HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2001 0321 CC REG ITEM 09AMOORPARK CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA REPORT
TO: The Honorable City Council
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FROM: Wayne Loftus, Director of Community Development�%,Zo
Prepared by: John Libiez, Planning Manager /Advance4��'
DATE: March 8, 2001 (CC Meeting 3/21/01)
SUBJECT: Consider General Plan Amendment 2000 -03 to Amend the
General Plan of the City of Moorpark by Adopting an
Updated Safety Element; Applicant: City of Moorpark
BACKGROUND
As a part of the Community Development Department work program
the Department and City Council identified the need to perform
updates to the various elements of the General Plan. The
program effort was initiated in early 1999 and has continued as
part of the adopted Goals and Objectives.
Attached to this agenda report are copies of the Planning
Commission staff reports dated November 6, November 20, and
December 6, 2000, that provide legislative, historical and
administrative discussion on the Safety Element. Also attached
is a copy of the Planning Commission Resolution recommending
that City Council adopt the Safety Element, as revised by the
Commission. The City Council was provided a copy of the Safety
Element via separate memo dated February 27, 2001. That copy is
identical to the Exhibit to accompany the Resolution in
Council's agenda package and includes the Planning Commission
recommended changes.
This matter was originally scheduled to be heard at the City
Council meeting of March 7, 2001. Due to an error, which
involved improper sizing of the advertising by the newspaper,
this matter was re- advertised for this agenda date.
DISCUSSION
The Safety Element is one of the seven- (7) elements mandated
for inclusion within local community General Plans by the
California Government Code. The Government Code requires that
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Elements \CCstfrptSftyE13.21.0l.doc
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City Council Agenda Report
Safety Element Adoption
Page 2
communities periodically adopt amendments to General Plan
elements to insure that elements remain current and consistent
with state law and other elements of the community's General
Plan. General Plans are meant to be living and flexible
documents that respond to the changing character of communities.
The Safety Element was first adopted in 1987, and has not been
updated or revised since that time. It is preferable and
suggested that elements be reviewed and updated as necessary
every five years. It is also recommended that General Plans as
a whole be reviewed and revised every ten (10) years, to insure
adequacy of the documents.
The State General Plan Guidelines provides the following key
statements related to the Safety Element:
"The aim of the Safety Element is to reduce potential risk
of death, injury, property damage, and the economic and
social dislocation resulting from hazards such as fires,
floods, earthquakes, landslides and other hazards."
"The Safety Element's identification of hazards and hazard
abatement provisions are to guide local decisions related
to zoning, subdivisions and entitlements"
The element as prepared by the consultant, Cotton - Bridges
Associates (formerly Cotton - Beland, Associates), for Council
consideration has been prepared in two documents. The first is
the administrative policy document attached to the resolution
accompanying this report and the second is a technical appendix
that contains general information, mapping, and technical
explanations related to those factors that could pose potential
safety or hazard impacts to the community. The two documents in
consort provide property owners, investors and decision - makers
sufficient direction in making risk decisions.
The Planning Commission in its review identified a need to
incorporate only two changes to the document prior to Council
consideration. These were: 1) to incorporate a requirement for
businesses to advise agencies of changes in business plans that
may affect hazardous materials storage or utilization; and, 2)
incorporate a general policy that supports and encourages
education /information on safety issues. Both of these changes
are incorporated within the draft before the City Council for
this meeting.
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Elements \CCstfrptSftyE13.21.0l.doc .. �'.00�l�
City Council Agenda Report
Safety Element Adoption
Page 3
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS
1. open the public hearing, accept testimony and close the
public hearing.
2. Consider the Initial Study and Negative Declaration for the
updated Safety Element, and adopt said Negative
Declaration.
3. Adopt Resolution 2001- to Amend the General Plan of the
City of Moorpark by adopting an updated Safety Element.
Attachments
A.
Planning
Commission
Staff Report dated November 6, 2000.
B.
Planning
Commission
Staff Report dated November 20,2000.
C.
Planning
Commission
Staff Report dated December 6,2000.
D.
Planning
Commission
Resolution PC- 2000 -400.
E.
Resolution 2001-
with exhibit.
S: \Community Development \Everyone \General Plan
Elements \CCstfrptSftyE13.21.0l.doc
CITY OF MOORPARK
PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: John Libiez, Planning Manage .
DATE: November 6, 2000 (PC meeting November 13, 2000)
SUBJECT: Consider General Plan Amendment to Adopt Revised
Safety Element 2000; General Plan Amendment 2000 -03;
Applicant: City of Moorpark
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
Legislative Background
California Government Code, Article 5, Section 65300 requires
each city and county to adopt a comprehensive, long term general
plan for the physical development of the county or city and of
any land outside its boundaries which in the planning agency's
judgement bears relation to its planning. Section 65302 et.
seq. defines the content of the comprehensive community general
plan. Section 65302(g) establishes the content and purposes of
the safety element.
Element History
The Moorpark General Plan Safety Element was prepared by Joe
Silverman and Associates and was adopted under City Council
Resolution 87 -364 on January 7, 1987. The element consisted of
two (2) volumes. As originally written the element contained an
extensive amount of technical detail and general comment, but
did not identify goals, policies and strategies in an efficient
manner. There has been no change to the element since its
adoption.
Element Administration
In early 1999, staff developed a work program target of revising
all older elements of the General Plan during the 2000/2001
budget period. The OSCAR Element was the first to receive
extensive rewrite and public review, and is currently under
final editing in order to be presented at public hearing before
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Planning Commission
General Plan Safety
November 13, 2000
Page 2
Agenda Report
Element Revision
the Planning Commission in January /February. OSCAR has been
presented at one combined workshop before the Planning
Commission /Parks and Recreation Commission and has had one
formal public hearing before the Parks and Recreation
Commission.
In June, 1999, staff issued a Request for Proposals to
prospective consulting firms qualified to perform General Plan
element updates. Assistance was solicited to update the Housing
Element and the Safety Element. Cotton /Beland Associates, Inc.
(CBA) of Pasadena, Ca. was selected as the consultant to perform
the updates to the two elements and were awarded a contract in
September, 1999, with a revised contract and start date
subsequently agreed to in February, 2000. Earth Consultants
International was selected as the geotechnical sub - consultant to
prepare the technical information for the Safety Element. CBA
prepared the policy document and strategies /implementation
program for the element.
Element Discussion
Staff has previously provided the element to the Planning
Commission under separate cover. Copies were also transmitted
to the Moorpark Library, Moorpark College Library, U.S. Post
Office and City Hall Public counter for availability of public
access and review.
The proposed element consists of nine (9) chapters as follows:
1. Introduction:
Sets a general tenor related to purposes and uses of the
element.
2. Terms and Concepts:
Defines the technical terms used to discuss earthquakes and
flood conditions.
3. Related Plans and Programs:
Defines and briefly discusses programs related to safety used
within the city.
4. Geologic and Seismic Hazards:
Textually and graphically discusses geologic and seismic hazards
such as faulting, earthquakes, soils stability, liquefaction,
landslides, debris flows and subsidence.
: � CS
Planning Commission Agenda Report
General Plan Safety Element Revision
November 13, 2000
Page 3
5. Hazardous M <aterials and Wastes:
Household hazardous wastes and other sources are discussed.
6. Flooding:
Discusses historic flood flows, inundation potential, and
discusses protection measures.
7. Fire Hazards:
Discusses the typical fire threats expected for the community,
wild -land fires, and provides minimum fire flow values.
8. Emergency Preparedness:
Discusses the city emergency preparedness planning obligation
and graphically portrays critical facilities which the city will
strive to save during emergency responses.
9. Implementation Program:
The implementation chapter relates strategies to implement the
element to specific goals and policies and suggests time - frames
and agencies /departments responsible for actions.
The proposed element when compared to the previous element
appears somewhat meager in size. Staff and consultant made
every effort to limit the element text to essential information
of concern to the majority of the using public. The more highly
detailed mapping, tables and technical information were removed
from the general text and consolidated within the technical
report which supports the element. In this way all required
backup information is available for research and use without the
painstaking requirement of sifting the technical information
from the policy portion of the element.
Commission's focus for public hearing review of the document
should be to consider consistency of the element to general plan
law requirements, determine the adequacy of the document for
use and administration of the general plan, and to recommend
changes, revisions, deletions or additions to the text that the
commission believes necessary and relevant to provide direction
for decisions related to acceptable risk and the provisions for
safety of the community.
Hearing Format
The following procedure is recommended to assist the Planning
Commission in achieving the goals of this hearing.
Planning Commission Agenda Report
General Plan Safety Element Revision
November 13, 2000
Page 4
HEARING PROCEDURE:
1. Open Public Hearing and receive oral report from Staff
and the General Plan consultant.
2. Planning Commission questions of staff and consultant.
3. Receive oral comments /testimony from agencies and the
public present.
4. Acknowledgement of any written comments received prior
to hearing. (Staff will verbally identify source and
date of these responses.)
5. Provide Staff and consultant direction regarding
finalization of the Safety Element and any additional
information or data that the Commission may need to
help it reach a determination /recommendation on the
Element.
6. Continue public hearing [open] to November 27, 2000.
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Open the public hearing; accept public testimony;
2. Direct Staff and the consultant to prepare any revisions,
to the Safety Element that the Planning Commission deems
necessary;
3. Direct staff to prepare a Resolution of the Planning
Commission to recommend adoption of the Revised Safety
Element to the City Council;
4. Continue the open public hearing to the November 27, 2000.
Attachment:
1. California Government Code Excerpt - Section 65302(g)
01 ej 01
The Planning and Zoning Law
Productivity Act of 1 982. Chapter 6.7 (commencing with Section
5 l 100) of Part I of Division I of Title 5.
(b) A circulation element consisting of the general location and
extent of existing and proposed major thoroughfares, transporta-
tion routes, terminals, and other local public utilities and facili-
ties, all correlated with the land use element of the plan.
(c) A housing element as provided in Article 10.6 (commenc-
ing with Section 65580).
(d) A conservation element for the conservation, development,
and utilization of natural resources including water and its
hydraulic force, forests, soils, rivers and other waters, harbors.
fisheries, wildlife, minerals, and other natural resources. That
portion of the conservation element including waters shall be
developed in coordination with any countywide water agency
and with all district and city agencies which have developed,
served, controlled or conserved water for any purpose for the
county or city for which the plan is prepared. Coordination shall
include the discussion and evaluation of any water supply and
demand information described in Section 65352.5. if that infor-
mation has been submitted by the water agency to the city or
county. The conservation element may also cover.
( I ) The reclamation of land and waters.
(2) Prevention and control of the pollution of streams and other
waters.
(3) Regulation of the use of land in stream channels and other
areas required for the accomplishment of the conservation plan.
(4) Prevention, control, and correction of the erosion of soils,
beaches, and shores.
(5) Protection of watersheds.
(6) The location, quantity and quality of the rock, sand and
gravel resources.
(7) Flood control.
The conservation element shall be prepared and adopted no
later than December 31, 1973.
(e) An open -space element as provided in Article 10.5 (com-
mencing with Section 65560).
(f) A noise element which shall identify and appraise noise
problems in the community. The noise element shall recognize
the guidelines established by the Office of Noise Control in the
State Department of Health Services and shall analyze and
quantify, to the extent practicable, as determined by the legisla-
tive body, current and, projected noise levels for all of the
following sources:
(t) Highways and freeways.
(2) Primary arterials and major local streets.
(3) Passenger and freight on -line railroad operations and
ground rapid transit systems.
(4) Commercial, general aviation, heliport. helistop, and mili-
tary airport operations, aircraft overflights, jet engine test stands,
and all other ground facilities and maintenance functions related
to airport operation.
(5) Local industrial plants, including, but not limited to,
railroad classification yards.
(6) Other ground stationary noise sources identified by local
agencies as contributing to the community noise environment.
Noise contours shall be shown for all of these sources and
stated in terms of community noise equivalent level (CNEL) or
day -night average level (Ldn). The noise contours shall be
prepared on the basis of noise monitoring or following generally
accepted noise modeling techniques for the various sources
identified in paragraphs (l) to (6), inclusive.
The noise contours shall be used as a guide for establishing a
pattern of land uses in the land use element that minimizes the
exposure of community residents to excessive noise.
The noise element shall include implementation measures and
possible solutions that address existing and foreseeable noise
problems, if any. The adopted noise element shall serve as a
guideline for compliance with the state's noise insulation stan-
dards.
(g) A safety element for the protection of the community from
any unreasonable risks associated with the effects of seismically
induced surface rupture, ground shaking, ground failure, tsu-
nami, seiche, and dam failure: slope instability leading to muds lides
and landslides; subsidence, liquefaction and other seismic haz-
ards identified pursuant to Chapter 7.8 (commencing with Sec-
tion 2690) of the Public Resources Code, and other geologic
hazards known to the legislative body; flooding; and wildland
and urban fires. The safety element shall include mapping of
known seismic and other geologic hazards. It shall also address
evacuation routes, peakload water supply requirements, and
minimum road widths and clearances around structures, as those
items relate to identified fire and geologic hazards. Prior to the
periodic review of its general plan and prior to preparing or
revising its safety element. each city and county shall consult the
Division of Mines and Geology of the Department of Conserva-
tion and the Office of Emergency Services for the purpose of
including information known by and available to the department
and the office required by this subdivision.
To the extent that a county's safety element is sufficiently
detailed and contains appropriate policies and programs for
adoption by 4 city, a city may adopt that portion of the county's
safety element that pertains to the city's planning area in satisfac-
tion of the requirement imposed by this subdivision.
At least 45 days prior to adoption or amendment of the safety
element, each county and city shall submit to the Division of
Mines and Geology of the Department of Conservation one copy
of a draft of the safety element or amendment and any technical
studies used fordeveloping the safety element. The division may
review drafts submitted to it to determine whether they incorpo-
rate known seismic and other geologic hazard information, and
report its findings to the planning agency within 30 days of
receipt of the draft of the safety element or amendment pursuant
to this subdivision. The legislative body shall consider the
division's findings prior to final adoption of the safety element or
amendment unless the division's findings are not available
within the above prescribed time limits or unless the division has
indicated to the city or county that the division will not review the
safety element. If the division's findings are not available within
those prescribed time limits, the legislative body may take the
division's findings into consideration at the time it considers
future amendments to the safety element. Each county and city
shall provide the division with a copy of its adopted. safety
element or amendments. The division may review adopted safety
elements or amendments and report its findings. All findings
ATTACHMENT 1
The Planning and Zoning Law
made by the division shall be advisory to the planning agency and
legislative body.
