Public Safety ElementPUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT
CITY OF ENCINITAS GENERAL PLAN
As Amended 6/17/92, 3/9/94, 5/11/95, and 12/6/95
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
Introduction to the Public Safety Element PS-1
Purpose of the Element PS-1
Related Plans and Programs PS-1
Scope and Content of the Element PS-2
Public Safety Element Goals and Policies PS-3
Land Use Planning and Public Safety PS-3
Emergency Preparedness PS-8
Control of Hazardous Materials PS-8
Related Goals and Policies PS-9
Public Safety Plan PS-11
Introduction and Scope of Plan PS-11
Risk Assessment/Land Use Suitability PS-12
Hazards Mitigation PS-14
Emergency Response and Action PS-16
Safety Services Standards PS-19
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
Table 1: Public Safety Policy Matrix PS-10
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
Figure 1: Public Safety Sensitivity PS-13
Figure 2: Emergency Services/Shelters and PS-18
Evacuation Routes
INTRODUCTION TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT
Purpose of the Element
The Public Safety Element is one of the most important components of
the City's General Plan in that it is directly concerned with
reducing the loss of life, injury, and property damage that might
result from a disaster or accident. This Element identifies goals
and policies that will minimize the risks associated with natural and
man-made hazards. In addition, the Element identifies the
appropriate actions that are needed to respond to a crisis and ways
that hazards can be avoided through prudent planning. Much of the
background information necessary to formulate goals and policies is
included in the Public Safety Element Technical Report. This report
identifies the major hazards that might affect the City as well as
the resources that are currently available to respond in the event of
an emergency.
The five communities that comprise the City of Encinitas are largely
suburban in character, and as a result, residents are not exposed to
the wide range of hazards expected in more urbanized areas.
Nevertheless, a number of factors are present in the Planning Area
that may present a risk to residents and property in coming years.
Related Plans and Programs
This Element, like the others, is closely related to the goals,
policies, and programs outlined in the other elements. A number of
goals and policies in the Housing Element, for example, are concerned
with the rehabilitation of substandard housing units that present
safety hazards to the occupants. The Land Use Element contains land
use policies to ensure that development does not occur in areas that
may be subject to flooding, landslides, or other hazards. The
efficiency of roadways in moving large numbers of people, a major
focus of the Circulation Element, is even more important during
emergency situations.
Multihazard Functional Plan: Every City is required to prepare a
Multihazard Function Plan to address the jurisdiction's planned
response in the event of emergency situations associated with natural
disasters, technological incidents, and nuclear defense operations.
The Plan will not apply to day-to-day emergencies or the routine
procedures utilized to respond to these emergencies. Rather, the
Plan's focus is directed to large-scale disasters that will require
extraordinary responses. Directives concerning the preparation of
Multihazard Functional Plans (MFP) have been provided by the
Governor's Office of Emergency Services. The policies and measures
indicated in the Public Safety Element need to be considered when the
MFP is prepared for the City of Encinitas.
PS-1
Shoreline Preservation Strategy: In 1993 the San Diego Association
of Governments (SANDAG) adopted a Shoreline Preservation Strategy,
aimed at protecting this region's shoreline as an environmental
amenity, and to avoid hazards to public safety. The Strategy
includes general objectives and policies, and suggests more detailed
strategies for shoreline preservation for identified sub-regional
"littoral cells." Encinitas is within the Oceanside Littoral Cell
system.
The Encinitas General Plan/LCP is intended to be consistent with, and
to help aide implementation of, the objectives and policies of the
Shoreline Preservation Strategy. Detailed actions and programs which
may be pursued within Encinitas and immediately offshore to implement
the Strategy must be monitored, and checked for consistency with the
goals and policies of this General Plan. (Paragraphs added 3/9/94)
Hazardous Waste Management Plan (HWMP): Pursuant to State Law A.B.
2948, Tanner (1986), the San Diego region, with the participation of
the City of Encinitas, has prepared a comprehensive Hazardous Waste
Management Plan. The San Diego regional HWMP has been approved by
the State, and must be implemented by actions of various
jurisdictions and agencies in San Diego County. The HWMP has several
goals related to the effective management of hazardous wastes: to
reduce the amount of hazardous wastes produced in the region; to
recycle and safely reuse such wastes, to further reduce their volume;
and to provide for the safe treatment and storage of the amounts of
hazardous wastes which must be produced. To accomplish these goals
a broad variety of programs are established under the HWMP. Among
these are requirements for the City to participate in the screening
of land uses which may produce hazardous wastes, and the enactment of
zoning regulations dealing with facilities which store or treat
hazardous wastes.
