢ Prohibit encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvement, and other new development unless certification by a registered professional engineer or architect is provided demonstrating that encroachments shall not result in any increase in (the base) flood elevation during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
➢ If subsection (A) is satisfied, all new construction, substantial improvement, and other proposed new development shall comply with all other applicable flood hazard reduction provisions of Sections

17.34.170 (Standards of Construction) through 17.34.250 (Flood-related Erosion-Prone Areas).

17.34.240 - Mudslide Prone Areas
The floodplain administrator shall review permits for proposed construction of other development to determine if it is proposed within a mudslide area.

Permits shall be reviewed to determine that the proposed site and improvement will be reasonably safe from mudslide hazards. Factors to be considered in making this determination include but are not limited to the:
➢ Type and quality of soils;
➢ Evidence of groundwater or surface water problems;
➢ Depth and quality of any fill;
➢ Overall slope of the site; and
➢ Weight that any proposed development will impose on the slope.

Within areas which may have mudslide hazards, the floodplain administrator shall require that:
890
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-130
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ A site investigation and further review be made by persons qualified in geology and soils engineering; ➢ The proposed grading, excavation, new construction, and substantial improvement be adequately designed and protected against mudslide damages;
➢ The proposed grading, excavation, new construction, and substantial improvement not aggravate the existing hazard by creating either on-site or off-site disturbances; and ➢ Drainage, planting, watering, and maintenance not endanger slope stability.

17.34.250 - Flood-related Erosion-Prone Areas
➢ The floodplain administrator shall require permits for proposed construction and other development within all flood-related, erosion-prone areas identified by the community. ➢ Permit applications shall be reviewed to determine whether the proposed site alterations and improvements will be reasonably safe from flood-related erosion and will not cause flood-related erosion hazards or otherwise aggravate the existing hazard. ➢ If a proposed improvement is found to be in the path of flood-related erosion or would increase the erosion hazard, such improvement shall be relocated or adequate protective measures shall be taken to avoid aggravating the existing erosion hazard.
➢ Within Zone E on the Flood Insurance Rate Map, a setback is required for all new development from a body of water to create a safety buffer consisting of a natural vegetative or contour strip. This buffer shall be designated according to the flood related erosion hazard and erosion rate, in relation to the anticipated ―useful life of structures, and depending upon the geologic, hydrologic, topographic, and climatic characteristics of the land. The buffer may be used for suitable open space purposes, such as for agricultural, forestry, outdoor recreation, and wildlife habitat areas, and for other activities using temporary and portable structures only.

Development Code (Title 17)
This Development Code carries out the policies of the City of Jackson General Plan by classifying and regulating the uses of land and structures within the City of Jackson. This Development Code is adopted to protect and to promote the public health, safety, comfort, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare of residents, and businesses in the City. Additional purposes of this Development Code are to:
➢ Implement the General Plan by encouraging the uses of land designated by the General Plan; ➢ Provide standards for the orderly growth and development of the City that will maintain its established historic, small town, and open space characteristics;
➢ Enhance and maintain the relationship between the citizens of the City of Jackson, our environment, and the City’s many attributes essential for a continued high quality of life. ➢ Encourage growth in a manner that does not detract from the City’s attributes or negatively impact the environment.
➢ Require high quality planning and design for development, that enhances the visual character of the City, avoids conflicts between land uses, and preserves the scenic qualities of the City by maintaining adequate open space;
➢ Create a comprehensive and stable pattern of land uses consistent with the limitations of the Resource Constraints and Priority Allocation Ordinance; and
➢ Provide regulations for the subdivision of land in compliance with the Subdivision Map Act, Title 7, Section 4, Division 2 of the California Government Code. 891
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-131
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
C.5.2. Administrative/Technical Mitigation Capabilities Table C-49 identifies the City department(s) responsible for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in the City of Jackson.

Table C-49 City of Jackson’s Administrative and Technical Mitigation Capabilities Administration
In
Place
Y/N
Describe capability
Is coordination effective?
Staff
Is staffing adequate to enforce regulations?
Is staff trained on hazards and mitigation?
Is coordination between agencies and staff effective?
Chief Building Official Y Yes/Yes/Yes
Civil Engineer, including dam and levee
safety
Y Yes/Yes/Yes
Community Planner Y Yes/Yes/Yes
Emergency Manager N
Floodplain Administrator Y Yes/Yes/Yes
GIS Coordinator Y
Planning Commission Y Yes
Other
Technical Y/N
Has capability been used to assess/mitigate risk in the past?
Grant writing N
Hazard data and information Y
GIS analysis N
Mutual aid agreements Y Yes
Other
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? Additional Funding for increase training.

Source: City of Jackson
C.5.3. Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities
Table C-50 identifies financial tools or resources that the City could potentially use to help fund mitigation activities.
892
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-132
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table C-50 City of Jackson’s Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities Funding Resource
In Place
Y/N
Has the funding resource been used in past
and for what type of activities?
Could the resource be used to fund future
mitigation actions?
Capital improvements project funding Y Yes/Yes
Community Development Block Grant Y Yes/Yes
Federal funding programs (non-FEMA) Y No/Yes
Fees for water, sewer, gas, or electric services Y Yes/Yes Impact fees for new development Y Yes/Yes
State funding programs Y Yes/Yes
Stormwater utility fee N
Other
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? Funding needed to address deferred maintenance of infrastructure.

Source: City of Jackson
C.5.4. Mitigation Education, Outreach, and Partnerships Table C-51 identifies education and outreach programs and methods already in place that could be/or are used to implement mitigation activities and communicate hazard-related information.

Table C-51 City of Jackson’s Mitigation Education, Outreach, and Partnerships Program/Organization
In Place
Y/N
How widespread are each of these in your
community?
Community newsletters Y City announcements
Hazard awareness campaigns (such as Firewise,
Storm Ready, Severe Weather Awareness Week,
school programs, public events)
Y City School Program
Local news Y Local News networks
Organizations that interact with underserved and
vulnerable communities
Y Locally
Social media Y Locally
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? Increased funding is necessary to expand programs.

Source: City of Jackson
C.5.5. Other Mitigation Efforts
The City has many other completed or ongoing mitigation efforts that include the following:
893
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-133
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ The City has participated in the Oro De Amador Dam clean up ➢ Local community clean up dates (wildfire prevention) occur relatively frequently. ➢ A weed abatement program occurs in the City.
➢ The City has successfully partnered with the State of California Office of Emergency Services and the County of Amador Office of Emergency Services on previous mitigation grants and outreach. This was the case with the Marcucci Lane Culvert Bridge replacement adjacent to Highway 49. ➢ The City also works with the CAL FIRE crews on an annual basis to clear the vegetation growth in Jackson Creek to reduce the potential for flooding within the City ➢ The City is in the process of replacing three potentially hazardous bridges: South Avenue Bridge, Pitt Street Bridge and French Bar Road Bridge. All three of these replacement projects are FHWA funded. ➢ The slide in the Busi Parking Lot has been repaired.
➢ The City utilized FEMA funds to repair the WWTP access road that was damaged during the 2017 storms.
➢ The City utilized FEMA funds to replace a damaged culvert on Jackson Gate Road.

C.6 Mitigation Strategy
C.6.1. Mitigation Goals and Objectives
The City of Jackson adopts the hazard mitigation goals and objectives developed by the HMPC and described in Chapter 5 Mitigation Strategy.

C.6.2. NFIP Mitigation Strategy
The City of Jackson joined the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on August 19, 1985. As a participant of the NFIP, the City of Jackson has administered floodplain management regulations that meet the minimum requirements of the NFIP. The management program objective is to protect people and property within the City. The City of Jackson will continue to comply with the requirements of the NFIP in the future.

In addition, the City of Jackson actively participates with Amador County to address local NFIP issues through a regional approach. Many of the program activities are the same for the City of Jackson as for Amador County since participation at the County level includes all local jurisdictions.

The City of Jackson Building Department provides public outreach activities which include map information services, public awareness, public hazard disclosure, and flood protection information. This information is readily available to the public and consists of current and accurate flood mapping. In addition, the Planning and Engineering Department provides information about our stormwater management program and up-to-date information related to the maintenance of our drainage system.

The NFIP’s Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community actions meeting the three goals of the CRS which are to reduce flood losses, facilitate accurate insurance rating, and promote the awareness of flood insurance. The City of Jackson is not a current participant in the CRS program.
894
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-134
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
More information about the floodplain administration in the City of Jackson can be found in Table C-52.

Table C-52 City of Jackson Compliance with NFIP
NFIP Topic Comments
Staff Resources
Who is responsible for floodplain management in your
community? Provide Department/Title. Do they serve any
roles other than Community Floodplain Administrator
(FPA)?
Building Official. They serve other roles other than
FPA.

Is the Community FPA or NFIP Coordinator a Certified
Floodplain Manager?
No
Is floodplain management an auxiliary function? Yes
Provide an explanation of NFIP administration services
(e.g., permit review, GIS, education or outreach, inspections, engineering capability)
Permit review
What are the barriers to running an effective NFIP program in the community, if any?
None known
Insurance Summary
How many NFIP policies are in the community? What is the total premium and coverage?
28 policies
$35,579 in premiums
$8,054,000 in coverage.

How many claims have been paid in the community? What
is the total amount of paid claims? How many of the claims were for substantial damage?
40 paid claims
$1,030,257.19 in paid losses
1 substantial damage claims
How many structures (residential and non-residential) are exposed to flood risk within the community?
207 in 1% annual chance floodplain
24 in 0.2% annual chance floodplain
Are there Repetitive Loss (RL) and Severe Repetitive Loss Properties (SRL) structures in the community?
2 RL
0 SRL
Describe any areas of flood risk with limited NFIP policy coverage
None known.

How does the community teach property owners or other
stakeholders about the importance flood insurance?
Point residents to the FEMA Map Service Center pages
for information.

What digital sources (like the FEMA Map Service Center, National Flood Hazard Layer) or non-regulatory tools does the community use?
Publicly accessible sources - National Flood Hazard
Layers
Compliance History
Is the community in good standing with the NFIP? Y
Are there any outstanding compliance issues (i.e., current violations)?
N
Who is responsible (Department, Title) for making
substantial damage/improvement determinations? How does the community identify substantially damaged/improved
structures? What is the process to make sure these
structures are brought into compliance?
City Building Official; follows the permitting process
and floodplain ordinance. Building Official identifies
substantially damaged structures and applies available
remedies to bring back into compliance (in
coordination with the owners of the property).

When was the most recent Community Assistance Visit
(CAV) or Community Assistance Contact (CAC)?
1/28/2009 (CAV)
12/8/2017 (CAC)
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Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-135
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
NFIP Topic Comments
Is a CAV or CAC scheduled or needed? No
Regulation
When did the community enter the NFIP? August 19, 1985
Are the FIRMs digital or paper? Digital
Has the community adopted the NFIP minimum floodplain
management criteria via local regulation? Date of current local regulation?
Y 1990
Has the community adopted the latest effective FIRM? Date adopted?
Y 2016 was last Flood Insurance Study
How does the community enforce local floodplain
regulations and monitor compliance?
Y, through the permitting process and per the flood
ordinance.

Do floodplain development regulations meet or exceed
FEMA or State minimum requirements? If so, in what ways? Meet.

How are Letters of Map Change (LOMCs) tracked and
compiled?
New DFIRMs are downloaded regularly which include
the latest LOMCs, LOMRs, and CLOMRs
Provide an explanation of the permitting process. For the permitting process, typically when any applications are made, the building department checks
the location of the proposed development in
relationship to the floodplains and floodways within the City. If a property is in a floodplain, conditions
(whether it be on a developer or a single applicant) are placed on the permit requiring them to meet the City’s_ floodplain ordinance and building requirements. With
respect to structures proposed in floodways, no
construction is allowed in floodways. If construction is to take place within floodplains, flood elevation
certificates are required for all homes to prove that the finished floor elevation meets with the City’s
ordinances. Additionally, if its’s a development, a full floodplain analysis, CLOMR and LOMR is required.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-136
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Climate Change
➢ Dam Failure
➢ Drought & Water Shortage (w/ tree mortality)
➢ Earthquake (w/subhazards)
➢ Floods: 1%/0.2% annual chance (w/ levee failure)
➢ Floods: Localized Stormwater
➢ Landslide, Mudslide, and Debris Flow
➢ Severe Weather: Extreme Cold, Freeze, Snow
➢ Severe Weather: Extreme Heat
➢ Severe Weather: Heavy Rain and Storms (Hail, Lightning) ➢ Severe Weather: High Winds and Tornados
➢ Wildfire
Low priority hazards for mitigation planning include:
➢ Agricultural Hazards (severe weather/pests/invasive species) ➢ Avalanche
It should be noted that many of the projects submitted by each jurisdiction in Table 5-4 in the Base Plan benefit all jurisdictions whether or not they are the lead agency. Further, many of these mitigation efforts are collaborative efforts among multiple local, state, and federal agencies. In addition, the countywide public outreach action, as well as many of the emergency services actions, apply to all hazards regardless of hazard priority. Collectively, this multi-jurisdictional mitigation strategy includes only those actions and projects which reflect the actual priorities and capacity of each jurisdiction to implement over the next 5- years covered by this plan. It should further be noted, that although a jurisdiction may not have specific projects identified for each priority hazard for the five-year coverage of this planning process, each jurisdiction has focused on identifying those projects which are realistic and reasonable for them to implement and would like to preserve their hazard priorities should future projects be identified where the implementing jurisdiction has the future capacity to implement.

Mitigation Actions
The City has put forward the actions as shown in Table C-53. Details of the actions can be found below the table.

Table C-53 City of Jackson Mitigation Actions
Action Title
New Action/
Previous
Action
Address
Current
Development
Address
Future
Development
Continued
NFIP
Compliance Mitigation Type
City of Jackson
Action 1. Integrate Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan into Safety Element of
General Plan
Previous
Action
X X Prevention
897
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-137
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Action Title
New Action/
Previous
Action
Address
Current
Development
Address
Future
Development
Continued
NFIP
Compliance Mitigation Type
Action 2. Enhance Public
Education and Awareness of Natural
Hazards and Public Understanding of
Disaster Preparedness
Previous
Action
X X X Prevention
Public Education
Action 3. Creation of Drone
Program
New Action X X Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 4. Backup Power Projects
for Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
(e.g. Generators, Batteries, Solar, Etc.)
New Action X X Property Protection
Structural
Action 5. Creek Excavation and
Annual Clearing Projects
Previous
Action
X X X Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 6. Pitt Street Bridge
Replacement
New Action X X X Structural
Action 7. Mattley Street Erosion
Project
New Action X X X Prevention
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 8. Home Hardening
Education Program/Go Bags, ARC
New Action X X Prevention
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 9. Defensible Space Public
Education
Previous
Action
X X Public Education
Action 10. Fuel Break Projects New Action X X Prevention Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 11. Jackson Fire Station 131
Replacement Project
New Action X X Structural
Action 1. Integrate Local Hazard Mitigation Plan into Safety Element of General Plan Hazards Addressed: Multi-hazard (Agricultural Hazards (severe weather/pests/invasive species), Avalanche, Climate Change, Dam Failure, Drought & Water shortage (w/ tree mortality), Earthquake (w/subhazards), Floods: 1%/0.2% annual chance (w/ levee failure), Floods: Localized Stormwater, Landslide, Mudslide, Debris Flow, Severe Weather: Extreme Cold, Freeze, and Snow, Severe Weather:

Extreme Heat, Severe Weather: Heavy Rains and Storms (Hail, Lightning), Severe Weather: High Winds and Tornadoes, Wildfire (w/smoke and air quality))
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): Local jurisdictional reimbursement for mitigation projects and cost recovery after a disaster is guided by Government Code Section 8685.9 (AB 2140). Specifically, this 898
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-138
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
section requires that each jurisdiction adopt a local hazard mitigation plan (LHMP) in accordance with the federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 as part of the Safety Element of its General Plan. Adoption of the LHMP into the Safety Element of the General Plan may be by reference or incorporation.

Other Alternatives: No action
Existing Planning Mechanisms through which Action will be Implemented: Safety Element of General Plan
Responsible Office/Partners: City of Jackson Planning Department Benefits (Losses Avoided): Incorporation of an adopted LHMP into the Safety Element of the General Plan will help jurisdictions maximize the cost recovery potential following a disaster.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): City General Fund Timeline: Within 1 years
Priority (H, M, L): High
Action 2. Enhance Public Education and Awareness of Natural Hazards and Public Understanding of Disaster Preparedness
Hazards Addressed: Multi-hazard (Agricultural Hazards (severe weather/pests/invasive species), Avalanche, Climate Change, Dam Failure, Drought & Water shortage (w/ tree mortality), Earthquake (w/subhazards), Floods: 1%/0.2% annual chance (w/ levee failure), Floods: Localized Stormwater, Landslide, Mudslide, Debris Flow, Severe Weather: Extreme Cold, Freeze, and Snow, Severe Weather:

Extreme Heat, Severe Weather: Heavy Rains and Storms (Hail, Lightning), Severe Weather: High Winds and Tornadoes, Wildfire (w/smoke and air quality))
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The City and County play a key role in public outreach/education efforts to communicate the potential risk and vulnerability of their community to the effects of natural hazards. A comprehensive multi-hazard public education program will better inform the community of natural hazards of concern and actions the public can take to be better prepared for the next natural disaster event.

Project Description: A comprehensive multi-hazard outreach program will ascertain both broad and targeted educational needs throughout the community. The City will work with the County and other agencies as appropriate to develop timely and consistent annual outreach messages in order to communicate the risk and vulnerability of natural hazards of concern to the community. This includes measures the public can take to be better prepared and to reduce the damages and other impacts from a hazard event.

The public outreach effort will leverage and build upon existing mechanisms, and will consider:
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-139
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Using a variety of information outlets, including websites, local radio stations, news media, schools, and local, public sponsored events;
➢ Creating and distributing (where applicable) brochures, leaflets, water bill inserts, websites, and public service announcements;
➢ Displaying public outreach information in County office buildings, libraries, and other public places and events;
➢ Developing public-private partnerships and incentives to support public education activities.

Other Alternatives: Continue public information activities currently in place.

Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Existing City and County outreach programs will be reviewed for effectiveness and leveraged and expanded upon to reach the broader region.

Responsible Office/Partners: City of Jackson Planning Department in partnership with the County Benefits (Losses Avoided): Increase residents’ knowledge of potential hazards and activities required to mitigate hazards and be better prepared. Protect lives and reduce damages, relatively low cost to implement.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): City General Fund, grant funds (like CA DWR, Cal OESPDM, HMGP, FMA, BRIC, or other sources).

Timeline: Ongoing/Annual public awareness campaign
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
Action 3. Creation of Drone Program
Hazards Addressed: Climate Change, Dam Failure, Drought & Water Shortage, Earthquake, Flood:
1%/0.2% Annual Chance, Flood: Localized Stormwater Flooding, Landslide, Mudslide, Debris Flow, Severe Weather: Extreme Cold, Freeze, and Snow, Severe Weather: Extreme Heat, Severe Weather: Heavy Rains and Storms, Severe Weather: High Winds and Tornados, and Wildfire Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The City of Jackson currency lacks an organized plan/mitigation actions for a drone program.

Project Description: The creation and implementation of a drone program within the City of Jackson would greatly enhance the Fire Department’s (and all city departments) capabilities across all phases of emergency management—mitigation, response, and recovery. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging, and mapping software can provide real-time situational awareness during wildfires, floods, and other disasters, allowing for faster, safer, and more informed decision-making.

Other Alternatives: No action.
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Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-140
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Emergency Management plans and program. The City of Jackson currently has no funding mechanism to dedicate towards this project
Responsible Office/Partners: All Agencies within the City of Jackson Benefits (Losses Avoided): Developing and maintaining fuel breaks around the City of Jackson will enhance wildfire protection by slowing fire spread, creating defensible space for firefighting operations, and safeguarding homes, infrastructure, and evacuation routes.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): CalOES grants, FEMA Mitigation Grants, PDM, BRIC, HMGP, and FMA
Timeline: 1-2 years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): Medium
Action 4. Backup Power Projects for Critical Facilities and Infrastructure (e.g., Generators, Batteries, Solar, Etc.)
Hazards Addressed: Climate Change, Dam Failure, Drought & Water Shortage, Earthquake, Flood:
1%/0.2% Annual Chance, Flood: Localized Stormwater Flooding, Landslide, Mudslide, Debris Flow, Severe Weather: Extreme Cold, Freeze, and Snow, Severe Weather: Extreme Heat, Severe Weather: Heavy Rains and Storms, Severe Weather: High Winds and Tornados, and Wildfire Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 4, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The City of Jackson currently lacks backup power supplies for the majority of the critical infrastructure locations. These locations can be affected by any of the hazards shown in the Hazards Addressed list above. This includes facilities that can serve as heating and cooling centers during times of extreme temperatures.

Project Description: The City of Jackson would like to add back up power sources (generators) to critical infrastructure sites such as Public Works Yard, pump stations Other Alternatives: No action.

Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: Emergency Management plans and program. The City of Jackson currently has no funding mechanism to dedicate towards this project
Responsible Office/Partners: City of Jackson Public Works Benefits (Losses Avoided): Securing reliable backup power supplies for critical infrastructure in the City of Jackson is essential to ensuring continuity of operations during emergencies and natural disasters, particularly wildfires and severe weather events that frequently result in extended power outages. At 901
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-141
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
present, many of the City’s vital facilities—including public works yards, water systems—lack sufficient backup power capabilities.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): CalOES grants, FEMA Mitigation Grants, PDM, BRIC, HMGP, and FMA.

Timeline: 2-3 Years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): Medium
Action 5. Creek Excavation and Annual Clearing Projects Hazards Addressed: Flood: 1%/0.2% Annual Chance, Flood: Localized Stormwater Flooding, Wildfire Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 4, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The Jackson Creek is annually overgrown with vegetation that causes the risk of flooding as vegetation builds up and causes drainage issues. In addition, this vegetation can cause an increase in wildfire risk. Currently, the City contracts with CalFire and other organizations to clear the vegetation by hand, annually.

Project Description: Dredge the entire creek bed and install a permanent barrier to prevent vegetation from growing in the creek bed.

Other Alternatives: Allow overgrowth to continue.

Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: The City of Jackson currently contracts with CalFire and other organizations to clear the vegetation by hand. This involved personnel to physically enter the creek bed and remove the overgrown vegetation.

Responsible Office/Partners: City of Jackson Public Works Benefits (Losses Avoided): Would allow for a permanent fix to the vegetation overgrowth causing flooding risk as well as allow for resources to be allocated towards other city projects.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): CalOES grants, FEMA Mitigation Grants, PDM, BRIC, HMGP, and FMA.

Timeline: From beginning of plan and annually after that.

Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): Medium
Action 6. Pitt Street Bridge Replacement
Hazards Addressed: Flood: 1%/0.2% Annual Chance, Flood: Localized Stormwater Flooding (and any other hazard requiring evacuation)
902
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-142
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 4, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The Pitt Street Bridge is currently closed due to age and degradation. This bridge is a critical infrastructure that connects two highly trafficked streets including Water Street (an extension of our Historic Main Street and Highway 88. This bridge was utilized as an evacuation route for two neighborhoods of the City of Jackson.

Project Description: Full replacement of bridge and footings Other Alternatives: Keep bridge closed and continue to drive alternative routes.

Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: The City of Jackson currently has no planning or funding mechanism to replace this bridge.

Responsible Office/Partners: City of Jackson Public Works, CalTrans Benefits (Losses Avoided): Replacement of this bridge would provide for an additional evacuation route for two neighborhoods in the City of Jackson. A secondary benefit would allow for reduced response times for emergency vehicles who are now forced to respond around an alternate route.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): CalOES Grants, FEMA Mitigation Grants, PDM, BRIC, HMGP, and FMA
Timeline: Once funding becomes available, it is hoped to be finished within 5 years.

Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
Action 7. Mattley Street Erosion Project
Hazards Addressed: Flood: 1%/0.2% Annual Chance, Flood: Localized Stormwater Flooding, Severe Weather: Heavy Rains and Storms, Landslide
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 4, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The hillside of Mattley Street in the City of Jackson is located directly across the street (uphill) of Fire Station 131. This parcel has experienced significant erosion over the past few years. This erosion was partially mitigated via anti-erosion measures, where the City invested in a concrete covering that attached bored rods into the hillside.

Project Description: Further anti-erosion measures will be needed in the future to ensure existing measures remain stable
Other Alternatives: Keep status quo.

Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: The City of Jackson currently has no planning or funding mechanism to dedicate towards additional anti erosion measures for this parcel.
903
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-143
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Responsible Office/Partners: City of Jackson Public Works Benefits (Losses Avoided): Funding this project would help protect critical public safety infrastructure, specifically Fire Station 131, which is located directly downhill from the eroding hillside on Mattley Street.

The current erosion poses a long-term threat to the stability and operational integrity of the fire station and nearby properties. While previous anti-erosion efforts have helped stabilize the slope temporarily, additional measures are necessary to reinforce the hillside, preserve the effectiveness of prior mitigation investments, and prevent future flood and erosion-related damages.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): CalOES Grants, FEMA Mitigation Grants, PDM, BRIC, HMGP, and FMA
Timeline: 3-5 Years
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): Medium
Action 8. Jackson Fire Station 131 Replacement Project
Hazards Addressed: Climate Change, Drought & Water Shortage, Earthquake, Flood: Localized Stormwater, Severe Weather: High Winds and Tornados, and Wildfire Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The Jackson Fire Department Station 131 is currently located at 175 Main Street, which is at the entrance to our Historic Main Street. This fire station was constructed in the 1950’s (approximately) and was built over top of the Jackson Creek. This fire station is at a severe risk of destruction if significant flooding or earthquake occurs. This facility is a critical infrastructure to the City and is at the highest risk based on its location.

Project Description: Decommission of Station 131 and new construction of fire station at a more sustainable and less hazard prone location.

Other Alternatives: Significant structural modifications. This would likely be more costly than new construction.

Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: The City of Jackson currently has no planning or funding mechanism to replace this building. The current plan is to keep this building as is.

Responsible Office/Partners: City of Jackson Fire Department Benefits (Losses Avoided): The replacement of this fire station would allow for the risk reduction of an inadequately built building and would allow for critical infrastructure to remain open to respond to the public need in times of emergencies. A secondary benefit would be to allow for the modernization of a new facility that could meet the demands of the modern fire service that are not possible with this existing facility.
904
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-144
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): CalOES Grants, FEMA Mitigation Grants, PDM, BRIC, HMGP, and FMA
Timeline: Once funding becomes available. It is hoped to finish within 5 years.

Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
Action 9. Defensible Space Public Education
Hazards Addressed: Wildfire
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The City of Jackson currently lacks a Defensible Space Education Program for City residents.

Project Description: The City of Jackson would like to create a program to educate city residents about the benefits of creating and maintaining defensible spaces at their properties.

Other Alternatives: No action.

Existing Planning Mechanism(s) through which Action Will Be Implemented: The City of Jackson currently has no planning or funding mechanism to dedicate towards this project Responsible Office/Partners: City of Jackson Fire Department Benefits (Losses Avoided): Establishing a Defensible Space Public Education Program in the City of Jackson would significantly enhance community wildfire resilience by empowering residents with the knowledge and tools to reduce fire risk around their homes. As wildfire threats continue to grow in frequency and intensity across California, proactive public education is a critical, cost-effective measure to minimize the likelihood of structure loss, protect lives, and support firefighter safety during emergency response.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): CalOES grants, FEMA Mitigation Grants, PDM, BRIC, FMA, and HMGP.

Timeline: 1 Year and annually as needed
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): Medium
Action 10. Fuel Break Projects
Hazards Addressed: Wildfire, Drought, Severe Weather: High Winds Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
905
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-145
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The City of Jackson currency lacks an organized plan/mitigation actions for fuel breaks within city limits Project Description: The City of Jackson would like to develop and maintain fuel breaks around the city as a vital wildfire mitigation strategy that would significantly reduce the risk of fast-moving wildfires threatening populated areas and critical infrastructure. Currently, the City lacks a formal program or funding mechanism to construct and sustain these fire-resistant buffer zones Other Alternatives: No action. Fight fires as they occur.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): CalOES grants, FEMA Mitigation Grants, PDM, BRIC, HMGP, and FMA
Timeline: 1-2 years, with maintenance as needed
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
Action 11. Home Hardening Education Program/ Go Bags, ARC Hazards Addressed: Wildfire
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The City of Jackson currently lacks a Home Hardening Education Program for City Residents.

Project Description: The City of Jackson would like to create a program to educate city residents about the benefits of home hardening to reduce the risk of conflagration caused by wildfire. In addition, the City is seeking to educate its residents on the use of a prepacked “Go Bag” for use during emergencies.

Other Alternatives: No action.

Amador County City of Jackson Annex C-146
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Benefits (Losses Avoided): Implementing a Home Hardening Education Program in the City of Jackson would be a critical step in reducing wildfire-related losses by increasing public awareness and preparedness at the individual property level. As wildfire risk continues to escalate across California, it is essential that residents understand how to make their homes more resistant to ember intrusion and heat exposure—the leading causes of structure loss during wildfires.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): CalOES Grants, FEMA Mitigation Grants, PDM, BRIC, HMGP, and FMA
Timeline: 1 Year
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): Medium
907
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-1
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Annex D City of Plymouth
D.1 Introduction
This Annex details the hazard mitigation planning elements specific to the City of Plymouth, a previously participating jurisdiction to the 2020 Amador County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) Update. This Annex is not intended to be a standalone document but appends to and supplements the information contained in the Base Plan document. As such, all sections of the Base Plan, including the planning process and other procedural requirements apply to and were met by the City. This Annex provides additional information specific to the City of Plymouth, with a focus on providing additional details on the planning process, risk assessment, and mitigation strategy for this jurisdiction.

D.2 Planning Process
As described above, the City of Plymouth followed the planning process detailed in Chapter 3 of the Base Plan. In addition to providing representation on the Amador County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC), the City formulated their own internal planning team to support the broader planning process requirements. Internal planning participants, their positions, and how they participated in the planning process are shown in Table D-1. Additional details on Plan participation and City representatives are included in Appendix A.

Table D-1 City of Plymouth – Planning Team
Name Position/Title How Participated
Margaret Roberts City Manager Emailed information and mitigation action worksheets Cathleen Johnson Public Works
Director
Emailed information and M
mitigation action worksheets
Attended meetings
Boone Davidson Public Works Conducted hazard research and provided data Superintendent Superintendent Emailed information and handled correspondence Cameron Begbie City Manager Attended meetings
Coordination with other community planning efforts is paramount to the successful implementation of this LHMP Update. This section provides information on how the City integrated the previously approved 2020 LHMP into existing planning mechanisms and programs. Specifically, the City incorporated into or implemented the 2020 LHMP through other plans and programs shown in Table D-2. 908
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-2
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table D-2 2020 LHMP Incorporation
Planning Mechanism 2020 LHMP Was
Incorporated/Implemented In.

Details: How was it incorporated?
County hazardous materials plan By County OES in collaboration with the City’s LHMP County long-term care facility evacuation plan By County OES in collaboration with the City’s LHMP D.3 Community Profile
The community profile for the City of Plymouth is detailed in the following sections. Figure D-1 displays a City map and the location of City of Plymouth within Amador County.

Figure D-1 City of Plymouth
D.3.1. Geography and Climate
The City of Plymouth lies on flat to gently rolling terrain located at the lower elevations of the Western Slope of California’s Sierra Nevada. The benchmark elevation at the City is 1,086 feet. Changes in elevation across town vary less than one hundred feet. The City is traversed by several seasonal streams. 909
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Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-3
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
They join together southwest of town and become the westward flowing Little Indian Creek. The climate is similar to the climate of other valley communities in Amador County, as discussed in the Base Plan.

D.3.2. History
Plymouth dates from 1852 when mining prospectors established a camp (Pokerville), before moving a mile to the permanent Puckerville in 1855. The name Plymouth was used for the first time a year later for a quartz mill, while the settlement itself became Plymouth in 1871, named after the Plymouth Mine Company, a gold mining concern. The last of the mines closed in the late 1940s, and today, Plymouth, the "Gateway to the Shenandoah Valley", is renowned for its wine production.