(Added by Seats. 1980, Ch. 837; Amended by Stars. 1982, Ch.
1263. Effective September 22.1982; Amended by Stars. 1984, Ch.
1009: Amended by Seats. 1985, Ch. 1199: Amended by Stars.
1985. Ch. 114. Effective June 18. 1985; Amended by Seats. 1989,
Ch, 1255: Amended by Stars. 1992. Ch. 813; Amended by Seats.
1995. Ch. 881.)
(Section 65302.1 repealed by Stars. 1980, Ch. 837.)
65302.2. Upon the adoption, or revision. of a city or county's
general plan, on or after January 1. 1996, the city or county shall
utilize as a source document any urban water management plan
submitted to the city or county by a water agency.
(Added by Stars. 1995, Ch. 881.)
65302.3. (a) The general plan, and any applicable specific plan
prepared pursuant to Article 8 (commencing with Section 65450),
shall be consistent with the plan adopted or amended pursuant to
Section 21675 of the Public Utilities Code.
(b) The general plan, and any applicable specific plan, shall be
amended, as necessary, within 180 days of any amendment to the
plan required under Section 21675 of the Public Utilities Code.
(c) If the legislative body does not concur with any provision
of the plan required under Section 21675 of the Public Utilities
Code, it may satisfy the provisions of this section by adopting
findings pursuant to Section 21676 of the Public Utilities Code.
(Amended by Stars. 1984, Ch. 1009: Amended by Stars. 1987.
Ch. 1018.)
(Sections 65302.4 through 65302.7 repealed by Stars. 1984.
Ch. 1009.)
65302.5. With respect to the safety element required in the
general plan, pursuant to subdivision (g) of Section 65302, each
county which contains state responsibility areas, as determined
pursuant to Section 4125 of the Public Resources code, shall
comply with Section 4128.5 of the Public Resources Code.
(Added by Seats. 1989, Ch. 778.)
65302.6. (a) The Legislature finds and declares that the provi-
sion of basic health, welfare, land use planning, and economic
development programs by rural counties is a matter of statewide
interest. The administration of statewide programs by counties
is presently achieved pursuant to state regulations and mandates
imposed by the state. Accordingly, it is the intent of the
Legislature in enacting this section to protect the economic
viability, and health and safety of specified rural counties by
studying ways to reduce the burden of preparing and adopting
housing elements.
(b) As used in this section, "frontier county" means a county
that satisfies each of the following requirements:
(l) The county has a population of less than 35.000 residents
as of January 1, 1997. as estimated by the Demographic Research
Unit of the State Department of Finance.
(2) At least 50 percent of the area within the boundaries of the
county is owned by the federal government.
(3) The county has issued less than 250 building permits for the
construction. installation, or renovation of dwelling units, in-
cluding mobilehomes, in 1995.
On or before January 1. 1998, the Department of Housing and
Community Development shall report to the Legislature its
recommendations for adapting the requirements of ,article I l) 6
(commencing with Section 65580) to the conditions, needs. and
opportunities of frontier counties, including, but not limited to.
the preparation and self - certification of housing elements by
frontier counties.
(Added by Stars. 1996. Ch. 438.)
65302.8. If a county or city, including a charter city, adopts or
amends a mandatory general plan element which operates to limit
the number of housing units which may be constructed on in
annual basis, such adoption or amendment shall contain findings
which justify reducing the housing opportunities of the region.
The findings shall include all of the following:
(a) A description of the city's or county's appropriate share of
the regional need for housing.
(b) A description of the specific housing programs and activi-
ties being
undertaken by the local jurisdiction to fulfill the requirements
of subdivision (c) of Section 65302.
(c) A description of how the public health, safety, and welfare
would be promoted by such adoption or amendment.
(d) The fiscal and environmental resources available to the
local jurisdiction.
(Added by Seats. 1980. Ch. 823.)
65302.9. (Renumbered to Section 65850.1 by Stars. 1996. Ch.
799.)
65303. The general plan may include any other elements or
address any other subjects which, in the judgment of the legisla-
tive body, relate to the physical development of the county or city.
(Repeated and added by Seats. 1984, Ch. 1009.)
65303.4. The Department of Water Resources and the Depart-
ment of Fish and Game may develop site design and planning
policies to assist local agencies which request help in implement-
ing the general plan guidelines for meeting flood control objec-
tives and other land management needs.
(Added by Stars. 1984, Ch. 1130.)
(Section 65304 repealed by Stars. 1984. Ch. 1009.)
(Section 65305 repealed by Stars. 1984. Ch. 1009.)
(Section 65306 repealed by Seats. 1984. Ch. 1009.)
65307. On or before October I of each year, the planning
agency of each city or county shall comply with the provisions of
Section 34217 (repealed in 19751.
(Added by Stars. 1972, Ch. 902.)
Article 6. Preparation, Adoption, and Amendment of the
General Plan
653S0. Cities and counties shall prepare, adopt, and amend
general plans and elements of those general plans in the manner
provided in this article.
(Repealed and added by Stars. 1984. Ch. /009.)
65351. During the preparation or amendment of the general
plan, the planning agency shall provide opportunities for the
involvement of citizens, public agencies, public utility compa-
nies, and civic. education, and other community groups, through
public hearings and any other means the city or county deems
appropriate.
(Repealed and added by Seats. 1984, Ch. 1009.)
ATTACHMNT 1
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
CITY OF MOORPARK
PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA REPORT
Planning Commission
John Libiez, Planning
November 20, 2000 (PC
Manager /Advance
meeting 11/27/2000)
SUBJECT: Consider General Plan Amendment No. 2000 -03 an Updated
Safety Element to the General Plan, Applicant: City of
Moorpark (Continued from the Planning Commission
Meeting of 11/13/2000, public hearing open.)
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
At the November 13 meeting, the
insure that the final draft
changes. These were: 1) to
Commission requested that staff
Safety Element incorporate two
incorporate a requirement for
businesses to advise agencies of changes in business plans that
may affect hazardous materials storage or utilization; and, 2)
incorporate a general policy that supports and encourages
education /information on safety issues. The consultant will
incorporate language for each of these items in the Final Draft.
Commission must also consider the comments from the State
Department of Mines and Geology before a recommendation is
forwarded to the City Council. Staff has been advised that
these comments are due to the City on or about November 24,
2000. Staff and consultant will prepare the necessary responses
to comments and revisions to the element to address the comments
received for Commission consideration. It is anticipated that
this can be accomplished in time for the Planning Commission
meeting of December 11, 2000. It is the goal of staff and
consultant to present a resolution for consideration at that
time. No statutory time limit exists for the completion of the
Safety Element.
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Accept public testimony;
2. Continue the Public Hearing to December 11, 2000.
S:1Community Development\Everyone\General Plan Elementslpc 001127 Safety Element stf rpt.doc
ATTACHMENT
0C t
CITY OF MOORPARK
PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: John Libiez, Planning Manage
DATE: December 6, 2000 (PC meeting of 12/11/2000)
SUBJECT: General Plan Amendment 2000 -03, Safety Element 2000;
Resolution Recommending Adoption (Applicant: City of
Moorpark)
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
This item has been continued from the Planning Commission
Meeting of November 27, 2000. Staff previously advised the
Commission that comments from the State Division of Mines and
Geology (DMG) had not been received and should be considered
before adoption actions occur. State planning law requires the
City to forward the element for consideration and comment by
DMG. Upon receipt of the element and technical studies and
materials, DMG has thirty (30) days to complete comments and
return them to the City. That time has elapsed. DMG received
the element on October 19, 2000 and had until November 18, 2000
to return comments. State law allows cities to adopt the Safety
Element without regard to DMG comments when the comment period
has lapsed and no reasonable time for response has been
indicated. Our consultant has advised that the reviewing agent
at DMG has indicated that return comments will not begin to be
formulated until on or about December 20, 2000. Therefore,
Planning Commission may take action at this time to recommend
the Safety Element 2000 to the City Council without DMG comments
Commission's focus for this meeting should be: (1) To review the
final document for consistency of the element with General Plan
Law requirements; determine the adequacy of the document for
implementation and administration of the General Plan; and to
recommend changes, revisions, deletions or additions to the text
to provide direction concerning land uses which may involve
decisions of acceptable risk and community safety; and, (2) To
S: \Community Development \Everyone \General Plan Elements \pc - 20001211 Sft Ele
stf rpt.doc ATTACHMENT C
Lam.
Planning Commission
General Plan Safety Element
December 6, 2000
Page 2
adopt a resolution recommending that the City Council adopt the
Updated Safety Element.
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Consider the Initial Study and Draft Negative Declaration
for the Updated Safety Element 2000, and recommend that
City Council consider and adopt the Negative Declaration;
2. Adopt PC Resolution No. 2000 -400 recommending adoption of
the Updated Safety Element 2000, to the City Council;
Attachment:
1. Initial Study and Draft Negative Declaration related to
Updated Safety Element 2000.
2. Planning Commission Resolution No. 2000 -400
CITY OF MOORPARK
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
799 MOORPARK AVENUE
MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA 93021
X NEGATIVE DECLARATION
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
I. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Adoption of a revised Safety Element
1. Entitlement:
General Plan Amendment 2000 -03: Safety 2000 -2005
2. Applicant:
City of Moorpark
799 Moorpark Ave
Moorpark, CA 93021
Attention: John Libiez, Planning Manager /Advanced
3. Proposal:
Amend the City General Plan by adoption of a revised Safety
Element
4. Location:
The project will affect property within the City of Moorpark
5. Responsible Agencies: None.
II. STATEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS:
An initial study was conducted by the Community Development
Department to evaluate the potential effects of this project upon
the environment. Based upon the findings contained in the
attached initial study, it has been determined that this project
would not have a significant effect upon the environment.
III. PUBLIC REVIEW:
1. Public Notice: Publication of a Notice in a newspaper of
general circulation in the area.
2. Document Posting Period: 11/01/2000 - 11/30/2000
Initially Prepared on: October 24, 2000.
Prepared by:
John ibiez,
Planning Manager /Advanced
October 24, 2000
M:\ JLibiez \M \CEQA \NegDecSafetyEl2000.doc ATTACHMENT 1
INITIAL STUDY CHECK LIST
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTOR
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AESTHETICS
a) Have a substantial
adverse effect on
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a scenic vista?
b) Substantially
damage scenic
resources, including,
but not limited
11
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trees, rock outcroppings,
and
historic buildings
within a state
scenic highway?
c)Substantially degrade the existing ❑ El visual character or quality of the
site and its surroundings?
d) Create a new source of substantial
light or glare which would adversely
affect day or nighttime views in the
area?
AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES:
In determining whether impacts to
agricultural resources are significant
environmental effects, ,lead agencies
may refer to the California
Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site
Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the
California Dept. of Conservation as an '
optional model to use in assessing
impacts on agriculture and farmland.
Would the project:
a)Convert Prime Farmland, Unique ❑
Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide El X
Importance (Farmland), as shown on the
maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland
Mapping and Monitoring Program of the
California Resources Agency, to non-
agricultural use?
b) Conflict with existing zoning for ❑ , v
agricultural use, or a Williamson Act X
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contract?
c)Involve other changes in the existing El El
X
environment which, due to their
location or nature, could result in
conversion of Farmland, to non-
agricultural use?
AIR QUALITY - Where available, the
significance criteria established by
the applicable air quality management
or air pollution control district may
be relied upon to make the following
determinations. Would the project?
a) Conflict with or obstruct ❑
implementation of the applicable air
quality plan?
b) Violate any air quality standard or El 1:1 1:1 contribute substantially to an existing
or projected air quality
violation?
c)Result in a cumulatively considerable ❑ v
net increase of any criteria pollutant X
for which the project region is non -
attainment under an applicable federal
or state ambient air quality standard
(including releasing emissions which
exceed quantitative thresholds for
ozone precursors)?
d) Expose sensitive receptors to v
substantial pollutant concentrations? X
e) Create objectionable odors 1:1 1 v
affecting a substantial number of 1�
people?
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES -- Would the
project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, ❑ v
either directly or through habitat X
modifications, on any species
identified as a candidate, sensitive,
or special status species in local or
M: \JLibiez \M\ FORMS\ INITIALSTUDYCHECKLISTSFTYELEMENT2000 .doc o 01 15
regional plans, policies, or
regulations, or . by the California
Department of Fish and Game or U.S.
Fish and wildlife Service?
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on
any riparian habitat or other sensitive
natural community identified in local
or regional plans, policies,
regulations or by the California
Department of Fish and Game or US Fish
and Wildlife Service?
c) Have a substantial adverse effect
on federally protected wetlands as
defined by Section 404 of the Clean
Water Act (including, but not limited
to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.)
through direct removal, filling,
hydrological interruption, or other
means?
d) Interfere substantially with the
movement of any native migratory fish
or wildlife species or with established
native resident or migratory wildlife
corridors, or impede the use of native
wildlife nursery sites?
LEI
LE
FE-1
0
C
IN
KN
rte,
KI
S
e) Conflict with any local policies ❑ ❑ ❑
or ordinances protecting biological
resources, such as a tree preservation
policy or ordinance? t
f) Conflict with the provisions of an ,
adopted Habitat conservation Plan, ❑ ❑ ❑ X
Natural Community Conservation Plan, or
other approved local, regional, or
state habitat conservation plan?
CULTURAL RESOURCES -- Would the
project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change El 1:1 1:1 X
in the significance of a historical
resource as defined in §15064.5?
M: \JLibiez \M\ FORMS\ INITIALSTUDYCHECKLISTSFTYELEMENT2000 .doc
b) Cause a substantial adverse change ❑ X
in the significance of an
archaeological resource pursuant to
§15064.5?
c) Directly or indirectly destroy a ❑ El X
unique paleontological resource or
site or unique geologic feature?
d) Disturb any human remains, including ❑ X
those interred outside of formal
cemeteries?