In order to ensure the public safety and in accordance with Section
25135.7(c) of the California Health and Safety Code, the City of
Encinitas has enacted an ordinance establishing Chapter 30.57 of the
Zoning Regulations, to ensure that the City's locational and siting
criteria under zoning for hazardous waste facilities are consistent
with regulations found in the approved County HWMP.
In addition, the City will facilitate the screening of businesses for
the use of hazardous materials in relation to criteria for such use
as determined by the HWMP and the Hazardous Materials Management
Division of the County Health Department. See related plans and
programs in the Land Use Element. The City maintains on file a copy
of the current San Diego regional HWMP. (Paragraphs added 6/17/92)
Scope and Content of the Element
This Element is comprised of two additional sections; Public Safety
Goals and Policies and a Safety Plan. The former contains goals and
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policies specifically concerned with minimizing risk through the
adoption of policies that emphasize emergency preparedness and
prudent land use planning. The Safety Plan builds upon the
assessment of local hazards contained in the Public Safety Element
Technical Report and identifies appropriate standards that are needed
to ensure that adequate levels of emergency services are provided.
PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT GOALS AND POLICIES
The goals and policies contained in this element focus on reducing
the risk associated with hazards where mitigation is possible and
developing strategies that will be effective in the event of a
disaster or accident. The following goals and policies are generally
grouped into a number of major issue areas ranging from hazards
mitigation through proper land use planning to addressing problems
related to the manufacture, storage, transport, and disposal of
hazardous materials and wastes.
Land Use Planning and Public Safety
There is an important relationship between land use planning and the
reduction of potential hazards. Certain considerations need to be
given when development is proposed in areas subject to environmental
constraints that could result in loss of life, personal injury, or
property damage. In addition, physical design controls are key in
providing protection against a number of potential hazards. Policies
related to building design and site planning provide a basis for the
development of specific guidelines and regulations that are effective
in reducing the damaging effects of natural and man-made disasters.
GOAL 1: Public health and safety will be considered in future Land
Use Planning (Coastal Act/30253)
POLICY 1.1: Development and grading or filling in drainage courses,
floodways and floodplains shall be prohibited except as provided by
Land Use Element Policy 8.2. An exception may be made upon the
finding that strict application of this policy would preclude any
reasonable use of property (one dwelling unit per legal parcel.)
Exceptions may also be made for development of circulation element
roads; necessary water supply projects; flood control projects where
no other method for protecting existing structures in the floodplain
is feasible and where such protection is necessary for public safety
or to protect existing development; developments where the primary
function is the improvement of fish and wildlife habitat; and other
vital public facilities, but only to the extent that no other
feasible alternatives exist, and minimum disruption to the natural
floodplain, floodway or drainage course is made. When flood/drainage
improvements are warranted, require developers to mitigate flood
hazards in those areas identified as being subject to periodic
flooding prior to actual development.
PS-3
POLICY 1.2: Restrict development in those areas where slope exceeds
25% as specified in the Hillside/Inland Bluff overlay zone
regulations of the zoning code. Encroachment into slopes as detailed
in the Hillside/Inland Bluff overlay may range from 0 percent to a
maximum of 20 percent, based on a sliding scale of encroachment
allowances reflective of the amount of the property within steep
slopes, upon the discretionary judgement that there is no feasible
alternative siting or design which eliminates or substantially
reduces the need for such encroachment, and it is found that the bulk
and scale of the proposed structure has been minimized to the
greatest extent feasible and such encroachment is necessary for
minimum site development and that the maximum contiguous area of
sensitive slopes shall be preserved. Within the Coastal Zone and for
the purposes of this section, "encroachment" shall constitute any
activity which involves grading, construction, placement of
structures or materials, paving, removal of native vegetation
including clear-cutting for brush management purposes, or other
operations which would render the area incapable of supporting native
vegetation or being used as wildlife habitat. Modification from this
policy may be made upon the finding that strict application of this
policy would preclude any reasonable use of property (one dwelling
unit per legal parcel). Exceptions may also be made for development
of circulation element roads, local public streets or private roads
and driveways which are necessary for access to the more developable
portions of a site on slopes of less than 25% grade, and other vital
public facilities, but only to the extent that no other feasible
alternatives exist, and minimum disruption to the natural slope is
made. Policy 1.2 amended 5/11/95 (Reso. 95-32)
POLICY 1.3: The City will rely on the Coastal Bluff and
Hillside/Inland Bluff Overlay Zones to prevent future development or
redevelopment that will represent a hazard to its owners or
occupants, and which may require structural measures to prevent
destructive erosion or collapse. (Coastal Act/30240/30251/30253)
POLICY 1.4: Develop a master plan for drainage and flood control.