D.3.3. Economy and Tax Base
US Census estimates show economic characteristics for the City of Plymouth. These are shown in Table D-3 and Table D-4. Mean household income in the City was $95,211. Median household income in the City was $81,250.

Table D-3 City of Plymouth – Civilian Employed Population 16 years and Over Industry Estimated
Employment
Percent
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 64 10.5% Construction 88 14.4%
Manufacturing 72 11.8%
Wholesale trade 23 3.8%
Retail trade 105 17.2%
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 23 3.8%
Information 0 0.0%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 25 4.1% Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services
32 5.2%
Educational services, and health care and social assistance 72 11.9% Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services 45 7.4% Other services, except public administration 38 6.2%
Public administration 23 3.8%
Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 Estimates Table D-4 City of Plymouth – Income and Benefits
Income Bracket Percent
<$10,000 12.8%
$10,000 – $14,999 4.0%
$15,000 - $24,9999 2.5%
$25,000 – $34,999 4.7%
910
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-4
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Income Bracket Percent
$35,000 – $49,999 3.6%
$50,000 – $74,999 10.1%
$75,000 – $99,999 23.1%
$100,000 – $149,999 15.7%
$150,000 – $199,999 13.0%
$200,000 or more 10.5%
Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 Estimates Plymouth’s largest employers are the 49 Village RV Resort, Pokerville Market and the numerous wineries located in the unincorporated area of Plymouth. Plymouth is home to a large senior/retired population, as well as winery agriculture workers. It is also the hub of Northwestern Amador County providing necessary essential services such as gas and groceries to the area. It relies heavily on the wine tourism market.

D.4 Risk Assessment
As defined by FEMA, risk is a combination of hazard, vulnerability, and exposure. “It is the impact that a hazard would have on people, services, facilities, and structures in a community and refers to the likelihood of a hazard event resulting in an adverse condition that causes injury or damage.” The City of Plymouth risk assessment identifies and profiles relevant hazards and assesses the exposure of lives, property, infrastructure, and the environment to these hazards. The process allows for a better understanding of the City’s potential risk and vulnerability to hazards and provides a framework for developing and prioritizing mitigation actions to reduce risk from future hazard events.

Building on the Community Profile above, a risk assessment was performed for the City. This includes the following sections:
➢ D.4.1 Assets Inventory and Growth and Development Trends ➢ D.4.2 Hazard Identification
➢ D.4.3 Hazard Profiles and Vulnerability to Specific Hazards D.4.1. Assets Inventory and Growth and Development Trends This section provides an inventory of the City of Plymouth’s total assets potentially at risk to hazards and an overview of growth and development trends. This section is broken into two parts:
➢ Asset Inventory – The assets inventory identifies the City of Plymouth’s total assets, including the people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; community lifelines; natural, historic, and cultural resources; and economic assets and community activities of value. This data is not hazard specific, but is representative of total assets within the City, potentially at risk to identified hazards as discussed in Section D.4.3 Hazard Profiles and Vulnerability to Specific Hazards. ➢ Growth and Development Trends – A discussion of growth and development trends in the City, both current and future, is presented.
911
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-5
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Assets Inventory
The City’s asset inventory is detailed in the following sections:
➢ People and Populations
➢ Structures
➢ Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
➢ Community Lifelines
➢ Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
➢ Economic Assets and Community Activities of Value
A discussion of each of these assets follows and serves as the template for the asset discussion for each hazard in Section D.4.3.

People and Populations
The most important asset within any community are the people and populations that reside in the community. This section includes an inventory of past and current populations of the City and also discusses vulnerable populations and underserved communities as a subsection of people and populations located within the City and potentially at risk to hazards. Information from the City, US Census Bureau, California Department of Finance, and other sources as detailed below form the basis of this discussion.

Historic Population Trends and Current Population
Population growth can increase the number of people living in hazard prone areas. The City of Plymouth has 1,122 residents, as of January 1, 2025. The City of Plymouth has seen growth rates as shown in Table D-5. As shown, the City has grown consistently since 1950, with growth slowing recently, since the 2020 LHMP.

Table D-5 City of Plymouth– Population Changes Since 1950 Year Population % Change
1950 382 –
1960 489 34.1%
1970 501 2.5%
1980 699 39.5%
1990 811 16%
2000 980 20.8%
2010 1,005 2.6%
2020 1,078 7.3%
2025 1,122 4.1%
Source: US Census Bureau, California Department of Finance (2025) 912
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-6
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Underserved and Vulnerable Populations and Disadvantaged Communities The City has a socially and economically diverse community, and many residents that are socially or economically disadvantaged or vulnerable due to varying reasons reside within the City. The City and surrounding County are no strangers to large natural disasters which have had a direct impact on the populations of the area. Thus, it is important to consider the potential effects of hazard events and disasters on these more vulnerable populations. Socially vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in the City are discussed by the following sources:
➢ CDC Social Vulnerability Index
➢ California Department of Water Resources (CA DWR) Special Populations and Disadvantaged Community Mapping
➢ FEMA Community Disaster Resilience Zones
➢ City Planning Team Input
CDC Social Vulnerability Index
Every community must prepare for and respond to a hazard event, including the range of natural hazards addressed in this Plan, from severe weather extremes to large potentially catastrophic events such as wildfires or earthquakes. A number of factors, including poverty, lack of access to transportation, and crowded housing may weaken a community’s ability to prevent human suffering and financial loss in a disaster. These factors are known as social vulnerability.

Social vulnerability refers to the potential negative effects on communities caused by external stresses on human health. Such stresses include natural or human-caused disasters, or disease outbreaks. Reducing social vulnerability can decrease both human suffering and economic loss. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Geospatial Research, Analysis & Services Program (GRASP) created databases to help emergency response planners and public health officials identify and map communities that will most likely need support before, during, and after a hazardous event. The CDC used these databases to create the CDC Social Vulnerability Index (CDC SVI), which uses 15 U.S. census variables to help local officials identify communities that may need additional support before, during, or after disasters.

CDC SVI uses U.S. Census data to determine the social vulnerability of every census tract. Census tracts are subdivisions of counties for which the Census collects statistical data. The CDC SVI ranks each tract on 15 social factors, including poverty, lack of vehicle access, and crowded housing, and groups them into four related themes. Each tract receives a separate ranking for each of the four themes, as well as an overall ranking. Maps of the four themes for the City are shown in the figures below.

The overall SVI map is shown in Figure D-2; the socioeconomic SVI for the census tracts in and around the City are shown in Figure D-3; the household composition SVI is shown in Figure D-4; the minority and language SVI is shown in Figure D-5; and the housing and transportation SVI is shown in Figure D-6.

Overall, the maps indicate that, in general, the City sees little change in social vulnerability regardless of location. As shown, there is very minimal change in the SVI across the City, with the northwestern part of the City typically seeing a slightly higher rating.
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Figure D-2 City of Plymouth – Overall Social Vulnerability Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Yellow – Low; Green – Low/Medium; Aqua – Medium/High; Blue – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
Figure D-3 City of Plymouth – Socioeconomic Status Vulnerability Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Faint Green – Low; Light Green – Low/Medium; Green – Medium/High; Dark Green – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
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Figure D-4 City of Plymouth – Household Characteristics Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Faint Orange – Low; Light Orange– Low/Medium; Orange – Medium/High; Dark Orange – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
Figure D-5 City of Plymouth – Racial and Ethnic Minority Status Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Faint Purple – Low; Light Purple – Low/Medium; Purple – Medium/High; Dark Purple – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
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Figure D-6 City of Plymouth – Housing Type and Transportation Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Faint Blue – Low; Light Blue – Low/Medium; Blue – Medium/High; Dark Blue – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
California DWR Disadvantaged Community Mapping Tool
The State of California’s Proposition 1 Disadvantaged Community (DAC) Involvement Program is designated to ensure the involvement of DACs as well as Economically Distressed Areas and Underrepresented Communities, which DWR collectively refers to as DACs. The Cal DWR definition for a Disadvantaged Community is a community with an annual median household income (MHI) that is less than 80% of the Statewide annual MHI (PRC Section 75005(g)), and those census geographies with an annual MHI less than 60% of the Statewide annual MHI are considered “Severely Disadvantaged Communities”. Those areas in the City considered disadvantaged are shown in Figure D-7. As shown, these areas fall adjacent to the northeastern part of the City. 916
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Figure D-7 City of Plymouth – Disadvantaged Areas
Source: Cal DWR DAC Mapping Tool – retrieved 12/16/2024 FEMA Community Disaster Resilience Zones
Community Disaster Resilience Zones aim to build and strengthen community resilience across the nation by driving federal, public, and private resources to the most at-risk and in-need communities. The Community Disaster Resilience Zones Act uses FEMA’s National Risk Index to identify the most at-risk and in-need communities to identify resilience zones. Designated zones will be prioritized for targeted federal support, such as increased cost-share for resilience and mitigation projects, lessening the financial burden on communities to perform resilience-related activities. On September 6, 2023, FEMA announced the initial 483 designations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Figure D-8 shows these zones in teal green. As shown, there are no zones near the City limits. 917
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Figure D-8 City of Plymouth – FEMA Community Disaster Resilience Zones Source: FEMA. Map retrieved 12/16/2024
City Planning Team Input
There are certain populations in the City that are at greater risk to hazards, due to circumstances beyond their control. These populations in the City present a unique challenge when natural hazards arise. The City noted a few special populations that exist in the City:
➢ 21.3% of the population speaks Spanish. Many of these are agricultural workers. This language barrier presents unique challenges.
➢ 12.9% of adults are senior citizens. Some (but not all) lack mobility. This can cause issues during evacuations. This can also cause challenges during times of Public Safety Power Shutdowns (PSPS).

City of Plymouth Items from the Amador County 2021-2029 Housing Element The City Planning Team noted that the Amador County 2021-2029 Housing Element discusses special populations in the City. While the Housing Element information can be found in the base plan, there are 918
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unique elements to the City that are included here. Discussions for seniors, those with disabilities, developmental disabilities, people experiencing homelessness, large households, female headed households, extremely low-income households, and farmworkers were included. These are discussed below.

Seniors
The total population of seniors in Plymouth is 105 (10.7% ) persons. 13.3% of this population are owners while 5.4% rent their residence.

Disabled Citizens
The total population of disabled citizens in the City is 9.5% of the population.

People with Developmental Disabilities
Due to the method of gathering data using zip codes, it is estimated that there are a total of >11 individuals with developmental disabilities residing in the City.

People Experiencing Homelessness
The Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency was contacted for homeless data, but there is no collection of data at the individual jurisdiction level.

Large Households
Large households are defined as 5 or more persons residing in the same home, which only makes up 6.9% of the total households countywide. In the City, 12.5% of this population owned homes with 5 or more people, with 21.0% renting.

Female Headed Households
Female headed households make up 17.3% of the City’s population. Of this percentage, 53.8% live below the poverty line.

Farmworkers
The City data shows that 75 persons (14.8%) of 506 employed residents work in the agriculture, (also including forestry, fishing, hunting, and mining) industry.

Extremely Low Income
The level of poverty in a jurisdiction often influences the need for housing to accommodate those persons and families in the Very Low and Low-income categories. The U.S. Census Bureau measures poverty by using a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition of who is in poverty. If a family’s total income is less than the family’s threshold, then that family and every individual in it is considered in poverty. While the overall County experiences a poverty rate of 9.9%, the City has a 919
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percentage of individuals and households likely to be living in poverty. In 2019, 10.6% of individuals and families living in the City were living below the poverty level.

Structures
This section inventories the parcels (and associated structures) that make up the built environment of the City. The 2024 Amador County Assessor’s data and the associated parcel layer was used as the basis of this inventory. The methodology used to derive the number of total and improved parcels (i.e., those with an improved structure value) and land and improved property values (as well as content replacement values) follows the same methodology detailed in Section 4.2.1 of the Base Plan. This data should only be used as a guideline to overall values in the City, as the information has some limitations. The most significant limitations are created by Proposition 13. With respect to Proposition 13, instead of adjusting property values annually, the values are not adjusted or assessed at fair market value until a property transfer occurs.

As a result, overall value information is most likely low and does not reflect current market value of properties within the City. It is also important to note, in the event of a disaster, it is often the value of the infrastructure or improvements to the land that is of concern or at risk. Generally, the land itself is not a loss. However, depending on the type of hazard and impact of any given hazard event, land values may be adversely affected; thus, land values are included as appropriate. Table D-6 shows the Amador County Parcel/Assessor Data land and structure values and content replacement values (e.g., the values at risk) broken down by property use for the City.

Table D-6 City of Plymouth – Total Value of Parcels and Structures by Property Use Property Use Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
Total Value
Agricultural 12 6 $5,876,107 $1,031,502 $1,031,502 $7,939,111 Commercial 60 46 $15,510,755 $20,047,039 $20,047,039 $55,604,833 Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous 33 0 $68,833 $0 $0 $68,833
Residential 512 433 $63,263,187 $96,367,200 $48,183,600 $207,813,987 Unknown 8 3 $424,481 $921,665 $0 $1,346,146
Plymouth Total 625 488 $85,143,363 $118,367,406 $69,262,141 $272,772,910 Source: 2024 Amador County Parcel/Assessor Data
Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Beyond just the buildings and structures that comprise the built environment, it is important to identify the critical facilities and infrastructure that are critical for life safety and property protection. This is done for the City of Plymouth below.

For purposes of this plan, a critical facility is defined as:

Any facility, including without limitation, a structure, infrastructure, property, equipment or service, that if adversely affected during a hazard event may result in 920
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severe consequences to public health and safety or interrupt essential services and operations for the community at any time before, during and after the hazard event.

A critical facility is classified by the following categories: (1) Essential Services Facilities, (2) At-Risk Populations Facilities, and (3) Hazardous Materials Facilities, as discussed in Section 4.3.1 of the Base Plan.

Note: The Hazardous Materials Facilities, while considered critical facilities for purposes of this Plan Update, are not mapped in this Plan due to the lack of an available GIS layer. In addition to the mapped critical facilities, it should further be noted that additional critical facilities, including infrastructure, utilities, and others have been identified for the City of Plymouth and the larger Amador County Planning Area but are not included in the mapping and inventory due to privacy and security concerns.

An inventory of critical facilities in the City of Plymouth from Amador County GIS is shown on Figure D-9. Table D-7 gives summary information about the critical facilities in the City. Table D-8 details the facility categories and breaks them down by facility type. Details of critical facility definition, type, name, address, and jurisdiction by hazard zone are listed in Appendix F.

Figure D-9 City of Plymouth – Critical Facilities
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Table D-7 City of Plymouth – Critical Facilities by Category Critical Facility Category Facility Count
Essential Services Facilities 8
At Risk Population Facilities 1
City of Plymouth Total 9
Source: Amador County GIS
Table D-8 City of Plymouth – Critical Facilities by Category and Type Critical Facility Category Critical Facility Type Facility Count Essential Services
Bridge 1
Clinic 1
EMS Station 1
Evacuation Shelter 1
Fire Station 1
Library 1
Post Office 1
Public Administration Building 1
Essential Services Total 8
At Risk Population
School 1
At Risk Population Total 1
Plymouth Total 9
Source: Amador County GIS
Community Lifelines
Assessing the vulnerability of the City of Plymouth to natural hazards and disasters also involves reviewing and inventorying the community lifelines in place that could be affected. It is important to include these items in hazard discussions as the continuous operation of critical government and business functions is essential to human health and safety, property protection, and economic security. The importance of community lifelines is discussed below:
➢ Lifelines are the most fundamental services in the community that, when stabilized, enable all other aspects of society to function.
➢ FEMA has developed a method for objectives-based response that prioritizes the rapid stabilization of Community Lifelines after a disaster.
➢ The integrated network of assets, services, and capabilities that provide lifeline services are used dayto-day to support the recurring needs of the community and enable all other aspects of society to function.
➢ When disrupted, decisive intervention (e.g., rapid re-establishment or employment of contingency response solutions) is required to stabilize the incident.

Community lifelines, as defined by FEMA, include the following:
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➢ Safety and Security – Law Enforcement/Security, Fire Service, Search and Rescue, Government Service, Community Safety
➢ Food, Hydration, Shelter – Food, Water, Shelter, Agriculture ➢ Health and Medical – Medical Care, Public Health, Patient Movement, Medical Supply Chain, Fatality Management
➢ Energy – Power Grid, Fuel
➢ Communications – Infrastructure, Responder Communications, Alerts Warnings and Messages, Finance, 911 and Dispatch
➢ Transportation – Highway/Roadway/Motor Vehicle, Mass Transit, Railway, Aviation, Maritime ➢ Hazardous Material – Facilities, HAZMAT, Pollutants, Contaminants ➢ Water Systems – Potable Water Infrastructure, Wastewater Management It should be noted that these community lifelines are all in place and functional as part of regular government operations in the Amador County Planning Area serving as a partnership between the cities, local special districts and agencies, and Amador County. Due to its more rural nature, there is an interplay in community lifelines between all jurisdictions in the County. Most all of the City’s community lifelines overlap with the Planning Area’s s. It should also be noted that these lifelines collectively include many of the critical facilities and infrastructure assets inventoried for this LHMP. As such, specific information on these community lifelines in the City and how they may be affected by a hazard event or disaster are discussed collectively for all jurisdictions in the Base Plan.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Assessing the vulnerability of the City of Plymouth to natural hazards and disasters also involves inventorying the natural, historic, and cultural assets of the area. This step is important for the following reasons:
➢ Environmental and natural resources add to a community’s identity and quality of life. They also help the local economy through agriculture, tourism, and recreation. They support ecosystem services, such as clean air and water.
➢ Conserving the environment may help people mitigate risk. It can also protect sensitive habitats, develop parks and trails, and build the economy.
➢ The community may decide that these types of resources warrant a greater degree of protection due to their unique and irreplaceable nature and contribution to the overall economy. ➢ If these resources are impacted by a disaster, knowing so ahead of time allows for more prudent care in the immediate aftermath, when the potential for additional impacts are higher. ➢ The rules for reconstruction, restoration, rehabilitation, and/or replacement are often different for these types of designated resources.
➢ Natural resources can have beneficial functions that reduce the impacts of natural hazards, such as wetlands and riparian habitat, which help absorb and attenuate floodwaters.

Natural Resources
The City contains a variety of natural resources. Natural resources are unique to each area, often provide an important function, and are difficult to replace. Should a natural disaster occur, these species, resources, and locations are at risk.
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Plymouth is located in the Foothill Belt or Upper Sonoran Zone. It is a region that runs north and south along the foothills of the Sierra Nevada that is characterized by digger pine, interior live oak, blue oak, and various types of chaparral. A diverse group of wildlife species occur within the City and immediate area, due primarily to the variety of habitat types. Many of the wildlife species found are year‐round residents, while others are migratory. Examples of wildlife found in the area include:
➢ Reptiles and amphibians. Garter snake, king snake, rattle snake, gopher snake, racers, western fence lizard, alligator lizard, western skink, slender salamander, arboreal salamander, western toad, California newt, and California tree frog.
➢ Birds. Scrub jay, Stellar’s jay, rufous‐sided towhee, sparrows, vireos, warblers, wrens, bluebird, western tanager, varied thrush, whitebreasted nuthatch, plain titmouse, acorn woodpecker, northern flicker, great horned owl, northern oriole, red‐tailed hawk, American kestrel, wild turkey, and quail. ➢ Mammals. Mule deer, jack rabbit, bobcat, red fox, grey fox, mountain lion, black bear, deer mouse, California vole, Botta’s pocket gopher, ground squirrel, western grey squirrel, striped skunk, raccoon, opossum, and porcupine.

Special status species are those plants and animals listed as rare, threatened, or endangered by the state or Federal governments, species designated as candidates for inclusion in those listings, and species categorized as California Species of Special Concern.

Recently, the Western Burrowing Owl, Sierra Nevada Red Fox and Bearlake Buckwheat shrub were all granted protection under the 2024 California Endangered Species Act (CESA). These are all present in areas surrounding the City.

Wetlands and their Natural and Beneficial Functions
Wetlands are habitats in which soils are intermittently or permanently saturated or inundated. Wetland habitats vary from rivers to seasonal ponding of alkaline flats and include swamps, bogs, marshes, vernal pools, and riparian woodlands. Wetlands are considered to be waters of the United States and are subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as well as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Where the waters provide habitat for federally endangered species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may also have authority.

Wetlands are a valuable natural resource for communities providing beneficial impact to water quality, wildlife protection, recreation, and education, and play an important role in hazard mitigation. Wetlands provide drought relief in water-scarce areas where the relationship between water storage and streamflow regulation is vital and reduce flood peaks and slowly release floodwaters to downstream areas. When surface runoff is dampened, the erosive powers of the water are greatly diminished. Furthermore, the reduction in the velocity of inflowing water as it passes through a wetland helps remove sediment being transported by the water.

Wetlands are often found in floodplains and depressional areas of a watershed. Many wetlands receive and store floodwaters, thus slowing and reducing downstream flow. Wetlands perform a variety of ecosystem functions including food web support, habitat for insects and other invertebrates, fish and wildlife habitat, filtering of waterborne and dry-deposited anthropogenic pollutants, carbon storage, water flow regulation (e.g., flood abatement), groundwater recharge, and other human and economic benefits. 924
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Wetlands, and other riparian and sensitive areas, provide habitat for insects and other invertebrates that are critical food sources to a variety of wildlife species, particularly birds. There are species that depend on these areas during all parts of their lifecycle for food, overwintering, and reproductive habitat. Other species use wetlands and riparian areas for one or two specific functions or parts of the lifecycle, most commonly for food resources. In addition, these areas produce substantial plant growth that serves as a food source to herbivores (wild and domesticated) and a secondary food source to carnivores.

Wetlands slow the flow of water through the vegetation and soil, and pollutants are often held in the soil.

In addition, because the water is slowed, sediments tend to fall out, thus improving water quality and reducing turbidity downstream.

These natural floodplain functions associated with the natural or relatively undisturbed floodplain that moderates flooding, such as wetland areas, are critical for maintaining water quality, recharging groundwater, reducing erosion, redistributing sand and sediment, and providing fish and wildlife habitat.

Preserving and protecting these areas and associated functions are a vital component of sound floodplain management practices for the City.

Wetlands in the City are shown in Figure D-10 and detailed in Table D-9.

Figure D-10 City of Plymouth – Wetlands Areas
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Table D-9 City of Plymouth – Wetland Types and Acreages Wetlands Area Type Wetlands Count Wetlands Area (in Acres) Freshwater Emergent Wetland 35 19.89
Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland 6 3.23
Freshwater Pond 19 8.40
Lake
Riverine 19 9.75
Plymouth Total 79 41.27
Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service
Historic and Cultural Resources
Historic and cultural resources are difficult to replace. Should a natural disaster occur, these properties and locations can be at risk. The City of Plymouth has a stock of historically significant homes, public buildings, and landmarks. The California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) was the primary source of information. OHP administers the National Register of Historic Places, the California Register of Historical Resources, California Historical Landmarks, and the California Points of Historical Interest programs. Each program has different eligibility criteria and procedural requirements. These requirements are detailed in Section 4.2.1 of the Base Plan. Table D-10 shows 2 historic buildings in the City in the OHP Database.

Table D-10 City of Plymouth – Historic Resources
Resource Name (Plaque Number)
National
Register
State
Landmark
Point of
Interest Date Listed
City/
Community
Plymouth Trading Post (470) X 8/30/1950 Plymouth
D'Agostini Winery (762) X 4/28/1961 Plymouth
Source: California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Historic Preservation. Retrieved 12/3/2024.

It should be noted that these lists may not be complete, as they may not include those currently in the nomination process and not yet listed. Additionally, as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), any property over 50 years of age is considered a historic resource and is potentially eligible for the National Register. Thus, in the event that the property is to be altered, or has been altered, as the result of a major federal action, the property must be evaluated under the guidelines set forth by CEQA and NEPA. Structural mitigation projects are considered alterations for the purpose of this regulation.

Economic Assets and Community Activities of Value
Assessing the vulnerability of the City of Plymouth to natural hazards and disasters also involves inventorying the economic assets and community activities of value in the City. 926
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Economic Assets
After a disaster, economic resiliency is one of the major drivers of a speedy recovery. Each community has specific economic drivers. These include:
➢ Primary Economic Sectors
➢ Major employers
➢ Commercial Centers
In the City of Plymouth, this includes the following:
➢ 49er Village RV Resort, Pokerville Market and numerous wineries throughout the unincorporated area of Plymouth
Note: This inventory of economic assets is only included in this overall asset inventory for the City. To limit redundancy, it is not discussed further in the hazard profiles and vulnerability assessments in Section D.4.3 below. However, depending on the type, location, magnitude and extent of future hazard events and disasters, these City’s economic assets may be vulnerable.

Community Activities of Value
Inventorying economic assets in the City and their vulnerability to natural hazards and disasters also involves inventorying activities that have value to the community. This includes activities that are important to a community, like long-standing traditions such as a festival or fair. Some areas rely on seasonal industries to sustain them throughout the year. Many of these activities also provide economic benefits to the City. A hazard event that cancels or shortens these can affect a community’s livelihood and can make disaster recovery more difficult or prolonged. This includes activities such as:
➢ Festivals and Fairs
➢ Sporting Events
➢ Tourism
➢ Local Pools
➢ Local Splash Pools
The City noted the following community activities of value:
➢ The Amador County Fair
➢ The Berry Festival (Fairgrounds)
➢ Annual Farmer’s Market (only in the month of August)
➢ Sounds of September (live music and food trucks in Mcgee Park) ➢ 4
th of July parade and fireworks event on Main Street
Note: This inventory of community activities of value only occurs in this overall asset inventory for the City. To limit redundancy, it is not discussed further in the hazard profiles and vulnerability assessments in Section D.4.3 below. However, depending on the type, location, magnitude and extent of future hazard events and disasters, the City’s community activities of value may be vulnerable. 927
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Growth and Development Trends
As part of the planning process, the City looked at changes in growth and development, both current and future, and examined these changes in the context of hazard-prone areas, and how the changes in growth and development affect loss estimates and vulnerability over time.

Land Use
State planning law requires that a land use element of a general plan includes a statement of the standard population density, building intensity, and allowed uses for the various land use designations in the plan (Government Code Section 65302(a)). The City’s land use designations are generally described below and mapped on the Land Use Diagram (Figure D-11). The City of Plymouth Municipal Code provides detailed land use and development standards for development.

The Municipal Code works hand in hand with the City’s General Plan Land Use Element (last completed in 2009). The purpose of the Land Use Element is to provide goals, policies, actions diagrams and standards to guide future land use decisions in the City of Plymouth. While all elements of the General Plan have equal weight under California law, in some respects this Element is the most far-reaching. It informs all other elements of the General Plan, shaping the future transportation network and the location of future housing sites, and influencing public facility requirements and park and recreation needs. It defines the City’s future open space system and responds to natural resource conservation issues and safety hazards.

It establishes the basic pattern of development in the City for the next 20-25 years, including land uses and densities, and presents the policies and actions to ensure that future development will enhance the quality of life for all City of Plymouth residents.

The City Zoning Map (based on the 2009 Land Use Element but updated in 2025) is shown on Figure D-11. 928
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October 2025
Figure D-11 City of Plymouth – Land Use Diagram
Source: City of Plymouth Planning Department. Retrieved 7/23/2025.

Population Trends and Projections
There are no future City population projections. Amador County as a whole is expected to slowly continue to increase in population. As such, it is assumed that the City may see slow population growth as well.

Development since 2020 Plan
Development has occurred in the City since the last plan. Some of this has occurred in hazard prone areas.

The City Planning Department tracked total building permits issued since 2020 for the City. These are tracked by total development, property use type, and hazard risk area. These are shown in Table D-11 and Table D-12.

Table D-11 City of Plymouth – Total Development Since 2020 Property Use 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Residential 76 52 96 49 59
Commercial 4 12 14 9 9
Industrial 0 1 0 0 1
Other 1 0 1 3 2
Total 81 65 111 61 71
Source: City of Plymouth Planning Department
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Table D-12 City of Plymouth – Development in Hazard Areas since 2020 Property Use 1% Annual Chance
Flood
Levee Protected
Area
Wildfire Risk Area1 Other
Total 1 0 1 0
Source: City of Plymouth Planning Department
1Moderate or higher wildfire risk area
Development has occurred in the identified hazard areas, including the 1% annual chance floodplains and high wildfire risk areas. It was completed in accordance with all current and applicable development codes, including floodplain ordinances, wildfire codes, and other applicable standards and should be adequately protected. Thus, with the exception of more people living in the area potentially exposed to natural hazards, this growth should not cause a significant change in vulnerability of the City to identified priority hazards.

Future Development Areas
It is important to review future development plans for the City. Future development should be sited in areas that are away from known hazard risks. If this is not possible, mitigation should be done to ensure that future development is protected against future hazards.

GIS Analysis
The City of Plymouth provided six areas in the City expected to see future development. These areas are described in Table D-13, then shown in Figure D-12 and detailed by parcels and acres in Table D-14.

Table D-13 City of Plymouth – Future Development Area Descriptions Site /
Map
ID
Site/Location
Name
Future
Development
Type
Units Future
Development
Status
Comments /
Description
Comments
A ARCO Gas Station Commercial 1 In Progress New gas station with car wash
and small market.

Planning
Commission
review noticed
for June 19th
with City
Council to
follow. Applicant
plans on
submitting
immediately after
Council hearing.

B Hilton Hotel Commercial 1 Under Review 88 Hotel rooms currently in
planning review.

4.21 acres of an

17.47 acre site.

Hotel parcel will
be split from
larger site.

C Arroyo Woods Residential 1 Proposed Single family
residential
development
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Site /
Map
ID
Site/Location
Name
Future
Development
Type
Units Future
Development
Status
Comments /
Description
Comments
D Greilich Ranch Residential 234 Under Review 234 Single family dwellings plus
ADUs. CEQA
work is
underway.
008-060-044
(6/24/25
verified APN is
not 008-060-039)
E Shenendoah Ridge Residential 137 TMAP Approved Tentative Map has been
approved, Final
Map has not
been recorded.

F Zinfandel Ridge Residential 65 Approved Phases 1-3 are built. Phase 4 is
last remaining
phase with 65
units
See map
attached for
location on
Phase 4
Figure D-12 City of Plymouth – Future Development Areas 931
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Table D-14 City of Plymouth – Parcels and Acres in Future Development Areas Property Use
/Site/Map ID
- Future
Development"
Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Unimproved
Parcel Count
Total Acres Total
Improved
Acres
Total
Unimproved
Acres
Commercial
A - ARCO Gas
Station
1 1 0 1.91 1.91 0
B - Hilton
Hotel
1 0 1 4.21 0 4.21
Commercial
Total
2 1 1 6.12 1.91 4.21
Residential
C - Arroyo
Woods
1 0 1 0 0 0
D - Greilich
Ranch
1 1 0 161 161 0
E - Shenendoah
Ridge
1 0 1 147 0 147
F - Zinfandel
Ridge
5 0 5 365 0 365
Residential
Total
8 1 7 673 161 512
Grand Total 10 2 8 679.12 162.91 516.21
Source: City of Plymouth
D.4.2. Hazard Identification
The City of Plymouth identified the hazards that affect the City and summarized their location, extent, likelihood of future occurrence, potential magnitude, and significance specific to the City (see Table D-15).

