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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-07-01; City Council; 3403; Public Safety Element of General PlanCITY OF CARLSBAD AGENDA BILL NO DATE: - July 1, 1975 DEPARTMENT:Planning Subject:Request for approval of the Public Safety Element of tne beneral Plan or the City of Carlsbad Applicant: City of Carlsbad Statement of the Matter: The Planning Commission is recommending approval of the Public Safety Element of the General Plan of the City of Carlsbad consisting of goals, policies and action programs that provide public safety considerations for the planning and decision making processes. The Public Safety Element is prepared is accordance with Government Code Section 65302.1 et. seq. and consistent with CIR (State of California Council on Intergovernmental relations) guidelines. Exhibits: Planning Commission Resolution No. 1160"with referenced 'Exhibit A. Recommendation: Staff recommends that GPA-31 be approved for the reasons outlined Tn Planning Commission Resolution No. 1160. If the City Council concurs with the Planning Commission recommendation, the Council should direct the City Attorney to prepare the necessary documents. • Council action 7-1-75 It was agreed that the Public Safety Element be referred to a Council workshop meeting for further discussion and that it be readvertised for a public hearing. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31'' 32 PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 1160 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING TO THE CITY COUNCIL, ADOPTION OF GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 31, ADOPTING THE PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD. The City of Carlsbad Planning Commission does hereby resolve as follows: WHEREAS, the Planning Commission did on the 27th day of May, 1975, hold a duly noticed public hearing as prescribed by law, to consider recommending to the City Council the adoption of the Public Safety Element of the General Plan of the City of Carlsbad consisting of a text (Exhibit A., dated June 5, 1975) and appendices (included for information only), to read as follows: A General Plan Amendment of the City of Carlsbad to be called the Public Safety Element, which consists of goals, policies, and action programs that intro- duce safety considerations into the planning and decision making processes in order to reduce the risk of injury, loss of life, and property damage associated with the hazards identified in the Element. WHEREAS, said Amendment has met the requirements of the City of Carlsbad Environmental Protection Ordinance of 1972, and it has been determined that said amendment will have a "non-signifi- cant" impact on the environment because it seeks to protect life and property in the event of a natural or manmade hazard or disaster. It also seeks to minimize environmental hazards; and WHEREAS, at said public hearing, and at a subsequent public hearing on June 11, 1975, the Planning Commissioners received the recommendations, objections and comments of all individuals and parties who desired to be heard; and WHEREAS, said Planning Commission did find the following facts and reasons, to exist which make said Amendment necessary to 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 •31 32, carry out the intent of the General Plan: (1) Adoption and Implementation of the Public Safety Element will help: a) - Minimize injury, loss of life, and damage to property resulting from fire, flood, crime and hazardous use disaster occurrence; b) Maximize public safety factors in the planning process; c) Optimize organization and delivery of emergency services upon occurrence of fire, flood, crime or hazardous use disaster. (2) The Public Safety Element meets all requirements of State law. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that said Amendment to the General Plan, adopting the Public Safety Element, consisting of a text (Exhibit A, dated June 5, 1975), is hereby recommended to be approved; and FINALLY BE IT RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution, with the attached Exhibit, be forwarded to the City Council for its attention in the manner prescribed by law. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Carlsbad, held on the llth day of June, 1975, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Wrench, Packard, Fikes, L'Heureux Domingues and Watson None Commissioner Jose ATTEST: Gary Wrench, Chairman Donald 7T. Agatep Secretary -2- &?-%v- - f jf***-*^ t^ • PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT CITY OF CARLSBAD GENERAL PLAN February 1975 Revision Date 5/16/75MX 6/5/75 May 21, 1975 City Planning Department City of Carlsbad 1200 Elm Avenue Carlsbad, California 92008 Attention: Mr. Mike Zander, Associate Planner RE: PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN Gentlemen: The committee has reviewed the draft of the above, dated May 16, 1975, and are in agreement as to its contents. On behalf of the committee; I would like you to forward the .draft to the Planning Commission with our recommendation for approval. . Yours truly, Barry C. Bender Chairman, Citizens & Professionals Advisory Committee on Public Safety BCB:fm TABLE OF CONTENTS I, INTRODUCTION . 1 A. State Law-Public Safety Element 2 B. Risk Evaluation 3 C. General Plan Relationships . 6 D. Goals and Objective of the Public Safety Element 7 II. EVALUATION OF SAFETY HAZARDS IN* CARLSBAD 8 A. Natural Hazards ' 9 B. Man-Made Hazards 11 III. POLICIES AND ACTION PROGRAMS 14 A. Fire Hazards "^ B. Flood Hazards 19 '* C. Crime Prevention 20 \1 D. Health and Safety.Hazards 21 E." .Emergency Services 24 IV. APPENDICES A A. Glossary of Terms A-l B. Design Criteria for Crime Prevention • B-l C. Building Security Ordinance Example C-l D. Inundation Map D-l E. State Guidelines • E-l I. INTRODUCTION Carlsbad residents are subject to a number of hazards which could have a significant adverse impact on life and property. The purpose of the Public Safety Element is to introduce safety considerations into the planning and decision-making processes in order to reduce the risk of injury, loss of life and property damage associated with the hazards identified in the Element. The.major areas addressed are: a) Fire Hazards b) Flood Hazards c) Crime Prevention . d) Health and Safety Hazards .e) Emergency Services Utilization of this Element and implementation of the proposed Action Programs should help reduce the risks to which local residents and .their