HomeMy WebLinkAboutPalm Desert LHMP 2017
2017
Prepared by:
City of Palm Desert
5/1/2017
LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION
PLAN
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LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
MAY 2016
CONTACT INFORMATION
City of Palm Desert
Eric W. Cadden
Emergency Services Coordinator
73-510 Fred Waring Rd
Palm Desert CA 92260
Direct Contact:
Fax: 760-340-0574
Email: ecadden@cityofpalmdesert.org
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LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
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PLAN ADOPTION/RESOLUTION
The City of Palm Desert will submit plans to Riverside County Emergency
Management Department who will forward to California Governor’s Office of
Emergency Services (CAL OES) for review prior to being submitted to the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA). In addition, we will wait to receive an “Approval Pending
Adoption” letter from FEMA before taking the plan to our local governing bodies for adoption.
Upon approval, the City of Palm Desert will insert the signed resolution.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this local hazard mitigation plan is to identify the County’s hazards, review and
assess past disaster occurrences, estimate the probability of future occurrences and set goals to
mitigate potential risks to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural
and man-made hazards.
The plan was prepared pursuant to the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 to
achieve eligibility and potentially secure mitigation funding through Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Mitigation Assistance, Pre-Disaster Mitigation, and Hazard
Mitigation Grant Programs.
The City of Palm Desert’s continual efforts to maintain a disaster-mitigation strategy is on-going.
Our goal is to develop and maintain an all-inclusive plan to include all jurisdictions, special
districts, businesses and community organizations to promote consistency, continuity and
unification.
The City’s planning process followed a methodology presented by FEMA and CAL-OES which
included conducting meetings with the Operational Area Planning Committee (OAPC)
coordinated by Riverside County Emergency Management Department (EMD) comprised of
participating Federal, State and local jurisdictions agencies, special districts, school districts,
non-profit communities, universities, businesses, tribes and general public.
The plan identifies vulnerabilities, provides recommendations for prioritized mitigation actions,
evaluates resources and identifies mitigation shortcomings, provides future mitigation planning
and maintenance of existing plan.
The plan will be implemented upon FEMA approval.
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TABLE OF CONTENT
Table of Contents
CONTACT INFORMATION ....................................................................................................................... 1
PLAN ADOPTION/RESOLUTION ............................................................................................................. 2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................... 3
TABLE OF CONTENT ............................................................................................................................... 4
SECTION 1.0 - COMMUNITY PROFILE ................................................................................................... 6
1.1 CITY MAP ............................................................................................................................... 6
1.2 GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE DESCRIPTION........................................................................ 7
1.3 BRIEF HISTORY ..................................................................................................................... 8
1.4 ECONOMY DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................... 8
1.5 POPULATION AND HOUSING ............................................................................................... 8
1.6 BRIEF STATEMENT OF UNIQUE HAZARDS ......................................................................... 9
1.7 DEVELOPMENT TRENDS AND LAND USE ......................................................................... 10
SECTION 2.0 - PLANNING PROCESS ................................................................................................... 11
2.1 LOCAL PLANNING PROCESS ............................................................................................. 11
2.2 PARTICIPATION IN REGIONAL (OA) PLANNING PROCESS .............................................. 11
2.3 DATES AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ..................................................................... 12
2.4 PLANS ADOPTED BY RESOLUTION ................................................................................... 12
SECTION 3.0 – MITIGATION ACTIONS/UPDATES ............................................................................... 12
3.1 UPDATES FROM 2005 PLAN ............................................................................................... 12
3.2 NEW HAZARDS OR CHANGES FROM 2005 ....................................................................... 12
3.3 BRIEF STATEMENT OF UNIQUE HAZARDS ....................................................................... 12
3.4 MITIGATION PROJECT UPDATES ...................................................................................... 13
SECTION 4.0 - HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK ASSESSMENT ................................................. 14
4.1 CRITICAL FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURES .............................................................. 14
4.2 ESTIMATING POTENTIAL LOSS.......................................................................................... 14
4.3 TABLE REPLACEMENT VALUES......................................................................................... 14
4.4 IDENTIFICATION OF RISKS AND VULNERABILITIES ........................................................ 16
SECTION 5.0 – COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM ................................................................................... 20
5.1 REPETITIVE LOSS PROPERTIES ....................................................................................... 20
5.2 NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROPERTIES .................................................................. 20
SECTION 6.0 - CAPABILITIES ASSESSMENT ...................................................................................... 21
6.1 REGULATORY MITIGATION CAPABILITIES ....................................................................... 21
6.2 ADMINISTRATIVE/TECHNICAL MITIGATION CAPABILITIES ............................................. 22
6.3 FISCAL MITIGATION CAPABILITIES ................................................................................... 22
6.5 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES ................................................................................................ 25