GEOLOGY AND SOILS -- Would the
project:.
a) Expose people or structures to 1:1 ❑ X
potential substantial adverse effects,
including the risk of loss, injury, or
death involving:
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault,
as delineated on the most recent
Aiquist - Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning
Map issued by the State Geologist for
the area or based on other substantial
evidence of a known fault? Refer to
Division of Mines and Geology Special
Publication 42.
5
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?
iii) Seismic - related ground failure,
including liquefaction?
iv) Landslides?
b) Result in substantial soil erosion
or the loss of topsoil?
11
11
El x
❑
❑
❑ X
❑
❑
El X
El El El X
El 'El ❑ x
c) Be located on a geologic unit -or 1:1 D
soil that is unstable, or that would
become unstable as a result of the
project, and potentially result in on-
or off -site landslide, lateral
spreadipy; subsidence, liquefaction or
collapse?
M: \JLibiez \M\ FORMS\ INITIALSTUDYCHECKLISTSFTYELEMENT2000 .doc
d) Be located on expansive soil, as ❑ El
X
defined in Table 18- 1 -B of the Uniform
Building Code (1994), creating
substantial risks to life or property?
e) Have soils incapable of adequately ❑ El El X
supporting the use of septic tanks or
alternative waste water disposal
systems where sewers are not available
for the disposal of waste water?
HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS --
Would the project:
a) Create a significant hazard to the El El El X
public or the environment through the
routine transport, use, or disposal of
hazardous materials?
b) Create a significant hazard to
public or the environment thr
reasonably foreseeable upset
accident conditions involving
release of hazardous materials into
environment?
the
ough ❑ ❑ ❑ X
and
the
the
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle ❑ ❑ ❑ X
hazardous or acutely hazArdous materials,
substances, or waste within one- quarter mile of
an existing or proposed school?
d) Be located on a site which is ❑ ❑ X
included on a list of hazardous
materials sites compiled pursuant to
Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as
a result, would it create a significant
hazard to the public or the
environment?
e) For a project located within an ❑ 1:1 El X
airport land use plan or, where such a
plan has not been adopted, within two
miles of a public airport or public use
airport, would the project result in a
safety hazard for pule residing or
working in the project area?
M: \JLibiez \M\ FORMS\ INITIALSTUDYCHECKLISTSFTYELEMENT2000 .doc
'..9
f) For a project within the vicinity ❑ El of a private airstrip, would the El
project result in a safety hazard for
people residing or working in the
project area?
g) Impair implementation of or ❑ ❑ ❑ X
physically interfere with an adopted
emergency response plan or evacuation
plan?
h) Expose people or structures to a ❑ ❑ ❑ v
significant risk of loss, injury or 1�
death involving wildland fires,
including where wildlands are adjacent
to urbanized areas or where residences
are intermixed with wildlands?
HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
Would the project:
a) violate any water quality standards a El X
or waste discharge requirements? El
b) Substantially deplete groundwater ❑ ❑ ❑ X
supplies or interfere substantially
with groundwater recharge such that
there would be a net deficit in aquifer
volume or a lowering of the local
ground water table levels (e.g. the
production rate of preexisting nearby
wells would drop to a level which would ,
not support existing land uses or
planned uses for which permits have
been granted)?
c) Substantially alter the existing ❑ ❑ ❑ X
drainage pattern of the site or area,
including through the alteration of the
course of a stream or river, in a
manner which would result in
substantial erosion or siltation on, or
off -site?
d) Substantially alter the existing / 1:1 X
drainage pattern of the site or area, 'E1 El
M: \JLibiez \M\ FORMS\ INITIALSTUDYCHECKLISTSFTYELEMENT2000 .doc
including through the alteration of the
course of a stream or river, or
substantially increase the rate or
amount of surface runoff in a manner
which would result in flooding on- or
off -site?
e) Create or contribute runoff water 11 El ❑ X
which would exceed the capacity of
existing or planned storm drainage
systems or provide substantial
additional sources of polluted runoff?
f) Otherwise substantially degrade a D X
water quality?
g) Place housing within a 100 -year ❑ ❑ v
flood hazard area as mapped on a X
Federal Hazard Boundary or Flood
Insurance Rate Map or other flood
hazard delineation map?
h) Place within a 100 -year flood hazard El X
area structures which would impede or
redirect flood flows?
i) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or ❑ X
mudflow?
j) Expose people or structures to a ❑ ❑
significant risk of loss, injury or El X
death involving flooding, including
flooding as a result of the failure of {
a levee or dam?
LAND USE AND PLANNING
Would the project:
a) Physically divide an established El X
community? El El
b) Conflict with any applicable land ❑ ❑ X
use plan, policy, or regulation of an
agency with jurisdiction over the
project (including, but not limited to
the general plan, specific plan, local
coastal program, or zoning ordinance) '
M: \JLibiez \M\ FORMS\ INITIALSTUDYCHECKLISTSFTYELEMENT2000 .doc
-17t)
adopted for the purpose of avoiding or
mitigating an environmental effect?
c) Conflict with any Habitat El El X
Conservation Plan [HCP] or Natural
Community Conservation Plan [NCCP]?
MINERAL RESOURCES -- Would the project:
a) Result in the loss of availability
❑
El
El
of a known mineral resource that would
X
be of value to the region and the
residents of the state?
b) Result in the loss of availability ❑
❑
❑
of a locally- important mineral resource
c) A substantial permanent increase in
1:1
El
X
recovery site delineated on a local
noise levels in the project
general plan, specific plan or other
land use plan?
NOISE --
Would the project result in:
a) Exposure of persons to or generation El v
of noise levels in excess of standards 1�
established in the local general plan
or noise ordinance, or applicable
standards of other agencies?
b) Exposure of persons to or generation
❑
of excessive groundborne vibration or
X
groundborne noise levels?
c) A substantial permanent increase in
1:1
El
noise levels in the project
vicinity above levels existing without
the project?
d) A substantial temporary or periodic
E]
1:1
v
1�
increase in ambient noise levels in the
project vicinity above levels existing
without the project?
e) For a project located within an 1:1 ED 1:1 X
airport land use plan or, where such a
plan has not been adopted, within two
miles of a public airport or public use
M: \JLibiez \M\ FORMS\ INITIALSTUDYCHECKLISTSFTYELEMENT2000 .doc
airport, would the project expose
people residing or working in the
project area to excessive noise levels?
f) For a project within the vicinity a X
of a private airstrip, would the El
project expose people residing or
working in the project area to
excessive noise levels?
POPULATION AND HOUSING -- Would the
project:
a) Induce substantial population growth El v
in an area, either directly (for 1�
example, by proposing new homes and
businesses) or indirectly (for example,
through extension of roads or other
infrastructure)?
b) Displace substantial numbers of X
existing housing, necessitating the El El El
construction of replacement housing
elsewhere?
c) Displace substantial numbers of ❑ El El X
people, necessitating the construction
of replacement housing elsewhere?
PUBLIC SERVICES
a) Would the project result in ❑ ® v
substantial adverse physical impacts 1S
associated with the provision of new or
physically altered governmental
facilities, need for new or physically
altered governmental facilities, the
construction of which could cause
significant environmental impacts, in
order to maintain acceptable service
ratios, response times or other
performance objectives for any of the
public services:
M: \JLibiez \M\ FORMS\ INITIALSTUDYCHECKLISTSFTYELEMENT2000 .doc
1, , ..
Fire protection?
Police protection?
Schools?
Parks?
Other public facilities?
RECREATION -
a) Would the project increase the use ❑
of existing neighborhood and regional
parks or other recreational facilities
such that substantial physical
deterioration of the facility would
occur or be accelerated?
b) Does
recreational
construction
recreational
have an adve
environment?
the project include ED
or require the
or expansion of
facilities which might
rse physical effect on the
TRANSPORTATION /TRAFFIC -- Would the
project:
a) Cause an increase in traffic which ❑
is substantial in relation to the
existing traffic load and capacity of
the street system (i.e., result in a
substantial increase in either the
number of vehicle trips, the volume to
capacity ratio on roads, or congestion
at intersections)?
b) Exceed, either individually or ❑
cumulatively, a level of service
standard established by the county
congestion management agency for
designated roads or highways?
u
10
❑ x
❑ X
❑ ❑ X
c) Result in a change in air traffic ❑ ❑
patterns, including
M: \JLibiez \M\ FORMS\ INITIALSTUDYCHECKLISTSFTYELEMENT2000 .doc
11
70
X
X
❑
❑
❑
x
❑
❑
❑
x
❑
❑
❑
x
❑
❑
❑
x
a) Would the project increase the use ❑
of existing neighborhood and regional
parks or other recreational facilities
such that substantial physical
deterioration of the facility would
occur or be accelerated?
b) Does
recreational
construction
recreational
have an adve
environment?
the project include ED
or require the
or expansion of
facilities which might
rse physical effect on the
TRANSPORTATION /TRAFFIC -- Would the
project:
a) Cause an increase in traffic which ❑
is substantial in relation to the
existing traffic load and capacity of
the street system (i.e., result in a
substantial increase in either the
number of vehicle trips, the volume to
capacity ratio on roads, or congestion
at intersections)?
b) Exceed, either individually or ❑
cumulatively, a level of service
standard established by the county
congestion management agency for
designated roads or highways?
u
10
❑ x
❑ X
❑ ❑ X
c) Result in a change in air traffic ❑ ❑
patterns, including
M: \JLibiez \M\ FORMS\ INITIALSTUDYCHECKLISTSFTYELEMENT2000 .doc
11
70
X
X
either an increase in traffic levels or
a change in location that results in
substantial safety risks?
d) Substantially increase hazards due
F-1
El
El
X
to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves
or dangerous intersections) or
incompatible uses (e.g., farm
equipment)?
e) Result in inadequate emergency
El
❑
X
access?
f)Result in adequate parking capacity?
1:1
❑
❑
X
g) Conflict with adopted policies,
11
El
a
X
plans, or programs supporting
alternative transportation (e.g., bus
turnouts, bicycle racks)?
UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
Would the project:
a) Exceed wastewater treatment
requirements of the applicable Regional
Water Quality Control Board?
b) Require or result in the
construction of new water or wastewater
treatment facilities or expansion of
existing facilities, the construction
of which could cause significant
environmental effects?
c) Require or .result in the
construction of new storm water
drainage facilities or expansion of
existing facilities, the construction
of which could cause significant
environmental effects?
❑ ❑ X
❑ ❑ ❑ x
❑ ❑ ❑ x
d) Have sufficient water supplies 1:1 El X
available to serve the project from El
existing entitlements and resources, or
are new or expanded entitlements
needed?
M: \JLibiez \M\ FORMS\ INITIALSTUDYCHECKLISTSFTYELEMENT2000 .doc
e) Result in a determination by the ❑
wastewater treatment provider which
serves or may serve the project that it
has adequate capacity to serve the
project's projected demand in addition
to the provider's existing commitments?
f) Be served by a landfill with ❑
sufficient permitted capacity to
accommodate the project's solid waste
disposal needs?
MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE Potentiall
Y
Slpnitican
t
Impact
a) Does the project have the potential
to degrade the quality of the
environment, substantially reduce the
habitat of a fish or wildlife species,
cause a fish or wildlife population to
drop below self- sustaining levels,
threaten to eliminate a plant or animal
community, reduce the number or
restrict the range of a rare or
endangered plant or animal or eliminate
important examples of the major periods
of California history or prehistory?
b) Does the project have impacts that
are individually limited, but
cumulatively considerable?
( "Cumulatively considerable" means that
the incremental effects of a project
are considerable when viewed in
connection with the effects of past
projects, the effects of other current
projects, and the effects of probable
future projects)?
IN]
❑ ❑ X
❑ ❑ x
Lam than La• No Impact
•fpnlllcan than
t sign,ric
With ant
N1tigatlon
Inoorporat
ton
❑ ❑ x
❑ ❑ ❑ x
c) Does the project have environmental ❑ ❑ ❑ v
effects which will cause substantial 1�
adverse effects on human beings, either
directly or indirectly?
M: \JLibiez \M\ FORMS\ INITIALSTUDYCHECKLISTSFTYELEMENT2000 .doc C;,pp �t-
CITY OF MOORPARK
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
COMMENTS RELATED TO INITIAL STUDY CHECKLIST
SAFETY ELEMENT 2000 -2005
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
This project consists of the review and consideration for
adoption of a revision to the City General Plan Safety Element
consistent with requirements of Article 5 Section 65302(g) of
the Government Code of the State of California. Local
jurisdictions are required by law to include a Safety Element
within the General Plan.
The element proposes policies and strategies to enable the City
to identify potential hazards and to effectively avoid conflicts
between the developing community and the natural environment as
well as man made hazards. It suggests measures which may be
taken to enhance awareness to and reduction of impacts to the
community from flood, wild -land fire, seismic activity, and dam
failure.
CHECKLIST RESPONSES:
Aesthetics:
The safety element may have positive benefits to the community
through identification of natural conditions that offer
potential impacts to life or property. Such identification when
used in consonance with the Land Use and Open Space Elements can
provide mechanisms to reduce those impacts through site analysis
and mitigation by restricting, avoiding or mitigating impacts
through designation as open space.
Agricultural Resources: i
No prime or regionally significant agricultural 'lands are
affected by the element.
Air Quality: b. /d.
No impact to air quality will occur from the adoption of the
safety element.
Biological Resources:
Development of the community within identified undisturbed areas
places pressure upon biological resources. The city's
development review process incorporates requirements to evaluate
species and resource issues such that resulting impacts be less
than s�nificant. The safety element when ,used in connection
with other elements of the General Plan aids in the avoidance of
M:\ JLibiez\ M\ CEQA\ SfetyElementInitialStudyComments10 .2000.doc
Initial Study Comments
Safety Element 2000 -2005
Page 2
developing in areas which may constitute some level of hazard to
future residents.
Cultural Resources:
Application processing and review procedures provide for the
identification and mitigation of potential impacts for
local/regionally significant resources. No impacts are
anticipated as the safety element augments decisions which seek
to avoid intrusion to culturally significant areas..
Geology and Soils:
Southern California and the Simi Valley area are active seismic
areas. The community contains active faulting such as the Santa
Rosa fault and a variety of non - active fault areas identified by
geotechnical studies. Areas susceptible to land slides,
liquefaction, erosion, and expansive soils have been identified
and are known to exist within this region. The city requires
extensive geotechnical studies and analysis to insure projects
are not subject to these impacts or that these impacts can be
mitigated to less than significant. The safety element aids in
determining acceptable levels of risk for decision makers and
provides an inventory of known or suspected impacts to community
safety.