Those hazards identified as a high or medium significance in Table D-15 are considered City of Plymouth priority hazards for mitigation planning. Those hazards that occur infrequently or have little or no impact in the City were determined to be of low significance and not considered a priority hazard. Significance was determined based on the hazard profile, focusing on key criteria such as frequency, extent, and resulting damage, including deaths/injuries and property, natural and cultural resources, and economic damage. The ability of a jurisdiction to reduce losses through implementation of existing and new mitigation measures was also considered as to the significance of a hazard. This assessment was used to prioritize those hazards of greatest significance, enabling the City to focus resources where they are most needed. 932
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Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-26
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table D-15 City of Plymouth—Hazard Identification Assessment Hazard
Geographic
Extent
Likelihood of
Future
Occurrences
Magnitude/
Severity Significance
Climate
Change
Influence
Agricultural Hazards (severe
weather/pests/invasive species)
Limited Unlikely Negligible Low Medium
Avalanche Limited Unlikely Negligible Low Medium
Climate Change Extensive Likely Limited Medium --
Dam Failure Limited Occasional Limited Low Medium
Drought & Water shortage (w/
tree mortality)
Extensive Likely Limited High High
Earthquake (w/subhazards) Limited Unlikely Negligible Low Low Floods: 1%/0.2% annual
chance (w/ levee failure)
Limited Occasional Limited Medium Medium
Floods: Localized Stormwater Limited Occasional Limited Medium Medium Landslide, Mudslide, Debris
Flow
Limited Occasional Limited Low Medium
Severe Weather: Extreme Cold,
Freeze, and Snow
Limited Occasional Negligible Low Medium
Severe Weather: Extreme Heat Extensive Highly Likely Limited Medium High Severe Weather: Heavy Rains
and Storms (Hail, Lightning)
Extensive Likely Limited Medium Medium
Severe Weather: High Winds
and Tornadoes
Limited Unlikely Negligible Low Medium
Wildfire (w/smoke and air
quality)
Extensive Likely Catastrophic High Medium
Geographic Extent
Limited: Less than 10% of planning
area
Significant: 10-50% of planning area
Extensive: 50-100% of planning area
Likelihood of Future
Occurrences
Highly Likely: Near 100% chance of
occurrence in next year, or happens
every year.

Likely: Between 10 and 100% chance of
occurrence in next year, or has a
recurrence interval of 10 years or less.

Occasional: Between 1 and 10% chance
of occurrence in the next year, or has a
recurrence interval of 11 to 100 years.

Unlikely: Less than 1% chance of
occurrence in next 100 years, or has a
recurrence interval of greater than every
100 years.

Magnitude/Severity
Catastrophic: More than 50 percent of property severely damaged; shutdown of facilities for more than 30 days; and/or multiple deaths Critical: 25-50 percent of property severely damaged; shutdown of facilities for at least two weeks; and/or injuries and/or illnesses result in permanent disability
Limited: 10-25 percent of property severely damaged; shutdown of facilities for more than a week; and/or injuries/illnesses treatable do not result in permanent disability
Negligible: Less than 10 percent of property severely damaged, shutdown of facilities and services for less than 24 hours; and/or injuries/illnesses treatable with first aid
Significance
Low: Minimal potential impact
Medium: Moderate potential impact
High: Widespread potential impact
Climate Change Influence
Low: Minimal potential impact
Medium: Moderate potential impact
High: Widespread potential impact
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Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-27
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
D.4.3. Hazard Profiles and Vulnerability to Specific Hazards This section includes the hazard profiles and vulnerability assessment for hazards ranked of medium or high significance specific to the City of Plymouth (as identified in the Significance column of Table D-15) and also includes a hazard profile and vulnerability assessment to the four primary hazards to the State of California: dam failure, earthquake, flood, and wildfire, regardless of the significance ranking by the City.

Chapter 4 of the Base Plan provides more detailed information about these hazards and their impacts on the Amador County Planning Area. Methodologies for evaluating vulnerabilities and calculating loss estimates are the same as those described in Section 4.2 of the Base Plan.

Hazard Profiles and Vulnerability Assessment
Each hazard is profiled in the following format:
➢ Hazard Profile – A hazard profile is included for each hazard. This includes information on:
✓ Hazard Overview – A general discussion of the hazard and related issues is detailed here. ✓ Location and Extent – Location is the geographic area within the City that is affected by the hazard. Extent is the expected range of intensity for each hazard. These are discussed in specific detail for mapped hazards, and in more general detail for those hazards that do not have discrete mapped hazard areas.
✓ Past Occurrences – Past occurrences are discussed for each hazard. A discussion of disaster declarations is included in each hazard section. NCDC events are also discussed. Other past occurrences data specific to the City follow the disaster declarations and NCDC events for each hazard.
✓ Climate Change – This section contains the effects of climate change (as applicable). The possible influence of climate change on the hazard is discussed.

After the hazard profile, a vulnerability assessment is presented. As part of the vulnerability assessment, an estimate of the vulnerability of the City to each identified hazard, in addition to the estimate of risk of future occurrence, is provided in each of the hazard-specific sections. Vulnerability is measured in general, qualitative terms and is a summary of the potential impact based on past occurrences, spatial extent, and damage and casualty potential. It is categorized into the following classifications:
➢ Extremely Low—The occurrence and potential cost of damage to life and property is very minimal to nonexistent.
➢ Low—Minimal potential impact. The occurrence and potential cost of damage to life and property is minimal.
➢ Medium—Moderate potential impact. This ranking carries a moderate threat level to the general population and/or built environment. Here the potential damage is more isolated and less costly than a more widespread disaster.
➢ High—Widespread potential impact. This ranking carries a high threat to the general population and/or built environment. The potential for damage is widespread. Hazards in this category may have occurred in the past.
➢ Extremely High—Very widespread with catastrophic impact. 934
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
After this classification, a general discussion of hazard vulnerabilities occurs. This is done in the following format:
➢ Local Concerns – This includes City provided information on how the City is uniquely affected by or vulnerable to each hazard.
➢ Assets at Risk – A discussion of the assets at risk follows, presented in the same order as in Section D.4.1 above, with a few exceptions. This includes sections on: People and Populations; Structures; Critical Facilities and Infrastructure, and Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources. These are discussed in specific terms for mapped hazards, and in more general terms for those hazards that are unmapped. Sections on Community Lifelines and Economic Assets and Community Activities of Value are not included in the Sections below, as they are fully covered in Section D.4.1 above and in Chapter 4 of the Base Plan.
➢ Impacts – A discussion on hazard impacts follows. Impacts describe how each hazard can affect the City and its assets. The type and severity of impacts reflect both the potential magnitude of the hazard and the vulnerability of the asset.
➢ Future Conditions/Future Development – A discussion of how future conditions and future development may affect the hazard is also included. This is addressed specifically for mapped hazards, and in more general terms for those hazards that are unmapped.

Power Interruption/Power Failure: A Common Vulnerability of all Hazards An impact of almost all hazards evaluated as part of this LHMP Update relates to power shortage and/or power failures. The US power grid crisscrosses the country, bringing electricity to homes, offices, factories, warehouses, farms, traffic lights and even campgrounds. According to statistics gathered by the U.S.

Department of Energy, major blackouts are on the upswing. Incredibly, over the past two decades, blackouts impacting at least 50,000 customers have increased 124 percent. The electric power industry does not have a universal agreement for classifying disruptions. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize that different types of outages are possible so that plans may be made to handle them effectively. In addition to blackouts, brownouts can occur. A brownout is an intentional or unintentional drop in voltage in an electrical power supply system. Intentional brownouts are used for load reduction in an emergency.

Electric power disruptions can be generally grouped into two categories: intentional and unintentional.

More information on types of power disruptions can be found in Section 4.3 of the Base Plan.

Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)
An intentional disruption type of power shortage/failure event has been recently implemented in California as a result of wildfires starting as a result of downed power lines or electrical equipment. This was the case for the Camp Fire in 2018. As a result, California’s three largest energy companies (including PG&E), at the direction of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), are preparing all Californians for the threat of wildfires and power outages during times of extreme (fire) weather. To help protect customers and communities during extreme fire weather events, electric power may be shut off for public safety in an effort to proactively prevent wildfire. This is called a PSPS. More information on PSPS criteria can be found in Section 4.3 of the Base Plan.

In addition to PSPSs, to help prevent wildfires, electric utilities have begun to evolve safety efforts. This includes installing safety settings on powerlines in and around high fire-risk areas. These are known as 935
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Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-29
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS), and they help prevent falling tree branches, animals and other hazards from starting a wildfire. By stopping ignitions, it helps prevent wildfires from starting and spreading. According to PG&E, if ignitions occur, the size of fires are much smaller due to EPSS. In 2022, there was a 99% decrease in acres impacted by ignitions (as measured by fire size from electric distribution equipment (compared to the 2018-2020 average). This decrease occurred despite dry conditions.

Local Concerns
The City noted that there have been no PSPS events that have affected them.

Climate Change
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Likely
Vulnerability–Medium
Hazard Profile
Climate change adaptation is a key priority of the State of California. The 2023 State of California MultiHazard Mitigation Plan noted that climate change is already affecting California. Sea levels have risen by as much as seven inches along the California coast over the last century, increasing erosion and pressure on the State’s infrastructure, water supplies, and natural resources. The State has also seen increased average temperatures, more extreme hot days, fewer cold nights, a lengthening of the growing season, shifts in the water cycle with less winter precipitation falling as snow, and earlier runoff of both snowmelt and rainwater in the year. In addition to changes in average temperatures, sea level, and precipitation patterns, the intensity of extreme weather events is also changing.

California’s Adaptation Planning Guide: Understanding Regional Characteristics (from 2017) has divided California into 11 different regions based on political boundaries, projected climate impacts, existing environmental setting, socioeconomic factors and regional designations. The City falls in the North Sierra Region. A map and climate projections for this region are shown in Section 4.3.7 of the Base Plan and include an increase in temperatures, moderate changes in rainfall, and increased risk to wildfire.

Location and Extent
Climate change is a global phenomenon. It is expected to affect the whole of the City of Plymouth, the Amador County Planning Area, surrounding counties, and State of California. There is no scale to measure the extent of climate change. Climate change exacerbates other hazards, such as drought, extreme heat, flooding, wildfire, and others. The speed of onset of climate change is very slow. The duration of climate change is not yet known but is feared to be tens to hundreds of years.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
Climate change has never been directly linked to any declared disasters. 936
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Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-30
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
NCDC Events
NCDC does not track climate change events.

City of Plymouth Events
Climate change has never been directly linked to any declared disasters. While the City noted that climate change is of concern, no specific impacts of climate change could be recalled. The City and HMPC members noted that the strength of storms does seem to be increasing and the temperatures seem to be getting hotter.

Vulnerability to Climate Change
The whole of the City is at some measure of vulnerability to climate change. The City Planning Team has concerns that the vulnerability of the City to climate change will continue to increase in the future. An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to climate change begins with an understanding of local exposure to climate change. This is included in the Local Concerns section below followed by a discussion of the City’s assets at risk, and impacts to this hazard.

The City is concerned that climate change could drive additional wildfires in the City and surrounding County.

Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from climate change include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

People and Populations
Climate change affects people and populations within a community, especially those climate change issues related to increases in temperature over time. While all populations can be affected by temperature extremes, populations particularly vulnerable include the very old and very young, medically fragile people, people without means of shelter (and air conditioning or heat) or transportation, people who are socially isolated and other vulnerable or underserved populations (as shown in the discussion in Section D.4.1).

Acclimatization to extreme temperatures and other weather extremes may help reduce impacts from these extreme events, such as from heat waves, in the healthy general population but may not be sufficient to protect those with underlying medical conditions.
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Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-31
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Structures
Climate change, on its own, does not generally impact structures. However, structures in areas of increased wildfire, flood, or other areas exacerbated by the effects of climate change would be at increased risk, as described throughout this LHMP. More information on how structures may be affected by climate change can be found in Section 4.3.7 of the Base Plan.

Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
As with structures, critical facilities and infrastructure in areas of increased wildfire, flood, or other areas due to the effects of climate change would be at increased risk. Climate change is expected to increase the vulnerability of critical facilities and infrastructure to many natural hazards.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
The rivers, streams, agricultural areas, and open space areas of the City supports rich biodiversity, including many special-status species and habitat areas. These are all at risk from the effects of climate change. In addition, if heat continues to contribute to changes in wildfire patterns, all areas (on land) of the City are at increased risk from fire – including natural, historic, and cultural resources. Furthermore, as climate change exacerbates the drought hazard, areas of wetlands in the City may be reduced or dry up temporarily, which could damage habitat areas for waterfowl and other species that depend on these areas.

Impacts from Climate Change
The California APG: Understanding Regional Characteristics identified the following impacts specific to the North Sierra Region in which the City is part of:
➢ Increased temperatures
➢ Reduced precipitation
➢ Public health – heat and air pollution
➢ Reduced agricultural productivity (e.g., wine grapes) ➢ Reduced tourism
In addition to these sources, the 2023 State of California Hazard Mitigation Plan noted that according to California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment, the state will experience the following climate impacts:
➢ Annual average daily high temperatures are expected to rise by 2.7° F by 2040, 5.8°F by 2070, and

8.8°F by 2100 compared to observed and modeled historical conditions. These changes are statewide averages.
➢ Heat waves are projected to become longer, more intense, and more frequent. ➢ Warming temperatures are expected to increase soil moisture loss and lead to drier conditions. Summer dryness may become prolonged, with soil drying beginning earlier in the spring and lasting longer into the fall and winter.
➢ Droughts are likely to become more frequent and persistent through 2100. ➢ The strength of the most intense precipitation and storm events affecting California is expected to increase.
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Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-32
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Snowpack levels are projected to decline significantly by 2100 due to reduced snowfall and faster snowmelt.
➢ Marine layer clouds are projected to decrease.
➢ Extreme wildfires (i.e., fires larger than 24,710 acres) would occur 50 percent more frequently. The maximum area burned statewide may increase 178 percent by the end of the century.

This would likely increase the vulnerability of the City to this hazard. ➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. The increasing severity and frequency of storms and other weather events and natural hazards due to the changing climate should be taken into account while considering land use planning for the City. Future development occurring in the City consists of 2 commercial developments, with one being a new hotel and 4 residential developments comprised of 437 new units of both single and multifamily uses. Collectively this new construction adds an additional 679 acres of developed land within the City and an additional 1223 residents and additional hotel occupants to the City. Ensuring that regulatory requirements, such as building codes, are updated and followed will help reduce future impacts to this hazard. However, given the number of new units and land associated with these developments, it is likely that this new development will increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-33
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Dam Failure
Note: though a low significance hazard in the City, due to its importance in the County and in the State of California, this hazard is profiled here. It is not considered a priority for mitigation planning purposes.

Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Occasional
Vulnerability–Low
Hazard Profile
Dams are manmade structures built for a variety of uses including flood protection, power generation, agriculture, water supply, and recreation. When dams are constructed for flood protection, they are usually engineered to withstand a flood with a computed risk of occurrence. For example, a dam may be designed to contain a flood at a location on a stream that has a certain probability of occurring in any given year. If prolonged periods of rainfall and flooding occur that exceed the design requirements, that structure may be overtopped or fail. Overtopping is the primary cause of earthen dam failure in the United States.

Dam failure is a natural disaster from two perspectives. First, the inundation from released waters resulting from dam failure is related to naturally occurring floodwaters. Second, a total dam failure would most probably happen as a consequence of the natural disaster triggering the event, such as an earthquake.

Location and Extent
An inventory map of dams located within Amador County was shown in Section 4.3.9 in the Base Plan.

Dams with an inundation area within the City of Plymouth are not shown as there are no inundation areas that intersect with the City.

There is no scale with which to measure dam failure. However, FEMA and CA DWR Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) assign hazard potential classifications to dams within the State that provides information on the potential impact should a dam fail. The following two factors are considered when assigning hazard ratings: existing land use and land use controls (zoning) downstream of the dam. FEMA categorizes the downstream hazard potential into three categories in increasing severity: Low, Significant, and High.

DSOD adds a fourth category of Extremely High. Dams are classified in these four categories that identify the potential hazard to life and property. These were discussed in more detail in Section 4.3.9 of the Base Plan.

While a dam may fill slowly with runoff from winter storms, a dam break has a very quick speed of onset.

The duration of dam failure is generally not long – only as long as it takes to empty the reservoir of water the dam held back. For dam overtopping, the speed of onset is somewhat slower than that of a dam break, and the duration is longer (as evidenced in the 2017 Oroville Dam spillway event). The City would be affected for as long as the flood waters from the dam failure took to drain downstream.

Geographic flood extent from the DSOD dam inundation areas is not shown as they do not intersect with the City.
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Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-34
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Drought & Water Shortage
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Likely
Vulnerability–High
Hazard Profile
Drought and water shortage are complex issues involving many factors—it occurs when a normal amount of precipitation and snow is not available to satisfy an area’s usual water-consuming activities. Drought can often be defined regionally based on its effects. Drought is different than many of the other natural hazards in that it is not a distinct event and usually has a slow onset. Drought can severely impact a region both physically and economically. Drought affects different sectors in different ways and with varying intensities. Adequate water supply is the most significant issue and is critical for agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, recreation, and commercial and domestic use. Drought has also affected tree mortality in the area in the past. As the population in the area continues to grow, so will the demand for water.

Tree Mortality and Drought
One of the specific impacts of drought in the City of Plymouth and the Amador County Planning Area is the increased risk to trees from beetle kill and other insects, pathogens and parasites, and other tree mortality and die back issues. Drought weakens trees and makes them more susceptible to insect infestation and other pathogens. Insects, such as bark beetles and others, frequently attack trees weakened by drought, disease, injuries, or other factors that may stress the tree. These insects and other pathogens can contribute to the decline and eventual death of trees throughout the City. The tree mortality and dieback problems are a high priority because of the issue of hazardous trees and an increased wildfire hazard. In addition to an increase in wildfire fuels, hazardous trees can fall onto structures causing damage and a result in a reduction on the tree canopy within the City that provides relief during extreme heat days.

Location and Extent
Drought and water shortage are regional phenomenon. The whole of the City and County is at risk. The US Drought Monitor categorizes drought conditions with the following scale:
➢ None
➢ D0 – Abnormally dry
➢ D1 – Moderate Drought
➢ D2 – Severe Drought
➢ D3 – Extreme Drought
➢ D4 – Exceptional Drought
The Amador County Planning Area, including the City of Plymouth, has been in and out of drought since 2014. Over the last five years since the 2020 LHMP, drought conditions have ranged from none to exceptional. Drought conditions are expected to continue to be cyclical in nature depending on the year.” Current drought conditions in the City are shown in Section 4.3.10 of the Base Plan. 941
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Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-35
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Drought has a slow speed of onset and a variable duration. Drought can last for a short period of time (which does not usually affect water shortages) or for longer periods (which may challenge water supplies).

Should a drought last for a long period of time, water shortage becomes a larger issue.

According to the Amador Water Agency (AWA) 2024-2025 Annual Water Supply & Demand Assessment Shortage Report, the Agency has a significant surplus of water supply above current and projected demands.

The Amador Water System (AWS) water supply is a pre-1914 water right that has never been curtailed in the most severe single-year or a multiple-year drought. In addition, while the water supply associated with the Central Amador Water Project (CAWP) was temporarily curtailed during recent drought years, the significant storage volume in the Lower Bear Reservoir has allowed previous water supply demands to be met, and are expected to be met in the future, even in dry years. In addition, the total well capacity for the portion of both systems reliant on groundwater are larger than current and projected demands.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
There have been 2 state and 1 federal disaster declarations for Amador County. This can be seen in Table D-16. Additionally, there have been 16 USDA Secretarial Disaster Declarations from drought in the County.

Table D-16 Amador County –State and Federal Drought Disaster Declarations 1950-2025 Disaster Type State Declarations Federal Declarations
Count Years Count Years
Drought 2 1976, 2015 1 1977
Source: Cal OES, FEMA
NCDC Events
There have been 249 NCDC drought events in Amador County since 1993. These most likely had some impact on the City.

City of Plymouth Events
Based on historical information, the occurrence of drought in California, including the City of Plymouth, is cyclical, driven by weather patterns. Section 4.3.10 of the Base Plan notes that five droughts have occurred in the past 86 years. Drought has occurred in the past and will occur in the future.

The HMPC did note that the drought of 2014 revealed several issues within the City. First, there was an increase in grass fires throughout the City. Second, a lower flow level for the City’s Arroyo Ditch which distributes agriculture water throughout the area. And thirdly, instituting water restriction policies, education, and enforcement on the community the City serves.

Additionally, there have been four drought events that have affected the City since 2020:
➢ 5/10/21: 41 CA counties issued drought emergency declarations (Plymouth was partially affected). 942
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ 10/19/21: Statewide drought emergency issued by Gov Newsom. ➢ 3/24/23: Some restrictions from the statewide declaration were rolled back (Plymouth positively affected).
➢ 12/21/23: Some regulations from the statewide declaration expired (Plymouth positively affected).

Climate Change and Drought and Water Shortage
It is likely that climate change will increase the chance of future occurrence as well as future impacts associated with drought and water shortage. More information on future impacts to the City can be found in the Future Conditions/Future Development section of the Vulnerability Assessment below.

Climate scientists studying California find that drought conditions are likely to become more frequent and persistent over the 21st century due to climate change. The experiences of California during recent years underscore the need to examine more closely the state’s water storage, distribution, management, conservation, and use policies. The 2021 Climate Adaptation Study (as well as the 2024 Draft CAS) stresses the need for public policy development addressing long term climate change impacts on water supplies. The CAS notes that climate change is likely to significantly diminish California’s future water supply, stating that: California must change its water management and uses because climate change will likely create greater competition for limited water supplies needed by the environment, agriculture, and cities.

A 2018 report from the Public Policy Institute of California noted that thousands of Californians – mostly in rural, small, disadvantaged communities – already face acute water scarcity, contaminated groundwater, or complete water loss. Climate change would make these effects worse.

Cal Adapt scenarios for modeled future drought scenarios were shown in Section 4.3.10 of the Base Plan.

Vulnerability to Drought and Water Shortage
Based on historical information, the occurrence of drought and water shortage in California, including the City, is cyclical, driven by weather patterns. Drought has occurred in the past and will occur in the future.

Periods of actual drought with adverse impacts can vary in duration, and the period between droughts can be extended. Although an area may be under an extended dry period, determining when it becomes a drought is based on impacts to individual water users. The vulnerability of the City of Plymouth to drought may vary and include reduction in water supply, turf losses, impacts to natural resources, and an increase in dry fuels and tree dieback.

The whole of the City is at some measure of vulnerability to drought and water shortage. An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to drought and water shortage begins with an understanding of local exposure to drought. This is included in the Local Concerns section below followed by a discussion of the City’s Assets at Risk to this hazard.
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Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-37
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Local Concerns
The City has specific concerns and unique vulnerabilities regarding this hazard. These concerns form a portion of the basis for the mitigation strategy and mitigation actions that seek to reduce risk and vulnerability to this hazard.

The City’s current water storage tank is in urgent need of renovation (est. 2 years before potential tank failure). In order for the renovation to be completed, the City will need a 500,000 to 1,000,000 gallon tank in addition to the existing tank to ensure water supply during said tank renovation. This is a mitigation action for the City, as shown in Section D.6.3.

In addition, the City is concerned with droughts that affect local wine growing areas. The City has tourism that depends on the wine industry.

Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from drought and water shortage include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

People and Populations
The people and populations of the City are not directly affected by drought; although, their turfed areas, trees, and other water dependent resources can all be affected. In extreme drought conditions, however, residents and other populations within the City may be vulnerability to drought and water shortage issues.

Water quality can be impacted causing health problems, especially to vulnerable populations. Drought and water shortage can lead to an increase in wildfires threatening City residents. Water shortages can have an effect on all of the population in the City, but often have a greater effect on the unhoused and other vulnerable populations that may be unable to access clean drinking water during shortages. During periods of drought as the costs of water usage may increase, especially during mandated conservation times, those who are economically disadvantaged may be unable to afford the increased costs of potable water.

Structures
Structures have a limited vulnerability to drought and water shortage. It is the secondary hazard of drought (wildfire) which causes risks to structures. Drought can also stress trees, causing die off. These trees may fall on structures adjacent to them.

Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Most critical facilities and infrastructure have a limited vulnerability to drought and water shortage. Should drought conditions be severe enough to cause water shortage reliability issues, some facilities and infrastructure may be affected. Water and wastewater systems may be impacted during times of reduced water supply and need to employ contingencies to remain functional and fully operational. Other water dependent systems may also be adversely affected. Further, the secondary hazard of drought (increased potential for spread of urban fires and wildfire) can pose a significant risk to critical facilities and 944
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-38
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
infrastructure. Sufficient water supply for firefighting can also be an issue. Drought can also stress trees, causing die off. These trees may fall on critical infrastructure adjacent to them and impact power lines and other utilities.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Drought and water shortage can have a significant impact on natural resources. Water levels in reservoirs and lakes may be reduced and a loss of wetlands and coastal marsh areas may occur. Severe drought conditions can contribute to an increase in erosion of soils and lead to poor soil quality. Further, all of the trees in the City are at risk to drought impacts and a reduction in water supply. These trees provide a wealth of social and environmental benefits to City residents and visitors, from shade and beauty to air quality, carbon reduction and stormwater management. Drought can devastate crops and dry out pastures, dry out forests and critical habitat areas, and reduce food and water available for wildlife and livestock.

Additionally, drought conditions can also cause soil to compact and not absorb water well, potentially making an area more susceptible to flooding. It is unlikely that drought and water shortage would have a significant impact on historic and cultural resources in the City.

Impacts from Drought and Water Shortage
The vulnerability of the City to drought is City-wide, but impacts may vary and include reduction in water supply and an increase in dry fuels. The potential for a reduction in water supply during drought conditions generally leads to both mandated and voluntary conservations measures during extended droughts. During these times, the costs of water can also increase. Also of concern, the increased dry fuels, fuel loads, and tree mortality events associated with drought conditions can result in an increased fire danger. In areas of extremely dry fuels, the intensity and speed of fires can be significant. Water supply and flows for fire suppression can also be an issue during extended droughts. Drought can also lead to turf losses and cause tree die off within the City. In addition, adequate and reliable water supply is an important resource for the City’s grape and wine industry.

Other qualitative impacts associated with drought in the City are those related to water intensive activities such as municipal usage, commerce, tourism, and recreation use. With more precipitation likely falling as rain instead of snow in the Sierra’s, and warmer temperatures causing decreased snowfall to melt faster and earlier, water supply is likely to become more unreliable. In addition, drought and water shortage is predicted to become more common. This means less water available for use over the long run, and additional challenges for water supply reliability, especially during periods of extended drought.

Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the City may be affected in the future by climate change (which was discussed in the hazard profile discussion above), changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. These are discussed below.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-39
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Climate change is likely to exacerbate future drought conditions and associated impacts and vulnerability of the City to drought and water shortage. ➢ Future population growth should be considered as having more or less people in a community affects the overall hazard vulnerability to the City. Population growth in the City has seen a slow yet steady increase. According to the HMPC, the City and Amador County has access to large quantities of water through its groundwater as well as surface water. However, any future population growth in the City will add additional pressure to water companies during periods of drought and water shortage. Water companies will need to continue to plan for and add infrastructure capacity for population growth. As the population grows, the nature and makeup of populations will shift and change along with it.

Vulnerable and underserved populations, such as those with low incomes and the unhoused that might not always have access to clean water, will need to be considered as future development continues, since they may experience a disproportionate impact from drought and water shortage. Potential population growth will be a challenge not only with regard to the City’s water access for agricultural production, but state- and nation-wide with regard to food production. Should the City see a growth in population, it will increase the vulnerability and impacts to the County from this hazard. Given the future development plans for the City that includes a new Hilton Hotel and 437 single and multifamily units, new development could add an additional 1223 residents and additional hotel occupants to the City. This would likely increase the vulnerability of the City to this hazard. ➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. As the City continues to grow, more cropland may be taken out of production to provide housing to accommodate for population growth. As the areas adjacent to the City’s agricultural lands are reduced, it seems likely that there would be less of a competing demand for water. However, with the wine industry being a key economic industry, the City may prioritize maintaining their agricultural lands for grape growing and production.

Future development occurring in the City consists of 2 commercial developments, with one being a new hotel and 4 residential developments comprised of 437 new units of both single and multifamily uses. Collectively this new construction adds an additional 679 acres of developed land within the City.

Ensuring that regulatory requirements, such as building codes, are updated and followed will help reduce future impacts to this hazard. However, given the number of new units and land associated with these developments, it is likely that this new development will increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard.

As the population in the area continues to grow, so will the demand for water. The AWA provides water to the City through reliable surface water sources. However, population growth in the City will continue to increase the demand for water. Ongoing planning will be needed by the City and AWA to account for population growth and increased water demands, both for future populations and to support their wine industry.

Earthquake
Note: though a low significance hazard in the City, due to its importance in the County and in the State of California, this hazard is profiled here. It is not considered a priority for mitigation planning purposes. 946
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-40
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Unlikely
Vulnerability–High
Hazard Profile
An earthquake is caused by a sudden slip on a fault. Stresses in the earth’s outer layer push the sides of the fault together. Stress builds up, and the rocks slip suddenly, releasing energy in waves that travel through the earth’s crust and cause the shaking that is felt during an earthquake. Earthquakes can cause structural damage, injury, and loss of life, as well as damage to infrastructure networks, such as water, power, gas, communication, and transportation. Earthquakes may also cause collateral emergencies including dam and levee failures, seiches, hazmat incidents, fires, avalanches, and landslides. The degree of damage depends on many interrelated factors. Among these are: the magnitude, focal depth, distance from the causative fault, source mechanism, duration of shaking, high rock accelerations, type of surface deposits or bedrock, degree of consolidation of surface deposits, presence of high groundwater, topography, and the design, type, and quality of building construction.

Location and Extent
Since earthquakes are regional events, the whole of the City is at risk to earthquake. The City of Plymouth, Amador County, and surrounding areas have some level of risk from seismic and geologic hazards. Faults in and around the City were shown in Section 4.3.11 of the Base Plan. These include the Carson Range, Great Valley, and Rogers-Hayward Creek faults. A significant seismic event on any of these major faults could cause damage in the City of Plymouth.

The amount of energy released during an earthquake is usually expressed as a magnitude and is measured directly from the earthquake as recorded on seismographs. An earthquake’s magnitude is expressed in whole numbers and decimals (e.g., 6.8). Seismologists have developed several magnitude scales, as discussed in Section 4.3.11 of the Base Plan.

Another measure of earthquake severity is intensity. Intensity is an expression of the amount of shaking at any given location on the ground surface. Seismic shaking is typically the greatest cause of losses to structures during earthquakes. The City is located in an area where earthquakes of some magnitude occur, so both magnitude and intensity of earthquakes are expected to remain moderate. Seismic shaking maps for the area in Section 4.3.11 of the Base Plan show Amador County and the City fall within a low to moderate shake risk.

Flood: 1%/0.2% Annual Chance
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Occasional (1%)/Unlikely (0.2%) Vulnerability–Medium
Hazard Profile
This hazard analyzes the FEMA DFIRM 1% and 0.2% annual chance floods. These tend to be the larger floods that can occur in the City and have caused damage in the past. Flooding can be a problem in the City. Historically, the City has been at risk to flooding primarily during the winter and spring months when 947
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-41
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
river systems in the City swell with heavy rainfall and snowmelt runoff. The City has also been at risk during atmospheric river flood events. Normally, storm floodwaters are kept within defined limits by a variety of storm drainage and flood control measures located throughout the Amador County Planning Area and the City of Plymouth. Occasionally, extended heavy rains result in floodwaters that exceed normal high-water boundaries and cause damage. Minor flooding has occurred within the 1% and in other localized areas in the City.

Location and Extent
The City of Plymouth has areas located in the 1% annual chance flood zones. This is seen in Figure D-13.

Figure D-13 City of Plymouth – FEMA DFIRM Flood Zones
Table D-17 details the DFIRM mapped flood zones located within the City.

Table D-17 City of Plymouth– DFIRM Flood Hazard Zones
Flood Zone Description Present in City of Plymouth
A 1% annual chance flooding: No base flood elevations
provided
X
AE 1% annual chance flooding: Base flood elevations
provided
948
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Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-42
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Flood Zone Description Present in City of Plymouth
AE Regulatory Floodway 1% annual chance flood: Regulatory floodway; Base flood elevations provided
AH 1% annual chance flood areas of shallow flooding
between one to three feet deep. Regulatory floodway;
Base flood elevations provided
Shaded X 0.2% annual chance flooding: The areas between the limits of the 1% annual chance flood and the 0.2-
percent-annual-chance (or 500-year) flood
X (unshaded) No flood hazard X
Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016
Additionally, flood extents can generally be measured in volume, velocity, and depths of flooding.

Expected flood depths in the City vary, depending on the nature and extent of a flood event; specific depths are unknown. Flood durations in the City tend to be short to medium term, or until either the storm drainage system can catch up or flood waters move downstream. Flooding in the City tends to have a shorter speed of onset, due to the amount of water that flows through the City.