SECTION 7.0 - MITIGATION STRATEGIES ........................................................................................... 25
7.1 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES................................................................................................... 25
7.2 MITIGATION ACTIONS ......................................................................................................... 26
7.3 ON-GOING MITIGATION STRATEGY PROGRAMS ............................................................. 27
7.4 FUTURE MITIGATION STRATEGIES ................................................................................... 27
SECTION 8.0 - PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINTENANCE PROCESS ........................................ 27
SECTION 9.0 - INCORPORATION INTO EXISTING PLANNING MECHANISMS .................................. 29
SECTION 10.0 - CONTINUED PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT ........................................................................ 29
APPENDIX A – PUBLIC NOTICES AND MAPS ...................................................................................... 30
APPENDIX B – INVENTORY WORKSHEETS ........................................................................................ 31
APPENDIX C – PLAN REVIEW TOOL/CROSSWALK ............................................................................ 32
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PAGE BLANK INTENTIONALLY
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SECTION 1.0 - COMMUNITY PROFILE
1.1 CITY MAP
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1.2 GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE DESCRIPTION
The City of Palm Desert is a charter city in Riverside County. The City of Palm Desert is a
business, resort, and residential community centrally located in the heart of the Coachella
Valley, in southeastern Riverside County, California. Known as the cultural and retail center
of the desert communities, the City is only 125 miles east of Los Angeles and just 15 miles
east of Palm Springs. The valley is flanked on three sides by the Little San Bernardino,
Santa Rosa, and San Jacinto Mountains. The protection afforded by the mountains
contributes to the arid climate. Average rainfall per year is less than four inches total. Low
temperatures rarely drop below freezing, while highs during the summer are usually in the
triple digits and can reach into the 108-120 degrees Fahrenheit; however, it’s a “dry” heat,
with occasional periods of high humidity in the late summer months. Visitors from colder
climates flock to Palm Desert and surrounding cities in the Coachella Valley from November
to May because of our extremely mild winters. Palm Desert’s climate can be described as
lower California desert.
Figure 1.2.1 – Climate Data Chart for City of Palm Desert
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1.3 BRIEF HISTORY
The City of Palm Desert incorporated as a charter city on November 26, 1973. It has a
“Council-Manager” charter city form of government where the City Manager is appointed by
the City Council and is the Chief Executive Officer of the Municipal Corporation. The Council
acts as the board of directors of the municipal corporation and meets in a public forum where
citizens may participate in the governmental process. The City Council consists of five
members elected at-large, on a non-partisan basis.
1.4 ECONOMY DESCRIPTION
The City of Palm Desert obtains most of its financial needs through sales taxes and transient
occupational taxes. These transient occupational taxes are from hotels or when a conference
is held at any of the resorts located in the City. The City also relies heavily on the income
provided through tourism.
1.5 POPULATION AND HOUSING
The population of the City of Palm Desert, California is estimated at 49,335. Palm Desert has
a seasonal increase in population of 32,000. Seasonal residents may spend fall, winter and
spring in Palm Desert and are in addition to the permanent population. Major conventions
and events in Palm Desert and adjacent communities also increase our local population.
Commented [e1]: Steve will need to help to information
I think I might have some language for this in our GP
Technical Background report. --RS
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2016 SCAG Report Population Statistical Summary
1.6 BRIEF STATEMENT OF UNIQUE HAZARDS
The Safety Element addresses a broad range of issues and hazards that affect the
community and residents of Palm Desert. Hazards and strategies from the Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan (LHMP) Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP), Riverside
County Unit Fire Plan, and Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) provide a foundation for policy
development in this element. The Safety Element also reflects technical information on the
extent and scope of hazards, as described in the City of Palm Desert Existing Conditions
Report (2015). Relevant sections in the report include Section 7 (Geology and Soils), Section
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8 (Hazards and Hazardous Materials), Section 9 (Hydrology and Water Quality), and Section
15 (Public Services, Utilities, and Recreation). These sections provide technical information
on hazards, in addition to context regarding the local, state and federal regulatory framework.
1.7 DEVELOPMENT TRENDS AND LAND USE
The City of Palm Desert is located in the center of the Coachella Valley, which is in the
geographic center of Riverside County. The city is bordered by Rancho Mirage to the west
and Indian Wells to the south and east, and the unincorporated community of Bermuda
Dunes to the east. The existing city limits generally extend southward from Interstate 10, past
Highway 111 and along Highway 74 to the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains between
Monterey Avenue and Washington Street. The City’s Sphere of Influence (SOI)
encompasses areas to the north and south of the city, including portions of the Santa Rosa
Mountains south of the city limits and the unincorporated communities of Bermuda Dunes to
the east, and Sun City Palm Desert north of Interstate 10. Figure 2.1 depicts the Palm Desert
City Limits, SOI and location relative to other nearby cities or communities.
The General Plan area covers 44,533 acres, or 69.9 square miles. The City’s corporate
boundaries include 17,256 acres, while 27,277 acres, or 42.6 square miles, constitute the
City’s sphere of influence. Within the city, there are approximately 2,700 acres of
undeveloped land, much of which is in the northern portion of the city.
The city currently offers a wide range of housing opportunities, from rental apartments to
multi-million dollar estates. Like many California communities, much of Palm Desert’s
housing was constructed in a suburban context in which value is in part derived from the
separation and isolation of neighborhoods from the rest of the city. This trend is most striking
when viewing a map of the city’s gated communities and has likely contributed to Palm
Desert’s success at attracting seasonal residents.