Hazards and Hazardous
The safety element
analysis of potential
Materials:
provides procedures
hazardz.
for the review and
it
Hydrology and Water Quality:.
The Wood Ranch Reservoir located in the hills within the City of
Simi Valley has been identified as presenting a potential for
dam inundation hazard to property down stream including some of
the Moorpark housing areas. Periodic inspections and reports
are required to insure the structural integrity and the risk of
complete failure is low to nil. There can be no mitigation for
a cataclysmic event.
Land Use and Planning:
The safety element works in consort with the land use element to
identify suitable sites for development. The city has provided
sufficient lands in various categories and densities to
accommodate a diversity of development. The safety element aids
in determining the intensity of development consistent with
potential impact.
Initial Study Comments
Safety Element 2000 -2005
Page 3
Mineral Resources:,
No impacts.
Noise:
No direct correlation exists between the safety element and
noise production.
Population and Sousing:
The safety element provides an inventory of potential man made
and natural hazards that may affect community development. The
purpose of the element is to help decision makers avoid
decisions that place segments of the community population and
land use at risk
Public Services:
The safety element aids in siting determinations that serve to
protect or minimize impacts to all public services and
utilities..
Recreation:
The city maintains an active parks development and planning
function that considers the need for new facilities, expansion
of facilities or the need for off - setting private facilities to
insure recreational experiences for all citizens. Open space
considerations can be better made when potential affects known
through the safety element are considered.
Transportation /Traffic:
No impacts directly related to the adoption of the safety
element will occur.
Utilities and Service Systems:
Currently regional service providers and utility companies have
indicated that the general plan capacity for development can be
met. No impacts are anticipated.
Mandatory Findings of Significance:
While potential exists for serious impacts as a result of
natural or man made disasters resulting from one or more
potential sources, the safety element provides local decision
makers with an understanding of those potentials and through
policy and strategies for implementation provides for the
preparation and planning efforts necessary to meet the demands
such potential disasters may create.
RESOLUTION NO. PC- 2000 -400
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA RECOMMENDING TO THE
CITY COUNCIL THE ADOPTION OF THE UPDATE TO THE
SAFETY ELEMENT OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK GENERAL
PLAN
WHEREAS, at a duly noticed public hearing conducted on
November 13, 2000 and continued to November 27 and December
11, 2000, regarding consideration of an update to the
Safety Element of the City of Moorpark General Plan; and,
WHEREAS, at the meeting of November 13, 2000, the
Planning Commission opened the public hearing, took
testimony from all those wishing to testify, and continued
to receive testimony at the November 27, and December 11,
2000, meeting at which time the Planning Commission closed
the pubic hearing; and,
WHEREAS, after review and consideration of the
information contained in the staff reports dated November
6, November 21, and December 6, 2000, along with testimony
received on November 13, and 27, and December 11, 2000, the
Planning Commission closed said hearing on December 11,
2000, and made a recommendation to the City Council; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA, QOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. That the Planning Commission hereby
determines that the Revision to the Safety Element of the
City of Moorpark General Plan does not have the potential
to create a significant effect, upon the environmeiit, and
that a Negative Declaration in accordance with the
provisions of CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act)
may be issued, pursuant to Section 15074 of the California
Code of Regulations.
SECTION 2. That the Planning Commission hereby
recommends to the City Council the approval of the Updated
Safety Element of the Moorpark General Plan, attached as
Exhibit A, and incorporated herein by reference), based
upon the following findings:
A. The Updated Safety Element 'establishes goad, policies
and implementation strategies that address the public
ATTACHMENT
11-�66¢ 9
Planning Commission Resolution
PC -2000 -400
Recommending Adoption of Safety Element
Page 2
health, safety, and general welfare of the community.
B. The Updated Safety Element satisfies and is consistent
with provisions for safety elements as contained
within Section 65302(8) of the State of California
Government Code regulating inclusions within the
community General Plan Safety Element.
C. The Updated Safety Element provides current technical
and general information related to safety and hazard
issues such as earthquake, fire and flood that may
affect development within the defined community.
THE ACTION WITH THE FOREGOING DIRECTION WAS APPROVED BY THE
FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: Commissioners
Noes:
Abstaining:
Absent:
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED .THIS 11th, DAY OF DECEMBER,
2000.
Mark DiCecco, Chairman
ATTEST:
Celia LaFleur
Secretary
Attachments:
I
Exhibit A: Updated Safety Element of the Moorpark
General Plan
M:\ JLibiez \M \GenPlan \PCreso2000.400.doc
' tl
RESOLUTION NO. PC- 2000 -400
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA RECOMMENDING TO THE
CITY COUNCIL THE ADOPTION OF THE UPDATE TO THE
SAFETY ELEMENT OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK GENERAL
PLAN
WHEREAS, at a duly noticed public hearing conducted on
November 13, 2000 and continued to November 27 and December
11, 2000, regarding consideration of an update to the
Safety Element of the City of Moorpark General Plan; and,
WHEREAS, at the meeting of November 13, 2000, the
Planning Commission opened the public hearing, took
testimony from all those wishing to testify, and continued
to receive testimony at the November 27, and December 11,
2000, meeting at which time the Planning Commission closed
the pubic hearing; and,
WHEREAS, after review and consideration of the
information contained in the staff reports dated November
6, November 21, and December 6, 2000, along with testimony
received on November 13, and 27, and December 11, 2000, the
Planning Commission closed said hearing on December 11,
2000, and made a recommendation to the City Council; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA, DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. That the Planning Commission hereby
determines that the Revision to the Safety Element of the
City of Moorpark General Plan does not have the potential
to create a significant effect upon the environment, and
that a Negative Declaration in accordance with the
provisions of CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act)
may be issued, pursuant to Section 15074 of the California
Code of Regulations.
SECTION 2. That the Planning Commission hereby
recommends to the City Council the approval of the Updated
Safety Element of the Moorpark General Plan, attached as
Exhibit A, and incorporated herein by reference), based
upon the following findings:
A. The Updated Safety Element establishes goals, policies
and implementation strategies that address the public
ATTAC H M ENT
Resolution No. PC- 2000 -400
Page 2
health, safety, and general welfare of the community.
B. The Updated Safety Element satisl'ies and is consistent
with provisions for safety elements as contained
within Section 65302(g) of the State of California
Government Code regulating inclusions within the
community General Plan Safety Element.
C. The Updated Safety Element provides current technical
and general information related to safety and hazard
issues such as earthquake, fire and flood that may
affect development within the defined community.
THE ACTION WITH THE FOREGOING DIRECTION WAS APPROVED BY THE
FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
r
Ayes: Commissioner's Landis, Parvin, Haller, DiCecco and Otto.
Noes:
Abstaining:
Absent:
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 11th, DAY OF DECEMBER,
2000.
Mary Di c o, Chairman
ATTEST:
Celia La Fleur, ecretary
to the Planning Commission
Attachments:
Exhibit A - Updated Safety Element of the Moorpark
General Plan
M : \CLafleur \M \PC- resos \2000rescs \200' -400 pc 001211 Updated Safety
Element.doc
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING
AN UPDATE TO THE SAFETY ELEMENT OF THE
CITY OF MOORPARK GENERAL PLAN
WHEREAS, at a duly noticed public hearing conducted on
March 21, 2001, regarding consideration of an update to the
Safety Element of the City of Moorpark General Plan; and,
WHEREAS, at the meeting of March 21, 2001 the City
Council of the City of Moorpark opened the public hearing,
took testimony from all those wishing to testify, and
closed the public hearing; and,
WHEREAS, after review and consideration of the
information contained in the Planning Commission staff
reports dated November 6, November 20, and December 6,
2000, along with the Planning Commission Resolution PC-
2000 -400 making a recommendation to the City Council on the
adoption of said element; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MOORPARK, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. That the City Council hereby determines
that the Revision to the Safety Element of the City of
Moorpark General Plan does not have the potential to create
a significant effect upon the environment, and that a
Negative Declaration in accordance with the provisions of
CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) may be issued,
pursuant to Section 15074 of the California Code of
Regulations.
SECTION 2. That the City Council hereby adopts and
approves the Updated Safety Element of the Moorpark General
Plan, attached as Exhibit A, and incorporated herein by
reference), based upon the following findings:
A. The Updated Safety
and implementation
health, safety, and
and are consistent
General Plan.
Element establishes goals, policies
strategies that address the public
general welfare of the community,
with the other elements of the
ATTACHMENT
S: \Community Development \Everyone \General Plan Elements \cc- 01MAR21
Safety Ele reso.doc
Resolution No. 2001 -
Page 2
B. The Updated Safety Element satisfies and is consistent
with provisions for safety elements as contained
within Section 65302(g) of the State of California
Government Code regulating inclusion of a Safety
Element within the community General Plan Safety
Element.
C. The Updated Safety Element provides current technical
and general information related to safety and hazard
issues such as earthquake, fire and flood that may
affect development within the defined community.
SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify to the
adoption of this resolution and shall cause a certified
resolution to be filed in the book of original Resolutions.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 21st day of March 2001.
Patrick Hunter, Mayor
ATTEST:
Deborah S. Traffenstedt, City Clerk
Exhibit "A"
Safety Element of the Moorpark General Plan /2000
Technical Background Report for the Safety Element(On file
with the City Clerk)
S: \Community Development \Everyone \General Plan Elements \cc- 01MAR21
Safety Ele reso.doc
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Safety Element
Draft
December 2000
CITY OF MOORPARK
Community Development Department
799 Moorpark Avenue
Moorpark, CA 93021
Consultant to City:
CBA, Inc.
Urban Planning and Environmental Consulting
747 E. Green St., Suite 300
Pasadena, CA 91101
#1139.00
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CITY OF MOORPARK
SAFETY ELEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
I. INTRODUCTION 1 -1
II. IMPORTANT TERMS AND CONCEPTS 2 -1
A. Earthquake Magnitude 2 -1
B. Flood Events 2 -1
RELATED PLANS AND PROGRAMS 3 -1
A. California Seismic Hazards Mapping Act
3 -1
B. The Alquist - Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act
3 -1
C. FEMA Flood Insurance Program
3 -1
D. Uniform Building Code
3 -1
E. California Environmental Quality Act
3 -2
IV. GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS
4 -1
A. Local Geologic Conditions
4 -1
B. Seismic Hazards
4 -1
Faults and Earthquakes
4 -1
Seismic - related Hazards
4 -2
Goals and Policies
4 -4
C. Geologic Hazards
4 -6
Landslides
4 -6
Debris Flow
4 -6
Expansive Soils
4 -8
Ground Subsidence
4 -8
Goals and Policies
4 -8
V. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND WASTES
5 -1
Goals and Policies
5 -1
VI. FLOODING 6 -1
A. Historic Flood Flows 6 -1
B. Inundation 6 -1
C. Flood Protection Measures 6 -4
Goals and Policies 6 -4
City of Moorpark i Safety Element
TABLE OF CONTENTS
VII.
FIRE HAZARDS
7 -1
4 -2
A. Wildland Fires
7 -1
4 -3
B. Fire Prevention
7 -1
6 -1
Goals and Policies
7 -3
VIII.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
8 -1
7 -1
A. Earthquake Preparedness
8 -1
8 -1
B. Hazardous Materials Preparedness
8 -1
C. Fire Preparedness
8 -1
D. Emergency Services
8 -3
Goals and Policies
8 -3
IX.
IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
9-1
A. Geologic and Seismic Hazards
9 -1
B. Hazardous Materials and Wastes
9 -3
C. Flooding
9 -4
D. Fire Hazards
9 -6
E. Emergency Preparedness
9 -8
X.
GLOSSARY
10-1
List of Tables
Table Page
2 -1 Modified Mercalli Scale 2 -2
7 -1 Minimum Fire Protection Flows — Uniform Fire Code 7 -3
List of Figures
Figure Page
4 -1
Alquist - Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones
4 -3
4 -2
Seismic Hazard Zones
4 -5
4 -3
Existing Landslides
4 -7
6 -1
FIRM Flood Zones
6 -2
6 -2
Dam Inundation Path and Reservoir Locations
6 -3
7 -1
Moorpark Region Fire Susceptibility Map
7 -2
8 -1
Critical Facilities
8 -2
City of Moorpark ii Safety Element
INTRODUCTION
I. INTRODUCTION
Safety is an important indicator of a community's quality of life. Moorpark residents
recognize that limited or controlled exposure to hazardous environmental conditions and
good emergency response services contribute to the overall livability of their community.
The Safety Element addresses safety issues arising from both naturally occurring and
human - caused conditions, and presents goals and policies focused on reducing the
potential risk of death, injuries, property damage, and economic and social dislocation
resulting from hazards. Examples of ways Moorpark can use the Safety Element
analysis include: (1) identifying fault zones to guide development approaches; (2)
determining the probability and location of flooding to help identify properties most likely
impacted by flood events; and (3) identifying the use of hazardous materials in
commercial, industrial, and household products to help reduce the risk of hazardous
waste contamination and accidents.
Hazards include earthquakes, dam or reservoir failure, contamination of soil and local
water resources, hazardous materials associated with commercial and industrial
business activity, and fire. These hazards can impact the lives of residents and
business employees within Moorpark by triggering the disruption of essential facilities
and systems such as water, sewer, gas, electricity, transportation, communications,
irrigation and drainage systems.
Public safety and service issues relevant to Moorpark are:
➢ Geologic and Seismic Hazards
➢ Hazardous Materials and Wastes
➢ Flooding and Water Contamination
➢ Fire Hazards
➢ Emergency Preparedness
The Safety Element presents the City's approaches to addressing these issues in the
context of goals and policies. Goals are overall statements of purpose and direction.
The policies serve as guidelines for reducing the risk associated with natural and human
activity hazards, and also direct and maximize community emergency preparedness.
City of Moorpark 1 -1 Safety Element
IMPORTANT TERMS AND CONCEPTS
II. IMPORTANT TERMS AND CONCEPTS
This Element uses the following technical terms to discuss earthquakes and flood
conditions. Additional terms are defined in the Glossary.
A. Earthquake Magnitude
Moorpark lies within a region where earthquakes are not an uncommon occurrence.