Geographical flood extents for the City from the FEMA DFIRMs are shown in Table D-18.

Table D-18 City of Plymouth – Geographical DFIRM Flood Zone Extents Flood
Zone/Property Use
Total Acres % of Total
Acres
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres
1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Zone A
Agricultural 8 0.5% 2 0.4% 6 0.5%
Commercial 2.2 0.1% 1.7 0.3% 0.5 0.05%
Industrial 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
Miscellaneous 9 0.5% 0 0.0% 9 0.8%
Residential 10 0.6% 0.8 0.1% 9.6 0.9%
Unknown 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
Zone A Total 30 1.7% 5 0.8% 25 2.3%
1% Annual Chance
Flood Hazard
Total
30 1.7% 5 0.8% 25 2.3%
Other Areas
Zone X (unshaded) 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
Agricultural 959 56% 387 64% 572 52%
Commercial 91 5% 62 10% 29 3%
Industrial 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
Miscellaneous 221 13% 0 0.0% 221 20%
Residential 392 23% 145 24% 247 23%
949
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-43
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Unknown 4 0.3% 1.3 0.2% 3 0.3%
Zone X (unshaded)
Total
1,668 98% 595 99% 1,073 98%
Other Areas Total 1,668 98% 595 99% 1,073 98%
Plymouth Total 1,698 100% 600 100% 1,098 100%
Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016
California Department of Water Resources Best Available Maps (BAM) The FEMA regulatory maps provide just one perspective on flood risks in the City. Senate Bill 5 (SB 5), enacted in 2007, authorized the California DWR to develop the Best Available Maps (BAM) displaying 100- and 200-year floodplains for areas located within the Nevada-San Joaquin (SAC-SJ) Valley watershed.

This effort was completed by DWR in 2008. DWR has expanded the BAM to cover all counties in the State and to include 500-year floodplains.

Different than the FEMA DFIRMs which have been prepared to support the NFIP and reflect only the 100- year event risk, the BAMs are provided for informational purposes and are intended to reflect current 100- , 200-(as applicable), and 500-year event risks using the best available data. The 100-year floodplain limits on the BAM are a composite of multiple 100-year floodplain mapping sources. It is intended to show all currently identified areas at risk for a 100-year flood event, including FEMA’s 100-year floodplains. The BAM are comprised of different engineering studies performed by FEMA, Corps, and DWR for assessment of potential 100-, 200-, and 500-year floodplain areas. These studies are used for different planning and/or regulatory applications, and for each flood frequency may use varied analytical and quality control criteria depending on the study type requirements. The value in the BAMs is that they provide a bigger picture view of potential flood risk to the City than that provided in the FEMA DFIRMs. The BAM map for the City of Plymouth is shown in Figure D-14.
950
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Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-44
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure D-14 City of Plymouth – Best Available Map
Source: California DWR
Legend explanation: Blue - FEMA 100-Year, Orange – Local 100-Year (developed from local agencies), Red – DWR 100-year (Awareness floodplains identify the 100-year flood hazard areas using approximate assessment procedures.), Pink – USACE 100- Year (2002 Sac and San Joaquin River Basins Comp Study), Yellow – USACE 200-Year (2002 Sac and San Joaquin River Basins Comp Study), Tan – FEMA 500-Year, Grey – Local 500-Year (developed from local agencies), Purple – USACE 500-Year (2002 Sac and San Joaquin River Basins Comp Study).

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
A list of state and federal disaster declarations for Amador County from flooding is shown on Table D-19.

These events also likely affected the City to some degree.

Table D-19 Amador County – State and Federal Disaster Declarations from Flood 1950-2025 Disaster Type State Declarations Federal Declarations
Count Years Count Years
Flood (including heavy
rains and storms)
22 1950, 1955, 1958 (twice), 1959,
1963, 1964, 1969, 1980, 1982,
1986, 1995 (twice), 1997, 2006
(twice), 2017 (twice), 2019,
2021, 2023 (twice)
20 1950, 1955, 1958, 1962, 1963,
1964, 1969, 1986, 1995 (twice),
1997, 1998, 2006 (twice), 2017
(twice), 2019, 2023 (three)
Source: Cal OES, FEMA
951
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-45
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
NCDC Events
The NCDC tracks flooding events for the County. Events have been tracked for flooding since 1993.

Amador County has seen 43 events. These events most likely had some impact on the City.

City of Plymouth Events
The City noted that major flooding did not occur in recent flood events (those since 2020). The Arroyo Ditch does seasonally flood near the crossing of Highway 16 on the eastern side of town.

According to the 2021 CAS (as well as the 2024 Draft CAS), climate change may affect flooding in California, the Amador County Planning Area, and the City of Plymouth. While average annual rainfall may increase or decrease slightly, the intensity of individual rainfall events is likely to increase during the 21st century. It is possible that average soil moisture and runoff could decline, however, due to increasing temperature, evapotranspiration rates, and spacing between rainfall events. Reduced snowpack and increased number of intense rainfall events are likely to put additional pressure on water infrastructure which could increase the chance of flooding associated with breaches or failures of flood control structures such as levees and dams. Cal Adapt future precipitation projections were shown in Section 4.3.4.

The 2009 General Plan Safety Element noted that flooding is an issue in the Foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. With several months of rain and snow each year, the possibility of a flood warrants preparation 952
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-46
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
by the City. The City has adopted the FEMA floodplain boundaries, which identify areas that present a risk of flooding every 100 years (1% chance of flooding each year). These boundaries are used to avoid a potential flood disaster.

The City also noted that the City is affected by flooding outside the City limits. Old Sacramento Road is a County Road that has had flooding issues in the past. Sacramento Road provides access to the City of Plymouth sewer plant. If it is unpassable, there is great difficulty reaching the sewer plant. The clearing of obstructions/re-grading of the ditches/creeks in City limits and on Old Sacramento Rd would greatly improve/mitigate the issue of flooding.

City residents that live in the 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains are often the most vulnerable. Not only are the residents at risk, but their homes and contents are all at risk, compounding the impacts associated with significant hazard events. To further evaluate the impact to the City of Plymouth’s residential population residing within these hazard areas, the DFIRM flood zones were overlayed on the parcel layer. Those residential parcels that intersect the flood zones were counted and multiplied by the 2023 Census Bureau average household factors for the City of Plymouth – 2.80. According to this analysis, there is a total population of 12 and 0 residents of the City at risk to flooding in the 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains, respectively. This is shown in Table D-20.

Table D-20 City of Plymouth – Improved Residential Parcels and Population by Summary FEMA DFIRM Flood Zone
Jurisdiction
1% Annual Chance 0.2% Annual Chance
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population at
Risk
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population at
Risk
Plymouth 4 12 0 0
Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data, US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 Household Size Estimates.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-47
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Structures
Certain structures in the City are at risk of DFIRM flooding and primarily include those structures located within the 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains. GIS was used to determine the possible impacts of flooding on parcels and structures within the City of Plymouth. The methodology described in Section

4.3.11 of the Base Plan was followed in determining structures and values at risk to the 1% (100-year) and

0.2% (500-year) annual chance flood event. Table D-21 is a summary table for the City of Plymouth.

Parcel counts, land and improved values (i.e., those with a structure improvement on the parcel), estimated content replacement values, and total values in the City are shown for the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood zones, as well as for those properties that fall outside of the mapped FEMA DFIRM flood zones. Table D-22 breaks down Table D-21 and shows the same analysis further broken out by detailed FEMA flood zone and property use.

Table D-21 City of Plymouth – Count and Value of Parcels and Structures in Summary DFIRM Flood Zone
Flood Zone Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
Total Value
1% Annual
Chance Flood
Hazard
25 7 $8,477,615 $9,727,971 $9,582,027 $27,787,613

0.2% Annual
Chance Flood
Hazard
0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Other Areas 600 481 $76,665,748 $108,639,435 $59,680,115 $244,985,298 Plymouth Total 625 488 $85,143,363 $118,367,406 $69,262,141 $272,772,910 Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data *With respect to improve parcels within the floodplain, the actual structures on the parcels may not be located within the actual floodplain, may be elevated and or otherwise outside of the identified flood zone **This parcel count only includes those parcels in the 0.2% annual chance flood zone, exclusive of the 1% annual chance flood zone.

The 0.2% annual chance flood, in actuality, also includes all parcels in the 1% annual chance flood zone.

Table D-22 City of Plymouth – Count and Values of Parcels and Structures by Detailed DFIRM Flood Zone and Property Use
Flood Zone /
Property Use
Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
Total Value
1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Agricultural 2 1 $394,650 $3,583 $3,583 $401,816
Commercial 4 2 $7,035,867 $9,432,499 $9,432,499 $25,900,865 Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous 10 0 $67,380 $0 $0 $67,380
Residential 9 4 $979,718 $291,889 $145,945 $1,417,552
Unknown 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
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Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-48
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Flood Zone /
Property Use
Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
Total Value
1% Annual
Chance Flood
Hazard Total
25 7 $8,477,615 $9,727,971 $9,582,027 $27,787,613

0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Agricultural 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Commercial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Residential 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Unknown 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0

0.2% Annual
Chance Flood
Hazard Total
0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Other Areas
Agricultural 10 5 $5,481,457 $1,027,919 $1,027,919 $7,537,295 Commercial 56 44 $8,474,888 $10,614,540 $10,614,540 $29,703,968 Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous 23 0 $1,453 $0 $0 $1,453
Residential 503 429 $62,283,469 $96,075,311 $48,037,656 $206,396,436 Unknown 8 3 $424,481 $921,665 $0 $1,346,146
Other Areas
Total
600 481 $76,665,748 $108,639,435 $59,680,115 $244,985,298 Plymouth Total 625 488 $85,143,363 $118,367,406 $69,262,141 $272,772,910 Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data *With respect to improve parcels within the floodplain, the actual structures on the parcels may not be located within the actual floodplain, may be elevated and or otherwise outside of the identified flood zone **This parcel count only includes those parcels in the 0.2% annual chance flood zone, exclusive of the 1% annual chance flood zone.

The 0.2% annual chance flood, in actuality, also includes all parcels in the 1% annual chance flood zone.

Table D-23 summarizes Table D-22 and shows City of Plymouth loss estimates and improved values at risk by FEMA 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood zones. According to Table D-22 and Table D-23, the City of Plymouth has 32 parcels and $27.7 million of structure and contents values or values in the 1% annual chance flood zone, and 0 improved parcels and $0 million of structure and contents values in the

0.2% annual chance flood zone. These values can be refined a step further. Applying the 20 percent damage factor as previously described in Section 4.3.11 of the Base Plan, there is a 1% chance in any given year of a flood event causing $3.9 million in damage and a 0.2% chance in any given year of a flood event causing $0 in damage in the City of Plymouth. The loss ratio of 0.056% indicates that flood losses for 1% annual chance flooding would be minor, but the City would be able recover quickly. No losses are expected from the 0.2% annual chance flood as this flood zone is not present in the City. 955
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Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-49
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table D-23 City of Plymouth – Flood Loss Estimates
Flood
Zone
Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total
Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
Total
Value
Loss
Estimate
Loss
Ratio
1% Annual
Chance
Flood
Hazard
25 7 $8,477,615 $9,727,971 $9,582,027 $19,309,998 $3,862,000 0.056%

0.2%
Annual
Chance
Flood
Hazard
0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 0.00%
Total 25 7 $8,477,615 $9,727,971 $9,582,027 $19,309,998 $3,862,000 0.056% Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data *With respect to improve parcels within the floodplain, the actual structures on the parcels may not be located within the actual floodplain, may be elevated and or otherwise outside of the identified flood zone **This parcel count only includes those parcels in the 0.2% annual chance flood zone, exclusive of the 1% annual chance flood zone.

The 0.2% annual chance flood, in actuality, also includes all parcels in the 1% annual chance flood zone.

Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
1% annual chance flooding present a threat to critical facilities and infrastructure. The following analysis discusses critical facilities and infrastructure. A separate analysis was performed on the critical facility inventory in the City to determine which critical facilities fall into each FEMA DFIRM flood zone. Using GIS, the FEMA DFIRM flood zones were overlayed on the critical facility GIS layer. This is shown on Figure D-15 for the FEMA DFIRM flood zones. Table D-36 details which critical facilities fall in which FEMA DFIRM flood zones. None of the facilities fall within the 1% or 0.2% chance annual floodplain.

Details of critical facility categories, type, name, and address by FEMA DFIRM flood zones are listed in Appendix F.
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Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-50
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure D-15 City of Plymouth – Critical Facilities in FEMA DFIRM Flood Zones Table D-24 City of Plymouth – Critical Facilities by Category and Facility Type in FEMA DFIRM Flood Zones
Flood Zone Critical Facility Category / Critical Facility Type Facility Count Other Areas
Zone X (unshaded) Essential Services
Bridge 1
Clinic 1
EMS Station 1
Evacuation Shelter 1
Fire Station 1
Library 1
Post Office 1
Public Administration Building 1
Essential Services Total 8
At Risk Population
957
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-51
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Flood Zone Critical Facility Category / Critical Facility Type Facility Count School 1
At Risk Population Total 1
Zone X (unshaded) Total 9
Other Areas Total 9
Plymouth Total 9
Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, City of Plymouth
Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Large flood events can affect natural, historic, and cultural resources. There are a number of ways floodwaters can impact natural resources and the environment. Wildlife habitats can be destroyed by floodwaters. Contaminated floodwater can pollute rivers and habitats. Silt and sediment can destroy natural areas. Riverbanks and natural levees can be eliminated as rivers reach bankfull capacity. Rivers can be widened, and deposition can increase downstream. Trees can be uprooted by high-velocity water flow.

Impacts from Flood: 1% and 0.2% Annual Chance
Floods are among the costliest natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss nationwide.

Impacts that are not quantified, but can be anticipated in large future events, include:
➢ Injury and loss of life;
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Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-52
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Commercial and residential structural and property damage; ➢ Disruption of and damage to public infrastructure, utilities, and services; ➢ Damage to roads/bridges resulting in loss of mobility; ➢ Significant economic impact (jobs, sales, tax revenue) to the community; and ➢ Negative impact on commercial and residential property values Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the City may be affected in the future by climate change (which was discussed in the hazard profile discussion above), changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. These are discussed below.

The City of Plymouth joined the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on December 1, 1990. The City does not participate in the CRS program. NFIP data indicates that as of March 2, 2020, there were no flood insurance policies in force in the City with $0 of coverage. There have been no historical claims for flood losses. NFIP data further indicates that there are no repetitive loss (RL) and no severe repetitive loss buildings in the City.

Based on this analysis of insurance coverage, the City has values at risk to the 1% annual chance and greater floods. Of the 7 improved parcels within the 1% annual chance flood zone, none of those parcels maintain flood insurance. This can be seen on Table D-25.

Table D-25 City of Plymouth – Percentage of Policy Holders to Improved Parcels in the 1% Annual Chance Floodplain
Jurisdiction Improved Parcels in
SFHA (1% Annual
Chance) Floodplain*
Insurance Policies
in the SFHA (1%
Annual Chance)
Floodplain
Percentage of 1%
Annual Chance
Floodplain Parcels
Currently Insured
City of Plymouth 7 0 0.0%
Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data, NFIP CIS data.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-53
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Future Conditions
Future conditions may be affected by climate change, changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. Findings on this for the City of Plymouth include the following:
➢ Climate change is likely to exacerbate future flood conditions and associated impacts and vulnerability of the County to 1% and 0.2% annual chance flooding.
➢ Future population growth should be considered, as having more or less people in a community affects the overall hazard vulnerability to the City. Population growth in the City of Plymouth has continued to slowly increase; however, additional growth within 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains would place additional populations at risk to flood. Additional population growth would likely bring continued diversity to the Ciy. Vulnerable population groups could face disproportionate effects from flooding and should be planned for. Changes in population and population patterns may or may not increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard depending on the location and nature of growth and continued planning for future hazard conditions and the location and severity of future flood events. Given the future development plans for the City that includes a new Hilton Hotel and 234 single family units with ADUs, both with portions being built in the 1% annual chance floodplains; new development could add an additional 655 residents and additional hotel occupants to the 1% annual chance floodplain. This would generally increase the vulnerability of the City to this hazard; although any increases should be limited as only a portion of the new development areas actually fall within the 1% annual chance floodplain.
➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. Locating new development, structures and critical facilities and infrastructure within or near areas of flood risk may put additional development at risk. As shown on Figure D-166, future development occurring within a portion of the City’s 1% annual chance floodplain consists of one commercial development, a Hilton Hotel, and one residential development comprised of 234 new units of single family residents with ADUs. Collectively this new construction adds an additional 165 acres of developed land within the City within the 1% annual chance flood zone. Ensuring that regulatory requirements, such as building codes, are updated and followed will help reduce future impacts to this hazard. This new development would generally increase the vulnerability of the City to this hazard; although any increases should be limited as only a portion of the new development areas actually fall within the 1% annual chance floodplain as shown in Figure D-16 as a result of the size of parcels and the hazard analysis methodology.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-54
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Future development areas and their vulnerability to 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood are discussed further in the below GIS analysis.

GIS Analysis
The City provided six future development areas which were used as the basis for the inventory of future development for the City. This area were mapped in GIS. Utilizing the future development area spatial layer, the parcel polygon data was intersected to determine the future development areas within each DFIRM flood zone. Figure D-16 shows the locations of the future development area overlayed on the DFIRM flood zones. Some of these sites lie inside of the mapped DFIRM 1% annual chance flood zone; as shown on Table D-26.

Figure D-16 City of Plymouth – Future Development Areas in FEMA DFIRM Flood Zones 961
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-55
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table D-26 City of Plymouth – Future Development Parcels and Acres in FEMA DFIRM Flood Zones
Flood Zone
/Site/Map ID
- Future
Development"
Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Unimproved
Parcel Count
Total Acres Total
Improved
Acres
Total
Unimproved
Acres
1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Zone A
B - Hilton
Hotel
1 0 1 4.21 0 4.21
D - Greilich
Ranch
1 1 0 161 161 0
Zone A Total 2 1 1 165.21 161 4.21
1% Annual
Chance Flood
Hazard Total
2 1 1 165.21 161 4.21
Other Areas
Zone X (unshaded)
A - ARCO Gas
Station
1 1 1.91 1.91 0
C - Arroyo
Woods
1 0 1 0 0 0
E - Shenendoah
Ridge
1 0 1 147 0 147
F - Zinfandel
Ridge
5 0 5 365 0 365
Zone X
(unshaded)
Total
8 1 7 513.91 1.91 512
Other Areas
Total
8 1 7 513.91 1.91 512
Grand Total 10 2 8 679.12 162.91 516.21
Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, City of Plymouth
Flood: Localized Stormwater Flooding
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Occasional
Vulnerability–Medium
Hazard Profile
Flooding occurs in areas other than the FEMA mapped 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains. Flooding may be from drainages not studied by FEMA, lack of or inadequate drainage infrastructure, or inadequate maintenance. Localized, stormwater flooding occurs throughout the City during the rainy season from 962
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-56
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
November through April. Prolonged heavy rainfall (including that from atmospheric river events) contributes to a large volume of runoff resulting in high peak flows of moderate duration.

Location and Extent
The City of Plymouth is subject to localized flooding throughout the City. Areas prone to localized flooding are included in Table D-27 below. Flood extents are usually measured in areas affected, velocity of flooding, and depths of flooding. Expected flood depths in the City vary by location. Flood durations in the City tend to be short to medium term, or until either the storm drainage system can catch up or flood waters move downstream. Localized flooding in the City tends to have a shorter speed of onset, especially when antecedent rainfall has soaked the ground and reduced its capacity to absorb additional moisture.

NCDC Events
The NCDC occurrences of localized flooding are included in the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood hazard profile above where past flood events were noted.

City of Plymouth Events
In January 2023, there were road closures due to extreme rainfall on parts of HWY 49 and Old Sacramento Rd between Spring Valley Rd and Latrobe Rd.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-57
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
drainage in any given area, many of the floods in the City are minor, localized flood events that are more of a nuisance than a disaster.

Many areas of the City are at some measure of vulnerability to localized flooding. An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to localized flooding begins with an understanding of local exposure to localized flooding. This is included in the Local Concerns section below followed by a discussion of the City’s Assets at Risk to this hazard.

Historically, the City has been affected by flooding of streams and creeks occurring during heavy rain and storm (including atmospheric river) events. Additional development in the City and in the watersheds of these streams affects both the frequency and duration of damaging floods through an increase in stormwater runoff and contributes to localized flooding occurring in areas throughout the City. Atmospheric river events have further compounded this issue. The lack of or inadequate drainage infrastructure in the City contributes to localized flooding issues.

The City tracks localized flooding areas. Affected localized flood areas identified by the City of Plymouth are summarized in Table D-27.

Table D-27 City of Plymouth – List of Localized Flooding Problem Areas Road Name Flooding
Pavement
Deterioration Washouts
High
Water/
Creek
Crossing
Landslides/
Mudslides Debris
Downed
Trees
Old Sac Rd Yes Yes No Yes No Yes Yes
Hwy 49/49er Park Yes No No No No No No
Empire St/Hwy 49 Yes No No No No No No
Source: City of Plymouth
Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from localized flood include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

People and Populations
People and populations (including vulnerable populations) are traditionally not highly vulnerable to localized flooding, but their structures and contents can be at risk. Localized flooding may also cause transportation issues as roads and lanes are impacted or closed and affect the ability for people to travel throughout the City.
964
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-58
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Structures
Structures in areas with localized flooding can be affected if floodwaters intrude into the structure.

Impacts from Localized Flood
Primary concerns associated with stormwater flooding include impacts to infrastructure that provide a means of ingress and egress throughout the community. Ground saturation can result in instability, collapse, or other damage to trees, structures, roadways and other critical infrastructure. Objects can also be buried or destroyed through sediment deposition. Floodwaters can break utility lines and interrupt services. Standing water can cause damage to crops, roads, and foundations. Other problems connected with flooding and stormwater runoff include erosion, sedimentation, degradation of water quality, losses of environmental resources, and certain health hazards.
965
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-59
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Life safety issues from localized flooding would be more limited. The amount and type of damage or flooding that occurs varies from year to year and from storm to storm, depending on the quantity of precipitation and runoff.

Changes in population and population patterns may or may not increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard depending on the location and nature of growth and continued planning for future hazard conditions and location of future hazard events. Given the future development plans for the City that include a new Hilton Hotel and 437 single and multifamily units, new development could add an additional 1223 residents and additional hotel occupants to the City. This would likely increase the vulnerability of the City to this hazard.
➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. Development in more urban areas causes an increase in peak flow and stormwater runoff. The City has large areas identified for developed in the next five years. Such growth will consume previously undeveloped acres, and the impacts may overwhelm existing drainage and flood control facilities. Locating new development, structures and critical facilities and infrastructure within or near areas of localized flooding risk may put additional development at risk. However, City building codes are in effect to reduce this risk and should be updated as necessary to continue to address future localized flood conditions. Depending on the location of new development and adherence to protective building codes, changes in land use and development may or may not increase the impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the City to this hazard. However, future development occurring in the City consists of 2 commercial developments, with one being a new hotel and 4 residential developments comprised of 437 new units of both single and multifamily uses. Collectively this new construction adds an additional 679 acres of developed land within the City. Given the number of new units and land associated with these developments, it is likely that this new development will increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-60
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
recordkeeping of repetitive localized storm activity. Mitigating the root causes of the localized stormwater flooding will reduce future risks of losses.

Severe Weather: Extreme Heat
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Highly Likely
Vulnerability–High
Hazard Profile
According to FEMA, extreme heat is defined as temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region and lasts for several weeks. Heat kills by taxing the human body beyond its abilities. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed, and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.” Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or has over-exercised for his or her age and physical condition. Older adults, young children, those who are sick or overweight, and those that work or recreate outdoors are more likely to experience heat exhaustion or succumb to extreme heat.

In addition to the risks faced by citizens of the City, there are risks to the built environment from extreme heat. While extreme heat on its own does not usually affect structures, extreme heat during times of drought can cause wildfire risk to heighten. Extreme heat can lead to interruptions in power, power outages, and when combined with high winds, to PSPS events, creating significant issues in the City. Plymouth has numerous old structures and unmaintained structures within the City limits which are more susceptible to fire than the average structure.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-61
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
There have been no federal or state disaster declarations from extreme heat.

NCDC Events
The NCDC data shows 124 extreme heat incidents for Amador County since 1993, some of which likely affected the City.

City of Plymouth Events
The City Planning Team note that since extreme heat is a regional phenomenon, events that affected the County also affected the City. Those past occurrences were shown in the Base Plan in Section 4.2.2.

As temperatures increase, California and Amador County will face increased risk of death from dehydration, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heart attack, stroke and respiratory distress caused by extreme heat. According to the 2021 CAS (as well as the 2024 Draft CAS) report and the 2023 State of California Hazard Mitigation Plan, by 2100, hotter temperatures are expected throughout the state, with projected increases of 3-5.5°F (under a lower emissions scenario) to 8-10.5°F (under a higher emissions scenario).

These changes could lead to an increase in deaths related to extreme heat in Amador County.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-62
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
The City is concerned that extreme heat will drive the wildfire hazard. In addition, individuals below the poverty level may be at increased risk to extreme heat if use of air conditioning is not available or affordable.

This is especially true of homeless people and the transient population.

Structures
Extreme heat normally does not generally impact structures, but individuals working in structures may be affected during periods of extended heat, especially in structures that might not be equipped with air conditioning or other means of cooling. The City noted that extreme heat has caused interruptions to power in the past. Also depending on the structure, sensitive contents such as IT equipment can be impacted, especially if a power outage occurs.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-63
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Impacts from Severe Weather: Extreme Heat
The City experiences temperatures in excess of 100°F during the summer and fall months. The temperature moves to 105-110°F in rather extreme situations. During these times, drought conditions may worsen, and the City may see an increase in dry fuels. Also, power outage and PSPS events may occur during these times as well. Health issues are a primary concern with this hazard, especially to vulnerable populations, although economic impacts can also be an issue.

This would likely increase the vulnerability of the City to this hazard. ➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. The City has large areas that may be built out in the next five years. However, City building codes are in effect to reduce this risk and should be updated as necessary to continue to address future extreme heat conditions. Due to adherence to protective building codes, changes in land use and development may or may not increase the impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the City to this hazard. However, future development occurring in the City consists of 2 commercial developments, with one being a new hotel and 4 residential developments comprised of 437 new units of both single and multifamily uses. Collectively this new construction adds an additional 679 acres of developed land within the City. Given the number of new units and land associated with these developments, it is likely that this new development will increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-64
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
plans or backup power to address power failure during times of extreme heat and in the event of a PSPS.

Low-income residents and unhoused populations are also more vulnerable and should be considered in future growth plans for the City. Cooling centers for these populations should be utilized when necessary.

Plymouth City Hall is the area’s cooling center.

Severe Weather: Heavy Rains and Storms
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Likely
Vulnerability–Medium
Hazard Profile
Storms in the City occur annually and are generally characterized by heavy rain often accompanied by strong winds and sometimes lightning and hail. Approximately 10 percent of the thunderstorms that occur each year in the United States are classified as severe. A thunderstorm is classified as severe when it contains one or more of the following phenomena: hail that is three-quarters of an inch or greater, winds in excess of 50 knots (57.5 mph), or a tornado. Heavy precipitation in the City falls mainly in the fall, winter, and spring months. Wind often accompanies these storms; hail and lightning are rare in the City.

Location and Extent
Heavy rain events occur on a regional basis. Rains and storms can occur in any location of the City. All portions of the City are at risk to heavy rains and storms. Most of the severe rains occur during the fall, winter, and spring months in the City as discussed below (with problem flooding areas associated with heavy rains and storms shown in Table D-27 in the Flood: Localized Stormwater section). There is no scale by which heavy rains and severe storms are measured. Magnitude of storms is measured often in rainfall and damages. The speed of onset of heavy rains can be short, but accurate weather prediction mechanisms often let the public know of upcoming events. Hail and lightning are rarer in the City and Amador County.

Duration of severe storms in the City can range from minutes to hours to days. Information on precipitation extremes can be found in Section 4.3.4 of the Base Plan.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
According to historical hazard data, severe weather, including heavy rains and storms, is an annual occurrence in the City. This contributes to many of the federal disaster declarations related to flooding.

Disaster declarations from flooding are shown on Table D-28. 971
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-65
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table D-28 Amador County – State and Federal Disaster Declarations from Flood (Heavy Rain and Storms) 1950-2025
Disaster Type State Declarations Federal Declarations
Count Years Count Years
Flood (including heavy
rains and storms)
22 1950, 1955, 1958 (twice), 1959,
1963, 1964, 1969, 1980, 1982,
1986, 1995 (twice), 1997, 2006
(twice), 2017 (twice), 2019,
2021, 2023 (twice)
20 1950, 1955, 1958, 1962, 1963,
1964, 1969, 1986, 1995 (twice),
1997, 1998, 2006 (twice), 2017
(twice), 2019, 2023 (three)
Source: Cal OES, FEMA
NCDC Events
The NCDC data recorded 114 hail, heavy rain, and winter weather incidents for Amador County since 1950.

Winter weather events tend to be rain in the lower elevations of the County, while snow falls in the upper elevations.

City of Plymouth Events
The City noted the following events:

December 27, 2022 – A severe storm impacted the City of Plymouth, causing a declaration to be made on January 14, 2023. This event caused issues for the wastewater treatment plant including pumps and sprinklers costing the City $53,611 to repair the damage. Along with this, debris removal was necessary and cost the City $12,939.

It is unlikely that hail will become more common in Amador County and the City of Plymouth. The amount of lightning is not projected to change.

Vulnerability to Heavy Rain and Storms
Heavy rain and severe storms are the most frequent type of severe weather occurrences in the City. These events can cause both significant and localized flooding. Flooding can be worse during times where the 972
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-66
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
ground is already saturated. Wind often accompanies these storms and has caused damage in the past. Hail and lightning are rare in the City, but also can cause damage, with lightning occasionally igniting wildfires.

The City noted that heavy rains and storms are a common occurrence in the City, with most storm events causing temporary issues within the City such as impacts to roads, tree damage, and the occasional power outage. The City also noted that heavy rains and storms cause localized flooding in the City. The problem areas area shown on Table D-27 above.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-67
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Critical Facilities and Infrastructure,
Heavy rain and storms can affect critical facilities and infrastructure during large events. Power outages may occur taking facilities offline. High winds can down power lines and trees impacting facilities. Water intrusion into facilities and infrastructure can impact operations. City roads, streets, and bridges can be impacted resulting in closures restricting traffic flow in the City. In certain areas, large storms can cause erosion and localized landslides which can impact facilities. Many critical facilities are built to modern design standards that take heavy rains and storms into account when siting and building these structures, and others may need to be retrofitted to better withstand these events.

Lightning can also cause wildfires and urban fires to occur. Landsliding and erosion occur when the soil on slopes becomes oversaturated and fails. Climate change may cause these impacts to worsen.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-68
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Climate change is likely to exacerbate future heavy rain and storm conditions and associated impacts and vulnerability of the City to flooding.
➢ Population is expected to maintain its slow increase for the City of Plymouth; however, the vulnerability may change depending on changes to the makeup of more vulnerable populations. Certain vulnerable populations, such as the unhoused, could experience disproportional effects from this hazard. and should be addressed as the City continues to grow. Thus, changes in population and population patterns may or may not increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard depending on the location and nature of growth and continued planning for future hazard conditions and the location of future rain and flood events. Given the future development plans for the City that include a new Hilton Hotel and 437 single and multifamily units, new development could add an additional 1223 residents and additional hotel occupants to the City. This would likely increase the vulnerability of the City to this hazard.
➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. The City has six developments that may occur in the next five years that would cover sizable portions of the City.

Changes in land use may also amplify the impacts of heavy rains and storms, as additional impervious surfaces can cause additional runoff and localized flooding throughout the City. Building codes in the City ensure that new development is built to current building standards, which should reduce the risk to future development in the City from heavy rains and storms. However, future development occurring in the City consists of 2 commercial developments, with one being a new hotel and 4 residential developments comprised of 437 new units of both single and multifamily uses. Collectively this new construction adds an additional 679 acres of developed land within the City. Given the number of new units and land associated with these developments, it is likely that this new development will increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard.