(Coastal Act/30236)
POLICY 1.5: Where significant irrigated slopes are included in
industrial, commercial, and higher density residential development,
their required maintenance shall be funded by a landscape maintenance
assessment district. (Coastal Act/30251/30240)
POLICY 1.6: The City shall provide for the reduction of unnatural
causes of bluff erosion, as detailed in the Zoning Code, by:
a. Only permitting public access stairways and no private
stairways, and otherwise discouraging climbing upon and
defacement of the bluff face;
b. Improving local drainage systems to divert surface water away
from the bluff;
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c. Studying the underground water system and looking for potential
solution to bluff instability/erosion caused by such water;
d. Reducing the infusion of ground water from domestic sources
through, among other actions, requiring the removal of existing
irrigation systems within forty feet of the bluff edge and
prohibiting the installation of such systems in new development;
e. Permitting pursuant to the Coastal Bluff Overlay Zone, bluff
repair and erosion control measures on the face and at the top
of the bluff that are necessary to repair human-caused damage to
the bluff, and to retard erosion which may be caused or
accelerated by land-based forces such as surface drainage or
ground water seepage, providing that no alteration of the
natural character of the bluff shall result from such measures,
where such measures are designed to minimize encroachment onto
beach areas through an alignment at and parallel to the toe of
the coastal bluff, where such measures receive coloring and
other exterior treatments and provided that such measures shall
be permitted only when required to serve coastal-dependent uses
or to protect existing principal structures or public beaches in
danger from erosion, and when designed to eliminate or mitigate
adverse impacts on local shoreline sand supply; and
f. Requiring new structures and improvements to existing structures
to be set back 25 feet from the inland blufftop edge, and 40
feet from coastal blufftop edge with exceptions to allow a
minimum coastal blufftop setback of no less than 25 feet. For
all development proposed on coastal blufftops, a site-specific
geotechnical report shall be required. The report shall
indicate that the coastal blufftop setback will not result in
risk of foundation damage resulting from bluff erosion or
retreat to the principal structure within its economic life and
with other engineering evidence to justify the coastal blufftop
setback.
On coastal bluffs, exceptions to allow a minimum setback of no
less than 25 feet shall be limited to additions or expansions to
existing principal structures which are already located seaward
of the 40 foot coastal blufftop setback, provided the proposed
addition or expansion is located no further seaward than the
existing principal structure, is set back a minimum of 25 feet
from the coastal blufftop edge, and the applicant agrees to
remove the proposed addition or expansion, either in part or
entirely, should it become threatened in the future.
In all cases, all new construction shall be specifically
designed and constructed such that it could be removed in the
event of endangerment and the applicant shall agree to
participate in any comprehensive plan adopted by the City to
address coastal bluff recession and shoreline erosion problems
in the City.
PS-5
This does not apply to minor structures that do not require a
building permit, except that no structures, including walkways,
patios, patio covers, cabanas, windscreens, sundecks, lighting
standards, walls, temporary accessory buildings not exceeding
200 square feet in area, and similar structures shall be allowed
within five feet from the bluff top edge; and
g. Permanently conserving the bluff face within an open space
easement or other suitable instrument. (Coastal
Act/30210/30235/30240/30251/30253)
Standards for the justification of preemptive erosion control
devices and limits on location of shoreline devices shall be as
detailed in the Zoning Code. Policy 1.6 amended 5/11/95 (Reso.
95-32)
POLICY 1.7: The City shall develop and adopt a comprehensive plan,
based on the Beach Bluff Erosion Technical Report (prepared by Zeiser
Kling Consultants Inc., dated January 24, 1994), to address the
coastal bluff recession and shoreline erosion problems in the City.
Said plan shall include, at minimum, components that deal with all
the factors affecting the bluffs in Encinitas. These include, but
are not limited to, minimum blufftop setback requirements for new
development/redevelopment; alternatives to shore/bluff protection
such as beach sand replenishment; removal of threatened portions of
a residence or the entire residence or underpinning existing
structures; addressing bluff stability and the need for protective
measures over the entire bluff (lower, mid and upper); impacts of
shoreline structures on beach and sand areas as well as mitigation
for such impacts; impacts of groundwater and irrigation on bluff
stability; and, visual impacts of necessary/required protective
structures.