Earthquakes result from a shift or movement along weak points or contacts of geologic
formations or structures. Scientists use the term magnitude to describe the relative
energy release by such movement. An earthquake's magnitude is based on the size of
the earthquake's seismic waves, which are recorded on a seismograph. Magnitude
generally is related and expressed using a logarithmic scale.
The amount of energy released, for example, from a 6.0 earthquake is 10 times greater
than that associated with a 5.0 event. Scientists consider a large earthquake as one
having a magnitude of 7.0 or greater. For purposes of comparison, the 1987 Whittier
earthquake registered a 5.9 magnitude, while the 1994 Northridge temblor measured 6.7
magnitude.
Magnitude differs from earthquake intensity, which is the physical, observable effects an
earthquake has on structures and people. News media generally do not report
earthquake intensity according to scales or references; instead, the media rely upon
pictures and comparisons to past events to show how an earthquake affects people and
property. The Modified Mercalli scale has been developed to describe an earthquake's
intensity relative to its magnitude. Table 2 -1 presents the Modified Mercalli scale.
The Modified Mercalli Scale represents a subjective measurement or description of
ground shaking associated with a seismic event. The peak (maximum) horizontal
ground acceleration, or PGHA, is used by seismologists to quantitatively measure
ground shaking at particular locations. These values - expressed in units of g, which is a
fraction or percentage of gravitational acceleration - provide useful information for
determining how buildings must be constructed to withstand collapse or other damage in
the event of an earthquake.
B. Flood Events
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is mandated by the National
Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 to evaluate
flood hazards and provide Flood Insurance Rate Maps for local and regional planners to
promote sound land use and floodplain development. Using information gathered in
engineering studies, FEMA engineers and cartographers determine Special Flood
Hazard Areas (SFHAs). SFHAs are those areas that have a 1% chance of a major flood
event occurring in any one year. This type of flood is referred to as the "base flood" or
100 -year flood. The base flood is a regulatory standard used by the National Flood
Insurance Program as the basis for insurance requirements nationwide. Flood hazard
planning practices addresses such storms, as well as, for example, 50 -year and 500 -
year events.
City of Moorpark 2 -1 Safety Element
IMPORTANT TERMS AND CONCEPTS
Table 2 -1: Modified Mercalli Scale for Describing Earthquake Intensity
Effects
Magnitude
I
Not felt except by a very few, and only under special circumstances.
Below 3.0 magnitude on
Richter Scale
II
Felt by persons at rest and on upper floors.
3.0 -3.9 magnitude on
Richter Scale
III
Felt indoors. Hanging objects swing slightly. Vibration feels like passing
4.0 -4.9 magnitude on
of light trucks. May not be recognized as an earthquake.
Richter Scale
IV
Hanging objects swing noticeably. Vibration like passing of heavy trucks.
4.0 -4.9 magnitudes on
Standing automobiles rock. Windows, dishes, doors rattle. Glasses clink.
Richter Scale
Wooden walls and frames creak.
V
Felt outdoors by most people. Sleepers awakened. Liquids may spill.
4.0 -4.9 magnitude on
Small unstable objects displaced. Doors swing, close, open. Pictures
Richter Scale
move. Some breakage of plaster.
VI
Felt by all. Persons walk unsteadily. Windows, dishes, glassware broken.
5.0 -5.9 magnitude on
Objects, books, etc., off shelves. Pictures off walls. Furniture moved or
Richter Scale
overturned. Weak plaster and masonry cracked. Small bells ring (church,
school). Trees, bushes shaken visibly.
VII
Difficult to stand. Noticed by drivers of automobiles. Hanging objects
6.0 -6.9 magnitude on
shake. Furniture broken. Weak chimneys broken at roof line. Fall of
Richter Scale
plaster, loose bricks, stones, tiles, cornices; also unbraced parapets and
architectural ornaments. Waves on ponds; water turbid with mud. Small
slides and caving in along sand and gravel banks. Large bells ring.
Concrete irrigation ditches damaged.
VIII
Steering of automobiles affected. Fall of stucco and some masonry walls.
6.0 -6.9 magnitude on
Twisting, fall of chimneys, factory stacks, monuments, towers, elevated
Richter Scale
tanks. Frame houses moved on foundation if not bolted down; loose
panel walls thrown out. Branches broken from trees. Cracks in wet
ground and on steep slopes.
IX
General panic. Masonry destroyed or heavily damaged. General damage
7.0 -7.9 magnitude on
to foundations. Frames cracked. Serious damage to reservoirs.
Richter Scale
Underground pipes broken. Conspicuous cracks in ground.
X
Most masonry and frame structures destroyed with their foundations.
7.0 -7.9 magnitude on
Some well -built wooden structures and bridges destroyed. Serious
Richter Scale
damage to dams, dikes, embankments. Large landslides. Water thrown
on banks of canals, rivers, lakes, etc. Sand and mud shifted horizontally
on beaches and flat land. Rails bent slightly.
XI
Rails bent greatly. Underground pipelines completely out of service.
8.0 8.9 magnitude on
Damage severe to wood -frame structures, especially near shock centers.
Richter Scale
Few, if any, masonry structures remain standing. Large, well -built bridges
destroyed by the wrecking of supporting piers or pillars.
XII
Damage nearly total. Large rock masses displaced. Lines of sight and
8.0 -8.9 magnitude on
level distorted. Objects thrown into air.
Richter Scale
City of Moorpark 2 -2 Safety Element
RELATED PLANS AND PROGRAMS
III. RELATED PLANS AND PROGRAMS
Regional plans and programs related to public safety include the State Seismic Hazards
Mapping Act, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Law and Guidelines, the
Alquist - Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act, the Uniform Building Code, and the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Program. Other plans and
programs are important to consider to ensure that the City has strong, comprehensive,
and compatible tools to guide development decisions. Also, pursuant to State law, the
City has developed a comprehensive emergency response plan.
A. California Seismic Hazards Mapping Act
California's Seismic Hazards Mapping Act of 1990 requires the State Geologist to
compile maps identifying and describing seismic hazards zones throughout
California. Guidelines prepared by the State Mining and Geology Board identify the
responsibilities of State and local agencies in the review of development within
seismic hazard zones. Development on a site that has been designated as a
seismic hazard zone requires a geotechnical report and local agency consideration
of the policies and criteria established by the Mining and Geology Board. Over the
years, the program has expanded to include mapping of seismic - related hazards
such as landslide -prone areas.
B. The Alquist - Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act
The Alquist - Priolo Special Studies Zones Act was signed into law in 1972. (In 1994 it
was renamed Alquist- Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act.) The primary purpose of
the Act is to mitigate the hazard of fault rupture by prohibiting the location of
structures for human occupancy across the trace of an active fault. The Act only
addresses the hazard of surface fault rupture and is not directed toward other
earthquake hazards.
C. FEMA Flood Insurance Program
The National Flood Insurance Act includes provisions for the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP). Participating jurisdictions must exercise land use
controls and purchase flood insurance as a prerequisite for receiving funds to
purchase or build a structure in a flood hazard area. The NFIP provides federal flood
insurance subsidies and federally financed loans for eligible property owners in flood -
prone areas.
D. Uniform Building Code
The Uniform Building Code (UBC) is the primary tool used by local agencies to
ensure seismic safety in structures. The code defines minimum lateral forces to
resist seismic shaking, the use and purpose of the structure, the seismic zone, and
four types of soil which effect degrees of shaking.
City of Moorpark 3 -1 Safety Element
RELATED PLANS AND PROGRAMS
E. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
The State legislature adopted CEQA in 1970 to ensure that environmental protection
received due consideration in the planning and development process. CEQA
requires a thorough analysis of potential environmental consequences which could
result from a development project or plan that guides future development. CEQA
provides a means by which City officials and the public can identify the potential
impacts a project will have on a community, and to allow for mitigation or avoidance
of such impacts.
City of Moorpark 3 -2 Safety Element
GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS
IV. GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS
A. Local Geologic Conditions
Moorpark is located in the Transverse Ranges physiographic province of southern
California. The characteristic landforms that define this province are a series of
predominantly east -west trending mountain ranges and their intervening valleys. The
ranges encompass Ventura County, as well as parts of San Bernardino, Riverside, Los
Angeles and Santa Barbara counties. At the base of the mountains, in the southern part
of the Moorpark area, the floodplain of the Arroyo Simi forms the Little Simi Valley.
Elevations along the valley floor range from about 400 to 600 feet.
Moorpark is underlain by primarily two types of geologic units: relatively weak semi -
consolidated sedimentary bedrock in the hilly and mountainous areas, and loose,
unconsolidated, often saturated, alluvial sediments in the valleys and canyon bottoms.
Volcanic rock has been mapped locally in the Tierra Rejada area.
In general, the City lies between two active fault systems; the Oak Ridge fault on the
north and the Simi -Santa Rosa fault on the south. The surface trace of the Oak Ridge
fault is located at the foot of the Oak Ridge Mountains in the Santa Paula Valley and
therefore does not traverse the City. The Simi -Santa Rosa fault passes longitudinally
through the Las Posas Hills. The geologic structure between the two fault zones
consists of fold and thrust terrain. In general, this terrain is more complex and less well
_ understood than that associated with other types of fault systems, and often includes
areas of secondary faulting. Such secondary features are not capable of generating
earthquakes on their own, but instead are deforming the ground in response to regional
stresses and movements on the larger, mountain - bounding fault system.
B. Seismic Hazards
Movement along a fault releases stored energy and tension, thereby producing
earthquakes. While the Moorpark area is at risk from many natural and man -made
hazards, the event with the greatest potential for loss of life or property and economic
damage is an earthquake.
1. Faults and Earthquakes
Moorpark lies within a region with several active faults and therefore is subject to the
risk and hazards associated with earthquakes. Faults that have the greatest impact
on the Moorpark area include:
San Andreas Fau/f Zone — The San Andreas fault is the principal boundary
between the Pacific and North American Plates and is comprised of five
segments. The Carrizo and Mojave segments, which extend from central
California to San Bernardino, are closest to the Moorpark area, where they join
near the Tejon Pass (approximately 35 miles away). These segments are
City of Moorpark 4 -1 Safety Element
GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS
estimated capable of producing magnitude 7.2 and 7.1 earthquakes,
respectively. A rupture of either segment would result in peak ground
accelerations in Moorpark ranging from about 0.06 g to 0.10 g.
Simi -Santa Rosa Fault Zone - The Simi -Santa Rosa Fault Zone consists of a
series of closely spaced faults that extend in an east - northeast direction across
the central part of Ventura County for a distance of more than 25 miles. In the
Moorpark area, numerous subparallel, discontinuous faults have been mapped
within the fault zone, as well as several fault splays that branch off the main
faults to the northeast. Seismic activity along the fault zone appears to be
relatively low, although the data is very limited. Evidence does suggest,
however, a compressional stress system.
In the southern part of Moorpark, the California Division of Mines and Geology
has designated an Alquist - Priolo Fault Zone for many of the traces of the Simi -
Santa Rosa fault zone. The City requires development proposal involving large
structures or subdivisions of more than four units to be accompanied by a
geology report that locates any surface trace of the Simi -Santa Rosa Fault and
designates appropriate setback distances from the surface traces of the fault.
Figure 4 -1 shows the Alquist Priolo Earthquake Fault zones in Moorpark and its
area of interest.
Oak Ridge Fault - The Oak Ridge fault extends from the Santa Susana
Mountains westward, along the southern margin of the Santa Clara Valley,
across the Oxnard Plain, and into the Santa Barbara Channel. Like the San
Andreas, the Oak Ridge fault has been divided into segments, the closest of
which is about 3 miles (5 km) away from the northern part of Moorpark. Although
the fault is considered to be a significant seismic source, most of it has not been
assigned to an Alquist Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone. The magnitude 6.7
Northridge Earthquake of January 17, 1994 is believed to have occurred on the
eastern extension of the Oak Ridge fault, in the Santa Clarita area. Minor
landsliding and ridge -top shattering were observed in the hills above Moorpark as
a result of this earthquake.
San Cayetano Fault - The San Cayetano fault is one of the two deeply rooted,
north - dipping thrust faults that form the northern boundary of the Ventura basin.
At its closest point, this fault is approximately 5 miles (9km) from the City.
Several small earthquakes have been associated with this active fault.
Santa Susana Fault - The Santa Susana fault merges with the Oak Ridge fault
on the west and the San Fernando fault zone on the east. The fault is located
about 4 miles (6 km) east - northeast of the Moorpark area. This fault is estimated
capable of generating a magnitude 6.6 earthquake that would result in ground
accelerations ranging from about 0.29 g to 0.60 g.
2. Seismic - related Hazards
Local geologic conditions can create additional hazards associated with seismic
activity. Unstable soils on steep slopes may fail under the stress of a tremor. In
locations where high groundwater levels interact with loose, unconsolidated soils,
City of Moorpark 4 -2 Safety Element
,r
.......................................................
23
........................... " •• Happy Camp Syncline --
.•
Broadway
:
•, Fairview Fault . ....................
ac,
Anticlines
. arK No ? � `•• •Campus Park Dr. 1.
• MoorP
�• ice• (.
.�•'� Los Angeles Ave.
' ' 1
`�•.� a to
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Fault considered active,
with the potential for
surface rupture
Alquist - Priolo Earthquake
Fault Zone Boundary
Fault, solid where well
located, dashed where
approximate, dotted
where concealed
I � I
North 0 1
City of Moorpark
�,r,oarn Fau
;a Fautt /�
Canada de
1. Brea Fault
Tierra
Lineament, from air Source:
Earth Consultants International;
photos
California Division of Mines and
Geology,1999a and 1999c;
Axis of Synclinal Fold,
Dibblee, T.W., 1992a and 1992b;
Leighton and Associates, 1997
dotted where concealed
Axis of Anticlinal Fold,
dotted where concealed
—""— City Boundary
"•""•'. Area of Interest
2 mites
4 -3
t�
�• J
J �•
Figure 4 -1
Alquist- Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zones
Safety Element
GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS
a condition called liquefaction can occur, whereby such soils lose cohesion —
and their ability to support structures — when subjected to strong ground motion.