During the last General Plan cycle, the City initiated the development of the California State
University and University of California campuses, expanding the city’s educational
opportunities. This move presents great educational, economic, and overall quality of life
offerings. However, to fully capitalize on the opportunity, the City will need to make sure it
appropriately plans for enough land in the vicinity of the universities to accommodate new
students, faculty, and university supportive businesses. Additionally, it will be very important
for the City to ensure that all new development in the area is interconnected so as to form a
cohesive university area.
Palm Desert has also concluded that the development of the Highway 111 corridor area into
a downtown presents an important opportunity for maintaining and improving the City’s
position as a premier destination for tourists, visitors, and shoppers. The City’s strategy is to
focus on retail business retention and the redevelopment of underutilized commercial areas
in order to protect and grow Palm Desert’s market position. The City’s strategy also includes
transitioning the Highway 111 corridor into a walkable City Center district where visitors and
residents alike can employ a “park once” approach. In part, this approach is based on
leveraging the success of the walkable “Main Street” form and character of El Paseo. The
City is also responding to strong market and demographic trends, driven by the Baby Boomer
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and Millennial generations, exhibiting strong demand for walkable, connected places over
isolated, automobile-oriented places. As such, this General Plan contains strategies that
emphasize the connectivity between housing, jobs, and services as well as the City’s desire
to enhance resident mobility through high quality transit and transit-supportive development.
In sum, this strategy aims to create a true downtown, enhancing the city’s identity, quality of
life, and economic competitiveness.
As the city continues to grow, infill development will be a critical land use strategy. This
strategy will allow the city to continue to grow and allow the city to continue to protect and
preserve its hillsides and natural environment. These amenities create the striking natural
beauty that is at the heart of Palm Desert’s identity.
SECTION 2.0 - PLANNING PROCESS
2.1 LOCAL PLANNING PROCESS
Representatives from various City departments were contacted to determine if any projects
or activities were necessary in mitigating the identified hazards to Palm Desert. Each
representative was invited to participate in the planning process and to attend meetings via
emails. The plan was also sent out to each participant through email. The City of Palm
Desert General Plan also contains an Environmental Hazards Chapter that outlines various
hazards and mitigation steps, which includes a goal, policies, and programs regarding the
identified environmental hazards. The General Plan also includes a Safety Element which
addresses a broad range of issues and hazards that affect the community.
The following members from these departments all worked on the plan: Planning Department
(Planning Director), Human Resources (Human Resources Director), Risk Management
(Risk Manager), Building and Safety (Building Official), Public Works (City Engineer).
2.2 PARTICIPATION IN REGIONAL (OA) PLANNING PROCESS
The City of Palm Desert participated in the Regional LHMP planning process with the
Riverside County Operational Area by attending LHMP meetings and public hearings.
The City of Palm Desert participated in various Riverside County conferences, and meetings,
including:
• Operational Area Planning Committee: Beaumont City Call, 1/12/2017 9:00 a.m. – 12:00
p.m.
• FEMA G-318 Training: Moreno Valley 4/3/2017 – 4/4/2017 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Operational Area Planning Committee: Beaumont City Hall, 4/5/2017 9:00 a.m. – 12:00
p.m.
• Meeting with Riverside County LHMP Coordinator: Palm Desert City Hall, 5/3/2017 10:30
a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
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• Numerous coordination sessions via email and telephone with Riverside County’s LHMP
Emergency Services Coordinator.
2.3 DATES AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
April 13, 2017: Update on LHMP was given at Disaster Preparedness Meeting. No comments
were made at this opportunity. Sign-In sheet included in Appendix A.
April 17, 2017: Update on LHMP was given at Public Safety Commission meeting. No
comments were made at this opportunity. Agenda included in Appendix A.
Posted on City Website between May 17, 2017- June 2, 2017 for public input. No comments
were made during this opportunity. Screenshot of website included in Appendix A.
2.4 PLANS ADOPTED BY RESOLUTION
The City of Palm Desert will present the LHMP Annex to City Council to adopt at a public
meeting, via an official Resolution upon FEMA approval.
SECTION 3.0 – MITIGATION ACTIONS/UPDATES
3.1 UPDATES FROM 2012 PLAN
There are no significant changes since the approval of the 2012 plan.
3.2 NEW HAZARDS OR CHANGES FROM 2012
The City of Palm Desert planning team has reviewed the hazards that affect the City and
summarized their frequency of occurrence, spatial extent, potential magnitude, and
significance specific to Palm Desert and have concluded that there are no changes or
additional hazards from the 2012 plan
3.3 BRIEF STATEMENT OF UNIQUE HAZARDS
The most prominent hazards faced by residents, businesses, and visitors of Palm Desert
are a major earthquake on the southern section of the San Andreas Earthquake Fault
line, localized flash flooding in winter months, dust storms, high wind storms, and drought.
A long term power outage in summer months could produce life threatening extreme heat
conditions for residents without access to air conditioning. Palm Desert could also be
impacted by terrorism or bio-terrorism that initially targets the Los Angeles Metropolitan
Area, and then spreads the impacts to all neighboring communities. The City of Palm
Desert has experienced the following hazards:
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• September 9-12, 1976 & August 13-18, 1977- As a result of two Pacific hurricane
systems, Kathleen and Doreen, which became significant tropical storms, Palm
Desert suffered considerable flood damage. The City’s obviously inadequate flood
control system was addressed through significant infrastructure improvements, to
mitigate future flood damage.