If a comprehensive plan is not submitted to, reviewed and approved by
the Coastal Commission as an amendment to this land use plan by
November 17, 1996, then no additions or expansions to existing
structures shall be permitted on coastal blufftop lots except for
minor additions or expansions that comprise no greater than a 10
percent increase above the existing gross floor area or 250 square
feet whichever is greater, provided such additions/expansions are
located at least 40 feet from the coastal blufftop edge, the
addition/expansion is constructed in a manner so that it could be
removed in its entirety, and the applicant agrees, in writing, to
participate in any comprehensive plan adopted by the City to address
coastal bluff recession and shoreline erosion problems in the City.
In addition, until such a comprehensive plan is approved by the City
of Encinitas and the Coastal Commission as an amendment to the LCP,
the City shall not permit the construction of seawalls, revetments,
breakwaters, cribbing, or similar structures for coastal erosion
except under circumstances where an existing principal structure is
imminently threatened and, based on a thorough alternatives analysis,
an emergency coastal development permit is issued and all emergency
PS-6
measures authorized by the emergency coastal development permit are
designed to eliminate or mitigate adverse impacts on local shoreline
sand supply. Policy 1.7 amended 5/11/95 (Reso. 95-32) and 12/6/95
(Reso. 95-113)
POLICY 1.8: New residential and commercial construction shall provide
for smoke detector and fire sprinkler systems to reduce the impact of
development on service levels.
POLICY 1.9: Adequate safety service levels shall be maintained and
provided for by new development.
POLICY 1.10: The public safety program shall provide for a response
plan that strives to reduce life and property losses through
technology, education, training, facilities and equipment.
POLICY 1.11: The public safety system shall provide standards and
levels of service guidelines that assure a quality of life and
protection of life and property from preventable losses.
POLICY 1.12: The City will observe and apply measures to reduce
earthquake structural risk through building and construction codes.
POLICY 1.13: In areas identified as susceptible to brush or wildfire
hazard, the City shall provide for construction standards to reduce
structural susceptibility and increase protection. Brush clearance
around structures for fire safety shall not exceed a 30-foot perimeter
in areas of native or significant brush, and as provided by Resource
Management Policy 10.1.
POLICY 1.14: Where development creates the need for new public safety
services and/or equipment, that development shall be responsible for
the cost of such services/equipment.
POLICY 1.15: The City shall establish and implement standards, based
on the 50- or 100-year storm, for flood control and drainage
improvements, and the maintenance of such improvements, designed to
assure adequate public safety. Such standards and improvements shall
be consistent with the policies of this Plan to respect community
character and maintain natural or natural-appearing drainage courses
whenever feasible.
POLICY 1.16: The City and its service districts and agencies shall
maintain adequate levels of staffing, materials and equipment to
assure timely response to demands for public safety services.
POLICY 1.17: In order to protect the health and safety of the
residents of Encinitas and surrounding communities, the City shall
control the development of hazardous waste facilities as required in
Chapter 30.57 of the Municipal Code. The City shall also participate
in programs to reduce the amounts of hazardous wastes being generated
in the San Diego region, as provided in the adopted San Diego County
Hazardous Waste Management Plan.
PS-7
Emergency Preparedness
A major earthquake, flood, fire, or other type of disaster can have
devastating consequences on a community that is ill prepared for such
a catastrophe. While emergency preparedness can not always prevent a
disaster from occurring, the loss of life, injury, and property damage
can be substantially reduced in most instances. Most experts agree
that the effects of a major disaster can be significantly reduced if
persons are familiar with the appropriate actions to take in the event
of a major disaster or crisis. The importance of emergency
preparedness in the City is underscored by the following goals and
supporting policies.
GOAL 2: The City of Encinitas will make an effort to minimize
potential hazards to public health, safety, and welfare and to
prevent the loss of life and damage to health and property resulting
from both natural and man-made phenomena.
POLICY 2.1: The City will cooperate with and support in every way
possible current Federal, State, and County agencies responsible for
the enforcement of health, safety, and environmental laws.
POLICY 2.2: Implement an emergency preparedness program (referenced
by the State as a Multihazard Function Plan) to ensure that emergency
shelters and emergency evacuation and response routes are provided
and clearly identified.
POLICY 2.3: Conduct a survey to identify all structures in the City
constructed of unreinforced masonry and partially unreinforced
masonry. Once inventoried, based on need, the City shall undertake
necessary programs to assure reasonable structural safety.