Strong ground shaking of relatively long duration can be expected to occur in the
Moorpark area as a result of an earthquake on any of the several active faults in
the region. Loose, recently deposited sediments consisting primarily of silty sand
and sand occur in a large portion of the valley floors and in the larger canyon
bottoms. Water - saturated within about 50 feet of the surface have historically
been present in the lowlands of Moorpark, including the Little Simi Valley, the
Tierra Rejada Valley, and the elevated valley traversed by Broadway Street.
Under certain conditions, strong ground shaking can cause the densification of
soils, resulting in local or regional settlement of the ground surface. Those
portions of the Moorpark Area that may be susceptible to seismically induced
settlement are generally the floodplains and larger drainages that are underlain
by late Quaternary alluvial sediments (similar to the liquefaction - susceptible
areas). Sites near the base of natural hills (valley margins) may be particularly
vulnerable.
The hilly and mountainous areas of Moorpark are underlain by soft sedimentary
bedrock. Earthquake- induced landslides could also impact developments
adjacent to the mountain front the northern portion of Moorpark would be most
vulnerable to seismically induced slope failure, due to the steep terrain and the
presence of weak sedimentery rock units. Slopes adjacent to or within
developments should be evaluated for these geologic conditions. Figure 4 -2
- shows areas mapped by the state as having a potential for liquefaction
susceptibility and seismically induced landsliding.
Goals and Policies
Goal 1.0
Minimize the potential damage to structures and loss of life that could result from
earthquakes.
Policy 1.1: Continue to implement Uniform Building Code seismic safety
standards for construction of new buildings, and update the City's
codes as needed in response to new information and standards
developed at the State level.
Policy 1.2 Require the preparation of detailed geologic studies for any
development proposal within seismic hazard zones and liquefaction
hazard areas.
Policy 1.3: Perform a building inventory to locate, count, and identify buildings by
structural type and occupancy.
Policy 1.4: When modifications to existing older buildings are proposed,
determine whether an engineering evaluation is required to identify
City of Moorpark 4 -4 Safety Element
Tm
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_; � ry �'�� •Yt•� .r 'r µ -..,"�yF a� " ��C" ' J•�C „i a '�t�'� /P'�} b�_:��•
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f ,3tt •. "~021 t•. �{ 0yet`
23
Liquefaction Source: Earth Consultants International;
Areas where historic occurrence of liquefaction, California Department of Conservation,
or local ica
eol0 l h" p: / /Www•consrv.co.gov /dmg /shezp/
g g• ,geotechnical and groundwater
conditions indicated a potential for permanent ground maps.htm
displacements such that mitigation, as defined in
Public Resources Code Section 2693c, would be required.
Earthquake- Induced Landslides
Areas where previous occurrence of landside movement,
or local geological, geotechnical and groundwater
conditions indicated a potential for permanent ground
displacements such that mitigation, as defined in i��P•'pK .o+
Public Resources Code Section 2693c, would be required.
--'— City Boundary ,� •
o,
Area of Interest "
7,11 L 1 1. 1 1 Figure 4 -2
North 0 1 2 n,;,es Seismic Hazard Zones
City of Moorpark 4 -5 Safety Element
GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS
seismic retrofit needs. Require that corrections be made to buildings
deemed unsafe.
Policy 1.5: Encourage residential property owners to implement seismic safety
improvements in older buildings, such as anchoring buildings to
foundations, bolting water heaters to walls, and performing other
preventative measures.
Policy 1.6: Participate in local, county, and State - sponsored earthquake
preparedness programs.
Policy 1.7: Continue to monitor groundwater levels in all potential liquefaction
areas. If the water levels reach within 40 feet of the surface, the City
Engineer shall require appropriate mitigation to alleviate the hazard to
large structures as necessary.
Goal 2.0
Ensure that all residents and business owners in Moorpark have full and equal
access to information regarding seismic hazards.
Policy 2.1: Promote earthquake preparedness with publications available in the
predominant languages spoken in the community.
Policy 2.2: Provide earthquake preparedness information at City- sponsored
events.
C. Geologic Hazards
The following describes the non - seismic geologic hazards affecting Moorpark.
1. Landslides
Landslides are movement of relatively large landmasses, either as a nearly intact
bedrock blocks or as jumbled mixes of bedrock blocks, fragments, debris, and soils.
Considering the abundance of hillside terrain, the occurrence of landslides in
Moorpark is notably infrequent as shown in Figure 4 -3. Landsliding has occurred in
isolated locations throughout the area. These locations include the mid reach of the
Gabbert Canyon stream, a large slide complex present south of the Arroyo Las
Posas, the south flank of Big Mountain, the Arroyo Simi, and the Las Posas Hills
northeast of the Tierra Rejada Valley in the vicinity of the Simi -Santa Rosa fault
zone.
2. Debris Flow
A debris flow (also called mudflow, mudslide, or debris avalanche) is a rapidly
moving slurry of water, mud, rock, vegetation, and debris. Failure occurs during an
intense rainfall event, following saturation of the soil from previous rains. Hazard
City of Moorpark 4 -6 Safety Element
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f
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23
Thousand Oaks
Definite or probable
landslide
Questionable landslide
City Boundary
......••••• Area of Interest
North 0 1 2 miles
SimiI
ar.........�... rer
im
"„'
Source: Earth Consultants International;
Dibblee, T.W., 19990 and 1992b;
EDW, 1998
Irvine, 1990 and 1995
Leigton and Associates, 1997
Weber, 1973
OP ♦O
O
r
O
Figure 4 -3
Existing Landslides
City of Moorpark 4 -7 Safety Element
GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS
mapping by the California Division of Mines and Geology placed most of the hillsides
in Moorpark in a high mudslide risk zone, as well as unincorporated properties to the
City's west and southeast. Most of the hillside areas have been reclassified as
"marginally susceptible" to debris flow. Localized areas have been classified as
"most susceptible" based on relatively common evidence for past debris flow. City
review of development proposals includes consideration of debris flow.
3. Expansive Soils
Fine - grained soils such as silts and clays may contain variable amounts of expansive
clay minerals. These minerals can expand when wetted and contract when dried.
The upward pressures induced by the swelling of expansive soils can have
significant harmful effects upon structures and other surface improvements.
Sedimentary units that are composed primarily of granular soils underlie most of
Moorpark. Such units are typically in the low to moderately -low range for expansion
potential. However, every such sedimentary unit contains lenses or layers of finer -
grained soils (clays and silty clays) that typically are in the moderate to highly
expansive range. Potentially expansive layers may be exposed at the surface by
erosion or may be uncovered by grading cuts made for developments. Procedures
that provide safe designs for expansive soils are incorporated in the Building and
Safety Department and the City Engineer review process.
4. Ground Subsidence
Ground subsidence is the gradual settling or sinking of the ground surface with little
or no horizontal movement. In the areas of Southern California where significant
ground subsidence has been reported, this phenomenon is usually associated with
the extraction of oil, gas, or groundwater from below the ground surface. Historically,
no regional subsidence has been reported for the Moorpark area. However, the thick
alluvial deposits underlying Little Simi Valley and Tierra Rejada Valley may be
susceptible to subsidence should rapid groundwater withdrawl occur beneath the
area in response to an increasing population. Possible measures to manage
subsidence include increased use of reclaimed water, storm water, and imported
water; protection of groundwater quality; and determining the safe yields of
groundwater basins so that the available supplies can be balanced with groundwater
extraction.
Goals and Policies
Goal 3.0
Protect public and private properties from geologic hazards associated with steep
slopes, unstable hillsides, and subsidence.
Policy 3.1: Reduce the risk of impacts from geologic hazards by applying proper
engineering, building construction, and retrofitting requirements to the
development process.
City of Moorpark 4 -8 Safety Element
GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC HAZARDS
Policy 3.2: Require that slope stability analyses be conducted for new
development in hillside areas.
Policy 3.3: Require that hillside developments incorporate measures that mitigate
slope failure potential and provide for long -term slope maintenance.
Policy 3.4: Participate in regional measures aimed at reducing the risk of
subsidence throughout the City of Moorpark, the sphere of influence,
and area of interest.
City of Moorpark 4 -8 Safety Element
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND WASTES
V. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND WASTES
In Moorpark, commercial and industrial businesses that use hazardous materials'
include dry cleaners, film processors, auto service providers, landscape contractors,
among many others. Residences also generate household hazardous wastes in the
form of paints, thinners, pesticides, fertilizers, etc. Hazardous waste generators and
users are required to comply with regulations enforced by several federal, state, and
county agencies. The regulations aim toward reducing risk associated with human
exposure to hazardous materials and minimizing adverse environmental effects.
The Fire Protection District for the County of Ventura functions as part of the City
Government, similar to other departments within the City. The County Fire Protection
District coordinates hazardous material and disaster preparedness planning and
appropriate response efforts with City departments, as well as local and state agencies.
Businesses within Moorpark that handle hazardous materials submit a business plan,
including a chemical inventory, to the County Fire Protection District.
Despite all efforts to guard against health risks associated with hazardous materials,
such materials can be released accidentally into the environment as a result of a natural
disaster or improper storage and handling. The City's Standardized Emergency
Management System (SEMS) Multihazard Functional Plan prepares City staff to react
quickly and specifically to any hazardous materials accident. The SEMS designates
Ventura County as the administering agency for hazardous materials in the City.
To address proper handling and disposal of household hazardous wastes, the City has
adopted a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Element in accordance with the
California Integrated Solid Waste Management Act of 1989. HHW drop -off facilities
located in Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley are staffed by contracted personnel and are
free to Moorpark residents.
Goals and Policies
Goal 4.0
Protect residents and business employees from potential hazards associated with the
use, storage, manufacture, and transportation of hazardous materials in and through the
City.
Policy 4.1: Continue to participate in the Standardized Emergency Management
System and the Ventura County Stormwater Program (local enforcer of
the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program].
Policy 4.2: Educate the community regarding the proper storage, handling, use, and
disposal of hazardous household materials.
1 The California Health and Safety Code defines a hazardous material as any material that, because of its quantity, concentration,
or physical or chemical characteristics, poses a significant potential hazard to human health and safety or to the environment.
City of Moorpark 5 -1 Safety Element
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND WASTES
- Policy 4.3: Require business owners to incorporate into their business plans
submitted to the County Fire Protection District those measures
necessary to minimize hazardous materials accidents due to intense
ground shaking potential and flooding. Ensure that the plans are updated
as necessary.
Policy 4.4: Continue to participate in the County -wide interagency coalition to better
utilize the expertise and equipment that exists within all participating fire
departments.
City of Moorpark 5 -2 Safety Element
FLOODING
VI. FLOODING
A. Historic Flood Flows
Moorpark is drained by a system of streams that are part of the Calleguas Creek
watershed. Calleguas Creek is locally referred to as Arroyo Simi (to the west, from
Hitch Boulevard to Somis, it is called Arroyo Las Posas). The Arroyo Simi originates
in the Santa Susana Mountains and drains an area of approximately 112 square
miles at the confluence with Happy Camp Canyon.
Three types of storms produce precipitation in Ventura County: winter storms, local
thunderstorms, and summer tropical storms. Winter storms are characterized by
heavy and sometimes prolonged precipitation over a large area. Local thunderstorms
can occur at any time, but usually cover relatively small areas. These storms are
usually prevalent in the higher mountains during the summer. Tropical rains are
infrequent, but typically occur in the summer or early fall. Yearly precipitation in the
Moorpark area averages 14 inches. However, rainfall is extremely variable from year
to year, ranging from one -third the normal amount to more than double the normal
amount. This unpredictable seasonal range in rainfall, coupled with geographic and
geologic conditions, makes Moorpark extremely vulnerable to flooding, erosion, and
mudflows during the winter storm season.
The City participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. Figure 6 -1 indicates
those areas of the City and within the sphere of influence subjected to flooding.
Most of the Little Simi Valley along and north of the Arroyo Simi is included in the
500 -year floodplain. Within this area are several critical facilities, including a
Southern California Edison Substation, the Police Service Center, Post Office,
Chapparel Middle School, and Flory School. Arroyo West School is situated at the
edge of the 100 -year floodplain for Peach Hill Wash, and the Amtrak Station is
situated at the edge of the 500 -year floodplain for the Arroyo Simi. The Moorpark
Water Treatment Plant lies within the 500 -year flood boundary of Arroyo Las Posas.
In addition, numerous sites containing hazardous materials are within the 500 -year
flood boundary in Little Simi Valley, and several are at the edge of the 100 -year
boundary for the Arroyo Simi.
B. Inundation
One major dam, the Wood Ranch Reservoir, is located upstream from the Moorpark
Area within the Arroyo Simi. This dam is owned by the Calleguas Municipal Water
District. The earth -fill dam was built in 1965, is 146 feet (45m) high, and 24 feet (7m)
wide. The flood inundation plan, should the dam fail, is shown in Figure 6 -2. The
figure indicates that a large portion of Little Simi Valley would be flooded.
Other smaller flood control improvements, such as canals, culverts, and retention
basins may crack and suffer some structural damage during an earthquake,
especially in areas prone to ground failure. Seismically induced inundation can also
occur if strong ground shaking causes structural damage to above - groundwater
City of Moorpark 6 -1 Safety Element
r�
.. .............................................................................
Broadway
Campus Peek Dr.
Thousand Oaks
_ Areas within 100 -year flood zone
® Areas with a less severe risk of flooding
(between 100- and 500 -year flood zones,
flooding with average depths of less than
one foot, contributing drainage area is
less than one square mile, and /or
protected by levee from the 100 -year flood)
—" —" City Boundary
......•••••• Area of Interest
North 0 1 2 aisles
Simi I
Tierra
Source: Earth Consultants International;
FEMA, 1985a,b,c,d,e; 1986b;
1990; and 1998
p� �O
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r
•
'b
Figure 6 -1
FIRM Flood Zones
City of Moorpark 6 -2 Safety Element
r R -2
R -3
R -1 ,•
i-, R-4
i_.._.._.._.._..
•R-6
��� • R -5
R -7 1......... a. I;_R
—..J
Thousand Oaks
® Dam or Reservoir Failure
Inundation Path
R -X • Water Reservoir (tank)
Wood
Simi I
Valley
.............. TierTier
Source: Earth Consultants International;
Ventura County Waterworks
District No. 1
—'- -' City Boundary •''"
p• O
O 1
i
Area of Interest
Figure 6 -2
I _ Dam Inundation Path
North 0 1 2 miles and Reservoir Locations
City of Moorpark 6 -3 Safety Element
FLOODING
tanks. Figure 6 -2 shows above - ground tank locations in the City, its sphere of
influence, and area of interest.