• December 26, 2006- City Hall was closed for three days and the EOC was
activated and served as the Military/Federal Government/Local Government
Command Center in response to the death of President Gerald R. Ford.
• July 30, 2015- The Palm Desert Country Club neighborhood experienced an
isolated high wind/storm event that caused temporary flooding, loss of power for 24
hours, numerous trees being uprooted, and damaged homes from falling trees and
high winds.
3.4 MITIGATION PROJECT UPDATES
The City has completed the following mitigation project identified on 2005 plan:
Portola Avenue Bridge Project
The City of Palm Desert Public Works Department constructed a new 447-foot four lane
bridge over the Whitewater Channel. The new bridge improves safety and eliminates any
closures during heavy rainstorms that occurred in the past. The project cost
approximately $12.9 million and construction initiated in 2005 and concluded in 2007.
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The City has done numerous projects that have improved drainage and alleviate issues of
standing water after a rain event. Improvements were done on catch basins to help with potential
flooding issues.
SECTION 4.0 - HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK ASSESSMENT
4.1 CRITICAL FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURES
Critical Facilities Type Number
Public Safety Dispatch 1
Emergency Operations Center 1
City Hall 1
Fire Stations 3
Water Reservoirs 0
Water Treatment Plants 0
Waste Water Treatment Plants 1
Hospitals 0
Police facility 1
Maintenance Yards 1
Senior Community Centers 1
Schools 9
Radio Repeaters 2
4.2 ESTIMATING POTENTIAL LOSS
Table 6.3 shows the City’s exposure to hazards in terms of number and value of
structures. Riverside County’s assessor’s data can be used to calculate the improved
value of parcels. The most vulnerable structures are high rise hotels during an earthquake
and the Westfield Palm Desert mall.
4.3 TABLE REPLACEMENT VALUES
Name of Asset Replacement
Value ($)
Hazard Specific Info.
City Hall & EOC $29,000,000 Earthquake
Fire Department, Station 67- $5,000,000 Earthquake
Fire Department, Station 33- $6,000,000 Earthquake
Fire Department, Station 71- 5,000,000 Earthquake
Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station $33,000,000 Earthquake
Palm Desert Corp. Yard $10,000,000 Earthquake
Palm Desert High School n/a Earthquake
Palm Desert Middle School n/a Earthquake
Washington Charter Elementary
School
n/a Earthquake
James Carter Elementary School n/a Earthquake
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Abraham Lincoln Elem. School n/a Earthquake
Ronald Reagan Elem. School n/a Earthquake
Palm Desert Library $10,000,000 Earthquake
The Joslyn Center 2,000,000 Earthquake
Commented [e2]: Update all replacement value Building
For all buildings 17,647 square feet would be approximately
2.6 million
Commented [e3]: Check other hazards
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4.4 IDENTIFICATION OF RISKS AND VULNERABILITIES
1. Flood - Severity - 3, Probability -3, Ranking – 2
A flood is defined as an overflowing of water onto an area of land that is normally dry.
Floods generally occur from natural causes, usually weather-related, such as a sudden
snowmelt, often in conjunction with a wet or rainy spring or with sudden and very heavy
rainfalls. Floods can, however, result from human causes as a dam impoundment
bursting. Dam break floods are usually associated with intense rainfall or prolonged flood
conditions. In the Riverside County area, an earthquake can cause dam failure. The
greatest threat to people and property is normally in areas immediately below the dam
since flood discharges decrease as the flood wave moves downstream.
Floods are generally classed as either slow-rise or flash floods. Slow-rise floods may be
preceded by a warning time lasting from hours to days, or possibly weeks. Evacuation
and sandbagging for a slow rise flood may lessen flood-related damage. Conversely,
flash floods are the most difficult for which to prepare due to the extremely short warning
time, if there is any at all. Flash flood warnings usually require immediate evacuation. On
some occasions in the desert areas, adequate warning may be impossible.
For floodplain management purposes, the following discussion describes the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) definition of “100-year flood.” The term "100-
year flood" is misleading. It is not a flood that will occur once every 100 years. Rather,
the flood elevation has a 1 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded each year.
Thus, a 100-year flood could occur more than once in a relatively short period of time.
The 100-year flood, which is the standard used by most federal and state agencies, is
used by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as the standard for floodplain
management and to determine the need for flood insurance. A structure located within a
special flood hazard area shown on a map has a 26 percent chance of suffering flood
damage during the term of a 30-year mortgage.
The City of Palm Desert has experienced numerous winter storm flood and high wind
damages in the past. Flood control improvements enacted after the devastating floods
caused by Tropical Storm Kathleen in 1976 have mitigated any future occurrences thus
far. However, heavy rains can lead to problems with storm drainage and create localized
flood problems.
The City of Palm Desert recently retained the services of a consultant to update its Master
Drainage Plan for the North Sphere. The objective of the study was to identify deficiencies
of the existing drainage system, evaluate solutions, and provide recommendations for
required drainage facilities. In reviewing the likelihood of flooding beyond the public right -
of-way within the City, various locations were identified that have the potential for damage
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during a storm event. This project is fairly extensive and would likely be a multi-year
effort. More information is provided in the attached memorandum and map. (See
Riverside County OA MJHMP Section 5.3.9).