Changes in land use may also amplify the impacts of heavy rains and storms, as additional impervious surfaces can cause additional runoff and localized flooding throughout the City.

Wildfire (with smoke and air quality)
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Likely
Vulnerability–Extremely High
Hazard Profile
Wildland fire and the risk of a conflagration is an ongoing concern for the City of Plymouth. Throughout California, communities are increasingly concerned about wildfire safety as increased development in the foothills and mountain areas and subsequent fire control practices have affected the natural cycle of fire regimes. Wildland fires affect grass, forest, and brushlands, as well as structures. Where there is human access to wildland areas the risk of fire increases due to a greater chance for human carelessness and historical fire management practices. Historically, the fire season extends from early spring through late fall each year during the hotter, dryer months; however, in recent years, the risk of wildfire has become a year around concern.
975
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-69
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Fire conditions arise from a combination of high temperatures, low moisture content in the air and fuel, accumulation of vegetation, and high winds. These weather conditions can result in red flag (e.g., fire weather) days and can result in PSPS events in the City. While wildfire risk has predominantly been associated with more remote forested areas and wildland urban interface (WUI) areas, significant wildfires can also occur in more populated, urban areas. There is also the concern of wildfires occurring in these more remote, forested areas that, under certain weather conditions, can extend into areas not generally considered at a high risk to wildfire. Smoke and air quality also become an issue, both from fires occurring inside and outside of the Amador County Planning Area and the City.

Location and Extent
Wildfire can affect all areas of the City. CAL FIRE has estimated that the risk varies across the City and has created maps showing risk variance. Following the methodology described in Section 4.3.15 of the Base Plan, wildfire maps for the City of Plymouth were created. Figure D-17 shows the CAL FIRE Federal Responsibility Areas (FRA) and State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and their associated Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in the City. Figure D-18 shows the CAL FIRE Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) and their associated Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) in the City. As shown on the maps, FHSZs within the City range from Non-Wildland to Very High, with most of the City mapped into the High and Very High FHZSx as shown in the new LRA mapping.
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Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-70
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure D-17 City of Plymouth – CAL FIRE SRA/FRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones 977
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-71
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure D-18 City of Plymouth – CAL FIRE LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones Wildfires tend to be measured in structure damages, injuries, and loss of life as well as on acres burned.

Geographical FHSZ extents in the SRA/FRA are shown in Table D-29, while extents in the LRA are shown on Table D-30.

Table D-29 City of Plymouth – CAL FIRE SRA/FRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone Geographical Extents
Fire
Responsibility
Area/ Fire
Hazard
Severity Zones
Total Acres % of Total
Acres
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres
SRA
Very High 0.3 0.02% 0.02 0.003% 0.3 0.03%
High 9 0.5% 2 0.3% 7 0.6%
SRA Total 9 0.5% 2 0.3% 7 0.7%
978
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-72
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Fire
Responsibility
Area/ Fire
Hazard
Severity Zones
Total Acres % of Total
Acres
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres
Plymouth
Total
9 0.5% 2 0.3% 7 0.7%
Source: CAL FIRE
Table D-30 City of Plymouth – CAL FIRE LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone Geographical Extents
Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
Total Acres % of Total
Acres
Improved
Acres
% of Total
Improved
Acres
Unimproved
Acres
% of Total
Unimproved
Acres
Very High 105 6% 8 1% 98 9%
High 1,519 89% 558 93% 961 87%
Moderate 46 3%
Non-Wildland 22 1% 9 1% 13 1%
Outside of LRA
Responsibility Area

5.7 0.3% 1.1 0.2% 4.6 0.4%
Plymouth Total 1,698 100% 600 100% 1,098 100%
Source: CAL FIRE
Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
There has been three state and two federal disaster declarations due to fire, as shown in Table D-31.

Table D-31 Amador County – State and Federal Wildfire Disaster Declarations 1950-2025 Disaster Type State Declarations Federal Declarations
Count Years Count Years
Fire 3 1961 (unnamed), 2015 (Summer
2015 Fires), 2021 (Caldor Fire)
2 2016 (Butte Fire), 2021 (Caldor
Fire)
Source: Cal OES, FEMA
NCDC Events
The NCDC has tracked 50 wildfire events in the County dating back to 1993.

City of Plymouth Events
Fire is a significant concern to the City of Plymouth. Historic fires have occurred in and around the County for decades. Significant historical fires in the Plymouth area include:
979
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-73
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ The 1961 Fire was actually 2 fires which started on the same day. The second fire started on Dry Creek on September 2nd. Strong winds carried it past Plymouth in the surrounding unincorporated area. Four injuries were recorded and large agricultural losses. At that time, the wine tourism aspect of Plymouth did not exist, and Plymouth fortunately did not have the extensive losses that many other areas of the county suffered from this fire.
➢ The 2014 Sand Fire affected the City. The fire burned from July 25, 2014 to August 2, 2014. The fire burned 67 structures outside the City Limits. 20 of these were residences and 47 were outbuildings. 1,200 residences (not all located in the City) were evacuated. The Arroyo Ditch suffered extensive damage. The waterway is still not functional since the wildfires. Air quality suffered, and tourism declined during this time.
➢ The 2021 Caldor Fire, while starting in El Dorado County, impacted the City in various ways. This was the second largest fire in El Dorado County, other than the Dixie fire. Due to the direction of the wind, Plymouth was under a Red Flag Warning as well as decreased air quality from the smoke. Along with that, in August, portions of the City were placed under an Evacuation Warning since the fire was so large including impacts to business activity. The event caused water pulls for fire during a period of drought for the County. The Amador County Fairgrounds activated as firefighter basecamp & animal relocation station. Ongoing evacuation watch for alerts-the small community of Grizzly Flats was devastated by the fire and only 30 miles away, at one point fire was moving towards Plymouth. ➢ The 2022 Electra Fire did not affect the City in terms of its burned area, but it greatly impacted the City due to hazardous air quality.

Climate Change and Wildfire
It is likely that climate change will increase the chance of future occurrence as well as future impacts from wildfire. More information on future impacts to the City can be found in the Future Conditions/Future Development section of the Vulnerability Assessment below.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-74
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
The whole of the City is at some measure of vulnerability to wildfire. An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to wildfire begins with an understanding of local exposure to wildfire. This is included in the Local Concerns section below. After that section, assets at risk are discussed.

The City 2009 General Plan Safety Element noted that as a foothills community, Plymouth’s rural setting presents a constant threat of wildfire. The fuel load, made up of annual grasses, oaks, and other surface vegetation, is classified as a moderate risk for wild‐land urban fires. In addition, the City has a significant threat to fire loss along Main Street due to shared common walls between businesses and the building materials used in construction. Hazardous air quality due to wildfire smoke, acreage containing dead/dry grass and old/dilapidated structures all pose potential risks to the City and surrounding environment.

According to this analysis, there is a total population of 0 residents of the City of Plymouth falling within the moderate or higher SRA/FRA FHSZs. This is shown in Table D-32. There is a total population of 1,171 residents of the City of Plymouth falling within the moderate or higher LRA FHSZs, as shown on Table D-33.
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Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-75
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table D-32 City of Plymouth – Improved Residential Parcels and Population by CAL FIRE SRA/FRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone
Jurisdiction
Very High High Moderate
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population
at Risk
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population
at Risk
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population
at Risk
Plymouth 0 0 0 0 0 0
Source: CAL FIRE, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data, US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 Household Size Estimates.

Table D-33 City of Plymouth – Improved Residential Parcels and Population by CAL FIRE LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone
Jurisdiction
Very High High Moderate
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population
at Risk
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population
at Risk
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population
at Risk
Plymouth 40 112 331 927 47 132
Source: CAL FIRE, 2024 Amador County Parcel/Assessor’s Data, US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 Household Size Estimates.

Structures
All structures in the City have some risk to wildfire. GIS was used to determine the possible impacts of wildfire within the City of Plymouth. The methodology described in Section 4.3.15 of the Base Plan was followed in determining structures and values at risk in both the CAL FIRE’s SRA/FRA and LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone layer. Analysis results for the SRA/FRA in the City of Plymouth are shown in Table D-34, which summarizes total parcel counts, improved parcel counts and their structure values by SRA/FRA FHSZs. Analysis results for the LRA in the City of Plymouth are shown in Table D-35, which summarizes total parcel counts, improved parcel counts and their structure values by SRA/FRA FHSZs.

Table D-34 City of Plymouth – Count and Value of Parcels and Structures by CAL FIRE SRA/FRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone
Fire Hazard
Severity Zone/
Property Use
Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Values
Total Value
SRA
High
Agricultural 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Commercial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
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Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-76
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Fire Hazard
Severity Zone/
Property Use
Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Values
Total Value
Miscellaneous 1 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Residential 1 0 $106,120 $0 $0 $106,120
Unknown 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
High Total 2 0 $106,120 $0 $0 $106,120
SRA Total 2 0 $106,120 $0 $0 $106,120
Plymouth Total 2 0 $106,120 $0 $0 $106,120
Source: CAL FIRE, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data Table D-35 City of Plymouth – Count and Value of Parcels and Structures by CAL FIRE LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone
Fire Hazard
Severity Zone/
Property Use
Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Values
Total Value
Very High
Agricultural 1 0 $1,150,000 $0 $0 $1,150,000
Commercial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Residential 45 40 $4,789,568 $6,628,450 $3,314,225 $14,732,243 Unknown 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Very High Total 46 40 $5,939,568 $6,628,450 $3,314,225 $15,882,243 High
Agricultural 11 6 $4,726,107 $1,031,502 $1,031,502 $6,789,111 Commercial 41 32 $14,098,905 $17,272,439 $17,272,439 $48,643,783 Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous 25 0 $68,342 $0 $0 $68,342
Residential 399 331 $53,784,407 $82,842,182 $41,421,091 $178,047,680 Unknown 6 3 $424,481 $921,665 $0 $1,346,146
High Total 482 372 $73,102,242 $102,067,788 $59,725,032 $234,895,062 Moderate
Agricultural 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Commercial 16 11 $1,239,614 $2,295,970 $2,295,970 $5,831,554 Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous 6 0 $491 $0 $0 $491
Residential 53 47 $3,262,052 $4,673,118 $2,336,559 $10,271,729 Unknown 2 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Moderate Total 77 58 $4,502,157 $6,969,088 $4,632,529 $16,103,774 983
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-77
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Fire Hazard
Severity Zone/
Property Use
Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Values
Total Value
Non-Wildland
Agricultural 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Commercial 3 3 $172,236 $478,630 $478,630 $1,129,496
Industrial 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous 2 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Residential 15 15 $1,427,160 $2,223,450 $1,111,725 $4,762,335 Unknown 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Non-Wildland
Total
20 18 $1,599,396 $2,702,080 $1,590,355 $5,891,831
Plymouth Total 625 488 $85,143,363 $118,367,406 $69,262,141 $272,772,910 Source: CAL FIRE, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Wildfire present a threat to critical facilities and infrastructure. The following analysis discusses critical facilities and infrastructure. A separate analysis was performed on the critical facility inventory in the City to determine which critical facilities fall into each fire hazard severity zone. Using GIS, the SRA/FRA and LRA fire hazard severity zones were overlayed on the critical facility GIS layer. Only LRA fire hazard severity zones intersect the City; as such no SRA/FRA analysis is presented here. Only LRA analysis is presented. This is shown on Figure D-19 for the LRA fire hazard severity zones. Table D-36 details which critical facilities fall in which LRA fire hazard severity zone. Details of critical facility categories, type, name, and address by SRA/FRA and LRA fire hazard severity zones are listed in Appendix F. 984
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-78
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure D-19 City of Plymouth – Critical Facilities in LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones Table D-36 City of Plymouth – Critical Facilities by Category in LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Fire Hazard Severity Zone Critical Facility Category Facility Type Facility Count High
Essential Services Facilities
Bridge 1
Evacuation Shelter 1
Essential Services Total 2
High Total 2
Moderate
Essential Services Facilities
Post Office 1
Public Administration
Building
1 Essential Services Total 2
At Risk Population
School 1
At Risk Population
Total
1 Moderate Total 3
Non-Wildland Essential Services Facilities Clinic 1
985
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-79
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Fire Hazard Severity Zone Critical Facility Category Facility Type Facility Count EMS Station 1
Fire Station 1
Library 1
Essential Services Total 4
Non-Wildland Total 4
Plymouth Total 9
Source: CGS, City of Plymouth
Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Natural, historic, and cultural resources located within areas at risk to wildfire would be vulnerable. Should a wildfire occur in the City, the impacts to natural, historic and cultural resources could be extensive and include air pollution, contamination from water runoff containing toxic products, and other environmental discharges or releases from burned materials affecting soils, habitat areas, wildlife, and aquatic resources.

Historic and cultural resources can be damaged or destroyed and are often more vulnerable due to their older age, construction type, and lack of fire prevention infrastructure such as sprinklers.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-80
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Impacts that are not quantified, but can be anticipated in large future events, include:
➢ Injury and loss of life;
➢ Commercial and residential structural and property damage; ➢ Disruption of and damage to public infrastructure, utilities, and services; ➢ Damage to roads/bridges resulting in loss of mobility; ➢ Significant economic impact (jobs, sales, tax revenue) to the community; and ➢ Negative impact on commercial and residential property values Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the City may be affected in the future by climate change (which was discussed in the hazard profile above), changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. These are discussed in the Future Conditions/Future Development discussion below.

Future Conditions
Future conditions may be affected by climate change, changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. Findings on this for the City of Plymouth include the following:
➢ Climate change is likely to exacerbate future wildfire conditions and associated impacts and vulnerability of the City to wildfire.
➢ Population growth in the City of Plymouth continues to grow slowly. Additional population growth would likely bring continued diversity to the City. Vulnerable population groups could face disproportionate effects from wildfire and should be planned for. Changes in population and population patterns may or may not increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard depending on the location and nature of growth and continued planning for future hazard conditions and future wildfire events. Given the future development plans for the City that includes a new gas station and Hilton Hotel, and 437 single and multi family units, all being developed in High and Very High LRA FHSZs; new development could add an additional 1233 residents and additional hotel occupants to the FHSZs. In fact, this would more than double the existing residential population currently residing in High and Very High FHSZs. This would significantly increase the vulnerability of the City to this hazard.
➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. Locating new development, structures and critical facilities and infrastructure within or near areas of wildfire risk may put additional development at risk. The City has six future commercial and residential development areas planned for the next five years that are located in the High and Very High FHSZs. However, City building codes are in effect to reduce this risk and should be updated as necessary to continue to address future wildfire conditions. Specifically, with the release of the new 2025 LRA mapping for Amador County, wildfire building codes should be updated as required to include enhanced measures to reduce wildfire impacts on new construction, especially in the Very High FHSZ, and including the formal adoption of the new LRA maps. As shown Figure D-21, all six future development areas are occurring within the 987
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-81
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
new LRA mapping in the High and Very High FHSZs. This new development consists of two commercial developments, a gas station and Hilton Hotel, and four residential developments, comprised of 437 new units of single and multi family residents. Collectively this new construction adds an additional 679 acres of developed land within the City, all located within High to Very High LRA FHSZs. Ensuring that regulatory requirements, such as building codes, are updated and followed will help reduce future impacts to this hazard. However, this new development would significantly increase the vulnerability of the City to this hazard.

Future development areas and their vulnerability to wildfire are discussed further in the below GIS analysis.

GIS Analysis
The City provided six future development areas which were used as the basis for the inventory of future development for the City. This area were mapped in GIS. Utilizing the future development area spatial layer, the parcel polygon data was intersected to determine the future development areas within each SRA/FRA and LRA fire hazard severity zone. No facilities fell in the SRA/FRA fire hazard severity zones (as shown on Figure D-20); as such, no tabular analysis is presented. Figure D-21 shows the locations of the future development area overlayed on the LRA fire hazard severity zones. As shown in Table D-37, the future development area falls in the Very High and High LRA fire hazard severity zones. 988
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-82
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure D-20 City of Plymouth – Future Development Areas in CAL FIRE LRA FHSZs 989
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-83
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure D-21 City of Plymouth – Future Development Areas in CAL FIRE LRA FHSZs Table D-37 City of Plymouth – Future Development Parcels and Acres in LRA FHSZs Fire Hazard
Severity Zone
/Site/Map ID
- Future
Development"
Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Unimproved
Parcel Count
Total Acres Total
Improved
Acres
Total
Unimproved
Acres
Very High
E - Shenendoah
Ridge
1 0 1 147 0 147
Very High
Total
1 0 1 147 0 147
High
A - ARCO Gas
Station
1 1 0 1.91 1.91 0
B - Hilton
Hotel
1 0 1 4.21 0 4.21
C - Arroyo
Woods
1 0 1 0 0 0
990
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-84
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Fire Hazard
Severity Zone
/Site/Map ID
- Future
Development"
Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Unimproved
Parcel Count
Total Acres Total
Improved
Acres
Total
Unimproved
Acres
D - Greilich
Ranch
1 1 0 161 161 0
F - Zinfandel
Ridge
5 0 5 365 0 365
High Total 9 2 7 532.12 162.91 369.21
Grand Total 10 2 8 679.12 162.91 516.21
Source: CAL FIRE, City of Plymouth
D.5 Capability Assessment
Capabilities are the programs and policies currently in use to reduce hazard impacts or that could be used to implement hazard mitigation activities. This capabilities assessment is divided into five sections:
regulatory mitigation capabilities, administrative and technical mitigation capabilities, fiscal mitigation capabilities, mitigation education, outreach, and partnerships, and other mitigation efforts.

D.5.1. Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities
Table D-38 lists regulatory mitigation capabilities, including planning and land management tools, typically used by local jurisdictions to implement hazard mitigation activities and indicates those that are in place in the City of Plymouth.

Table D-38 City of Plymouth’s Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities Plans
In Place
Y/N
Does the plan address hazards? Can the plan be used to
carry out mitigation actions? When was it last updated?? Capital Improvements Plan Y Plan addresses hazards and ways to mitigate them. (2019) Climate Change Adaptation Plan N There is no need for a CCAP to be implemented currently Community Wildfire Protection Plan Y Plan addresses hazards and ways to mitigate them (2025) Comprehensive/Master Plan Y Plan addresses hazards and ways to mitigate them. (2014) Continuity of Operations Plan N
Economic Development Plan Y Plan addresses hazards and ways to mitigate them (2018) Land Use Plan Y Plan addresses hazards and ways to mitigate them (2018) Local Emergency Operations Plan Y Plan addresses hazards and ways to mitigate them (2016) Stormwater Management Plan N
Transportation Plan Y Plan addressed hazards and ways to mitigate them (2021) Other
991
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-85
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Land Use Planning and Ordinances Y/N
Is the ordinance an effective way to reduce hazard
impacts?
Is the ordinance adequately administered and enforced?
Acquisition of land for open space and
public recreation use
N
Building code Y 2013 CBC
Flood insurance rate maps N
Floodplain ordinance Y Ordinance is effective, administered, and enforced.

Natural hazard-specific ordinance
(stormwater, steep slope, wildfire)
N
Subdivision ordinance Y Ordinance is effective, administered, and enforced.

Zoning ordinance Y Ordinance is effective, administered, and enforced.

Other
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? A CWPP is currently being completed by the Amador Fire District/Fire Safe Council that will include the City of Plymouth. This will reduce risk in the City as the actions of the CWPP are carried out.

Source: City of Plymouth
City of Plymouth General Plan (2009)
The City of Plymouth General Plan Program serves as the blueprint for future growth and development and provides comprehensive planning for the future. It encompasses what the City is now, and what it intends to be, and provides the overall framework of how to achieve this future condition (see the discussion in Section 4.3.1 Growth and Development Trends).

California Law requires that every City and County in the state have a General Plan. The 2030 City of Plymouth General Plan was adopted in 2009. The General Plan is the most important policy and planning document in the city, and is used by virtually every department. The General Plan is the City's statement of its vision for the future. It contains broad community values and goals, giving a picture of the desired character and quality of development in the County and policies which outline the steps to accomplish those goals.

The General Plan includes a Safety Element that focuses on safety issues to be considered in planning for the present and future development of the City Planning Area. Identified hazards include wildfire, geologic/seismic, flooding, and other natural and man-made hazards (such as hazardous materials).

Mitigation-related goals are as follows:
➢ 9A Use established laws and guidelines to effectively mitigate the impacts of new development and, when appropriate, assess fees to fund mitigation measures. ➢ 9B Provide appropriate training to adequately manage emergency and disaster situations. ➢ 9C Provide guidance to citizens regarding their suitable preparation for and response to emergencies. ➢ 9D Provide for citizen response teams to aid the City and other agencies in providing emergency response services.
➢ 9E Reduce the loss of life, injury, and property damage due to geological and seismic hazards. 992
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-86
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ 9F Discourage development from occurring in areas with increased risk of geological and seismic hazards.
➢ 9G Maintain an updated emergency response plan to reflect the most current information available regarding the potential risks to persons and property from flooding within the City. ➢ 9H Provide guidance to citizens regarding their preparation for and response to floods. ➢ 9I Coordinate with the Fire Chief and the City Engineer to ensure adequate fire protection throughout the community.

Emergency Operations Plan, 2016
The plan is designed to provide a comprehensive, multi-use, emergency management program for the City of Plymouth, in an effort to: lessen the effects of hazards, enhance response during emergencies, provide necessary assistance to citizens, prepare for measures to be taken which will preserve life and minimize damage, and establish a recovery system in order to return the City to normal operations as soon as feasible.

Mitigation Related Ordinances
Emergency Organization and Functions (Chapter 8.07)
The declared purposes of this chapter are to provide for the preparation and carrying out of plans for the protection of persons and property within this City in the event of an emergency; the direction of the emergency functions of this City with all other public agencies, corporations, organizations, and affected private persons.

The Plymouth Disaster Council is hereby created and shall consist of the following:
➢ The Mayor, who shall be Director.
➢ A member of the City Council who shall be appointed by the City Council, who shall be Vice-Director. ➢ Such representative of civic, business, labor, veterans, professional or other organizations having an official emergency responsibility, as may be appointed by the Director with the advice and consent of the City Council.

It shall be the duty of the Plymouth Disaster Council, and it is hereby empowered, to develop and recommend for adoption by the City Council, emergency and mutual aid plans and agreements and such ordinances and resolutions and rules and regulations as are necessary to implement such plans and agreements. The Disaster Council shall meet upon call of the Director or, in his absence from the City or inability to call such meeting, upon call of the Vice-Director.

The Plymouth Disaster Council shall be responsible for the implementation of all parts of the Amador County Emergency Plan which are applicable to this City of Plymouth, which plan shall provide for the effective mobilization of all of the resources of this City, both public and private, to meet any condition constituting a local emergency, state of emergency or state of war emergency; and shall provide for the organization, powers and duties, services, and staff of the emergency organization.

Building and Construction (Title 15)
In accordance with California Government Code Section 50022.2, the following publications are hereby adopted by reference:
993
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-87
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Subdivisions (Title 16)
This title is adopted to:
➢ Establish minimum permissible regulations and standards for the division and subdivision of land, for the design, improvement, and survey data related thereto, and for the physical alteration of the land involved therein, and;
➢ Provide a guide for owners in the proper division of their land, and to provide for orderly development of the City consistent with the General Plan.

Zoning (Title 19)
The purpose of this chapter is to establish standard procedures necessary for the clear and consistent processing of land use and planning permits and entitlements, as well as to establish procedures necessary for the efficient processing of planning and development applications and requests. ➢ The 2022 California Building Code based on the 2018 International Building Code, set forth in Title 24, Part 2, Volume 1 and 2 of the California Code of Regulations, as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission, together with the following Appendices: Appendix A (Employee Qualifications), Appendix B (Board of Appeals), Appendix C (Group-U Agricultural Buildings), Appendix D (Fire Districts), Appendix F (Rodent Proofing), Appendix G (Flood-Resistant Construction), Appendix H (Signs), Appendix I (Patio Covers), Appendix J (Grading), Appendix K (Group R3 and R3.1 Occupancies Protected by the Facilities of the Central Valley Flood Protection Program), Appendix L (Earthquake Recording Instrumentation). ➢ The 2022 California Electrical Code based on the 2020 National Electrical Code, as published by the National Fire Protection Association, and adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission in Title 24, Part 3, of the California Code of Regulations. ➢ The 2022 California Mechanical Code based on the 2021 Uniform Mechanical Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, and as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission in Title 24, Part 4, of the California Code of Regulations.
➢ The 2022 California Plumbing Code based on the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, and as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission in Title 24, Part 5, of the California Code of Regulations. ➢ The 2019 California Administrative Code as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission in the California Building Standards Code. Title 24, Part 1, of the California Code of Regulations.
➢ The 2019 California Existing Building Code as published by the International Code Council (ICC) and as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission in Title 24, Part 10, of the California Code of Regulations.
➢ The 2019 California Fire Code as published by the International Code Council (ICC) and as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission in Title 24, Part 9, of the California Code of Regulations.
➢ The 2019 California Energy Code as published by the International Code Council (ICC) and as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission in Title 24, Part 6, of the California Code of Regulations.
994
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-88
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ The 2019 California Referenced Standards Code as published by International Code Council (ICC) and as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission in Title 24, Part 12, of the California Code of Regulations.
➢ The 2019 California Historical Building Code as published by the International Code Council (ICC) and as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission in Title 24, Part 8, of the California Code of Regulations.
➢ The 2019 California Residential Code based on the 2018 International Residential Code adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission in the California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 2.5, of the California Code of Regulations together with the following Appendices:

Appendix F (Passive Radon Gas Controls), Appendix H (Patio Covers), Appendix J (Existing Buildings and Structures), Appendix K (Sound Transmission), Appendix O (Automatic Vehicular Gates), Appendix R (Light Straw Clay Construction), Appendix S (Straw Bale Construction), Appendix V (Swimming Pool Safety Act), Appendix W (Areas Protected by the Facilities of the Central Valley Flood Protection Plan), Appendix X (Emergency Housing). ➢ The 2019 California Green Building Standards Code as published by the International Code Council (ICC) and as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission in Title 24, Part 11, of the California Code of Regulations. (Ord. 2022-07 § 1) City of Plymouth Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (Chapter 8.11) The flood hazard areas of the City are subject to periodic inundation which results in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety and general welfare. These flood losses are caused by the cumulative effect of obstructions in areas of special flood hazards which increase flood heights and velocities, and when inadequately anchored, damage uses in other areas. Uses that are inadequately floodproofed, elevated or otherwise protected from flood damage also contribute to the flood loss.

It is the purpose of this chapter to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions designed:
➢ To protect human life and health;
➢ To minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects; ➢ To minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;
➢ To minimize prolonged business interruptions;
➢ To minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains, electric, telephone and sewer lines, streets and bridges located in areas of special flood hazard; ➢ To help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the second use and development of areas of special flood hazard so as to minimize future flood blight areas; ➢ To ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is in an area of special flood hazard; and ➢ To ensure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility for their actions.
➢ In order to accomplish its purposes, this chapter includes methods and provisions for:
➢ Restricting or prohibiting uses which are dangerous to health, safety, and property due to water or erosion hazards, or which result in damaging increases in erosion or flood heights or velocities; ➢ Requiring that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;
995
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-89
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Controlling the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers, which help accommodate or channel floodwaters;
➢ Controlling filling, grading, dredging, and other development which may increase flood damage; and ➢ Preventing or regulating the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert flood waters or which may increase flood hazards in other areas.

This chapter shall apply to all areas of special flood hazards, areas of flood-related erosion hazards and areas of mudslide (i.e., mudflow) hazards within the jurisdiction of the City. A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazards, areas of flood-related erosion hazards, or areas of mudslide.

Lands which are located within areas of special flood hazard are areas designated as floodways. Since the floodway is an extremely hazardous area due to the velocity of floodwaters which carry debris, potential projectiles and erosion potential, the following provisions apply:
➢ Encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, and other development are prohibited unless certification by a registered professional engineer or architect is provided demonstrating that the encroachments will not result in any increase in flood levels during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
➢ If the previous is satisfied, all new construction and substantial improvements shall comply with all other applicable flood hazard reduction provisions.

This chapter also establishes the base flood elevation and requires new construction or substantial improvements to be located one foot above the base flood elevation.

D.5.2. Administrative/Technical Mitigation Capabilities Table D-39 identifies the City department(s) responsible for activities related to mitigation and loss prevention in the City of Plymouth.

Table D-39 City of Plymouth’s Administrative and Technical Mitigation Capabilities Administration
In
Place
Y/N
Describe capability
Is coordination effective?
Staff
Is staffing adequate to enforce regulations?
Is staff trained on hazards and mitigation?
Is coordination between agencies and staff effective?
Chief Building Official Y Contract/Staffing is adequate, trained and coordination is effective
Civil Engineer, including dam and levee
safety
Y Contract/Staffing is adequate, trained and coordination is effective
Community Planner Y Contract/Staffing is adequate, trained and coordination is effectiv
Emergency Manager Y Mayor
Floodplain Administrator Y City Engineer/Matt Ospital from WGA 996
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-90
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
GIS Coordinator N Depend on County for GIS support
Planning Commission Y Staffing is adequate, trained and coordination is effective Other
Technical Y/N
Has capability been used to assess/mitigate risk in the past?
Grant writing Y City Manager/ Yes
Hazard data and information Y CIRA/City insurance provider/Yes GIS analysis Y Public Works now does GIS marking/analysis in-house Mutual aid agreements N
Other
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? Training of additional/new staff is currently implemented for capability improvements as well as risk prevention.

Source: City of Plymouth
D.5.3. Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities
Table D-40 identifies financial tools or resources that the City could potentially use to help fund mitigation activities.

Table D-40 City of Plymouth’s Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities Funding Resource
In Place
Y/N
Has the funding resource been used in past
and for what type of activities?
Could the resource be used to fund future
mitigation actions?
Capital improvements project funding N Funding resource unavailable at this time Community Development Block Grant Y Voter approval required.

Federal funding programs (non-FEMA) N Funding resource unavailable at this time Fees for water, sewer, gas, or electric services N Resource is not capable of funding additional activities/actions at this time
Impact fees for new development N Funding resource will depend on approval of future business developments
State funding programs N
Stormwater utility fee N
Other
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? Many options are being explored by the City Finance Director to obtain funding for various issues through state and federal grants.

Source: City of Plymouth
997
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-91
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
D.5.4. Mitigation Education, Outreach, and Partnerships Table D-41 identifies education and outreach programs and methods already in place that could be/or are used to implement mitigation activities and communicate hazard-related information.

Table D-41 City of Plymouth’s Mitigation Education, Outreach, and Partnerships Program/Organization
In Place
Y/N
How widespread are each of these in your
community?
Community newsletters Y Responsible water use, fire safety, and household preparedness information available
to the public and provided in newsletters.

Hazard awareness campaigns (such as Firewise,
Storm Ready, Severe Weather Awareness Week,
school programs, public events)
Y Foothill conservancy (environmental
protection)
Local news Y Widespread
Organizations that interact with underserved and
vulnerable communities
N
Social media Y Widespread
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? Amador Fire District/Fire Safe Council is implementing a new CWPP that will include/greatly benefit the City.

Source: City of Plymouth
D.5.5. Other Mitigation Efforts
The City has many other completed or ongoing mitigation projects/efforts that include the following:
➢ Plymouth has partnered with the County to identify and mitigate dead and dying trees that pose a hazard to public infrastructure. The services provided are offered at no cost and are covered in part by a grant to Amador County from the State office of Emergency Services. ➢ The City has worked to provide evacuation routes for each area of the City. In an emergency, response personnel will give directions and instructions for individuals and households to follow. Updates can be received via radio on both an FM and AM channel. Maps of these routes are shown in Figure D-22 and Figure D-23.
998
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-92
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure D-22 City of Plymouth – Evacuation Routes for the City 999
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-93
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure D-23 City of Plymouth – Evacuation Routes for Downtown 1000
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-94
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
A Community Wildfire Emergency Plan is currently being implemented by Amador Fire District/Fire Safe Council that will include the City of Plymouth.