C. Flood Protection Measures
Previous flood disasters caused an increased awareness of the potential for public
and private losses, particularly in the highly urbanized parts of floodplains and
alluvial fans. Flooding in the area is difficult to predict and plan for because rainfall in
the area is extremely variable. Floods that impact the City are typically of short
duration, high peak volumes and high velocity.
The Ventura County Flood Control District has jurisdiction over the watercourses in
the Moorpark area, as well as the regional flood control system in the county. An
extensive municipal storm drain network operated by the City provides flood
protection for urbanized areas. While these flood control structures have provided
significant protection from uncontrolled flooding, additional protection is needed.
Outside of the Little Simi Valley and nearby hills, undeveloped and agricultural lands
are slated for long -term development.
Goals and Policies
Goal 5.0
Reduce the risk to the community from hazards related flooding.
Policy 5.1: Continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.
Policy 5.2. Ensure that future projects include mitigation for hydrological impacts.
Mitigation can include catch basins, stormwater pipelines, and
detention basins.
Policy 5.3: Consider floodway management design that includes areas where
stream courses are left natural or as developed open space.
Policy 5.4: Improve flood control structures, including modification of the Walnut
Canyon and Gabbert Canyon debris basins, addition of new detention
basins, channel reconstruction, and diversion systems.
Policy 5.5. Encourage property owners with buildings located within a Special
Flood Hazard Area to have all components of the property's electrical
system raised at least one foot above the 100 -year flood level.
City of Moorpark 6 -4 Safety Element
FIRE HAZARDS
VII. FIRE HAZARDS
Fire hazards of concern in the City are those associated with structures and brush, as
well as earthquake- induced fires. The Ventura County Fire Protection District (also
known as the Ventura County Fire Department) provides contract fire protection services
to the City. Fire potential for the Moorpark region is typically greatest in the months of
August, September, and October, when dry vegetation, combined with offshore dry
Santa Ana winds, create a high potential for spontaneous fires. The hillsides and steep
slopes facilitate rapid fire spread. Figure 7 -1 shows fire susceptibility in the Moorpark
area.
A. Wildland Fires
The Ventura County Fire Protection District has responsibility for wildfire
suppression. The undeveloped hills in the City and surrounding sphere of influence
area are rated as a potential wildland fire area by the State of California Department
of Forestry and Fire Prevention. In these areas, special state statutes govern
development and the maintenance requirements of property owners. Figure 7 -1
shows wildland areas and very high fire hazard severity zones.
To help minimize the impact of fire in these zones, Ventura County has included
requirements for structures located in high hazard regions. These requirements
include approved materials for roof and exterior wall coverings, decks, underfloor
spaces, and patio covers.
B. Fire Prevention
Two stations located within the City limits — the Mountain Meadows Station (No. 40)
at 4185 Cedar Springs Street and the Moorpark Station (No. 42) within the
Downtown Specific Plan Area — provide direct response to incidents in the City. For
larger scale incidents, companies from stations in surrounding jurisdictions may
respond as well.
The County of Ventura administers the Uniform Fire Code (UFC) and the Uniform
Building Code (UBC) by updating the Ventura County Fire Protection Ordinance.
This ordinance is updated every four years to incorporate the most recent versions of
the UFC and UBC. The UFC includes requirements for minimum fire -flow rates for
water mains. The requirements are a function of building size, type, material,
purpose, location, proximity to other structures, and the type of fire suppression
systems installed. The various water districts in the County are required to test fire
protection capability for the various land uses per the flow requirements of the UFC.
City of Moorpark 7 -1 Safety Element
FIRE HAZARDS
- Table 7 -1: Minimum Fire Protection Flows — Uniform Fire Code
The District has many programs aimed at fire prevention and protection, including
the Fire Hazard Reduction Program. Key provisions include the following clearance
requirements:
■ Clearance around structures shall be not less than 100 feet.
■ Single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery, or ground covers are
permissible, provided they do not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from
the native growth to any structure. Such specimens shall be spaced a minimum
of 15 feet from other specimens, structures, or surrounding native brush.
■ Roof surfaces shall be maintained free of accumulations of leaves, needles,
twigs, or any other combustible materials.
■ Clearance should be 10 feet around propane tanks.
■ Access roads shall be maintained with a minimum 10 -foot clearance on each
side of the traveled section.
■ Large vacant parcels located in Hazardous Watershed Fire Areas bordering on
developed areas (urban/wildland interface) shall have a 100 -foot fuel break
cleared along the entire interface border.
Goals and Policies
Goal 6.0
Reduce the risk to the community from hazards related to wildfires and structural
fires.
Policy 6.1: Continue to implement the fire hazard reduction goals and policies set
forth in the Ventura County General Plan.
Policy 6.2: Develop education and mitigation strategies that focus on enhanced
hazards in the months of August, September, and October, when dry
vegetation and Santa Ana winds coexist.
Policy 6.3: Continue to require noncombustible roofing materials for new and
replacement roofing.
City of Moorpark 7 -3 Safety Element
Flow (gallons
Duration
Fire Suppression
Residual
Land Use
per minute)
(hours)
Storage
Pressure
million ga Ions
(psi)
Residential Single-Family
2,000
4
0.48
20
Residential- Estate,
2,500
4
0.60
30
Single Family Frontier
Residential Multi-Family
3,000
4
0.72
20
Commercial /Industrial
4,000
1-4
4
0.96
20
Schools
1 3,500
0.84
20
The District has many programs aimed at fire prevention and protection, including
the Fire Hazard Reduction Program. Key provisions include the following clearance
requirements:
■ Clearance around structures shall be not less than 100 feet.
■ Single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery, or ground covers are
permissible, provided they do not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from
the native growth to any structure. Such specimens shall be spaced a minimum
of 15 feet from other specimens, structures, or surrounding native brush.
■ Roof surfaces shall be maintained free of accumulations of leaves, needles,
twigs, or any other combustible materials.
■ Clearance should be 10 feet around propane tanks.
■ Access roads shall be maintained with a minimum 10 -foot clearance on each
side of the traveled section.
■ Large vacant parcels located in Hazardous Watershed Fire Areas bordering on
developed areas (urban/wildland interface) shall have a 100 -foot fuel break
cleared along the entire interface border.
Goals and Policies
Goal 6.0
Reduce the risk to the community from hazards related to wildfires and structural
fires.
Policy 6.1: Continue to implement the fire hazard reduction goals and policies set
forth in the Ventura County General Plan.
Policy 6.2: Develop education and mitigation strategies that focus on enhanced
hazards in the months of August, September, and October, when dry
vegetation and Santa Ana winds coexist.
Policy 6.3: Continue to require noncombustible roofing materials for new and
replacement roofing.
City of Moorpark 7 -3 Safety Element
FIRE HAZARDS
Policy 6.4: Continue a public education through the County Fire Protection
District's Community Education /Public Information Division to inform
residents as to how they can help reduce fire hazards.
City of Moorpark 7 -4 Safety Element
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
VIII. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Major emergencies occur periodically in all communities. Proper emergency planning is
an essential action to minimize the disruption, personal injury, and property damage
associated with such events. Preventative measures and preparatory responses before
an emergency occurs will hasten recovery.
A. Earthquake Preparedness
Following an earthquake, the ability of roads and critical facilities to support response
and recovery operations affects the ultimate level of upset. Critical facilities are
those parts of the infrastructure that must remain operational to provide shelter,
medical services, law enforcement, fire protection, and similar public safety
functions. Critical facilities include schools, hospitals, fire and police stations,
emergency operation centers, and communication centers. Figure 8 -1 illustrates the
locations of Moorpark's fire stations, police stations, schools, and other essential
facilities in relation to local seismic hazards.
Lifelines are those services critical to the health, safety, and functioning of the
community, and are particularly essential for emergency response and recovery after
an earthquake. Lifeline systems include water, sewage, electrical power,
communication, transportation, natural gas, and liquid fuel systems.
In Moorpark, several critical facilities and lifeline systems are located within the 100 -
and 500 -year floodplain (see Section 6, Flooding of this element). These include the
Southern California Edison Substation, the Amtrak Station, the Moorpark Water
Treatment Plant, Police Service Center, Post Office, Chapparel Middle School, and
Arroyo West School.
B. Hazardous Materials Preparedness
As discussed in Section 5 of this Safety Element, several programs are in place to
reduce the risks of hazardous materials, including a Household Hazardous Waste
Element and regulations set forth by the Ventura County Fire Protection District. The
Moorpark Administrative Services Department has included an Emergency
Management Plan to enhance the City's Multihazard Functional Plan. Moorpark
participates in a County -wide interagency coalition to better utilize the expertise and
equipment that exists within all participating fire departments. The County of Ventura
coalition is considered a full - service Hazardous Materials Division.
C. Fire Preparedness
Section 7 of this Element outlined the fire hazards within Moorpark and programs for
fire prevention and suppression. Each Spring, the Ventura County Fire Protection
District inspects properties and notifies owners of fire hazards and compliance
requirements. The Ventura County Sheriff's Department Office of Emergency
Services provides public information on emergency response notification,
_ evacuation, and sheltering due to fire.
City of Moorpark 8 -1 Safety Element
23 Simi
' Campus Park Dr. i Valley
B
i ®0^ B i
Los A ales Ave. .— .. —...I
I
® ` ••'�•I ® ZR a� Rd
l B ® B
1
�..— ..— ..— ..— ..— ..—..............
Government Building
® Fire Station
Police Service Center
® Water Treatment Plant
--- -- City Boundary
......•••••• Area of Interest
Thousand Oaks
MTrain Station Source: Earth Consultants International;
Thomas Guide, Santa Barbara,
School San Luis Obispo and Ventura Counties,
1999
Moorpark Map,
Moorpark Chamber of Commerce
O.PK C��•
Op t0
O 1
r
1
L
n
09' �
0
L- - -L - -- I .- J Figure 8--1
North ° ' 2 ini1es Critical Facilities
City of Moorpark 8 -2
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
D. Emergency Services
Moorpark has developed an Emergency Services Program to maintain a responsible
level of emergency preparedness in the City. The program includes the following
components.
• City staff receives training in emergency preparedness, management, and
mitigation.
• The City maintains an Emergency Operations Center.
• The City Organizes and trains a Disaster Assistant Response Team (DART)
comprised of Moorpark resident volunteers.
• The City promotes emergency planning, training, public awareness, and
education for emergency preparedness.
Goals and Policies
Goal 7.0
Improve the ability of the City to respond effectively to natural and human - caused
emergencies.
Policy 7.1: Continue the development of local preparedness plans and multi -
jurisdictional cooperation and communication for emergency
situations.
Policy 7.2: Educate residents and businesses regarding appropriate actions to
safeguard life and property during and immediately after emergencies.
Policy 7.3: Develop flood warning systems and evacuation plans for those
portions of the 100- and 500 -year flood zones that have already been
developed (especially important for areas near the Arroyo Simi and for
existing critical facilities and lifeline systems).
Policy 7.4: Ensure that new critical facilities are not permitted in floodplains
unless they are elevated above the projected inundation depths
and /or otherwise protected.
City of Moorpark 8 -3 Safety Element
IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
IX. IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
The Safety Element Implementation Program provides a guide for City elected officials
and staff to implement adopted Safety Element policies. The Implementation Program
translates from general terms to specific actions the overall direction provided in the
Safety Element to reduce the potential risk of death, injuries, property damage, and
economic and social dislocation resulting from hazards. Each strategy outlined in this
Implementation Program relates directly to policies outlined in the previous sections of
the Safety Element.
The Implementation Plan identifies actions, procedures, and techniques and describes
the agency /department responsible for implementation, as well as targeted time frames.
A. Geologic and Seismic Hazards
1. Minimize damage from earthquakes and other geologic activity
Implement the most recent state and seismic requirements for structural design of new
development and redevelopment.
Responsible Agency /Department: Planning, Building and Safety, Engineering
Funding Source: General Fund, development fees
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: 1. 1, 1.4, 3.1
2. Alquist- Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone
Require development proposals within the Simi Santa Rosa Fault Zone to include a
geologic investigation, including fault trenching. After the geologic investigation,
appropriate structural setbacks may be recommended.
Responsible Agency /Department: Planning, Building and Safety, Engineering
Funding Source: Development fees
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: 1.2
3. Soil and Geotechnical Surveys
During review of development proposals, require surveys of soil and geologic conditions
by state - licensed Engineering Geologists and Civil Engineers where appropriate.
Responsible Agency /Department: Planning, Building and Safety, Engineering
Funding Source: General Fund, development fees
City of Moorpark 8 -1 Safety Element
IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: 1.2, 3.1
4. Review and update the City's Hillside Management Ordinance
Review and update the Hillside Management Ordinance (Chapter 17.38) to reduce
hazards from slope instability and failure.
Responsible Agency /Department: Planning, Building and Safety, Engineering
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: By 2004
Related Policies: 3.2, 3.3
5. Building Inventory
Conduct a building inventory to locate, count, and identify buildings by structural type
and occupancy. Weak structures shall be retrofitted or rehabilitated to current building
and fire codes.
Responsible Agency /Department: Planning, Building and Safety, Engineering
Funding Source: General Fund, property owners
Time Frame: Inventory by 2005; ongoing retrofit and rehabilitation
Related Policies: 1.3
6. Liquefaction Monitoring
Continue to monitor groundwater levels in all potential liquefaction areas of the city. If
water levels reach within 40 feet of the surface, the City Engineer shall require
appropriate mitigation measures for new development of large structures that may be
affected. If water levels reach within 15 feet of the surface, mitigation for other new
structures may be required.
Responsible Agency /Department: Planning, Building and Safety, Engineering
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: 1.7
7. Subsidence
Undertake a comprehensive program to reduce use of local groundwater resources and
to recharge basins to guard against future subsidence. Measures to be implemented
City of Moorpark 9 -2 Safety Element
IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
include use of reclaimed water for landscaping, capture of storm water runoff for
beneficial reuse (including recharge), and ordinances requiring low- water -use plumbing
fixtures in new developments.