2. Wild Fire - Severity 2, Probability 2, Ranking 11
A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire spreading through vegetative fuels and exposing or
possibly consuming structures. They often begin unnoticed and spread quickly. Although
not located in a wilderness area, the threat of a wildland fire in or near is high do to the
wildland - urban areas in and around the City.
A wildland - urban are interface fire is a wildfire in a geographical area where structures
and other human development meet or intermingle with wildland or vegetative fuels.
Significant development in area of Palm Desert and it surrounding areas are considered
wildland -urban area interfaces and many of these areas have experienced prolonged
droughts or are excessively dry and at risk of wildfires. In addition, the Santa Ana winds
pose an additional threat to the community for spreading wildland fires.
Wildland fire hazards exist in varying degrees over approximately 90% of Riverside
County and the City of Palm Desert (open space, parklands and agricultural areas). The
fire season extends approximately 5 to 6 months, from late spring th rough fall. Hazards
arise from a combination of reasons: the undeveloped and rugged terrain, highly
flammable brush covered land, and long dry summers. There are heavy fuel loads,
especially in watershed areas unaffected by fire for many years. Structures with wood
shake roofs ignite easily and produce embers that can contribute to fire spread. The
aftermath of wildland fire produces a new area of potential landslide as burned and
defoliated areas are exposed to winter rains. (See Riverside County OA MJHMP Section
5.3.3).
3. Earthquake - Severity 4, Probability 4, Ranking 1
Palm Desert shares many of the hazards associated with earthquakes faults in Southern
California. There are three major faults and several minor faults that could impact the City of
Palm Desert. The major faults include the San Andreas near San Gorgonio Pass, the Palm
Desert Fault, and the Elsinore Fault. Each of these has the potential of generating a significant
earthquake which would impact the City of Palm Desert. (See Riverside County OA MJHMP
Section 5.3.1)
4. Severe Weather- Heat/Wind/Cold - Severity 3, Probability 3, Ranking 3
The City of Palm Desert participates with the Riverside County Office of Emergency
Services plan for extreme heat conditions and has a cooling station located at (1) The
Joslyn Center which is located at 73750 Catalina Way in Palm Desert and the (2) Palm
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Desert Community Center located at 43900 San Pablo Avenue in Palm Desert. (See
Riverside County OA MJHMP Section 5.3.13).
5. Hazardous Materials - Severity 3, Probability 2, Ranking 7
The production and use of hazardous materials has become a normal part of society. A
hazardous material is any substance that may be explosive, flammable, poisonous,
corrosive, reactive, radioactive, or any combination thereof, because of its quantity,
concentration or characteristics. Hazardous materials require special care in handling
because of the hazards they pose to public health, safety and the environment.
A hazardous materials incident involves the uncontrolled release of a hazardous
substance(s) during storage or use from a fixed facility or mobile transport. Releases of
hazardous materials can be especially damaging when they occur in highly populated
areas or along transportation routes used simultaneously by commuters and hazardous
materials transports.
Because of the multitude of transportation systems in the City of Palm Desert (highways
and railways), hazardous substances incidents are more likely to occur. Fixed facilities
do have occurrences of hazardous material incidents; however, stringent facility safety
requirements help to limit these occurrences at fixed facilities. Fixed facilities include
small chemical manufacturing or processing facilities, manufacturing and light industrial
facilities.
The agricultural businesses in and around the City of Palm Desert may also be a source
of hazardous materials incidents. Accidental releases of pesticides, fertilizers and other
agricultural chemicals may be harmful to the public health, safety and the environment.
Another source of hazardous materials incidents is the illegal manufacturing of drugs in
clandestine laboratories. In many instances, the residue and hazardous waste from these
laboratories are illegally dumped, posing a public health and safety hazard and a threat to
the environment. (See Riverside County OA MJHMP Section 5.3.22).
6. Technical Hazards - Severity –, Probability –, Ranking
The City is adjacent to a railroad track and also a major state highway, which increases
its risk to the susceptibility of a chemical release from a non-fixed site.
7. Dam Failure - Severity –, Probability –, Ranking\
N/A
8. Drought - Severity -3, Probability - 3, Ranking –5
The City of Palm Desert, along with other Coachella Valley communities, chronically
experiences drought cycles that cause stress on the Coachella Valley Water District’s
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(CVWD) ability to provide water to the community. To help bridge the projected gap
between water supply and demand in Palm Desert, the City has partnered with CVWD to
provide several water conservation programs such as the Weather-Based Irrigation
Controller Program and the Curbside Conservation Buffer Demonstration Program. The Public
Works Department further offers a Nuisance Water Abatement Program and promotes
the use of drought tolerant landscaping. The City has adopted a water conservation
approach that promotes the efficient use of water to the maximum extent possible, so that
they can be maintained for future generations. (See Riverside County OA MJHMP
Section 5.3.11)
See Part II - Inventory Worksheet Page 18 for complete ranking chart.