D.6 Mitigation Strategy
D.6.1. Mitigation Goals and Objectives
The City of Plymouth adopts the hazard mitigation goals and objectives developed by the HMPC and described in Chapter 5 Mitigation Strategy.

D.6.2. NFIP Mitigation Strategy
The City of Plymouth joined the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on December 1, 1990. As a participant of the NFIP, the City of Plymouth has administered floodplain management regulations that meet the minimum requirements of the NFIP. The management program objective is to protect people and property within the City. The City of Plymouth will continue to comply with the requirements of the NFIP in the future.

In addition, the City of Plymouth actively participates with Amador County to address local NFIP issues through a regional approach. Many of the program activities are the same for the City of Plymouth as for Amador County since participation at the County level includes all local jurisdictions.

The City of Plymouth Public Works (in conjunction with the City’s contract engineer) Department provides public outreach activities which include map information services, public awareness, public hazard disclosure, and flood protection information. This information is readily available to the public and consists of current and accurate flood mapping. In addition, the Planning and Engineering Department provides information about our stormwater management program and up-to-date information related to the maintenance of our drainage system.

The NFIP’s Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community actions meeting the three goals of the CRS which are to reduce flood losses, facilitate accurate insurance rating, and promote the awareness of flood insurance. The City of Plymouth is not a current participant in the CRS program.

More information about the floodplain administration in the City of Plymouth can be found in Table D-42.

Table D-42 City of Plymouth Compliance with NFIP
NFIP Topic Comments
Staff Resources
Who is responsible for floodplain management in your
community? Provide Department/Title. Do they serve any
roles other than Community Floodplain Administrator
(FPA)?
Matt Ospital/City Engineer and Floodplain
Administrator
1001
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-95
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
NFIP Topic Comments
Is the Community FPA or NFIP Coordinator a Certified
Floodplain Manager?
Yes
Is floodplain management an auxiliary function? Yes
Provide an explanation of NFIP administration services
(e.g., permit review, GIS, education or outreach, inspections, engineering capability)
Permit review. Inspections. Engineering capabilities.

What are the barriers to running an effective NFIP program in the community, if any?
No barriers currently exist that limits the effectiveness of the NFIP program.

Insurance Summary
How many NFIP policies are in the community? What is the total premium and coverage?
0 policies in force
$0 in premiums
$0 in coverage
How many claims have been paid in the community? What
is the total amount of paid claims? How many of the claims were for substantial damage?
1 paid loss
$0.00 in paid losses
0 substantial damage claims
How many structures (residential and non-residential) are exposed to flood risk within the community?
7 structures in 1% annual chance
0 structures in 0.2% annual chance
Are there Repetitive Loss (RL) and Severe Repetitive Loss Properties (SRL) structures in the community?
0 RL properties
0 SRL properties
Describe any areas of flood risk with limited NFIP policy coverage
Zero areas to report
How does the community teach property owners or other
stakeholders about the importance flood insurance?
Social Media, local news outlets
What digital sources (like the FEMA Map Service Center, National Flood Hazard Layer) or non-regulatory tools does the community use?
Amador County Sheriff’s Office disaster/emergency
website/mobile app
Compliance History
Is the community in good standing with the NFIP? Y
Are there any outstanding compliance issues (i.e., current violations)?
N
Who is responsible (Department, Title) for making
substantial damage/improvement determinations? How does the community identify substantially damaged/improved
structures? What is the process to make sure these
structures are brought into compliance?
City Building Official/Code Enforcement Officer. The
identification/compliance process is completed via
inspections/determination of City code compliance.

When was the most recent Community Assistance Visit
(CAV) or Community Assistance Contact (CAC)?
12/17/2013 (CAC)
3/24/2005 (CAV)
Is a CAV or CAC scheduled or needed? No
Regulation
When did the community enter the NFIP? 12/1/1990
Are the FIRMs digital or paper? Digital
Has the community adopted the NFIP minimum floodplain
management criteria via local regulation? Date of current local regulation?
Yes, via the City Municipal Code (1/1997)
1002
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-96
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
NFIP Topic Comments
Has the community adopted the latest effective FIRM? Date adopted?
The latest FIRM adopted by the City was 2/18/2011.

How does the community enforce local floodplain
regulations and monitor compliance?
Via permits issued by Floodplain Administrator as well
as safety inspections, technical standard enforcement
and coordination with the City Building Official to
ensure code compliance.

Do floodplain development regulations meet or exceed
FEMA or State minimum requirements? If so, in what ways? Meet. All positions/certifications are filled and met.

Community Rating System
Does the community participate in CRS? If so, what is the community's CRS Class Ranking?
No
What categories and activities provide CRS points and how can the class be improved?
N/A
Does the plan include CRS planning requirements? N/A
Source: City of Plymouth
D.6.3. Mitigation Actions
The Planning Team for the City of Plymouth identified and prioritized the following mitigation actions based on the risk assessment. Background information and information on how each action will be implemented and administered, such as ideas for implementation, responsible office, potential funding, estimated cost, and timeline are also included. The following hazards were considered a priority for purposes of mitigation action planning:
➢ Climate Change
➢ Drought & Water shortage (w/ tree mortality)
➢ Floods: 1%/0.2% annual chance (w/ levee failure)
➢ Floods: Localized Stormwater
➢ Severe Weather: Extreme Heat
➢ Severe Weather: Heavy Rain and Storms (Hail, Lightning) ➢ Wildfire (w/smoke and air quality)
Low priority hazards for mitigation planning include:
➢ Agricultural Hazards (severe weather/pests/invasive species) ➢ Avalanche
➢ Dam Failure
➢ Earthquake (w/subhazards)
➢ Landslide, Mudslide, and Debris Flow
➢ Severe Weather: Extreme Cold, Freeze, and Snow
➢ Severe Weather: High Winds and Tornados
1003
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-97
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
It should be noted that many of the projects submitted by each jurisdiction in Table 5-4 in the Base Plan benefit all jurisdictions whether or not they are the lead agency. Further, many of these mitigation efforts are collaborative efforts among multiple local, state, and federal agencies. In addition, the countywide public outreach action, as well as many of the emergency services actions, apply to all hazards regardless of hazard priority. Collectively, this multi-jurisdictional mitigation strategy includes only those actions and projects which reflect the actual priorities and capacity of each jurisdiction to implement over the next 5- years covered by this plan. It should further be noted, that although a jurisdiction may not have specific projects identified for each priority hazard for the five year coverage of this planning process, each jurisdiction has focused on identifying those projects which are realistic and reasonable for them to implement and would like to preserve their hazard priorities should future projects be identified where the implementing jurisdiction has the future capacity to implement.

Mitigation Actions
The City has put forward the actions as shown in Table D-43. Details of the actions can be found below the table.

Table D-43 City of Plymouth Mitigation Actions
Action Title
New Action/
Previous
Action
Address
Current
Development
Address
Future
Development
Continued
NFIP
Compliance Mitigation Type
City of Plymouth
Action 1. Integrate Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan into Safety Element of
General Plan
Previous
Action
X X Prevention
Action 2. Enhance Public
Education and Awareness of Natural
Hazards and Public Understanding of
Disaster Preparedness
Previous
Action
X X X Prevention
Public Education
Action 3. Develop a Community
Wildfire Prevention Plan
New Action X X Prevention
Public Education
Action 4. Repairs of Old
Sacramento Road to Reduce Flooding
and Road Blockage
New Action X X X Prevention
Property Protection
Natural Resource
Protection
Action 5. Additional Water Tank
Storage
Previous
Action
X X Structural
Action 1. Integrate Local Hazard Mitigation Plan into Safety Element of General Plan Hazards Addressed: Multi-hazard (Climate Change, Drought & Water shortage (w/ tree mortality), Floods: 1%/0.2% annual chance (w/ levee failure), Floods: Localized Stormwater, Severe Weather:

Extreme Heat, Severe Weather: Heavy Rain and Storms (Hail, Lightning), Wildfire (w/smoke and air quality))
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
1004
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-98
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): Local jurisdictional reimbursement for mitigation projects and cost recovery after a disaster is guided by Government Code Section 8685.9 (AB 2140). Specifically, this section requires that each jurisdiction adopt a local hazard mitigation plan (LHMP) in accordance with the federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 as part of the Safety Element of its General Plan. Adoption of the LHMP into the Safety Element of the General Plan may be by reference or incorporation.

Other Alternatives: No action
Existing Planning Mechanisms through which Action will be Implemented: Safety Element of General Plan
Responsible Office/Partners: City of Plymouth Planning Department Benefits (Losses Avoided): Incorporation of an adopted LHMP into the Safety Element of the General Plan will help jurisdictions maximize the cost recovery potential following a disaster.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): City General Fund Timeline: Within 5 years.

Priority (H, M, L): High
Action 2. Enhance Public Education and Awareness of Natural Hazards and Public Understanding of Disaster Preparedness
Hazards Addressed: Multi-hazard (Climate Change, Drought & Water shortage (w/ tree mortality), Floods: 1%/0.2% annual chance (w/ levee failure), Floods: Localized Stormwater, Severe Weather:

Extreme Heat, Severe Weather: Heavy Rain and Storms (Hail, Lightning), Wildfire (w/smoke and air quality))
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issue/Background (Problem Statement): The City and County play a key role in public outreach/education efforts to communicate the potential risk and vulnerability of their community to the effects of natural hazards. A comprehensive multi-hazard public education program will better inform the community of natural hazards of concern and actions the public can take to be better prepared for the next natural disaster event.

The public outreach effort will leverage and build upon existing mechanisms, and will consider:
1005
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-99
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Using a variety of information outlets, including websites, local radio stations, news media, schools, and local, public sponsored events;
➢ Creating and distributing (where applicable) brochures, leaflets, water bill inserts, websites, and public service announcements;
➢ Displaying public outreach information in County office buildings, libraries, and other public places and events;
➢ Developing public-private partnerships and incentives to support public education activities.

Other Alternatives: Continue public information activities currently in place.

Responsible Office/Partners: City of Plymouth Planning Department in partnership with the County Benefits (Losses Avoided): Increase residents’ knowledge of potential hazards and activities required to mitigate hazards and be better prepared. Protect lives and reduce damages, relatively low cost to implement.

Potential Funding (Local Budgets, Grant Funds, etc.): City General Fund, grant funds (like CA DWR, Cal OESPDM, HMGP, FMA, BRIC, or other sources).

Timeline: Ongoing/Annual public awareness campaign
Project Priority (High, Medium, Low): High
Action 3. Develop a Community Wildfire Prevention Plan
Hazards Addressed: Wildfire, Drought and Water Shortage, Severe Weather: High Winds, and Severe Weather: Extreme Heat
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Issues/Background: Plymouth is surrounded by unincorporated area, which for the most part is WUI (Wildland Urban Interface). In 2014, the Sand Fire started in this type of area when a vehicle drove “off road” into dry grasses. This fire destroyed 20 residences, 47 outbuildings, burned 4,240 acres and contributed to 2 deaths. Less than 5 miles outside City limits, a big factor that saved the City of approximately 1,000 residents was the direction of the wind. This small City was still greatly impacted, as firefighters made basecamp at the Amador County Fairgrounds and trucks pulled water non-stop from the City hydrants. The population faced unsafe air quality, fear and economic shutdown. Plymouth’s businesses rely on tourism brought by the Shenandoah Valley wine industry. This event made it clear that planning and preparation for the next fire was essential to the City’s survival.

Project Description:
1006
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-100
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Develop and implement a Public Awareness Education Program including defensible space, best practice guidelines, self-preparedness and evacuation knowledge. ➢ Revise building requirements to ensure new development is using fire resistant materials and strategies and incentivize renovation projects on older buildings to do the same. ➢ Revise weed abatement code to require 100’ defensible space and other responsibility updates. ➢ Increase Fuel Management efforts focusing on undeveloped parcels, non-resident property owners whose land or property is neglected and WUI areas.

Other Alternatives: None
Existing Planning Mechanisms through which Action Will Be Implemented: N/A Responsible Office/Partners: Building Department, Code Enforcement, Public Works, Fire Department Benefits/Losses Avoided): Mitigating future wildfire destruction and damages to both property and lives.

Potential Funding: FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Timeline: 2 years
Project Priority: High
Action 4. Repairs of Old Sacramento Road to Reduce Flooding and Road Blockage Hazards Addressed: Climate Change, Flood: 1% and 0.2% Annual Chance, Floods: Localized Stormwater, Severe Weather Heavy Rains and Storms, Wildfire Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Issues/Background: Under the LAFCO agreement formed with Amador County to accommodate the Zinfandel Ridge Development, the city now has shared responsibility for Old Sacramento Road. Old Sacramento Road is the only route available to access the city wastewater treatment plant. This road floods during large rainstorms and blocks access to the wastewater treatment plant and the operators cannot get to the plant to maintain it. During wildfire season the road is riddled with potholes and brush. This road is a major exodus for the community and is critical during emergency evacuations such as those created by wildfire.

Project Description:
➢ Repair or replace road surface
➢ Modify bridge over Little Indian Creek to allow for fluid and larger flows from storms and widen for better two-way traffic.
➢ Work on creek to clean out debris so that it does not overflow onto the road.

Other Alternatives: None
Existing Planning Mechanisms through which Action Will Be Implemented: Developer’s Agreements 1007
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-101
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Responsible Office/Partners: Engineering, Public Works, Wastewater/AWA Benefits/Losses Avoided): Reliable access to the wastewater treatment plant during storms and a clear evacuation route for the community. / Potential loss of wastewater function, equipment failure, and violations would be averted.

Potential Funding: FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Developer’s Agreements Timeline: 3 years
Project Priority: High
Action 5. Additional Water Tank Storage
Hazards Addressed: Climate Change, Drought and Water Shortage, Severe Weather Extreme Heat, Wildfire
Goals Addressed: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
Issues/Background: Plymouth only has room to store 500,000 gallons of potable water and the AWA Pipeline that supplies the tank does not have the treatment capacity to send us more water in real time. In maximum demand summer, seasonal activities, and risks of wildfires; there is not enough water in the system to sustain the community's needs. The City of Plymouth is the crucial point of fire protection for the several smaller communities on this side of Amador County and assists El Dorado County being near the county line and the only water system in the general rural area. Also, being the home to the Amador County Fair which is a firefighters emergency post and animal relocation station during wildfires, adds extra demand to our limited water system. The fairgrounds is used to house the firefighter community and fill the fire trucks during these emergencies.

Recent wildfire incidents in the area have been:
➢ Caldor Fire 2021
➢ Sand Fire 2014
➢ Gold Fire 2004
Project Description: Acquire another 500,000-1,000,000-gallon capacity tank for water storage and emergency backup. Reline the aging tank on site to extend its lifetime.

Other Alternatives: None
Existing Planning Mechanisms through which Action Will Be Implemented: N/A Responsible Office/Partners: Engineering, Building Department, Public Works, Drinking Water/AWA Benefits/Losses Avoided): Sufficient water supplies during heatwaves, large events, and wildfires.

Potential extensive destruction of property and loss of human life in wildfire situations. 1008
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Plymouth Annex D-102
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Potential Funding: FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Developer’s Agreements Timeline: 3 years
Project Priority: High
1009
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-1
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Annex E City of Sutter Creek
E.1 Introduction
This Annex details the hazard mitigation planning elements specific to the City of Sutter Creek, a previously participating jurisdiction to the 2020 Amador County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) Update. This Annex is not intended to be a standalone document but appends to and supplements the information contained in the Base Plan document. As such, all sections of the Base Plan, including the planning process and other procedural requirements apply to and were met by the City. This Annex provides additional information specific to the City of Sutter Creek, with a focus on providing additional details on the planning process, risk assessment, and mitigation strategy for this jurisdiction.

E.2 Planning Process
As described above, the City of Sutter Creek followed the planning process detailed in Chapter 3 of the Base Plan. In addition to providing representation on the Amador County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC), the City formulated their own internal planning team to support the broader planning process requirements. Internal planning participants, their positions, and how they participated in the planning process are shown in Table E-1. Additional details on Plan participation and City representatives are included in Appendix A.

Table E-1 City of Sutter Creek – Planning Team
Name Position/Title How Participated
Tom DuBois City Manager Provided past occurrences, risk assessment worksheets, and other supplemental information.

Dan Lafontaine Public Works
Director
Provided past occurrences, risk assessment worksheets, and other supplemental information.

Erin Ventura City Consulting
Planner
Provided supporting documentation.

Coordination with other community planning efforts is paramount to the successful implementation of this LHMP Update. This section provides information on how the City integrated the previously approved 2020 LHMP into existing planning mechanisms and programs. Specifically, the City incorporated into or implemented the 2020 LHMP through other plans and programs shown in Table E-2.

Table E-2 2020 LHMP Incorporation
Planning Mechanism 2020 LHMP Was
Incorporated/Implemented In.

Details: How was it incorporated?
Sewer System Management Plan Drafted in 2010 and updated in 2015 and 2020. Incorporated portions of the LHMP for rain and storm, flood, and localized flood. 1010
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-2
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
E.3 Community Profile
The community profile for the City of Sutter Creek is detailed in the following sections. Figure E-1 displays a City map and the location of City of Sutter Creek within Amador County.

Figure E-1 City of Sutter Creek
E.3.1. Geography and Climate
The City of Sutter Creek is located in Amador County on the western slope foothills of the Sierra Nevada.

The entire City includes the area within present City limits as well as additional contiguous areas which the City believes presently bears relation to its planning. The City and its contiguous area covers approximately

5.25 square miles. Approximately 50% of this total area or 2.5 square miles (approximately 1,580 acres) are within City limits. California’s famous “Mother Lode” or “Golden Chain” Highway 49 runs north/south through the City. Downtown Sutter Creek is considered one of the best examples of a historic mining community to be found along this route. The State has registered the City as an historic landmark.

Historically, the City was characterized by a small valley area where the main historic part of the City is located. This valley is surrounded by hills, many parts of which exhibit attractive California oak grassland environment. Annexation of Sutter Hill and Gold Rush Ranch has extended the City into the hills south 1011
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-3
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
and southwest of the valley. The area’s vegetation includes pine, oak, and brush lands or chaparral.

Elevations range from approximately 1,200 feet above mean sea level (msl) in the historic downtown heart of the City (the valley bottom) to 1,556 feet msl at the Sutter Hill area, a generally commercial and industrial area located at the southern City limits. Sutter Creek itself flows generally from east to west through the City crossing under Old Highway 49 (Main Street) in the historic downtown area. Climate of the City is much like that of valley areas of Amador County.

E.3.2. History
Sutter Creek, a historic gold country town, located in the heart of Amador County, incorporated in 1854.

Sutter Creek, known as the “Jewel of the Mother Lode,” was named after John Sutter, who sent a party to the area in 1846 in search of timber. His discovery of gold at nearby Coloma triggered the California Gold Rush and Sutter Creek also became a destination for fortune hunters, although Sutter himself only visited the mining camp once. Although plenty of gold was found here, quartz was discovered in 1851 and that became the mainstay of the local economy for many years. In 1932 the Central Eureka mine, discovered in 1869, had reached the 2,300-foot level. By 1939, it was the best paying mine at Sutter Creek.

With the prosperity brought by quartz mining, Sutter Creek became a boom town. Many of the original brick buildings are still standing, as well as some of the mansions built by the wealthier residents. Leland Stanford was one of Sutter Creek's most famous residents.

The mines continued operations until the 1950s. Today, Sutter Creek is a tourist town with many shops and restaurants.

E.3.3. Economy and Tax Base
US Census estimates show economic characteristics for the City of Sutter Creek. These are shown in Table E-3 and Table E-4. Mean household income in the City was $90,158. Median household income in the City was $68,148.

Table E-3 City of Sutter Creek – Civilian Employed Population 16 years and Over Industry Estimated
Employment
Percent
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 60 5.0% Construction 50 4.3%
Manufacturing 54 4.5%
Wholesale trade 94 7.9%
Retail trade 290 24.4%
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 0 0.0%
Information 0 0.0%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing 12 1.0% Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services
107 10.8%
1012
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-4
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Industry Estimated
Employment
Percent
Educational services, and health care and social assistance 167 8.8% Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services 193 10.9% Other services, except public administration 104 7.8%
Public administration 59 5.0%
Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 Estimates Table E-4 City of Sutter Creek – Income and Benefits
Income Bracket Percent
<$10,000 0.0%
$10,000 – $14,999 4.3%
$15,000 - $24,9999 0.0%
$25,000 – $34,999 11.6%
$35,000 – $49,999 0.0%
$50,000 – $74,999 34.9%
$75,000 – $99,999 16.8%
$100,000 – $149,999 14.4%
$150,000 – $199,999 14.1%
$200,000 or more 4.0%
Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 Estimates Tourism is the largest income generator for the City of Sutter Creek. Tourists are attracted to the City as a historic destination. The City has eleven wine tasting rooms and there are continuous events that attract tourists.

E.4 Risk Assessment
As defined by FEMA, risk is a combination of hazard, vulnerability, and exposure. “It is the impact that a hazard would have on people, services, facilities, and structures in a community and refers to the likelihood of a hazard event resulting in an adverse condition that causes injury or damage.” The City of Sutter Creek risk assessment identifies and profiles relevant hazards and assesses the exposure of lives, property, infrastructure, and the environment to these hazards. The process allows for a better understanding of the City’s potential risk and vulnerability to hazards and provides a framework for developing and prioritizing mitigation actions to reduce risk from future hazard events.

Building on the Community Profile above, a risk assessment was performed for the City utilizing the existing City boundaries. This includes the following sections:
➢ E.4.1 Assets Inventory and Growth and Development Trends ➢ E.4.2 Hazard Identification
➢ E.4.3 Hazard Profiles and Vulnerability to Specific Hazards 1013
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-5
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
E.4.1. Assets Inventory and Growth and Development Trends This section provides an inventory of the City of Sutter Creek’s total assets potentially at risk to hazards and an overview of growth and development trends. This section is broken into two parts:
➢ Asset Inventory – The assets inventory identifies the City of Sutter Creek’s total assets, including the people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; community lifelines; natural, historic, and cultural resources; and economic assets and community activities of value. This data is not hazard specific, but is representative of total assets within the City, potentially at risk to identified hazards as discussed in Section E.4.3 Hazard Profiles and Vulnerability to Specific Hazards. ➢ Growth and Development Trends – A discussion of growth and development trends in the City, both current and future, is presented.

Assets Inventory
The City’s asset inventory is detailed in the following sections:
➢ People and Populations
➢ Structures
➢ Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
➢ Community Lifelines
➢ Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
➢ Economic Assets and Community Activities of Value
A discussion of each of these assets follows and serves as the template for the asset discussion for each hazard in Section E.4.3.

Historic Population Trends and Current Population
Population growth can increase the number of people living in hazard prone areas. The City of Sutter Creek has 2,538 residents, as of January 1, 2025. The City of Sutter Creek has seen growth rates as shown in Table E-5. As shown, the City has grown consistently since 1950, with growth slightly decreasing recently since the 2020 LHMP.

Table E-5 City of Sutter Creek– Population Changes Since 1950 Year Population % Change
1950 1,151 –
1014
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-6
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Year Population % Change
1960 1,161 0.9%
1970 1,508 29.9%
1980 1,705 13.1%
1990 1,835 7.6%
2000 2,303 25.5%
2010 2,501 8.6%
2020 2,646 5.8%
2025 2,538 -4.1%
Source: US Census Bureau, California Department of Finance (2025) Underserved and Vulnerable Populations and Disadvantaged Communities The City has a socially and economically diverse community, and many residents that are socially or economically disadvantaged or vulnerable due to varying reasons reside within the City. The City and surrounding County are no strangers to large natural disasters which have had a direct impact on the populations of the area. Thus, it is important to consider the potential effects of hazard events and disasters on these more vulnerable populations. Socially vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in the City are discussed by the following sources:
➢ CDC Social Vulnerability Index
➢ California Department of Water Resources (CA DWR) Special Populations and Disadvantaged Community Mapping
➢ FEMA Community Disaster Resilience Zones
➢ City Planning Team Input
CDC Social Vulnerability Index
Every community must prepare for and respond to a hazard event, including the range of natural hazards addressed in this Plan, from severe weather extremes to large potentially catastrophic events such as wildfires or earthquakes. A number of factors, including poverty, lack of access to transportation, and crowded housing may weaken a community’s ability to prevent human suffering and financial loss in a disaster. These factors are known as social vulnerability.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-7
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
CDC SVI uses U.S. Census data to determine the social vulnerability of every census tract. Census tracts are subdivisions of counties for which the Census collects statistical data. The CDC SVI ranks each tract on 15 social factors, including poverty, lack of vehicle access, and crowded housing, and groups them into four related themes. Each tract receives a separate ranking for each of the four themes, as well as an overall ranking. Maps of the four themes for the City are shown in the figures below.

The overall SVI map is shown in Figure E-2; the socioeconomic SVI for the census tracts in and around the City are shown in Figure E-3; the household composition SVI is shown in Figure E-4; the minority and language SVI is shown in Figure E-5; and the housing and transportation SVI is shown in Figure E-6.

Overall, the maps indicate that, in general, the City sees little change in social vulnerability regardless of location. As shown, there is very minimal change in each SVI across the City other than in Household Characteristics and Housing Type and Transportation that see slightly more variation.

Figure E-2 City of Sutter Creek – Overall Social Vulnerability Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Yellow – Low; Green – Low/Medium; Aqua – Medium/High; Blue – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
1016
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-8
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure E-3 City of Sutter Creek – Socioeconomic Status Vulnerability Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Faint Green – Low; Light Green – Low/Medium; Green – Medium/High; Dark Green – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
Figure E-4 City of Sutter Creek – Household Characteristics Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Faint Orange – Low; Light Orange– Low/Medium; Orange – Medium/High; Dark Orange – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
1017
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Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-9
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure E-5 City of Sutter Creek – Racial and Ethnic Minority Status Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Faint Purple – Low; Light Purple – Low/Medium; Purple – Medium/High; Dark Purple – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
Figure E-6 City of Sutter Creek – Housing Type and Transportation Source: CDC Social Vulnerability Index – map retrieved 12/16/2024 Level of Vulnerability Rating: Faint Blue – Low; Light Blue – Low/Medium; Blue – Medium/High; Dark Blue – High; Grey Hatched – No Data; Grey – Not Available
1018
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Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-10
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
California DWR Disadvantaged Community Mapping Tool
The State of California’s Proposition 1 Disadvantaged Community (DAC) Involvement Program is designated to ensure the involvement of DACs as well as Economically Distressed Areas and Underrepresented Communities, which DWR collectively refers to as DACs. The Cal DWR definition for a Disadvantaged Community is a community with an annual median household income (MHI) that is less than 80% of the Statewide annual MHI (PRC Section 75005(g)), and those census geographies with an annual MHI less than 60% of the Statewide annual MHI are considered “Severely Disadvantaged Communities”. Those areas in the City considered disadvantaged are shown in Figure E-7. As shown, much of the City falls in these DAC areas.

Figure E-7 City of Sutter Creek – Disadvantaged Areas
Source: Cal DWR DAC Mapping Tool – retrieved 12/16/2024 FEMA Community Disaster Resilience Zones
Community Disaster Resilience Zones aim to build and strengthen community resilience across the nation by driving federal, public, and private resources to the most at-risk and in-need communities. The Community Disaster Resilience Zones Act uses FEMA’s National Risk Index to identify the most at-risk and in-need communities to identify resilience zones. Designated zones will be prioritized for targeted federal support, such as increased cost-share for resilience and mitigation projects, lessening the financial burden on communities to perform resilience-related activities. On September 6, 2023, FEMA announced the initial 483 designations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Figure E-8 shows these zones in teal green. As shown, there are no zones near the City limits. 1019
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-11
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure E-8 City of Sutter Creek – FEMA Community Disaster Resilience Zones Source: FEMA. Map retrieved 12/16/2024
City Planning Team Input
The City has a substantial elderly population. The City is a disadvantaged community with a median household income of $68,148 (71% of California state median household income). The City has one mobile home park that is primarily made up of low-income residents.

City of Sutter Creek Items from the Amador County 2021-2029 Housing Element The City Planning Team noted that the Amador County 2021-2029 Housing Element discusses special populations in the City. While the Housing Element information can be found in the Base Plan, there are unique elements to the City that are included here. Discussions for seniors, those with disabilities, developmental disabilities, people experiencing homelessness, large households, female headed households, extremely low-income households, and farmworkers were included. These are discussed below.
1020
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-12
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Seniors
The total population of seniors in Sutter Creek is 779 persons. 279 individuals are homeowners while 244 of this population rent their residence.

Disabled Citizens
The total population of disabled citizens in the City is 9.4% of the population.

People with Developmental Disabilities
Due to the method of gathering data using zip codes, it is estimated that there are a total of >26 individuals with developmental disabilities residing in the City.

People Experiencing Homelessness
The Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency was contacted for homeless data, and it was found that there were no unsheltered homeless individuals identified in the City on a given night.

Large Households
Large households are defined as 5 or more persons residing in the same home, which only makes up 6.9% of the total households countywide. In the City, 8.3% of this population owned homes with 5 or more people, with 7.6% of the population renting.

Female Headed Households
Female headed households make up 15.1% of the City’s population. Of this percentage, 41.3% live below the poverty line.

Farmworkers
The City data shows that 71 persons (6.8%) of 1,046 employed residents work in the agriculture, (also including forestry, fishing, hunting, and mining) industry.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-13
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Structures
This section inventories the parcels (and associated structures) that make up the built environment of the City. The 2024 Amador County Assessor’s data and the associated parcel layer was used as the basis of this inventory. The methodology used to derive the number of total and improved parcels (i.e., those with an improved structure value) and land and improved property values (as well as content replacement values) follows the same methodology detailed in Section 4.2.1 of the Base Plan. This data should only be used as a guideline to overall values in the City, as the information has some limitations. The most significant limitations are created by Proposition 13. With respect to Proposition 13, instead of adjusting property values annually, the values are not adjusted or assessed at fair market value until a property transfer occurs.

As a result, overall value information is most likely low and does not reflect current market value of properties within the City. It is also important to note, in the event of a disaster, it is often the value of the infrastructure or improvements to the land that is of concern or at risk. Generally, the land itself is not a loss. However, depending on the type of hazard and impact of any given hazard event, land values may be adversely affected; thus, land values are included as appropriate. Table E-6 shows the Amador County Parcel/Assessor Data land and structure values and content replacement values (e.g., the values at risk) broken down by property use for the City.

Table E-6 City of Sutter Creek – Total Value of Parcels and Structures by Property Use Property Use Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
Total Value
Agricultural 6 2 $1,095,761 $170,670 $170,670 $1,437,101 Commercial 148 109 $25,988,057 $64,766,892 $64,766,892 $155,521,841 Industrial 2 2 $360,603 $882,145 $1,323,218 $2,565,966
Miscellaneous 39 0 $16,077 $0 $0 $16,077
Residential 1,230 1,042 $103,154,497 $262,717,770 $131,358,885 $497,231,152 Unknown 9 5 $3,060,210 $2,802,384 $0 $5,862,594
Sutter Creek Total 1,434 1,160 $133,675,205 $331,339,861 $197,619,665 $662,634,731 Source: 2024 Amador County Parcel/Assessor Data
Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Beyond just the buildings and structures that comprise the built environment, it is important to identify the critical facilities and infrastructure that are critical for life safety and property protection. This is done for the City of Sutter Creek below.

For purposes of this plan, a critical facility is defined as:

Any facility, including without limitation, a structure, infrastructure, property, equipment or service, that if adversely affected during a hazard event may result in severe consequences to public health and safety or interrupt essential services and operations for the community at any time before, during and after the hazard event. 1022
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-14
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
A critical facility is classified by the following categories: (1) Essential Services Facilities, (2) At-Risk Populations Facilities, and (3) Hazardous Materials Facilities, as discussed in Section 4.3.1 of the Base Plan.

Note: The Hazardous Materials Facilities, while considered critical facilities for purposes of this Plan Update, are not mapped in this Plan due to the lack of an available GIS layer. In addition to the mapped critical facilities, it should further be noted that additional critical facilities, including infrastructure, utilities, and others have been identified for the City of Sutter Creek and the larger Amador County Planning Area but are not included in the mapping and inventory due to privacy and security concerns.