POLICY 2.4: Setbacks, easements, and accesses, necessary to assure
that emergency services can function with available equipment, shall
be required and maintained.
POLICY 2.5: Emergency equipment response routes and evacuation
procedures shall be defined and provided for.
POLICY 2.6: Except as provided in Public Safety Policy 1.1, no
development or filling shall be permitted within any 100-year
floodplain.
POLICY 2.7: The City shall consider and/or institute an early
warning system of a potential failure at a nuclear operation plant.
Control of Hazardous Materials
Many of the products we use in everyday living contain substances
that are harmful to the environment. The production and use of these
goods often result in byproducts that are toxic which need to be
PS-8
disposed so that the detrimental effects can be reduced or eliminated
altogether. Hazardous materials and substances are a direct result
of our technology and high standard of living, and a balance needs to
be found between economic prosperity and the well-being of the
environment. The following goal and supporting policies recognize
that these materials need to be handled in a responsible manner to
ensure the safety of the public and the environment.
GOAL 3: The City will make every effort to ensure that all City
residents and workers are protected from exposure to hazardous
materials and wastes and the transport of such materials.
POLICY 3.1: Cooperate with the enforcement of disclosure laws
requiring all users, producers, and transporters of hazardous
materials and wastes to clearly identify such materials at the site
and to notify the appropriate local County, State and/or Federal
agencies in the event of a violation.
POLICY 3.2: Restrict the transport of hazardous materials to
identified truck routes as established by an implementing policy.
POLICY 3.3: Cooperate with the railroads to ensure that hazardous
materials transported by rail through the City do not present a
threat to life or property in Encinitas.
POLICY 3.4: Land uses involved in the production, storage,
transportation, handling, or disposal of hazardous materials will be
located a safe distance from land uses that may be adversely impacted
by such activities. (Coastal Act/30250)
POLICY 3.5: Commercial and industrial facilities shall be required to
participate in a hazardous materials and wastes mitigation and
response program.
POLICY 3.6: The City shall cooperate with the efforts of the County
Department of Health, Hazardous Waste Management Division to
inventory and properly regulate land uses involving hazardous wastes
and materials.
Related Goals and Policies
Goals and policies contained in other Elements are also important in
addressing public safety issues. A number of goals and policies
contained in the Land Use and Resource Management Elements are
concerned with the reduction of development intensity or outright
prohibition in areas subject to environmental constraints that might
affect both persons and property. The Housing Element also contains
policies that underscore the importance of ensuring that housing is
both safe and decent. Other elements containing policies that serve
to support the aims expressed in this Element are identified in Table
1: Public Safety Policy Matrix.
PS-9
TABLE 1
PUBLIC SAFETY POLICY MATRIX
Goals and Policies in Other Elements Related to Public Safety Concerns
Public Safety
Issue Area
Land Use Housing Resource
Management
Noise Circulation
Seismic Safety X X
Slope Failure X X X
Coastal Bluff X X
Flooding X X X
Fire and Explosion X
Hazardous
Materials
X X
Pollution
(air & water)
X X
Major Accident X
Land Use and
Public Safety
X X X X X
Emergency
Procedures
X
PS-10
PUBLIC SAFETY PLAN
Introduction and Scope of Plan
This section of the Public Safety Element includes an assessment and
discussion of emergency preparedness planning needed both to provide
everyday safety and emergency services, and to respond to major
disasters. This section serves as a mini- emergency preparedness
plan in that appropriate actions and responses needed to be taken by
City staff and residents in the event of an emergency are summarized.
In addition, the Plan identifies standards needed to ensure that an
adequate level of emergency service is provided in the future.
A broad variety of public safety services are provided by a variety
of public agencies. Most significant are fire response and safety,
as provided by the City Fire Department; and law enforcement services
as provided by City Policy or County Sheriff. Other City departments
provide day-to-day services related to public safety. The Public
Works Department is responsible for the maintenance of sewage, flood
control, and public safety. The City Building Department is
responsible for the enforcement of construction codes for safety.
Other agencies involved in public safety services which have
jurisdiction or public safety services which have jurisdiction or
potential jurisdiction within the City include the California Highway
Patrol, the State/ National Guard, and the County Health Department
and its branches. Services from these outside agencies should
continue to be available, somewhat independent of the City's planned
development and control. Therefore, the following sections concentrate
primarily on services provided by the Fire Department and City Policy
or County Sheriff.