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SECTION 5.0 – COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM
5.1 REPETITIVE LOSS PROPERTIES
Palm Desert has no repetitive loss properties relating to flood in the City of Palm Desert.
(See Riverside County OA MJHMP on pages ADD).
5.2 NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROPERTIES
a. Describe participation in NFIP, including any changes since previously
approved plan. The City of Palm Desert is currently in compliance with the NFIP.
a. Date first joined NFIP.
b. Identify actions related to continued compliance with NFIP. The City of Palm
Desert adopted an amended floodplain management ordinance on October 13, 2011
c. CRS member: NO
d. Describe any data used to regulate flood hazard area other than FEMA maps.
None
e. Have there been issues with community participation in the program?
No
f. What are the general hurdles for effective implementation of the NFIP?
None so far
g. Summarize actions related to continued compliance with NFIP
There are none continued participation of NFIP’s Community Assistance Program
(CAP) and compliance is verified through Community Assistance Visits (CAV) that are
conducted by staff members from FEMA and/or the California Department of Water
Resources
ii. Repetitive Loss Properties
Other risks:
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SECTION 6.0 - CAPABILITIES ASSESSMENT
6.1 REGULATORY MITIGATION CAPABILITIES
Capabilities are the programs and policies currently in use to reduce hazard impacts or that
could be used to implement hazard mitigation activities. This capabilities assessment is divided
into five sections –
• Regulatory Mitigation Capabilities
• Administrative And Technical Mitigation Capabilities
• Fiscal Mitigation Capabilities
• Mitigation Outreach And Partnerships
• Funding Sources
Regulatory Tool Yes/No Comments
General plan Yes
Zoning ordinance Yes
Subdivision ordinance Yes
Site plan review requirements Yes
Floodplain ordinance Yes
Other special purpose ordinance
(storm water, water conservation,
wildfire)
Yes Water Conservation Ordinance, ; Multi-
Species Habitat Conservation Plan
Building code Yes
Fire department ISO rating Yes ISO rating 5
Erosion or sediment control program Yes PM10 Regulations
Storm water management program Yes
Capital improvements plan Yes
Economic development plan Yes
Local emergency operations plan Yes
Flood Insurance Study or other
engineering study for streams
Yes FEMA Flood Insurance Study, 2017
Whitewater River Flow
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6.2 ADMINISTRATIVE/TECHNICAL MITIGATION CAPABILITIES
Personnel Resources Yes/No Department/Position
Planner with knowledge of land
development/land management practices Yes
Planning Depart./ Dir. of
Community Development
Engineer/professional trained in construction
practices related to buildings and/or
infrastructure YES
Public Works Director, City
Engineer, and Building Official
Engineer with an understanding of natural
hazards
Personnel skilled in GIS YES
Human Resource/GIS Technician
Full time building official Yes Building Department/ Official
Floodplain manager Yes Public Works Director
Emergency manager Yes Human Resources/ Risk Manager
Grant writer No
GIS Data—Land use Yes
Human Resource/GIS Technician
GIS Data—Links to Assessor’s data Yes
Human Resource/GIS Technician
Warning systems/services
(Reverse 9-11, outdoor warning signals) Yes
Riverside County Early Warning
Notification System
6.3 FISCAL MITIGATION CAPABILITIES
Financial Resources
Accessible/Eligible
to Use(Yes/No) Comments
Community Development Block
Grants
Yes
Capital improvements project funding Yes
Authority to levy taxes for specific
purposes
Yes With voter
approval
Fees for water, sewer, gas, or electric
services
No
Impact fees for new development Yes
Incur debt through general obligation
bonds
Yes With voter
approval
Incur debt through special tax bonds Yes With voter
approval
Incur debt through private activities No
Withhold spending in hazard prone
areas
N/A
Other N/A
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6.4 MITIGATION OUTREACH AND PARTNERSHIPS
Palm Desert CERT
The City of Palm Desert has been training residents in the FEMA Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT) training program. The City of Palm Desert offered two CERT
Course in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. The city is planning to have three CERT training
in 2017 and 2018. The city also has purchased a fully equipped CERT Response Trailer
to assist with community response and recovery following a major earthquake, flood or
other disaster.
The City of Palm Desert participates with the Riverside County Emergency Management
Department to provide training and support to CERT volunteers. The use of CERT trained
volunteers helps to mitigate the effects of a major earthquake, flood, fire, public health
emergency, terrorism related event, or other community emergency.
The Economic Development Program promotes economic growth in Indian Wells to
support the City’s economy and improve opportunities for community members. It also
conducts marketing and promotion activities for Indian Wells. The program can assist
with mitigation measures related to business growth and other improvements to the
local economy, as well as acting as a liaison between the City and local businesses
The Community Development Department is responsible for planning- and building-
related activities in Indian Wells, including issuing permits, conducting environmental
reviews, preparing planning documents, and addressing housing issues. Mitigation
activities related to planning and building can be implemented by this department.
Building Code specifies how new structures can be built. It includes the California
Building Code in addition to any amendments made by the City. Mitigation actions
may involve amending the Building Code to improve a building’s safety or structural
stability
The City’s General Plan outlines long-term direction for development and policy in the
City. There are opportunities to coordinate local hazard mitigation actions with
policies within the boundaries of the City as governed by the General Plan.