An inventory of critical facilities in the City of Sutter Creek from Amador County GIS is shown on Figure E-9. Table E-7 gives summary information about the critical facilities in the City. Table E-8 details the facility categories and breaks them down by facility type. Details of critical facility definition, type, name, address, and jurisdiction by hazard zone are listed in Appendix F.

Figure E-9 City of Sutter Creek – Critical Facilities
Table E-7 City of Sutter Creek – Critical Facilities by Category Critical Facility Category Facility Count
Essential Services Facilities 7
1023
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-15
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Critical Facility Category Facility Count
At Risk Population Facilities 6
City of Sutter Creek Total 13
Source: Amador County GIS
Table E-8 City of Sutter Creek – Critical Facilities by Category and Type Critical Facility Category Critical Facility Type Facility Count Essential Services
Community Center 2
Fire Station 2
Police Station 1
Post Office 1
Public Administration Building 1
Essential Services Total 7
At Risk Population Residential Care Facility 1
School 5
At Risk Population Total 6
Sutter Creek Total 13
Source: Amador County GIS
Community Lifelines
Assessing the vulnerability of the City of Sutter Creek to natural hazards and disasters also involves reviewing and inventorying the community lifelines in place that could be affected. It is important to include these items in hazard discussions as the continuous operation of critical government and business functions is essential to human health and safety, property protection, and economic security. The importance of community lifelines is discussed below:
➢ Lifelines are the most fundamental services in the community that, when stabilized, enable all other aspects of society to function.
➢ FEMA has developed a method for objectives-based response that prioritizes the rapid stabilization of Community Lifelines after a disaster.
➢ The integrated network of assets, services, and capabilities that provide lifeline services are used dayto-day to support the recurring needs of the community and enable all other aspects of society to function.
➢ When disrupted, decisive intervention (e.g., rapid re-establishment or employment of contingency response solutions) is required to stabilize the incident.

Community lifelines, as defined by FEMA, include the following:
➢ Safety and Security – Law Enforcement/Security, Fire Service, Search and Rescue, Government Service, Community Safety
➢ Food, Hydration, Shelter – Food, Water, Shelter, Agriculture ➢ Health and Medical – Medical Care, Public Health, Patient Movement, Medical Supply Chain, Fatality Management
1024
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-16
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
➢ Energy – Power Grid, Fuel
➢ Communications – Infrastructure, Responder Communications, Alerts Warnings and Messages, Finance, 911 and Dispatch
➢ Transportation – Highway/Roadway/Motor Vehicle, Mass Transit, Railway, Aviation, Maritime ➢ Hazardous Material – Facilities, HAZMAT, Pollutants, Contaminants ➢ Water Systems – Potable Water Infrastructure, Wastewater Management It should be noted that these community lifelines are all in place and functional as part of regular government operations in the Amador County Planning Area serving as a partnership between the cities, local special districts and agencies, and Amador County. Due to its more rural nature, there is an interplay in community lifelines between all jurisdictions in the County. Most all of the City’s community lifelines overlap with the Planning Area’s. It should also be noted that these lifelines collectively include many of the critical facilities and infrastructure assets inventoried for this LHMP. As such, specific information on these community lifelines in the City and how they may be affected by a hazard event or disaster are discussed collectively for all jurisdictions in the Base Plan.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
Assessing the vulnerability of the City of Sutter Creek to natural hazards and disasters also involves inventorying the natural, historic, and cultural assets of the area. This step is important for the following reasons:
➢ Environmental and natural resources add to a community’s identity and quality of life. They also help the local economy through agriculture, tourism, and recreation. They support ecosystem services, such as clean air and water.
➢ Conserving the environment may help people mitigate risk. It can also protect sensitive habitats, develop parks and trails, and build the economy.
➢ The community may decide that these types of resources warrant a greater degree of protection due to their unique and irreplaceable nature and contribution to the overall economy. ➢ If these resources are impacted by a disaster, knowing so ahead of time allows for more prudent care in the immediate aftermath, when the potential for additional impacts are higher. ➢ The rules for reconstruction, restoration, rehabilitation, and/or replacement are often different for these types of designated resources.
➢ Natural resources can have beneficial functions that reduce the impacts of natural hazards, such as wetlands and riparian habitat, which help absorb and attenuate floodwaters.

Natural resources of significance to the City include Sutter Creek, open space areas, and the Oak forests found on surrounding hillsides. The City is located in the “upper Sonoran,” or “foothill” life zone, a long belt of lands containing similar plants and animals which generally runs at the 200 to 2,000-foot elevation north to south through the Sierra Nevada foothills. This belt is usually characterized by intermingled pine1025 Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-17
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
oak woodland and brush lands. Brush lands within the planning area are generally less extensive than in other parts of the foothill belt. Some of the City’s visually and environmentally sensitive areas contain aspects of the neighboring lower Sonoran zone or great central valley; valley oak, grasslands, riparian areas and wetlands.

Wetlands, and other riparian and sensitive areas, provide habitat for insects and other invertebrates that are critical food sources to a variety of wildlife species, particularly birds. There are species that depend on these areas during all parts of their lifecycle for food, overwintering, and reproductive habitat. Other species use wetlands and riparian areas for one or two specific functions or parts of the lifecycle, most commonly for food resources. In addition, these areas produce substantial plant growth that serves as a food source to herbivores (wild and domesticated) and a secondary food source to carnivores.

Wetlands slow the flow of water through the vegetation and soil, and pollutants are often held in the soil.

In addition, because the water is slowed, sediments tend to fall out, thus improving water quality and reducing turbidity downstream.

Preserving and protecting these areas and associated functions are a vital component of sound floodplain management practices for the City.

Wetlands in the City are shown in Figure E-10 and detailed in Table E-9. 1026
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-18
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure E-10 City of Sutter Creek – Wetlands Areas
Table E-9 City of Sutter Creek – Wetland Types and Acreages Wetlands Area Type Wetlands Count Wetlands Area (in Acres) Freshwater Emergent Wetland 4 6.92
Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland 3 2.42
Freshwater Pond 0 0.0
Lake 0 0.0
Riverine 12 12.59
Sutter Creek Total 19 21.93
Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service
Historic and Cultural Resources
Historic and cultural resources are difficult to replace. Should a natural disaster occur, these properties and locations can be at risk. The City of Sutter Creek has a stock of historically significant homes, public buildings, and landmarks. The California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) was the primary source of information. OHP administers the National Register of 1027
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-19
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Historic Places, the California Register of Historical Resources, California Historical Landmarks, and the California Points of Historical Interest programs. Each program has different eligibility criteria and procedural requirements. These requirements are detailed in Section 4.2.1 of the Base Plan. Table E-10 shows 4 historic buildings in the City from the OHP Database.

Table E-10 City of Sutter Creek – Historic Resources
Resource Name (Plaque Number)
National
Register
State
Landmark
Point of
Interest Date Listed
City/
Community
Sutter Creek (322) X 7/12/1939 Sutter Creek
Knight's Foundry and Shops (N375) X 7/1/1975 Sutter Creek Sutter Creek Grammar School (N456) X 12/12/1976 Sutter Creek Knight Foundry (1007) X 8/21/1992 Sutter Creek
Source: California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Historic Preservation. Retrieved 12/3/2024.

Economic Assets and Community Activities of Value
Assessing the vulnerability of the City of Sutter Creek to natural hazards and disasters also involves inventorying the economic assets and community activities of value in the City.

Economic Assets
After a disaster, economic resiliency is one of the major drivers of a speedy recovery. Each community has specific economic drivers. These include:
➢ Primary Economic Sectors
➢ Major employers
➢ Commercial Centers
In the City of Sutter Creek, this includes the following:
➢ Commercial Centers
✓ Auditorium (houses local sports practices for basketball and volleyball) ✓ Community Center
✓ Historic Grammar School (museum and arts council)
✓ Knights Foundry
✓ Baseball Field (baseball and concerts in the park)
➢ Major employers
1028
Section 7, Item B.

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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
✓ Ramco (uniform cleaning services)
✓ Sweet Pea (septic company)
✓ Transportation center
✓ Cement Plant.

Note: This inventory of economic assets is only included in this overall asset inventory for the City. To limit redundancy, it is not discussed further in the hazard profiles and vulnerability assessments in Section E.4.3 below. However, depending on the type, location, magnitude and extent of future hazard events and disasters, these City’s economic assets may be vulnerable.

Community Activities of Value
Inventorying economic assets in the City and their vulnerability to natural hazards and disasters also involves inventorying activities that have value to the community. This includes activities that are important to a community, like long-standing traditions such as a festival or fair. Some areas rely on seasonal industries to sustain them throughout the year. Many of these activities also provide economic benefits to the City. A hazard event that cancels or shortens these can affect a community’s livelihood and can make disaster recovery more difficult or prolonged. This includes activities such as:
➢ Festivals and Fairs
➢ Sporting Events
➢ Tourism
➢ Local Pools
➢ Local Splash Pools
The City noted the following community activities of value:
➢ Las Posadas
➢ Parade of lights
➢ Italian Picnic
➢ Kit Carson Wagon Train
➢ Car shows (various throughout the year)
➢ Farmers Markets, one to two various events on Main street per month Note: This inventory of community activities of value only occurs in this overall asset inventory for the City. To limit redundancy, it is not discussed further in the hazard profiles and vulnerability assessments in Section E.4.3 below. However, depending on the type, location, magnitude and extent of future hazard events and disasters, the City’s community activities of value may be vulnerable.

Growth and Development Trends
As part of the planning process, the City looked at changes in growth and development, both current and future, and examined these changes in the context of hazard-prone areas, and how the changes in growth and development affect loss estimates and vulnerability over time. 1029
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-21
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Land Use
State planning law requires that a land use element of a general plan include a statement of the standard population density, building intensity, and allowed uses for the various land use designations in the plan (Government Code Section 65302(a)). The City’s land use designations are generally described below and mapped on the Land Use Diagram (Figure E-11). The City of Sutter Creek Municipal Code provides detailed land use and development standards for development.

The Municipal Code works hand in hand with the City’s General Plan Land Use Element. The purpose of the Land Use Element is to provide goals, policies, actions diagrams and standards to guide future land use decisions in the City of Sutter Creek. While all elements of the General Plan have equal weight under California law, in some respects this Element is the most far-reaching. It informs all other elements of the General Plan, shaping the future transportation network and the location of future housing sites, and influencing public facility requirements and park and recreation needs. It defines the City’s future open space system and responds to natural resource conservation issues and safety hazards. It establishes the basic pattern of development in the City for the next 20-25 years, including land uses and densities, and presents the policies and actions to ensure that future development will enhance the quality of life for all City of Sutter Creek residents.

Future land use for the City of Sutter Creek from the 2019 City of Sutter Creek General Plan Land Use Element is shown on Figure E-11.
1030
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-22
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Figure E-11 City of Sutter Creek – Land Use Diagram
Source: City of Sutter Creek. Retrieved 6/18/2024
1031
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-23
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Population Trends and Projections
There are no future City population projections. Amador County as a whole is expected to slowly continue to increase in population. As such, it is assumed that the City may see slow population growth as well.

Development since 2020 Plan
Development has occurred in the City since the last plan. Some of this has occurred in hazard prone areas.

The majority of development has been through infill projects. There are previously planned subdivision that were never completed in the re entitlement phase now.

Table E-11 City of Sutter Creek – Total Development Since 2020 Property Use 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Residential 1 3 0 4 0
Commercial 0 0 0 10 0
Industrial 0 0 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0 0 0
Total 1 3 0 14 0
Source: City of Sutter Creek Planning Department
Table E-12 City of Sutter Creek – Development in Hazard Areas since 2020 Property Use 1% Annual Chance
Flood
Levee Protected
Area
Wildfire Risk Area1 Other
Residential 0 1 0 0
Commercial 0 0 0 0
Industrial 0 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0 0
Total 0 0 0 0
Source: City of Sutter Creek Planning Department
1Moderate or higher wildfire risk area
Development has occurred in the identified hazard areas. It was completed in accordance with all current and applicable development codes, including floodplain ordinances, wildfire codes, and other applicable standards and should be adequately protected. Thus, with the exception of more people living in the area potentially exposed to natural hazards, this growth should not cause a significant change in vulnerability of the City to identified priority hazards.
1032
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-24
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Future Development Areas
It is important to review future development plans for the City. Future development should be sited in areas that are away from known hazard risks. If this is not possible, mitigation should be done to ensure that future development is protected against future hazards.

GIS Analysis
The City of Sutter Creek provided five areas in the City expected to see future development. This includes BLA-Rossi, DANCO, Jackson Rancheria Development Corp., TM 2917, and TM 2925. This can be seen in Table E-13. The first column in this table lines up with the areas on Figure E-12. In addition to the mapped areas, the City is planning improvements to the wastewater treatment plant.

Table E-13 City of Sutter Creek Future Development Areas Site/
Map
ID
Site/Location
Name
Address Acres Future
Development
Type
Units Future
Development
Status
Comments/
Description
Total
Improved
Acres
Total
Unimproved
Acres
Comments
A
BLA-Rossi 29
Spanish
Street

0.18 Residential 2 Final Map
Approved
N/A 1 0 2 units
across the
3 parcels
BLA-Rossi 21
Clean
Creek
Way

0.18 Residential Final Map
Approved
N/A 1 1 2 units
across the
3 parcels
BLA-Rossi 25
Clean
Creek
Way

0.23 Residential Final Map
Approved
N/A 1 1 2 units
across the
3 parcels
B DANCO Valley
View at
Bowers
Road

2.06 Residential 46 Approved Permanent
supportive
housing
1 0 Corrected
APN
based on
address
location
C
Jackson
Rancheria
Development
Corp.

Ridge
Road

1.15 Commercial N/A Approved RV storage
lot
1 0 No units
provided
Jackson
Rancheria
Development
Corp.

1.31 Commercial N/A Approved RV storage
lot
1 0 No units
provided
Jackson
Rancheria
Development
Corp.

1.16 Commercial N/A Approved RV storage
lot
1 0 No units
provided
1033
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-25
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Site/
Map
ID
Site/Location
Name
Address Acres Future
Development
Type
Units Future
Development
Status
Comments/
Description
Total
Improved
Acres
Total
Unimproved
Acres
Comments
D TM 2917
81 Spanish
Street

0.59 Residential 2 Final Map
Approved
2 lot
subdivision
1 1 Corrected
APN
based on
address
location
E TM 2925 381,
383,
385
Sutter
Hill
Road

1.06 Residential 16 -
29 Final Map
Approved
2 lot
subdivision
in the R-3
zone
1 1
Source: City of Sutter Creek
These future development areas were provided by the City of Sutter Creek. Using GIS, these areas were mapped. These areas are shown on Figure E-12, and detailed by parcels and acres in Table E-14.

Figure E-12 City of Sutter Creek – Future Development Areas 1034
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-26
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table E-14 City of Sutter Creek - Future Development Areas with Parcels and Acres Future
Development /
Property Use
Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Unimproved
Parcel Count
Total Acres Total
Improved
Acres
Total
Unimproved
Acres
BLA-Rossi
Residential 3 2 1 0.59 0.41 0.18
BLA-Rossi
Total
3 2 1 0.59 0.41 0.18
DANCO
Residential 1 0 1 2.06 0 2.06
DANCO
Total
1 0 1 2.06 0 2.06
Jackson Rancheria Development Corp.

Commercial 3 0 3 3.62 0 3.62
Jackson
Rancheria
Development
Corp. Total
3 0 3 3.62 0 3.62
TM 2917
Residential 1 1 0 0.59 0.59 0
TM 2917
Total
1 1 0 0.59 0.59 0
TM 2925
Residential 1 1 0 1.06 1.06 0
TM 2925
Total
1 1 0 1.06 1.06 0
Grand Total 9 4 5 7.92 2.06 5.86
Source: City of Sutter Creek
E.4.2. Hazard Identification
The City of Sutter Creek identified the hazards that affect the City and summarized their location, extent, likelihood of future occurrence, potential magnitude, and significance specific to the City (see Table E-15).

Those hazards identified as a high or medium significance in Table E-15 are considered City of Sutter Creek priority hazards for mitigation planning. Those hazards that occur infrequently or have little or no impact in the City were determined to be of low significance and not considered a priority hazard. Significance was determined based on the hazard profile, focusing on key criteria such as frequency, extent, and resulting damage, including deaths/injuries and property, natural and cultural resources, and economic damage. The ability of a jurisdiction to reduce losses through implementation of existing and new mitigation measures was also considered as to the significance of a hazard. This assessment was used to prioritize those hazards of greatest significance, enabling the City to focus resources where they are most needed. 1035
Section 7, Item B.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-27
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Table E-15 City of Sutter Creek—Hazard Identification Assessment Hazard
Geographic
Extent
Likelihood of
Future
Occurrences
Magnitude/
Severity Significance
Climate
Change
Influence
Agricultural Hazards (severe
weather/pests/invasive species)
Limited Likely Limited Low Medium
Avalanche Limited Unlikely Negligible Low Medium
Climate Change Extensive Likely Limited Medium --
Dam Failure Limited Unlikely Catastrophic High Medium
Drought & Water shortage (w/
tree mortality)
Extensive Likely Limited Medium High
Earthquake (w/subhazards) Significant Likely Catastrophic High Low Floods: 1%/0.2% annual
chance (w/ levee failure)
Extensive Likely Critical High Medium
Floods: Localized Stormwater Significant Likely Critical High Medium Landslide, Mudslide, Debris
Flow
Significant Likely Critical Medium Medium
Severe Weather: Extreme Cold,
Freeze, and Snow
Extensive Unlikely Limited Low Medium
Severe Weather: Extreme Heat Extensive Likely Limited Medium High Severe Weather: Heavy Rains
and Storms (Hail, Lightning)
Extensive Likely Critical Medium Medium
Severe Weather: High Winds
and Tornadoes
Extensive Occasional Limited Low Medium
Wildfire (w/smoke and air
quality)
Extensive Likely Catastrophic High Medium
Geographic Extent
Limited: Less than 10% of planning
area
Significant: 10-50% of planning area
Extensive: 50-100% of planning area
Likelihood of Future
Occurrences
Highly Likely: Near 100% chance of
occurrence in next year, or happens
every year.

Likely: Between 10 and 100% chance of
occurrence in next year, or has a
recurrence interval of 10 years or less.

Occasional: Between 1 and 10%
chance of occurrence in the next year, or
has a recurrence interval of 11 to 100
years.

Unlikely: Less than 1% chance of
occurrence in next 100 years, or has a
recurrence interval of greater than every
100 years.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-28
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
E.4.3. Hazard Profiles and Vulnerability to Specific Hazards This section includes the hazard profiles and vulnerability assessment for hazards ranked of medium or high significance specific to the City of Sutter Creek (as identified in the Significance column of Table E-15) and also includes a hazard profile and vulnerability assessment to the four primary hazards to the State of California: dam failure, earthquake, flood, and wildfire, regardless of the significance ranking by the City. Chapter 4 of the Base Plan provides more detailed information about these hazards and their impacts on the Amador County Planning Area. Methodologies for evaluating vulnerabilities and calculating loss estimates are the same as those described in Section 4.2 of the Base Plan.

Extent is the expected range of intensity for each hazard. These are discussed in specific detail for mapped hazards, and in more general detail for those hazards that do not have discrete mapped hazard areas.
✓ Past Occurrences – Past occurrences are discussed for each hazard. A discussion of disaster declarations is included in each hazard section. NCDC events are also discussed. Other past occurrences data specific to the City follow the disaster declarations and NCDC events for each hazard.
✓ Climate Change – This section contains the effects of climate change (as applicable). The possible influence of climate change on the hazard is discussed.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-29
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October 2025
After this classification, a general discussion of hazard vulnerabilities occurs. This is done in the following format:
➢ Local Concerns – This includes City provided information on how the City is uniquely affected by or vulnerable to each hazard.
➢ Assets at Risk – A discussion of the assets at risk follows, presented in the same order as in Section E.4.1 above, with a few exceptions. This includes sections on: People and Populations; Structures; Critical Facilities and Infrastructure, and Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources. These are discussed in specific terms for mapped hazards, and in more general terms for those hazards that are unmapped. Sections on Community Lifelines and Economic Assets and Community Activities of Value are not included in the Sections below, as they are fully covered in Section E.4.1 above and in Chapter 4 of the Base Plan.
➢ Impacts – A discussion on hazard impacts follows. Impacts describe how each hazard can affect the City and its assets. The type and severity of impacts reflect both the potential magnitude of the hazard and the vulnerability of the asset.
➢ Future Conditions/Future Development – A discussion of how future conditions and future development may affect the hazard is also included. This is addressed specifically for mapped hazards, and in more general terms for those hazards that are unmapped.

Electric power disruptions can be generally grouped into two categories: intentional and unintentional.

More information on types of power disruptions can be found in Section 4.3 of the Base Plan.

Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-30
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS), and they help prevent falling tree branches, animals and other hazards from starting a wildfire. By stopping ignitions, it helps prevent wildfires from starting and spreading. According to PG&E, if ignitions occur, the size of fires are much smaller due to EPSS. In 2022, there was a 99% decrease in acres impacted by ignitions (as measured by fire size from electric distribution equipment (compared to the 2018-2020 average). This decrease occurred despite dry conditions.

Local Concerns
The City noted that there has been one PSPS event that has affected them. In addition, the Auditorium and the Community Center are essential City facilities that are susceptible to power outages. Neither facility has a backup source of power. The Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) must operate even if power is out to continue essential sewer services. During a severe weather event, the WWTP in the City was impacted for three days. Generators that support the WWTP along with other buildings around the area had to be refilled during this time.

Location and Extent
Climate change is a global phenomenon. It is expected to affect the whole of the City of Sutter Creek, the Amador County Planning Area, surrounding counties, and State of California. There is no scale to measure the extent of climate change. Climate change exacerbates other hazards, such as drought, extreme heat, flooding, wildfire, and others. The speed of onset of climate change is very slow. The duration of climate change is not yet known but is feared to be tens to hundreds of years. 1039
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Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
Climate change has never been directly linked to any declared disasters.

NCDC Events
NCDC does not track climate change events.

City of Sutter Creek Events
The City noted that climate change is occurring slowly, but there have been items linked with climate change in the City. Since 2020, there has been increased vegetation management, which is thought to be due to climate change. Increased watering and changing of seasons are affecting native plant species.

The HMCP noted that due to new weather patterns, there’s an increased need for vegetation management.

Along with this, there has either been too much rain all at once due to atmospheric rivers, or not enough rain that leads to increased fire danger for the City. There is also concern of an increase in atmospheric rivers over the region that can lead to more water in a short period of time leading to localized flooding.

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Acclimatization to extreme temperatures and other weather extremes may help reduce impacts from these extreme events, such as from heat waves, in the healthy general population but may not be sufficient to protect those with underlying medical conditions.

Structures
Climate change, on its own, does not generally impact structures. However, structures in areas of increased wildfire, flood, or other areas exacerbated by the effects of climate change would be at increased risk, as described throughout this LHMP. More information on how structures may be affected by climate change can be found in Section 4.3.7 of the Base Plan.

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➢ Droughts are likely to become more frequent and persistent through 2100. ➢ The strength of the most intense precipitation and storm events affecting California is expected to increase.
➢ Snowpack levels are projected to decline significantly by 2100 due to reduced snowfall and faster snowmelt.
➢ Marine layer clouds are projected to decrease.
➢ Extreme wildfires (i.e., fires larger than 24,710 acres) would occur 50 percent more frequently. The maximum area burned statewide may increase 178 percent by the end of the century.

Future Conditions/Future Development
Future conditions may be affected by climate change, changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. Findings on this for the City include the following:
➢ As climate change continues to accelerate over time, climate related impacts to the City will continue to increase.
➢ Climate change can influence population growth in the City over time. While the City is expected to see slow and steady growth, the City could see population fluctuations as a result of climate impacts relative to those experienced in other regions, and these fluctuations are expected to impact demand for housing and other development. While there are currently no formal studies of specific migration patterns expected to impact the City and larger Amador County region, climate-induced migration was recognized within the UNFCCC Conference of Parties Paris Agreement of 2015 and is expected to be the focus of future studies. So, while changes in population and population patterns are not expected to increase the impacts associated with this hazard, climate change may instead influence future population growth in the City which may leave more people vulnerable in the effects of climate change ➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. The increasing severity and frequency of storms and other weather events and natural hazards due to the changing climate should be taken into account while considering land use planning for the City.

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Dam Failure
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Unlikely
Vulnerability–Low
Note: Though considered a low vulnerability hazard for the City (due to its location outside of dam inundation areas), the City has a unique relationship to the Henderson, Preston Forebay, Preston, and Flushing dams. Of the first three dams, Henerson and Preston dam are both High Hazard (HH) dams and Preston Forebay is a Low Hazard (LH) dam. These three dams are owned by another entity, but the City is responsible for all maintenance and repairs to the dams. These dams are located downstream of the City limits and the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) heading towards Ione. In addition, the Flushing dam, with an unknown hazard classification, is a small dam located within the City limits and primarily functions to keep debris from entering Sutter Creek.

In 2025, at Henderson Dam, the City has an underdrain project estimated to be around $750,000 to fix the face of the dam. For this reason, dam failure is profiled here.

Hazard Profile
Dams are manmade structures built for a variety of uses including flood protection, power generation, agriculture, water supply, and recreation. When dams are constructed for flood protection, they are usually engineered to withstand a flood with a computed risk of occurrence. For example, a dam may be designed to contain a flood at a location on a stream that has a certain probability of occurring in any given year. If prolonged periods of rainfall and flooding occur that exceed the design requirements, that structure may be overtopped or fail. Overtopping is the primary cause of earthen dam failure in the United States.

Location and Extent
An inventory map of dams located within Amador County was shown in Section 4.3.9 in the Base Plan.

Dams with an available mapped inundation area within the City of Sutter Creek are not shown as none intersect with the City.

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While a dam may fill slowly with runoff from winter storms, a dam break has a very quick speed of onset.

As described above, the following dams of concern to the Sutter Creek, based on the City’s maintenance responsibilities for these dams, include: Henderson (HH), Preston Forebay (LH), Preston Dam (HH), and Flushing Dam (unknown classification). All but the Flushing Dam are located outside of the City limits.

Geographic flood extent from the DSOD dam inundation areas is not shown as no inundation areas intersect with the City. Also, as low hazard dams, the Preston Forebay and Flushing Dams do not have available inundation mapping.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
There have been no state or federal disaster declarations for dam failure in Amador County.

NCDC Events
The NCDC does not contain any dam failure events for Amador County.

City of Sutter Creek Events
While there have been no dam failure incidents, there have been some past issues with the Flushing Dam.

A severe storm event occurred between 12/27/2022 and 01/31/2023, causing damage and necessitating debris removal on the Flushing Dam. Flushing Dam is a small dam on Sutter Creek that holds debris from entering Sutter Creek. During the incident period, a severe storm deposited debris throughout Sutter Creek.

Debris include vegetative debris on public rights-of ways throughout the City of Sutter Creek. This debris found its way to Flushing Dam. The City removed debris from the Flushing Dam with an excavator with masticator head that was used for the grinding. There was no equipment staged in the water.

Climate Change and Dam Failure
It is likely that climate change will increase the chance of future occurrence as well as future impacts associated with dam failure. More information on future impacts to the City can be found below and in the Future Conditions/Future Development section of the Vulnerability Assessment below.

The 2023 California State Hazard Mitigation Plan noted that modeling described in California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment projects less frequent but more extreme daily precipitation. Year-to-year precipitation will become more volatile, and the number of dry years will increase by mid-century. As the climate continues to warm, atmospheric rivers will carry more moisture, and extreme precipitation may increase. Climate model projections show a tendency for the northern part of the State to become wetter.

Increases in both precipitation and heat causing snow melt in areas upstream of dams could increase the 1044
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potential for dam failure and uncontrolled releases in Amador County. However, the City, located outside of inundation areas, should not be affected by these changes.

Vulnerability to Dam Failure
The vulnerability of the City to dam failure flooding would vary depending on which dam fails and the nature and extent of the dam failure and associated flooding. An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to dam failure begins with an understanding of local exposure to dam failure. This is included in the Local Concerns section below followed by a discussion of the City’s Assets at Risk to this hazard.

While City is not located within the dam inundation areas as detailed in the Base Plan, the City’s concerns related to dams are a result of the City being responsible for maintenance and repair of the Henderson, Preston Forebay and Preston Dam as detailed below.

Henderson Dam. Located outside of the City limits and on Sutter Creek below the City’s WWTP, Henderson Dam is a concern due primarily because of the volume of sludge that could potentially spill into the freshwater dam directly below Henderson. The 20-inch diameter low-level outlet pipe of the Henderson Dam has no bottom and has lost all structural integrity. The pipe must be replaced per DSOD. Cal DSOD has mandated that the pipe be replaced and the City slip line the outlet to the Henderson dam in the 2025 calendar year.

Preston Dam. This dam located outside of the City limits and also on Sutter Creek is directly upstream from the Cal Fire Academy and the City of Ione. A dam failure on this dam would impact both the Academy and Ione and their respective populations.

Flushing Dam. Along with these larger dams, Flushing Dam is a small dam on Sutter Creek that holds debris from entering into the river system. A failure or issue with this dam could impact natural resources in the City including the creek and associated habitat areas.

Assets at Risk
Assets at risk from dam failure include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. However, as no dam inundation areas intersect with the City of Sutter Creek, City assets are not likely to be impacted by a dam failure event; thus no further discussion of assets at risk to the Sutter Creek is included.

Impacts from Dam Failure
While impacts from dam failure flooding can be extensive and widespread and include loss of life and injury, flooding and damage to property and structures, damage to critical facilities and infrastructure, loss 1045
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of natural resources, and all other flood related impacts, the City has no area in the mapped dam inundation areas, thus should not experience these types of impacts. The City’s primary concern is for those dams it has the responsibility to maintain, including the three dams located outside of the City (Henderson, Preston Forebay, and Preston Dams, as well as the smaller Flushing dam located within the City. Specific impacts associated with these dams as previously described, include the inundation of downstream areas such as the CAL FIRE Academy and City of Ione and impacts to Sutter Creek and other natural resources affected by debris releasing from the Flushing dam.

Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the City may be affected in the future by climate change (which was discussed in the Climate Change and Dam Failure discussion above), changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. These are discussed in the Future Conditions/Future Development discussion below.

Future Development
Given the location of dams in the Amador County Planning Area, future dam failure events are unlikely to affect the City. Further, future development inside the City limits will not likely affect the vulnerability of the City to dam failure.

Drought & Water Shortage
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Likely
Vulnerability–Medium
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Hazard Profile
Drought and water shortage are complex issues involving many factors—it occurs when a normal amount of precipitation and snow is not available to satisfy an area’s usual water-consuming activities. Drought can often be defined regionally based on its effects. Drought is different than many of the other natural hazards in that it is not a distinct event and usually has a slow onset. Drought can severely impact a region both physically and economically. Drought affects different sectors in different ways and with varying intensities. Adequate water supply is the most significant issue and is critical for agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, recreation, and commercial and domestic use. Drought has also affected tree mortality in the area in the past. As the population in the area continues to grow, so will the demand for water.

Tree Mortality and Drought
One of the specific impacts of drought in the City of Sutter Creek and the Amador County Planning Area is the increased risk to trees from beetle kill and other insects, pathogens and parasites, and other tree mortality and die back issues. Drought weakens trees and makes them more susceptible to insect infestation and other pathogens. Insects, such as bark beetles and others, frequently attack trees weakened by drought, disease, injuries, or other factors that may stress the tree. These insects and other pathogens can contribute to the decline and eventual death of trees throughout the City. The tree mortality and dieback problems are a high priority because of the issue of hazardous trees and an increased wildfire hazard. In addition to an increase in wildfire fuels, hazardous trees can fall onto structures causing damage and a result in a reduction on the tree canopy within the City that provides relief during extreme heat days.

Location and Extent
Drought and water shortage are regional phenomenon. The whole of the City and County is at risk. The US Drought Monitor categorizes drought conditions with the following scale:
➢ None
➢ D0 – Abnormally dry
➢ D1 – Moderate Drought
➢ D2 – Severe Drought
➢ D3 – Extreme Drought
➢ D4 – Exceptional Drought
The Amador County Planning Area, including the City of Sutter Creek, has been in and out of drought since 2014. Over the last five years since the 2020 LHMP, drought conditions have ranged from none to exceptional. Drought conditions are expected to continue to be cyclical in nature depending on the year.” Current drought conditions in the City are shown in Section 4.3.10 of the Base Plan.