Responsible Agency /Department: Planning, Building and Safety, Engineering, Ventura
County Flood Control District, Calleguas Municipal Water District
Funding Source: General Fund, state and federal grants
Time Frame: By 2010
Related Policies: 3.4
B. Hazardous Materials and Wastes
1. Natural Hazard Overlays
Business plans submitted to the Ventura County Environmental Health Division for
businesses that handle hazardous materials in the City of Moorpark will include
engineering techniques to reduce the potential of hazardous materials tank spills during
an earthquake. For those businesses located within 100- or 500 -year flood zones, the
business plan shall also provide mitigation measures to reduce the impact on surface
waters from hazardous materials leaks during a natural disaster.
Responsible Agency /Department: Community Services, Building and Safety, Public
Works, Ventura County Environmental Health Division
Funding Source: General Fund, Ventura County Environmental Health Division
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: 4.3
2. Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS)
The City will maintain a Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS)
Multihazard Functional Plan that meets the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization
Act (SARA) of 1986. This emergency plan includes the location of local facilities and
transportation routes where hazardous materials are present and an immediate
response for accidents involving hazardous materials. The SEMS plan will be reviewed,
tested, and updated each year.
Responsible Agency /Department: City Manager, Building and Safety, Community
Services
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: 4.1
City of Moorpark 9 -3 Safety Element
IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
3. NPDES
Continue participation in the Ventura County Stormwater Program (local enforcer of the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System).
Responsible Agency /Department: City Manager, Public Works, Ventura County
Stormwater Program
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: 4.1
4. Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Element
Maintain and update the City's HHW Element in accordance with the California
Integrated Solid Waste Management Act of 1989. Continue public education about
household hazardous waste disposal and the use of the existing drop -off facilities.
Responsible Agency /Department: Community Services
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: 4.2
C. Flooding
1. National Flood Insurance Program
Continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Responsible Agency /Department: Public Works
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: 5.1
2. Flood Warning System
Adopt a flood warning system and evacuation plan for properties within the 100- and
500 -year flood zones that have already been developed.
Responsible Agency /Department: Planning, Engineering, Building and Safety, Ventura
County Sheriff's Department of Emergency Services, Ventura County Fire Protection
District, Ventura County Flood Control District, Calleguas Municipal Water District
City of Moorpark 8 -4 Safety Element
IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
Funding Source: General Fund, Ventura County Flood Control District, Calleguas
Municipal Water District
Time Frame: By 2005 and ongoing
Related Policies: 7.3
3. Inundation Evacuation Plan
Develop an evacuation plan for populated areas within the limits of inundation below the
Wood Ranch Reservoir, per State law.
Responsible Agency /Department: Planning, Engineering, Building and Safety, Ventura
County Sheriff's Department of Emergency Services, Ventura County Fire Protection
District, Ventura County Flood Control District, Calleguas Municipal Water District
Funding Source: General Fund, Ventura County Flood Control District, Calleguas
Municipal Water District
Time Frame: By 2005 and ongoing
Related Policies: 7.2
4. Flood Control System
Coordinate with the Ventura County Flood Control District (VCFCD) regarding flood
control and mitigation from new development. Review proposed development projects
to determine potential increased runoff and alterations to natural stream courses.
Impose conditions on new development as appropriate, including catch basins, culverts,
and detention basins, among others. Land development planning can include leaving
stream courses natural or as developed open space that can withstand inundation.
Responsible Agency /Department: Planning, Engineering, Building and Safety, Ventura
County Flood Control District
Funding Source: Development fees, Ventura County Flood Control District
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: 5.2, 5.3
5. Flood Control Structures
Continue to improve flood control structures throughout the city. Retrofit any flood
control structures at risk of structural failure to minimize damage from earthquakes.
Responsible Agency /Department: Public Works, Ventura County Waterworks District No.
1, Calleguas Municipal Water District
Funding Source: General Fund, Ventura County Waterworks District No. 1, Calleguas
Municipal Water District
City of Moorpark 9 -5 Safety Element
IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: 5.4
D. Fire Hazards
1. Fire Prevention Education
Develop an education program that informs property owners about what they can do to
reduce the risk of fire on their property. The most important mitigation strategy is
maintaining a fire -safe landscape, which creates a defensible space around structures.
The width of the defensible space should be based on the relative wildland fire
susceptibility of the area. Education should focus on the higher hazard present in the
months of August, September, and October.
Responsible Agency /Department: Planning, Engineering, Ventura County Fire Protection
District
Funding Source: General Fund, Ventura County Fire Protection District
Time Frame: By 2001 and ongoing
Related Policies: 6.2, 6.4
-' 2. Fire Hazard Reduction Ordinance
Adopt a fire hazard reduction ordinance based on the standards developed by the State
Fire Marshall Fire Engineering Division. These standards include: road standards for fire
equipment access, structural standards, and fuel modification standards.
Responsible Agency /Department: Building and Safety, Engineering, Ventura County Fire
Protection District
Funding Source: General Fund, development fees
Time Frame: By 2002
Related Policies: 7.1
3. Safety Standards
Maintain restrictions on the use of untreated wood shingles or shakes for new or
replacement roofing. Update fire -flow requirements to reflect the most recent Uniform
Fire Code standards.
Responsible Agency /Department: Planning, Building and Safety, Ventura County Fire
Protection District, Engineering
Funding Source: General Fund, development fees
City of Moorpark 9 -6 Safety Element
IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: 6.3
4. Adequate Water Supplies
Coordinate with the Ventura County Fire Protection District to ensure that developed
areas of the city have sufficient water supplies nearby for fire - fighting purposes.
Responsible Agency /Department: Building and Safety, Ventura County Fire Protection
District, Engineering
Funding Source: General Fund, development fees
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: 7.1
5. Fire -flow Requirements
Update fire -flow requirements to reflect the most recent Uniform Fire Code standards.
Responsible Agency /Department: Building and Safety, Ventura County Fire Protection
District, Engineering
Funding Source: General Fund, development fees
Time Frame: By 2001 and ongoing
Related Policies: 7.1
6. Ventura County General Plan
Continue to work with the County Fire Protection District, County Public Works Agency,
and the County Sheriff's Department of Emergency Services to carry out the policies set
forth in the Ventura County General Plan.
Responsible Agency /Department: Planning, Building and Safety, Engineering, Ventura
County Fire Protection District, County Public Works Agency, Ventura County Sheriff's
Department of Emergency Services
Funding Source: General Fund, Ventura County Fire Protection District, County Public
Works Agency, Ventura County Sheriff's Department of Emergency Services
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: 6.1
City of Moorpark 9 -7 Safety Element
IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
E. Emergency Preparedness
1. Coordination with County Departments and Agencies
Continue to coordinate emergency preparedness related to seismic and geologic
hazards, hazardous materials, and fire hazards with the appropriate County agency or
department.
Responsible Agency /Department: Community Services, Planning, Building and Safety,
Ventura County Fire Protection District, Ventura County Sheriff's Department of
Emergency Services
Funding Source: General Fund, Ventura County Fire Protection District, Ventura County
Sheriff's Department of Emergency Services
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: 1.6, 3.4, 4.4, 7.1
2. Emergency Services Program
Continue the City's Emergency Services Program that focuses on public education and
emergency preparation.
Responsible Agency /Department: Community Services, Building and Safety
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 4.2, 5.5, 7.1, 7.2
3. Location of New Critical Facilities
Ensure that new critical facilities are not located within the 100- or 500 -year flood zones
unless the facilities are elevated above the projected inundation depths and/or otherwise
protected.
Responsible Agency /Department: Engineering, Building and Safety
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: Ongoing
Related Policies: 7.4
City of Moorpark 8 -8 Safety Element
IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
4. Community Education
Establish an educational program for local school children that teaches the importance
of emergency preparedness and informs participants of the local conditions affecting
emergency preparedness planning and safety awareness in Moorpark.
Responsible Agency /Department: Community Services, Ventura County Fire Protection
District.
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: By 2003 and ongoing
Related Policies: 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, 4.2, 6.2, 6.4, 7.2
City of Moorpark 9 -9 Safety Element
GLOSSARY
X. GLOSSARY
Alquist - Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act — A state law, signed in 1972, with the
primary purpose to mitigate the hazard of fault rupture by prohibiting the location of
structures for human occupancy across the trace of faults.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) — A state law (California Public
Resources Code Section 21000 et. seq.) requiring state and local agencies to regulate
activities with consideration for environmental protection. If a proposed activity has the
potential for a significant adverse environmental impact, an Environmental Impact
Report (EIR) must be prepared and certified as to its adequacy before an agency may
take action on the proposed project. EIRs may be required to identify geologic and
seismic hazards, and to recommend potential mitigation measures, thus giving the local
agency the authority to regulate private development projects in the early stages of
planning.
California Seismic Hazards Mapping Act — Passed by the State in 1990 to address
non - surface fault rupture earthquake hazards, including strong ground shaking,
liquefaction, and seismically induced landslides.
Critical Facilities - Those facilities whose continued functioning is necessary to
maintain public health and safety following a disaster. These facilities include fire and
police stations, communications facilities, emergency operation centers, hospitals,
administrative buildings, and schools designated as mass care shelters.
Dam Inundation (Seismically Induced Inundation) — Flooding which occurs as a
result of the failure of water retention structures (such as dams) during an earthquake.
Detention Basin — A structure or facility, natural or artificial, which stores stormwater on
a temporary basis and releases it at a controlled rate.
Fault - A fracture in the earth's crust forming a boundary between rock masses that have
shifted.
Fault, Active - A fault showing proven displacement of the ground surface within
approximately the last 11,000 years.
Fault, Inactive - A fault which shows no evidence of movement in the last 11,000 years
and no potential for movement in the relatively near future.
Fault, Potentially Active — A fault showing evidence of movement within the last 1.6
million years (modified to 750,000 years by the U.S. Geological Survey); or a fault which,
because it is judged to be capable of ground rupture or shaking, poses an unacceptable
risk for a proposed structure.
FEMA — Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Fire Flow - A rate of water flow from a hydrant or similar feature that should be
maintained to halt and reverse the spread of a fire.
City of Moorpark 10 -1 Safety Element
GLOSSARY
Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) — For each community, the official map on which the
Federal Insurance Administration has delineated areas of special flood hazard and the
risk premium zones applicable to that community.
Floodplain - A lowland or relatively flat area adjoining the banks of a river or stream
which is subject to a one percent or greater chance or flooding in any given year (i.e.,
100 -year flood).
Floodway - The channel of a watercourse or river, and portions of the floodplain
adjoining the channel, which are reasonably required to carry and discharge the base
flood of the channel.
Grade - The degree of rise or descent of a sloping surface.
Ground Failure - Mudslide, landslide, liquefaction (see this Glossary), or the
compaction of soils due to ground shaking from an earthquake.
Ground Shaking — Ground movement resulting from the transmission of seismic waves
during an earthquake.
Groundwater - The supply of fresh water under the ground surface in an aquifer or soil
that forms a natural reservoir.
Hazardous Materials - An injurious substance, including pesticides, herbicides, toxic
metals and chemicals, liquefied natural gas, explosives, volatile chemicals and nuclear
fuels.
Implementation Measure - An action, procedure, program, or technique that carries out
general plan policy.
Infrastructure - The physical systems and services which support development and
population, such as roadways, railroads, water, sewer, natural gas, electrical generation
and transmission, telephone, cable television, storm drainage, and others.
Landslide - A general term for a falling or sliding mass of soil or rocks.
Lifelines — Services particularly essential for emergency response and recovery after an
earthquake. Lifeline systems include water, sewage, electrical power, communication,
transportation, natural gas, and liquid fuel systems.
Liquefaction - A process by which water - saturated granular soils transform from a solid
to a liquid state due to groundshaking. This phenomenon usually results from shaking
from energy waves released in an earthquake.
Mitigate — To ameliorate, alleviate, or avoid to the extent reasonably feasible.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) — A program, authorized
by the federal government and administered by the State Regional Water Quality Control
Board, which requires most new development projects to incorporate measures to
City of Moorpark 10 -2 Safety Element
GLOSSARY
minimize pollutant levels in storm water runoff. Compliance is required at the time
construction permits are issued, as well as over the long term through periodic
inspections.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) — The National Flood Insurance Program,
managed by FEMA, makes federally backed flood insurance available in communities
that agree to adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances to reduce future
flood damage.
Policy - Statements which guide action and imply clear commitment on the part of
decision makers (e.g., "Continue to require noncombustible roofing materials for new
and replacement roofing. ")
Program - A coordinated set of specific measures and actions (e.g., zoning, subdivision
procedures, and capital expenditures) the local government intends to use in carrying
out the policies of the general plan.
Seiche — An earthquake - generated wave in an enclosed body of water such as a lake,
reservoir, or bay.
Seismic — Caused by or subject to earthquakes or earth vibrations.
Seismically Induced Landslides — Landslides which occur when strong ground
motions exacerbate existing unstable slope conditions, particularly if coupled with
saturated ground conditions.
Seismically Induced Settlement — Under certain conditions, strong ground shaking can
cause the densification of soils, resulting in local or regional settlement of the ground
surface. This type of ground failure typically occurs in loose granular, cohesionless
soils, and can occur in either wet or dry conditions.
Sewer - Any pipe or conduit used to collect and carry away sewage from the generating
source to a treatment plant.
Sphere of Influence —The probable ultimate physical boundaries and service area of a
local agency (city or district) as determined by the Local Agency Formation Commission
(LAFCO) of the County.
Slope — Land gradient described as the vertical rise divided by the horizontal run, and
expressed in percent.
Solid Waste - Unwanted or discarded material, including garbage with insufficient liquid
content to be free flowing, generally disposed of in landfills or incinerated.
Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) — Areas determined by FEMA that have a one
percent chance of a major flood event occurring in any one year.
Subsidence — The sudden sinking or gradual downward settling and compaction of soil
_ and other surface material with little or no horizontal motion. Subsidence may be
caused by a variety of human and natural activities, including earthquakes.
City of Moorpark 10 -3 Safety Element
GLOSSARY
Uniform Building Code (UBC) — A standard building code which sets forth minimum
standards for construction.
Water Course - Any natural or artificial stream, river, creek, ditch, channel, canal,
conduit, culvert, drain, waterway, gully, ravine or wash in which water flows in a definite
channel, bed and banks, and includes any area adjacent thereto subject to inundation by
reason of overflow or flood water.
City of Moorpark 10 -4 Safety Element