An earthquake, or even a more localized incident such as a chemical
spill, may force the evacuation of thousands of people. Thousands of
others may require emergency shelter and medical treatment. The
Emergency Response and Action section of this Element identifies
emergency evacuation routes and emergency shelters.
An emergency preparedness strategy will assist existing efforts by
public officials in improving public readiness. The emergency
operations procedures described in the following sections outline the
responsibilities of City and contract County personnel in the event
of disaster. As indicated, this information serves as a basis for
future emergency preparedness planning in the City. The City will
prepare and adopt a more comprehensive, multi-hazard emergency
preparedness plan to conform to State OES guidelines.
Emergency planning and preparedness, as considered in this Element,
consists of three main components:
PS-11
(1) Hazards identification and risk assessment,
(2) Hazards mitigation, and
(3) Emergency response and action.
Potential natural and man-made hazards have been identified in the
Public Safety Element Technical Report. The Technical Report
contains supporting data and background material needed to assess the
level of risk in the five communities which comprise the City.
Hazards mitigation is accomplished by a number of goals and policies
contained in the Element which reduce the likelihood of environmental
upset or the damaging effects that might result from a disaster or
accident.
Risk Assessment/Land Use Suitability
Given the diverse nature of the five individual communities
that comprise the City, it should not be surprising that there is
an equally diverse range of environmental and man-made hazards. A
number of hazards may only be present in one or two communities while
other hazards may have more widespread effects, impacting not only the
City, but the surrounding region.
Most of the buildings and structures in the City are relatively new
and well maintained. As a result, some public safety risks, for
example building collapse resulting from an earthquake, may be
relatively minimized. Under State law, all cities are required to
conduct surveys to identify all unreinforced buildings that might
collapse in the event of an earthquake.
The Public Safety Technical Report, which serves as a technical
appendix to this Element, describes the major environmental hazards
and the associated risks. The level of risk, scope of risk, and the
emergency response that may be required for each of the major
categories of hazards and upset are summarized in the Public Safety
Element Technical Report.
For purposes of determining land use suitability as it relates to
safety issues, a safety sensitivity rating has been applied to the
entire City. Three sensitivity classes have been created to identify
those areas that may or may not be affected by natural or man-made
hazards identified in the Public Safety Element Technical Report. All
areas of the City are classified according to the following
sensitivity classes:
Low Sensitivity: Low sensitivity areas correspond with those
portions of the City where the risks from natural or man-made hazards
are minimal. Day to day emergencies may arise but there are no known
environmental hazards that would increase risk of upset beyond levels
common for most urbanized areas.
PS-12
Moderate Sensitivity: Areas of the City classified as having
moderate sensitivity to upset are generally located between areas
that have higher or lower ratings. This designation, for example,
will apply to areas within 500-year flood plains and for development
located near wilderness areas where wildfire is a major concern.
High Sensitivity: Those areas that may be subject to man-made or
natural hazards such as brush and wildfire, flooding, or slope
failure are identified as having a "high sensitivity." Existing or
future development located in these areas should either be restricted
or employ mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate any risk.
A public safety sensitivity map is provided in Figure 1 which
indicates the geographic areas that might be affected by the wide
range of hazards described in the Technical Report. The map
indicates those areas of the City where special consideration needs
to be given in planning for future development. While future
development is not necessarily restricted in those areas identified
as being "high risk areas," the map does suggest where mitigation
measures should be considered that would be effective in reducing the
risk of upset.
The Land Use Element and the Zoning Code contain a number of overlay
districts which correspond with a number of high risk areas
identified in Figure 1. For example, along the coast in the
communities of Leucadia, Old Encinitas, and Cardiff-by-the-Sea are
areas where failure of the coastal bluffs present a significant
threat to existing and any future development. An overlay
designation has been provided for in both standards and/or the
General Plan and the Zoning Code which is applied to this area. This
overlay designation indicates that certain limits and mitigation
prior to development is required to reduce the potential for bluff
failure.
The Special Studies Overlay designation described in the Land Use
Element is used to identify those areas where additional development
standards may be applied to minimize or mitigate potential hazards.
The Zoning code overlay zones implement the Special Studies Overlay
designation provided for in the General Plan. These overlay zone
districts include the Coastal Bluff Overlay (CBO) zone,
Hillside/Inland Bluff Overlay (H/IBO) zone, and the Floodplain
Overlay (FO) zone.