Drought has a slow speed of onset and a variable duration. Drought can last for a short period of time (which does not usually affect water shortages) or for longer periods (which may challenge water supplies).

Should a drought last for a long period of time, water shortage becomes a larger issue. 1047
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According to the Amador Water Agency (AWA) 2024-2025 Annual Water Supply & Demand Assessment Shortage Report, the Agency has a significant surplus of water supply above current and projected demands.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
There have been 2 state and 1 federal disaster declarations for Amador County. This can be seen in Table E-16. Additionally, there have been 16 USDA Secretarial Disaster Declarations from drought in the County.

Table E-16 Amador County –State and Federal Drought Disaster Declarations 1950-2025 Disaster Type State Declarations Federal Declarations
Count Years Count Years
Drought 2 1976, 2015 1 1977
Source: Cal OES, FEMA
NCDC Events
There have been 249 NCDC drought events in Amador County since 1993. These most likely had some impact on the City.

City of Sutter Creek Events
Based on historical information, the occurrence of drought in California, including the City of Sutter Creek, is cyclical, driven by weather patterns. Section 4.3.10 of the Base Plan notes that five droughts have occurred in the past 86 years. Drought has occurred in the past and will occur in the future.

Climate scientists studying California find that drought conditions are likely to become more frequent and persistent over the 21st century due to climate change. The experiences of California during recent years underscore the need to examine more closely the state’s water storage, distribution, management, conservation, and use policies. The 2021 Climate Adaptation Study (CAS) (as well as the 2024 Draft CAS) stresses the need for public policy development addressing long term climate change impacts on water supplies. The CAS notes that climate change is likely to significantly diminish California’s future water 1048
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supply, stating that: California must change its water management and uses because climate change will likely create greater competition for limited water supplies needed by the environment, agriculture, and cities.

Cal Adapt scenarios for modeled future drought scenarios were shown in Section 4.3.10 of the Base Plan.

Periods of actual drought with adverse impacts can vary in duration, and the period between droughts can be extended. Although an area may be under an extended dry period, determining when it becomes a drought is based on impacts to individual water users. The vulnerability of the City of Sutter Creek to drought may vary and include reduction in water supply, turf losses, impacts to natural resources, and an increase in dry fuels and tree dieback.

Tree Mortality
On Sutter Hill Road there are a number of trees that are dying on the hillside and falling onto the road in varying stages. Hoskins ranch has lost a few large Oak trees where the roots dried up due to drought conditions and toppled in the field. This can cause potential issues if a wildfire were to affect the City.

While the City has changed much of the local landscaping to native, drought tolerant plants to reduce water consumption, drought remains a concern for the City.

Water Shortage
According to the HMPC, the City and Amador County has access to large quantities of water through its groundwater as well as surface water. However, it was noted that the cost of water to the City has increased significantly. In the Amador Regional Sanitation Authority disposal system, secondary wastewater has been promised to the farmers and in times of drought, the City must haul water to the farms for livestock troughs. This situation occurs when drought conditions exist at considerable cost to the City. 1049
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The City of Sutter Creek is looking to provide recycled water to a newly proposed development that would include residential housing, commercial properties, a hotel and resort, and a golf course in the Southwest portion of Sutter Creek. The recycled water would come from a new pipeline from the WWTP to the development.

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trees in the City are at risk to drought impacts and a reduction in water supply. These trees provide a wealth of social and environmental benefits to City residents and visitors, from shade and beauty to air quality, carbon reduction and stormwater management. Drought can devastate crops and dry out pastures, dry out forests and critical habitat areas, and reduce food and water available for wildlife and livestock, the latter detailed above as a specific concern to the City. Additionally, drought conditions can also cause soil to compact and not absorb water well, potentially making an area more susceptible to flooding. It is unlikely that drought and water shortage would have a significant impact on historic and cultural resources in the City.

According to the HMPC, the City and Amador County has access to large quantities of water through its groundwater as well as surface water. However, any future population growth in the City will add additional pressure to water companies during periods of drought and water shortage. Water companies will need to continue to plan for and add infrastructure capacity for population growth. As the 1051
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population grows, the nature and makeup of populations will shift and change along with it. Vulnerable and underserved populations, such as those with low incomes and the unhoused that might not always have access to clean water, will need to be considered as future development continues, since they may experience a disproportionate impact from drought and water shortage. Potential population growth will be a challenge not only with regard to the City’s water access for agricultural production, but stateand nation-wide with regard to food production. Should the City see a growth in population, it will increase the vulnerability and impacts to the County from this hazard. ➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. As the City continues to grow, more cropland may be taken out of production to provide housing to accommodate for population growth. As the areas adjacent to the City’s agricultural lands are reduced, it seems likely that there would be less of a competing demand for water. However, more development will also require an increase in water supply and associated infrastructure. Changes in land use and development may or may not increase the impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the City to this hazard depending on where and how this future growth occurs.

As the population in the area continues to grow, so will the demand for water. The Amador Water Agency (AWA) provides water to the City through reliable surface water sources. However, population growth in the City will continue to increase the demand for water. Ongoing planning will be needed by the City and AWA to account for population growth and increased water demands.

Earthquake
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Occasional (minor)/ Likely (major) Vulnerability–High
Hazard Profile
An earthquake is caused by a sudden slip on a fault. Stresses in the earth’s outer layer push the sides of the fault together. Stress builds up, and the rocks slip suddenly, releasing energy in waves that travel through the earth’s crust and cause the shaking that is felt during an earthquake. Earthquakes can cause structural damage, injury, and loss of life, as well as damage to infrastructure networks, such as water, power, gas, communication, and transportation. Earthquakes may also cause collateral emergencies including dam and levee failures, seiches, hazmat incidents, fires, avalanches, and landslides. The degree of damage depends on many interrelated factors. Among these are: the magnitude, focal depth, distance from the causative fault, source mechanism, duration of shaking, high rock accelerations, type of surface deposits or bedrock, degree of consolidation of surface deposits, presence of high groundwater, topography, and the design, type, and quality of building construction.

Location and Extent
Since earthquakes are regional events, the whole of the City is at risk to earthquake. The City of Sutter Creek, Amador County, and surrounding areas have some level of risk from seismic and geologic hazards.

Faults in and around the City were shown in Section 4.3.11 of the Base Plan. These include the Carson Range, Great Valley, and Rogers-Hayward Creek faults. A significant seismic event on any of these major faults could cause damage in the City of Sutter Creek.
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The amount of energy released during an earthquake is usually expressed as a magnitude and is measured directly from the earthquake as recorded on seismographs. An earthquake’s magnitude is expressed in whole numbers and decimals (e.g., 6.8). Seismologists have developed several magnitude scales, as discussed in Section 4.3.11 of the Base Plan.

Another measure of earthquake severity is intensity. Intensity is an expression of the amount of shaking at any given location on the ground surface. Seismic shaking is typically the greatest cause of losses to structures during earthquakes. The City is located in an area where earthquakes of some magnitude occur, so both magnitude and intensity of earthquakes are expected to remain low to moderate. Seismic shaking maps for the area in Section 4.3.11 of the Base Plan show Amador County and the City fall within a low to moderate shake risk.

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
There has been no state or federal disaster declarations in Amador County from earthquake.

NCDC Events
The NCDC does not track earthquake events.

City of Sutter Creek Events
As shown in the Base Plan, no disaster declarations have occurred in the County due to earthquake. The City noted that small earthquakes have occurred in the City, but none have caused any significant damage or impacts to the population, property, or related closures.

Climate Change and Earthquake
Climate change is unlikely to increase earthquake frequency or strength. More information on future impacts can be found in the Future Conditions/Future Development section of the Vulnerability Assessment below.

Vulnerability to Earthquake
The combination of plate tectonics and associated California coastal mountain range building geology generates earthquakes as a result of the periodic release of tectonic stresses Earthquake vulnerability is primarily based on population and the built environment. Urban areas in high seismic hazard zones are the most vulnerable, while uninhabited areas are less vulnerable. The primary impacts of concern are life safety and property damage. Although several faults are in and near the Amador County Planning Area and the City, seismic hazard mapping indicates that the City has low to moderate seismic hazard potential. There is the potential for the City and Amador County Planning Area to be subject to some level of moderate seismic shaking. Some degree of structural damage due to stronger seismic shaking could be expected. 1053
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Earthquake shaking can also cause liquefaction to occur. Areas with loose soil and high water tables are at risk from liquefaction. There are limited areas in and near the City prone to liquefaction.

The whole of the City is at some measure of vulnerability to earthquake. An assessment of a community’s vulnerability to earthquakes begins with an understanding of local exposure to earthquakes. This is included in the Local Concerns section below. After that section, assets at risk are discussed.

The Uniform Building Code (UBC) identifies four seismic zones in the United States. The zones are numbered one through four, with Zone 4 representing the highest level of seismic hazard. The UBC establishes more stringent construction standards for areas within Zones 3 and 4. All of California lies within either Zone 3 or Zone 4. The City of Sutter Creek is located within Zone 3.

The biggest concern/vulnerability is any non-reinforced masonry structures within the City of Sutter Creek, especially given the number of historic and older structures located within the City. The City of Sutter Creek faces a significant and unmitigated risk from potential seismic events. A moderate to large earthquake poses an imminent danger of widespread structural damage to residential and commercial buildings, especially those constructed prior to the integration and strengthening of seismic standards into local building codes.. This vulnerability is exacerbated by the potential for secondary hazards including landslides, fire following earthquake, and other secondary affects.

Assets at Risk
Many assets in the City are at risk to ground shaking and other earthquake related impacts. Assets at risk from earthquake include people and populations; structures; critical facilities and infrastructure; and natural, historic, and cultural resources. These are discussed in the following sections.

People and Populations
All people and populations are at risk from earthquake events. Those at heightened risk include:
➢ The unsheltered
➢ Infants and children under age five and their caregivers ➢ Elderly (65 and older)
➢ Individuals with disabilities
➢ Individuals dependent on medical equipment
➢ Individuals with impaired mobility
The greatest risk to people and populations from earthquake is death and injury. More information on people and populations at risk to earthquake shaking events can be seen in the Hazus scenarios developed 1054
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for this LHMP. More information on the Hazus scenarios and how the County is affected is included in Section 4.3.11 of the Base Plan.

Structures
All structures in the City are vulnerable to earthquakes, depending on the severity and location of the event.

The Hazus scenarios conducted for the entire Amador County Planning Area show how structures may be affected.

Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Earthquake and its related hazards present risks to the City. Earthquakes can damage critical facilities and infrastructure that provide vital services to the City. Damage to critical facilities from the Hazus earthquake scenarios for the Amador County Planning Area, including the City of Sutter Creek, are presented in the Hazus analysis in Section 4.3.11 of the Base Plan. Given the nature of earthquake events causing significant ground shaking among other issues, those critical facilities and infrastructure that include underground components such as water and wastewater facilities would be uniquely vulnerable to damaging earthquakes.

Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources
The 2023 State Hazard Mitigation Plan noted that environmental problems from earthquakes can be numerous. It is possible for earthquakes to reroute streams, which can change the water quality, possibly damaging habitat and feeding areas. Streams fed by groundwater and/or springs may dry up because of changes in underlying geology. Another threat to the environment from earthquakes is the potential release of hazardous materials into the natural environment causing contamination that can be difficult to contain.

Historical and cultural resources are at risk, often due to their age and construction types. The Hazus scenarios in Section 4.3.11 of the Base Plan and included below are relatively silent on the vulnerability to natural, historic, and cultural resources, but impacts to these resources could be long lasting.

Impacts from Earthquake
Earthquakes can strike without warning and cause dramatic changes to the landscape of an area that can have devastating impacts on the built environment. The greatest impact is to life safety of the City of Sutter Creek residents and visitors. Other impacts to the City could include damages to infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and dams; damages and loss of services to utilities and critical infrastructure, including those related to gas, power, water, wastewater and communication systems; damages to structures and other development; and possible loss of life and injuries.

Earthquakes can also cause failure of dams, levees, and reservoirs. Facilities and land downslope from dams or water reservoirs or behind levees might be subject to flooding, if the dams, reservoirs, or levees fail as a result of an earthquake. The City has locations with significant flood risk that include facilities downslope from dams or reservoirs that could be affected by a significant earthquake event.

Impacts that are not quantified, but can be anticipated in large future events, include:
➢ Injury and loss of life;
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➢ Commercial and residential structural and property damage; ➢ Disruption of and damage to public infrastructure, utilities, and services; ➢ Damage to roads/bridges resulting in loss of mobility; ➢ Significant economic impact (jobs, sales, tax revenue) to the community; and ➢ Negative impact on commercial and residential property values Impacts to identified assets at risk to this hazard and the overall vulnerability of the City may be affected in the future by climate change (which was discussed in the Likelihood of Future Occurrence discussion above), changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. These are discussed below.

Future Conditions/Future Development
Future conditions may be affected by climate change, changes in population patterns (migration, density, or the makeup of socially vulnerable populations), and changes in land use and development. Findings on this for the City of Sutter Creek include the following:
➢ Climate change is likely to have no effect on future earthquake conditions and associated impacts and vulnerability of the City.
➢ Population growth in the City of Sutter Creek has recently slowed. Any additional growth in the City would place additional populations at risk to earthquake. Additional population growth would likely bring continued diversity to the City. Vulnerable population groups could face disproportionate effects from an earthquake and should be planned for. Changes in population and population patterns may or may not increase the impacts and vulnerability of the City to this hazard depending on the location and nature of growth and continued planning for future hazard conditions and the location and severity of future earthquake events.
➢ Land use planning should be proactive to address future hazard conditions. There are five areas the City is planning to develop over the next five years. However, City building codes are in effect to reduce structure damage, including damage to critical facilities and infrastructure, and should be updated as necessary to continue to address future earthquake conditions. Depending on the location of new development and adherence to protective building codes, changes in land use and development may or may not increase the impacts and associated vulnerabilities of the City to this hazard.

Although new growth and development corridors would fall in the area affected by earthquake, given the limited chance of major earthquake and the building codes in effect, development in areas prone to earthquakes will continue to occur. The City enforces the state building code, which mandates construction techniques that minimize seismic hazards. Future development in the City is subject to these building codes and land use planning.
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Flood: 1%/0.2% Annual Chance
Likelihood of Future Occurrence–Occasional (1%)/Unlikely (0.2%) Vulnerability–High
Hazard Profile
This hazard analyzes the FEMA DFIRM 1% and 0.2% annual chance floods. These tend to be the larger floods that can occur in the City and have caused damage in the past. Flooding can be a significant problem in the City. Historically, the City has been at risk to flooding primarily during the winter and spring months when river systems in the City swell with heavy rainfall and snowmelt runoff. The City has also been at risk during atmospheric river flood events. Normally, storm floodwaters are kept within defined limits by a variety of storm drainage and flood control measures located throughout the Amador County Planning Area and the City of Sutter Creek. Occasionally, extended heavy rains result in floodwaters that exceed normal high-water boundaries and cause damage. Flooding has occurred both within the 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains and in other localized areas in the City.

Location and Extent
The City of Sutter Creek has areas located in the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood zones. This is seen in Figure E-13.
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Figure E-13 City of Sutter Creek – FEMA DFIRM Flood Zones Table E-17 details the DFIRM mapped flood zones located within the City.

Table E-17 City of Sutter Creek– DFIRM Flood Hazard Zones Flood Zone Description Present in City of Sutter Creek
A 1% annual chance flooding: No base flood
elevations provided
X
AE 1% annual chance flooding: Base flood elevations
provided
X
AE Regulatory Floodway 1% annual chance flood: Regulatory floodway; Base flood elevations provided
X
AH 1% annual chance flood areas of shallow flooding
between one to three feet deep. Regulatory
floodway; Base flood elevations provided
Shaded X 0.2% annual chance flooding: The areas between the limits of the 1% annual chance flood and the 0.2-
percent-annual-chance (or 500-year) flood
X
X (unshaded) No flood hazard X
Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016
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Additionally, flood extents can generally be measured in volume, velocity, and depths of flooding.

Geographical flood extents for the City from the FEMA DFIRMs are shown in Table E-18.

Table E-18 City of Sutter Creek – Geographical DFIRM Flood Zone Extents Flood Zone /
Property Use
Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure Value
Estimated
Contents Value
Total Value
1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Agricultural 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Commercial 9 8 $1,159,921 $2,547,399 $2,547,399 $6,254,719 Industrial 1 1 $191,587 $400,831 $601,247 $1,193,665
Miscellaneous 8 0 $1,231 $0 $0 $1,231
Residential 84 64 $7,882,242 $16,052,563 $8,026,282 $31,961,087 Unknown
1% Annual
Chance Flood
Hazard Total
102 73 $9,234,981 $19,000,793 $11,174,927 $39,410,701

0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Agricultural 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Commercial 2 2 $912,841 $4,152,457 $4,152,457 $9,217,755 Industrial 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Residential 21 16 $1,532,761 $3,384,645 $1,692,323 $6,609,729 Unknown 1 1 $100,918 $481,299 $582,217

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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Flood Zone /
Property Use
Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure Value
Estimated
Contents Value
Total Value
Sutter Creek
Total
1,434 1,160 $133,675,205 $331,339,861 $197,619,665 $662,634,731 Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016
California Department of Water Resources Best Available Maps (BAM) The FEMA regulatory maps provide just one perspective on flood risks in the City. Senate Bill 5 (SB 5), enacted in 2007, authorized the California DWR to develop the Best Available Maps (BAM) displaying 100- and 200-year floodplains for areas located within the Nevada-San Joaquin (SAC-SJ) Valley watershed.

This effort was completed by DWR in 2008. DWR has expanded the BAM to cover all counties in the State and to include 500-year floodplains.

Figure E-14 City of Sutter Creek – Best Available Map
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Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
Source: California DWR
Legend explanation: Blue - FEMA 100-Year, Orange – Local 100-Year (developed from local agencies), Red – DWR 100-year (Awareness floodplains identify the 100-year flood hazard areas using approximate assessment procedures.), Pink – USACE 100- Year (2002 Sac and San Joaquin River Basins Comp Study), Yellow – USACE 200-Year (2002 Sac and San Joaquin River Basins Comp Study), Tan – FEMA 500-Year, Grey – Local 500-Year (developed from local agencies), Purple – USACE 500-Year (2002 Sac and San Joaquin River Basins Comp Study).

Past Occurrences
Disaster Declaration History
A list of state and federal disaster declarations for Amador County from flooding is shown on Table E-19.

These events also likely affected the City to some degree.

Table E-19 Amador County – State and Federal Disaster Declarations from Flood 1950-2025 Disaster Type State Declarations Federal Declarations
Count Years Count Years
Flood (including heavy
rains and storms)
22 1950, 1955, 1958 (twice), 1959,
1963, 1964, 1969, 1980, 1982,
1986, 1995 (twice), 1997, 2006
(twice), 2017 (twice), 2019,
2021, 2023 (twice)
20 1950, 1955, 1958, 1962, 1963,
1964, 1969, 1986, 1995 (twice),
1997, 1998, 2006 (twice), 2017
(twice*), 2019, 2023 (three)
Source: Cal OES, FEMA
NCDC Events
The NCDC tracks flooding events for the County. Events have been tracked for flooding since 1993.

Amador County has seen 43 events. These events most likely had some impact on the City.

City of Sutter Creek Events
The City noted that the following events had damages to the City:
1980
Records of flows in Sutter Creek indicate that in 1980 almost 7,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) passed through the City in the channel that accommodates an average annual 32.4 CFS. County Emergency Services Coordinator Mary Culver has commented that this may have been close to a 100-year flood occurrence in the City. The Oak Knolls Subdivision Draft EIR suggests that 8,750 CFS would constitute a 100-year flood occurrence. A comparison of the flood hazard safety area shown on Map 2-3 with existing development on lots in the area suggest that serious property damage and a threat to public health and safety will likely exist in the event of a 100-year flood occurrence. The 1980 storm did not flood buildings in the City. Damage was most severe east of the City where bridges and some roads were destroyed by Sutter Creek and its tributaries. In normal rainfall situations, some tributaries in the planning area cause flooding problems such as those occurring at the Badger Street Bridge. Such problems should be considered in the Master Drainage Plan called for in the Public Services and Facilities Element. 1061
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October 2025
January 1997
Severe winter storms caused flooding city wide. Landslides and debris flows also resulted from the excess rains. Historic rock wall and pedestrian bridge failure and damage to adjacent residences were impacts felt by the city. Garages, basements, and carports flooded city wide. The City Hall and library were flooded.

The sewer plant and collection lines were flooded and incurred damages. The Gopher Flat Road width was reduced by 25% for approximately 250 feet and significant cut bank sloughing; storm drain conduits plugged with debris. Spanish Street, Mahoney Mill Road, Church Street, Sutter Hill Road, Gold Strike Court, and Bryson Drive were all flooded.
2006
Severe winter storms caused flooding city wide. Landslides and debris flows also resulted from the excess rains. Bank failures, driveway flooding, and minor structure damages impacted the city. Flooding caused damages in the City Hall basement. In addition, the sewer plant was inundated with debris, as were storm drain facilities and street surfaces city wide. Similar damages occurred in 1996. 2016 & 2017
In October 2016, the City had 8 inches of rain in a 48-hour period causing flash flooding. In January and February of 2017, 8 inches of rain causing severe mudslides and flooding. The City had damage to the basement at City Hall. In addition, the sewer plant was inundated with debris, as were storm drain facilities and street surfaces city wide.
2022/2023
The parking lot and Auditorium flooded during a January 2023 weather event. This caused the loss of documents and records in the Auditorium. Many rooms in the basement experienced water damage and mold that needed to be abated.

Numerous atmospheric river events led to overwhelming runoff into Sutter Creek. Heavy rains swelled creek leading to fast and high current that eroded fill and armoring at bend in creek at base of waste treatment plant. Increased current and flow eroded fill and riprap armoring along embankment at bend in creek at waste treatment facility. The Armor wall to the WWTP was compromised during rising creek waters causing a flood condition that took out part of the armor wall.

WWTP Armor Wall Dec 2022 to Jan 2023, Heavy rains swelled creek leading to fast and high current that eroded fill and armoring at bend in creek at base of WWTP. In Aug 2024, the Armor wall was reinforced protecting the WWTP.

Local Culverts washed out from Dec 2022 to Jan 2023, Heavy rains caused localized flooding on Eureka Rd and Gold Strike Court culverts to wash out and roads to collapse. Both culverts were replaced, and the roads were repaired in April 2024.

Flushing Dam debris removal from Dec 2022 to Jan 2023, A severe storm deposited debris into the face of the flushing dam. City contractor removed 2 tons of vegetation debris from the waterway. 1062
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October 2025
Climate Change and Flood
It is likely that climate change will increase the chance of future occurrence as well as future impacts associated with flood. More information on future impacts to the City can be found in the Future Conditions/Future Development section of the Vulnerability Assessment below.

According to the 2021 CAS (as well as the 2024 Draft CAS), climate change may affect flooding in California, the Amador County Planning Area, and the City of Sutter Creek. While average annual rainfall may increase or decrease slightly, the intensity of individual rainfall events is likely to increase during the 21st century. It is possible that average soil moisture and runoff could decline, however, due to increasing temperature, evapotranspiration rates, and spacing between rainfall events. Reduced snowpack and increased number of intense rainfall events are likely to put additional pressure on water infrastructure which could increase the chance of flooding associated with breaches or failures of flood control structures such as levees and dams. Cal Adapt future precipitation projections were shown in Section 4.3.4.

The City of Sutter Creek 2019 General Plan Safety Element noted concern for the flooding of Sutter Creek (as well as its main tributaries in the planning area) has increased as new development removes natural vegetation and compacts and covers over soils, thereby increasing the rate at which storm runoff reaches these drainage courses. This impact involves developments in the 49+ square mile drainage area of Sutter Creek outside of the planning area as well as those that may be constructed inside of the planning area.

The primary concern with flooding occurs along Sutter Creek. The parking lot of the City Hall/Auditorium floods and when that occurs the auditorium floods as the basement is below the parking lot elevation. The auditorium houses historical documents and City records. They have been raised off the ground but were damaged recently in the 2023 storms. The houses and businesses along the creek are also susceptible to flooding due to their proximity to the creek and lack of elevation on the north side of the creek. Along with 1063
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Amador County City of Sutter Creek Annex E-55
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
October 2025
this, there has been a sewer pipe that was in the creek that became exposed when the bank was washed away from localized flooding in Sutter creek.

The historic Foundry building in town experienced significant erosion under one of its buildings next to the creek. During the 2023 storm the flood water rose so high that it eroded the bank and foundation which undercut the historic Foundry building.

City residents that live in the 1% and 0.2% annual chance floodplains are often the most vulnerable. Not only are the residents at risk, but their homes and contents are all at risk, compounding the impacts associated with significant hazard events. To further evaluate the impact to the City of Sutter Creek’s residential population residing within these hazard areas, the DFIRM flood zones were overlayed on the parcel layer. Those residential parcels that intersect the flood zones were counted and multiplied by the 2023 Census Bureau average household factors for the City of Sutter Creek – 2.07. According to this analysis, there is a total population of 132 and 33 residents of the City at risk to flooding in the 1% and

0.2% annual chance floodplains, respectively. This is shown in Table E-20.

Table E-20 City of Sutter Creek – Improved Residential Parcels and Population by Summary FEMA DFIRM Flood Zone
Jurisdiction
1% Annual Chance 0.2% Annual Chance
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population at
Risk
Improved
Residential
Parcels
Population at
Risk
Sutter Creek 64 132 16 33
Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data, US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 Household Size Estimates.

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flooding on parcels and structures within the City of Sutter Creek. The methodology described in Section

4.3.11 of the Base Plan was followed in determining structures and values at risk to the 1% (100-year) and

0.2% (500-year) annual chance flood event. Table E-21 is a summary table for the City of Sutter Creek.

Parcel counts, land and improved values (i.e., those with a structure improvement on the parcel), estimated content replacement values, and total values in the City are shown for the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood zones, as well as for those properties that fall outside of the mapped FEMA DFIRM flood zones. Table E-22 breaks down Table E-21 and shows the same analysis further broken out by detailed FEMA flood zone and property use.

Table E-21 City of Sutter Creek – Count and Value of Parcels and Structures in Summary DFIRM Flood Zone
Flood Zone Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure Value
Estimated
Contents Value
Total Value
1% Annual Chance
Flood Hazard
102 73 $9,234,981 $19,000,793 $11,174,927 $39,410,701

0.2% Annual Chance
Flood Hazard
24 19 $2,546,520 $8,018,401 $5,844,780 $16,409,701
Other Areas 1,308 1,068 $121,893,704 $304,320,667 $180,599,958 $606,814,329 Total 1,434 1,160 $133,675,205 $331,339,861 $197,619,665 $662,634,731 Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data *With respect to improve parcels within the floodplain, the actual structures on the parcels may not be located within the actual floodplain, may be elevated and or otherwise outside of the identified flood zone **This parcel count only includes those parcels in the 0.2% annual chance flood zone, exclusive of the 1% annual chance flood zone.

The 0.2% annual chance flood, in actuality, also includes all parcels in the 1% annual chance flood zone.

Table E-22 City of Sutter Creek – Count and Values of Parcels and Structures by Detailed DFIRM Flood Zone and Property Use
Flood Zone /
Property Use
Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure Value
Estimated
Contents Value
Total Value
1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Agricultural 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Commercial 9 8 $1,159,921 $2,547,399 $2,547,399 $6,254,719 Industrial 1 1 $191,587 $400,831 $601,247 $1,193,665
Miscellaneous 8 0 $1,231 $0 $0 $1,231
Residential 84 64 $7,882,242 $16,052,563 $8,026,282 $31,961,087 Unknown
1% Annual
Chance Flood
Hazard Total
102 73 $9,234,981 $19,000,793 $11,174,927 $39,410,701

0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Agricultural 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Commercial 2 2 $912,841 $4,152,457 $4,152,457 $9,217,755 Industrial 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
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Flood Zone /
Property Use
Total Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure Value
Estimated
Contents Value
Total Value
Miscellaneous 0 0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Residential 21 16 $1,532,761 $3,384,645 $1,692,323 $6,609,729 Unknown 1 1 $100,918 $481,299 $582,217

0.2% Annual
Chance Flood
Hazard Total
24 19 $2,546,520 $8,018,401 $5,844,780 $16,409,701
Other Areas
Agricultural 6 2 $1,095,761 $170,670 $170,670 $1,437,101 Commercial 137 99 $23,915,295 $58,067,036 $58,067,036 $140,049,367 Industrial 1 1 $169,016 $481,314 $721,971 $1,372,301
Miscellaneous 31 0 $14,846 $0 $0 $14,846
Residential 1,125 962 $93,739,494 $243,280,562 $121,640,281 $458,660,337 Unknown 8 4 $2,959,292 $2,321,085 $0 $5,280,377
Other Areas
Total
1,308 1,068 $121,893,704 $304,320,667 $180,599,958 $606,814,329 Sutter Creek
Total
1,434 1,160 $133,675,205 $331,339,861 $197,619,665 $662,634,731 Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data *With respect to improve parcels within the floodplain, the actual structures on the parcels may not be located within the actual floodplain, may be elevated and or otherwise outside of the identified flood zone **This parcel count only includes those parcels in the 0.2% annual chance flood zone, exclusive of the 1% annual chance flood zone.

The 0.2% annual chance flood, in actuality, also includes all parcels in the 1% annual chance flood zone.

Table E-23 summarizes Table E-22 and shows City of Sutter Creek loss estimates and improved values at risk by FEMA 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood zones. According to Table E-22 and Table E-23, the City of Sutter Creek has 73 parcels and $30.2 million of structure and contents values or values in the 1% annual chance flood zone, and 19 improved parcels and $13.9 million of structure and contents values in the 0.2% annual chance flood zone. These values can be refined a step further. Applying the 20 percent damage factor as previously described in Section 4.3.11 of the Base Plan, there is a 1% chance in any given year of a flood event causing $6 million in damage and a 0.2% chance in any given year of a flood event causing $2.8 million in damage in the City of Sutter Creek. The loss ratio of 0.087% indicates that flood losses for 1% annual chance flooding would be minor and the City would be able recover. The loss ratio of 0.04% indicates that flood losses for 0.2% annual chance flooding would be relatively minor and the City would be able to recover.
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October 2025
Table E-23 City of Sutter Creek – Flood Loss Estimates
Flood
Zone
Total
Parcel
Count
Improved
Parcel
Count
Total Land
Value
Improved
Structure
Value
Estimated
Contents
Value
Total Value Loss
Estimate
Loss Ratio
1%
Annual
Chance
Flood
Hazard
102 73 $9,234,981 $19,000,793 $11,174,927 $30,175,720 $6,035,144 0.087%

0.2%
Annual
Chance
Flood
Hazard
24 19 $2,546,520 $8,018,401 $5,844,780 $13,863,181 $2,772,636 0.040% Total 126 92 $11,781,501 $27,019,194 $17,019,707 $44,038,901 $8,807,780 0.001% Source: FEMA DFIRM 1/20/2016, Amador County 2024 Parcel/Assessor Data *With respect to improve parcels within the floodplain, the actual structures on the parcels may not be located within the actual floodplain, may be elevated and or otherwise outside of the identified flood zone **This parcel count only includes those parcels in the 0.2% annual chance flood zone, exclusive of the 1% annual chance flood zone.

The 0.2% annual chance flood, in actuality, also includes all parcels in the 1% annual chance flood zone.

Using GIS, the FEMA DFIRM flood zones were overlayed on the critical facility GIS layer. This is shown on Figure E-18 for the FEMA DFIRM flood zones. Table E-43 details which critical facilities fall in which FEMA DFIRM flood zones. Details of critical facility categories, type, name, and address by FEMA DFIRM flood zones are listed in Appendix F.
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Sutter Creek City CouncilApril 6, 2026

Sutter Creek City Council
April 6, 2026