The Economic Development Program promotes economic growth within Indian Wells
to support the economy and improve opportunities for community members. It also
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conducts marketing and promotion activities for Indian Wells. The program can aid
with mitigation measures related to business growth and other improvements to the
local economy, as well as acting as a liaison between the City and local businesses.
City staff have been trained in First-Aid and CPR. Staff have also been trained in the
“Stop the Bleed” campaign. In the training, staff learned to:
• Control severe bleeding
• Manage airways
• Care for patents going to into shock
• Use an automatic external deflator (AED)
HOA MEETINGS/BUSINESS AND HOTEL ROUNDTABLE/RADIO COMMUNICATION
The City of Palm Desert has held numerous emergency preparedness trainings for local
HOA, disaster preparedness groups (i.e. CVERG), and may emulate a neighboring
jurisdiction’s family and neighborhood emergency planning program called PREP (People
Responding with Emergency Preparedness) to complement existing CERT training. The
PREP Program teaches residents how to meet together and develop their own
neighborhood emergency response plan to implement before a large earthquake, flood,
or other community emergency. Having Palm Desert neighborhoods prepared to respond
in their own areas to take care of injuries and utility problems will greatly lessen the
impacts of an earthquake or other community disaster. It will also take the load off of our
first responders who will be able to concentrate on the most serious city issues.
The City has also hosted roundtables on emergency preparedness with local
hotel/businesses.
Palm Desert has developed a relationship with members from the Riverside County
RACES and has radio equipment installed in its EOC for exclusive use by their liaison. In
addition, the City has partnered with a local communication vendor, to make EOC
communication possible between the City and various homeowner associations.
The ability to obtain information on the condition of these neig hborhoods will allow first
responders and emergency responders to determine those areas in need of resources
and support, as well as convey this information to the County Operational Area.
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6.5 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
The City of Palm Desert has the same funding opportunities as Riverside County
Operational Area. Please refer to Section 7.4 of the Riverside County Multi-Jurisdictional
Hazard Mitigation on pages ADD for list of funding sources available
SECTION 7.0 - MITIGATION STRATEGIES
7.1 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The City of Palm Desert mitigation planning group has created a list of Mitigation Strategies
and Goals for the community hazards identified to include the following:
Complete mitigation policies and strategies contained in the Palm Desert General
Plan, some of which are outlined below.
Continue to train Emergency Operations Center and general city staff in our
Emergency Operations Plan and the California Standardized Emergency
Management System (SEMS), the National Incident Management System (NIMS),
and the Incident Command System (ICS).
Enlist the support of Church, Civic, Business, and Community Groups including
Homeowners Associations to support and promote CERT and individual
preparedness in the city.
Establish and maintain a program by which all potentially hazardous structures,
which pose a threat due to inadequate seismic design, engineering or construction,
are identified, inventoried, and strengthened.
Monitor and periodically update the Master Plan of Drainage to reflect changes in
local and regional drainage and flood conditions.
Capital Improvement Plans for drainage management and control shall be
developed, updated and maintained.
Evaluate the need for requiring an upgrade from a 25-year on-site retention to a
100-year on-site retention in crucial northern portions of Zone 4.
Continue and expand existing water conservation efforts, and coordinate with local
districts, state water agencies and CVAG members in a coordinated effort to
eliminate overdraft of local aquifers and affect a level of groundwater recharge
adequate to address associated ground subsidence hazards.
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*Note: This list of mitigation strategies are based upon currently available funding.
Identified mitigation projects and are not guaranteed to be completed if funding is
no longer available.
7.2 MITIGATION ACTIONS
General Plan Goals and Policies:
1.1 Hazard Information: Establish and maintain a database containing maps and
other information that identifies and describes the community hazards.
1.2 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP): Maintain and regularly update the City’s
LHMP as an integrated component of the General Plan, in coordination with
Riverside County and other participating jurisdictions, to maintain eligibility for
maximum grant funding. Office of Emergency Services over sees this program.
1.3 Hazards Education: Consult with agencies and partners to provide public
education materials on safe locations and evacuation routes in case of emergency
or hazardous event. No funding available. Office of Emergency Services over sees
this program.
1.7 Citizen Preparedness: Continue to promote citizen-based disaster
preparedness and emergency response through Riverside County’s Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT) trainings and certifications. Funding is
through the general l fund and SHSP grants. Office of Emergency Services over
sees this program.
2.3 Seismic Retrofits to Existing Building Stock: Create a phased program for
seismic retrofits to existing public and private unreinforced buildings to meet
current requirements. This would fall under planning and building department.
Currently no funding available. Looking at FEMA pre-disaster grants
3.1 Flood Risk in new Development: Require all new development to minimize
flood risk with siting and design measures, such as grading that prevents adverse
drainage impacts to adjacent properties, on-site retention of runoff, and
minimization of structures located in floodplains. This would be under the planning
department as new projects came in
4.1 Fire Preparation: Maintain optimal fire readiness and response service in
coordination with Riverside County and other agencies. This fall under the fire
department. Funding source would fall under inspection or plan check fees.