In addition, the Land Use Element provides for the regulation of
facilities which store, treat, or otherwise handle hazardous wastes.
This regulation is carried out through the City's zoning regulations.
(Paragraph Added 6/17/92)
Hazard mitigation
Hazard mitigation is concerned with reducing or eliminating the
effects that might result from disasters in the future. The Federal
PS-14
Government's role in the mitigation of local hazards is often
concerned with mitigation in post-disaster situations. For hazard
mitigation to be really effective, measures must be taken early to
prevent upset from occurring or where this is not possible, establish
measures that will reduce any damaging effects.
Education and proper emergency training play important roles in
hazards management and emergency planning. In the event of a
disaster, the potential for widespread panic is great. Chaos can be
reduced to a manageable level if officials have a program to react to
specific events, and, correct response on the part of the public can
save lives in any emergency situation.
The implementation of the goals and policies contained in the City of
Encinitas General Plan will not result in any new or significant
hazards beyond those presently facing the City at the present time.
The proposals outlined in the goals and policies will provide
decision makers and City residents with recommendations designed to
minimize local threats to public safety.
Because a number of man-made hazards present a constant and real
threat of upset, many of the goals and policies contained in this
Element address the need to identify these hazards and prepare
comprehensive hazards emergency response plans.
Land use policy outlined in the Land Use Element is an important
component in mitigating both natural and man-made hazards. The
Special Studies Overlay land use designation corresponds to a number
of overlay districts contained in the Zoning Ordinance including the
Floodplain Overlay Zone, Hillside/Inland Bluff Overlay Zone, and the
Coastal Bluff Overlay Zone. Each of the overlay districts contain
development standards designed to reduce the potential for loss of
life, injury, and property damage from the hazards to which they
apply.
The Housing Element also contains a number of goals and policies
concerned with safety issues in both existing and any units that
might be constructed in the future. Specific goals and policies
underscore the City's resolve in ensuring that housing in the City is
both safe and clean.
Other elements contain policies that are either directly or
indirectly related to public safety concerns. The Resource
Management Element, Noise Element, and Circulation Element contain
policies that, once implemented, will enhance the safety of residents
and visitors to the City.
Table 1, Public Safety Policy Matrix, identifies the goals and
policies contained in the other elements that will further the aims
of mitigating hazards, enhancing public awareness, or improving
community preparedness.
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Emergency Response and Action
This section of the Public Safety Element is concerned with emergency
response and action and summarizes the appropriate actions for
residents and visitors to take in the event of a major emergency.
Emergency shelters and evacuation routes are identified. The response
and action the citizens and public officials should take will vary,
depending on the nature and scope of the disaster.
Figure 2 indicates the location of emergency services and shelters
(public schools) within each emergency response area. Persons living
or working in an area struck by a disaster should report to the
appropriate shelters as directed by local public safety officials.
The degree of response required will depend largely upon the nature
and magnitude of disaster. Some situations will call for emergency
action within a single community or neighborhood, while other
emergency situations may require city-wide response. Potential
emergency in the planning area include: structural fires, brush
fires, accidental release of hazardous liquids, solids or gases,
flooding, severe storm earthquakes, and conventional or nuclear war.
Because the Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA) outlines
contingency plans for wartime emergencies and because State and
Federal agencies would be responsible for directing emergency
responses, this Element does not address wartime emergencies. The
following paragraphs outline proper procedures residents should
follow in the event of a local or regional disaster.
Fire: Fires generally will be localized involving one or a few
structures and smaller areas of brush. However, potential exists for
larger-scale fires, and evacuation may be required, depending on the
extent of the fire. Primarily police agency officials, with
assistance from Fire Department personnel, will direct persons out of
affected areas. Evacuation and response routes generally will
conform to those shown on Figure 2, although routes may change in
response to the location of the fire.
Persons evacuated from an area should secure residences and leave
quickly. If necessary, emergency shelters will be set up at those
locations indicated in Figure 2. Affected persons should report to
the nearest available shelters unless directed to do otherwise, by
safety officials.
Release of Hazardous Materials: Hazardous and toxic materials may be
released at an industrial or commercial site, from railcars or trucks
transporting hazardous materials and from pipelines. Such an
occurrence could require several neighborhoods to be evacuated.
Depending on the hazard and its severity, evacuation may be required
for a few hours or several days. The Fire Department is responsible
for implementing response and mitigation to hazardous/toxic materials
release, and must develop a plan for such response. By law, other
Federal, state, local and private agencies are coordinated to be part
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of such response. A point-source inventory of land uses involving
hazardous materials is maintained by the County Health Department and
shared with fire departments in response planning.
Residents should follow the evacuation instructions issued by public
officials. Additional reports and instructions may be broadcast on
local radio stations. Upon leaving an affected area, residents
should report to the home of a friend or relative or to a designated
emergency shelter. If possible, residents should drive neighbors who
lack transportation and need to get to shelters. Parents should not
attempt to pick up children from school. If necessary, school
children will be transported to the nearest emergency shelter where
parents will be able to meet them.
Residents should not return to an affected area until instructed to
do so by public officials. Because some chemicals and gases may
contaminate the air or water, residents should follow officials'
instructions regarding the wearing of face masks or the drinking of
local water.
Flooding: Limited areas of the City will be impacted by flood waters
in the event of flooding from the Encinitas and Escondido Creeks and
their tributaries. A combination of agencies may respond to flood
emergencies, including Fire Department, City public works and police
personnel. Upon notification of necessary evacuation, residents
should leave the area immediately. Evacuees should report to the
home of a friend or relative, outside the affected area or to the
nearest unaffected emergency shelter.
Some persons may be asked to help with flood protection (filling and
placing sand bags, removing materials from the inundation area,
etc.). Residents should first secure the safety of their families
and then assist public officials as necessary or directed.
Earthquake: A major earthquake will occur in Southern California
resulting in many thousands of persons being killed, injured, or
displaced. The magnitude of this disaster will be unsurpassed in the
recent history of the United States. The precise time of such an
event cannot be accurately predicted; it could occur tomorrow or any
time in the future.
Due to the potential magnitude of problems created by a major quake,
and the limited resources which can respond, the greatest need or
threat will be responded to by emergency services. The Fire
Department will be primarily responsible for response, with
coordinated inter-agency aid as specified in the MFP.
In the event of a major disaster, shelter may be required for large
numbers of city residents and possibly even daytime workers and
visitors. If an evacuation order is given, residents will be
required to proceed to the nearest emergency shelter/facility
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unless otherwise directed. The evacuation routes displayed on Figure
2 shall be used unless public officials indicate otherwise.
The emergency shelters will offer emergency first aid, disseminate
information, provide shelter for persons in need of such facilities,
and serve as a community information center where individuals can
leave messages for friends and relatives.
The most important component of emergency preparedness involves
individual involvement in ensuring that there is a basic supply of
necessities in the home and workplace. Residents and workers must be
prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72-hours since it may
take at least that long for basic utilities to be restored.
Every home should have emergency provisions set aside for use in the
event of an earthquake or other major disaster, including food and
potable drinking water. The City may develop guidelines for
residential self-preparedness.
The commercial and industrial establishments in the planning area
should also be prepared for an emergency with disaster provisions and
procedures. These establishments should outline emergency procedures
to all employees.
Safety Service Standards
This section of the Public Safety Element establishes a basis for the
development of standards and programs for the provision of public
safety facilities and services in the City. These standards are to
be used to evaluate the impact of future development on the ability
to provide services, and to develop a plan, based on the build-out of
the adopted land use plan, of what new facilities and services need
to be provided.
The City will develop and maintain standards and programs for
preventative measures, to reduce the risk of, and potential losses
resulting from, fires and other emergency episodes. Examples of
these are comprehensive fire prevention and fire suppression
programs. Specifically, the City will:
Maintain and enforce building, fire and other safety
construction codes;
Provide for the coordinated review by public safety agencies
(e.g., fire department) of new land use and development
proposals;
Develop standards for and a program of field fire inspections;
Develop standards and programs for hazardous materials tracking
and management;
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Adopt and implement standards for response time for delivery of
fire suppression, police, medical emergency and other emergency
services;
Adopt and implement standards for the siting and staffing of
fire and police facilities, based on response times, population,
and geographic areas as planned under the City's land use and
circulation plans;
Adopt and implement standards for minimum widths of streets,
driveways and fire lanes;
Adopt and implement standards for delivery of adequate volumes
and pressures of water for fire-fighting purposes (e.g., minimum
peak water loads; minimum/maximum water line pressures).
Policies in this plan establish the City's intent to finance the
addition of public safety services and facilities as the City grows
and as demand may increase. The City now has in place a Fire
Department facilities development impact fee. As appropriate, this
fee may be reassessed based on the need for facilities per the
standards of this element, and based on planned City growth
established under this plan. Other financing tools for facilities
and equipment may be considered and applied as appropriate.
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