5.3 Backup energy Sources: Obtain and install backup power equipment for critical
facilities to ensure they are functional during a power failure that might result from
extreme weather. Some city facilities do have a backup generator. There is no
additional funding at this time. Looking at FEMA pre-disaster grants
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7.3 ON-GOING MITIGATION STRATEGY PROGRAMS
D – Part II - Inventory Worksheet which include the CREWS system, Palm Desert CERT, and
various drainage improvements. The City’s LHMP review team will continue to review and
prioritize mitigation tasks for the next five years that may very likely see this list increase.
This list will include an implementation process, funding strategy responsible agency.
The City will also continue to monitor the need for a fourth Palm Desert Fire Station located
in the City’s “North Sphere.” The need for such a station is contingent on future growth and
development in this region and given the current economic forecast, it very likely will be many
years away before such as station is needed.
(See Appendix D - Part II Pages 16-21, “Local Jurisdiction Proposed Mitigation Action”)
7.4 FUTURE MITIGATION STRATEGIES
The City of Palm Desert’s future mitigation strategies include the following:
Contact and establish working relationships and strategies with Coachella Valley
Water District, Southern California Edison, Imperial Irrigation District, Southern
California Gas Company, Verizon, and other appropriate agencies to strengthen or
relocate utility facilities, and take other appropriate measures to safeguard major
utility distribution systems to the greatest extent practical.
Continue to train and educate the public and business community in Palm Desert
CERT and initiate other education programs, including pet owners and those with
special physical of functional needs (with neighbors/business associate support).
SECTION 8.0 - PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINTENANCE PROCESS
The requirement 201.6(c) (4) (i) states “The plan maintenance process shall include a
section describing the method and schedule of monitoring, evaluating, and updating the
plan in a 5 years cycle.
The City of Palm Desert plan maintenance process includes a schedule for monitoring
and evaluating the Plan annually and producing plan revision every five years. The City
of Palm Desert government may incorporate the mitigation strategies outlined in this Plan,
in existing planning mechanisms such as the City’s General Plan and Capital
Improvement Plan.
The City’s Risk Manager will be responsible for coordinating implementation of plan
action items and undertaking the formal review process. The City Manager will assign
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representatives from City departments, including, but not limited to, the Public Safety,
Building, Planning, Public Works, Finance and the Public Safety Commission to a LHMP
Review Team Committee. These committee meetings will provide an opportunity to
discuss the progress of the action items and maintain the partnerships that are essential
for the mitigation plan.
The City Council will adopt the LHMP and the Risk Manager will take responsibility for
plan implementation. The City Manager (or designee) will serve as convener to facilitate
the Committee meetings. Plan implementation and evaluation will be a shared
responsibility among all of the Committee members.
The goals and action items in the mitigation plan may be achieved through activities
recommended in the City’s Capital Improvement Plans (CIP). Various City departments
participate in the development of the CIP plan, which is reviewed on an annual basis.
Upon annual review of the CIP, the review team will work with the City departments to
identify action items in the Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan consistent with CIP planning
goals and integrate them where appropriate.
Upon presentation of the LHMP for formal adoption, the recommendations listed above
will be recommended for incorporated into the process of existing planning mechanisms
at the City level.
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SECTION 9.0 - INCORPORATION INTO EXISTING PLANNING MECHANISMS
Palm Desert has several planning mechanisms which the 2012 LHMP will be incorporated into,
they are the:
• General plan Emergency Preparedness Element
• Capital Improvements Plan
The City has an Safety Element in its General Plan that outlines the potential for natural and
man-made disasters that could affect the City of Palm Desert and its Sphere of Influence and
Planning Area. It also describes the plans and facilities currently in place to deal with such
hazards and assesses the additional critical facilities and services necessary for the City to
respond quickly and efficiently in order to protect its citizens from injury and loss. The Element
also discusses systems and approaches that the City has in place to minimize damage, loss of
life and impacts to financial resources both during and after an emergency, as well as how the
City relates to and coordinates with County, State and Federal agencies in these regards.
Finally, it sets forth the City’s goals, policies and programs which shape its priorities and
direction in sustaining adequate readiness for emergency situations.
The LHMP mitigation strategies will be consistent with the Environmental Hazards & Emergency
Preparedness Elements of the City of Palm Desert General Plan.
See Table Page 20 “Regulatory Mitigation Table”
SECTION 10.0 - CONTINUED PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
The City is dedicated to involving the public directly in review and updates of the LHMP. The
LHMP Review Team Committee members are responsible for the annual review and update of
the plan. The public will also have the opportunity to provide feedback about the Plan, as a copy
of the Plan will be available at the City Clerk’s office. The existence and location of available
copies will be publicized through one or more of these methods:
1. Notice in the City’s newsletter
2. On the City’s Website
3. At various emergency preparedness meetings with the community, if applicable.
Any notice will also contain an email address and phone number for which people can direct
their comments and concerns. In addition, the plan will be presented for review at a public
meeting of the Public Safety Commission after each evaluation.
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APPENDIX A – PUBLIC NOTICES AND MAPS
SEE ATTACHMENTS
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APPENDIX B – INVENTORY WORKSHEETS
SEE ATTACHMENTS
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APPENDIX C – PLAN REVIEW TOOL/CROSSWALK
SEE ATTACHMENTS