property.are now exposed, or could be subject to in the future. However, it should be recognized that the scope of the Element is broad and the availability of data in many of the subject fields is limited. For these reasons, the Public Safety Element should not be considered as the final word in safety planning, but, rather, it should be seen as a foundation to be strengthened and built upon in the future. w* -2- - • * ' A". State Law - Public Safety Element Government Code Section 65302.1 requires a Public Safety Element in all City and County general plans, as follows: The general plan shall also include .... a safety element for the protection of the community from fires and geologic hazards including features necessary for such protection as^evacuation routes, peak load water supply requirements, minimum road widths, clearances around structures, and geologic hazard mapping in areas of known geologic hazards. -3- B. Risk Evaluation Natural and man-made hazards oiF various types and degrees will always be with us. The risks they present need not be. In cases where damage from these hazards is a possibility, a certain degree of risk is involved. Of course, the greater the possibility of damage, the greater the risk. Most * individuals have established .the normal level of risk they are willing to accept. A skydiver, for example, has chosen to set his acceptable risk level somewhat higher than participants of most other sports. The State guidelines for the preparation of the Safety Element suggest that an "acceptable risk" level be established as a part of the Element. The guidelines define "acceptable risk" as: "The level of risk below which no specific action by local government is deemed to be necessary." Establishing the acceptable risk level should not be the job of the planner, engineer, or other professional. Rather, it is the job of interested citizens with input from the professional. The final decision to be made in setting the level must come from the City Council as our elected representative. In making this determination, it should be kept in mind that any attempt to develop the appropriate planning response to potential hazard involves a judgment, either explicit or implicit, of how much risk is acceptable. There is -no such thing as a perfectly hazard-free environment. The City's responsibility is to provide a framework in which a communitywide, as opposed to an individual, response to the'question can be meaningful. The first of several essential steps is the recognition of the presence of a hazard. Much of the planning of the past has proceeded without enough knowledge of the natural forces at play in a given area. • The following guidelines shall be considered in determining the acceptable level of risk for the hazards specified in the Public Safety Element: 1. Voluntary vs. Involuntary Risk - Buildings and other land uses normally requiring occupancy or use on an involuntary basis should have a different level of risk than those for voluntary use. Many public and semi-public buildings and land use activities involve involuntary useage (i.e., hospitals, nursing and convalescent homes, mental institutions, playgrounds, schools, etc.). The level of acceptable risk for these involuntary occupancies should be very low. In contrast, the location of private structures in known high hazard areas should have a higher level of acceptable risk because their occupancy is voluntary. Although the risk level can be some- what higher, the level should be carefully considered due to public agency response costs resulting from emergencies occurring in high hazard areas. . \ 2. High Occupancy vs. Low Occupancy Risk - Buildings of high occupancy « rates should have a different level of risk than buildings associated with low occupancy rates. Generally, a high occupancy building (i.e., large office building, auditorium, theater, church, large motel, large shopping center, etc.) exposes more people to a given hazard than a low occupancy building (i.e., warehouse, single-family dwelling, etc.). Therefore, high occupancy buildings and land uses should be required to have a lower risk exposure than those of low occupancy. 3. Cost of Reducing Risk - In general, a reasonable level of acceptable risk should be determined based on the cost of its achievement. Minimizing1 risk frequently results in higher costs. Therefore, determining the level of risk becomes a matter of balancing the costs involved with the lowest risk affordable. ' The level of acceptable risk represents the point at which the public is no longer willing to pay for further reduction of the risk. 4. Evaluating Existing Risks - The determination of acceptable risk is not only applicable to future planning decisions, but also to the evaluation of risks associated with existing buildings and land uses. High risks may be lowered to a level of acceptability by means of physical alteration. For instance, a structural hazard abatement program which could remodel fire hazardous buildings, relocate and/or demolish existing structures, or change use of structure, (e.g. from high to low occupancy or involuntary to voluntary occupancy). -6- C.- General Plan Relationships Effectiveness of the complete General Plan depends upon the understanding of the interrelationship among the plan elements. Particularly strong relation- ships exist between the Public Safety Element and the Geologic and Seismic Safety, Open Space and Conservation, and Land U$e Elements. The Public Safety Element and the Geologic and Seismic Safety Element have the strongest relationship. They have similar goals, overlapping policies, and in many cases, require a similar approach to reduce injury, loss of life and property. • Conservation is a major consideration of the Public Safety Element, as many of the policies and action programs lead to the preservation of natural vegetation and animal habitats through the reduction of brush fires. Similarly, the Open Space and Conservation Element, particularly the water, soil and minerals sections, considers several public safety issues either directly or indirectly. The Land Use Element can aid in the achievement of the goals of the Public Safety Element. This Element has included the consideration of certain hazard- ous areas in the classification of land uses' and densities. Through restrictions on the development of hazardous areas, identified by careful investigations as proposed in the Public Safety Element, the Land Use Element will supplement the policies and action programs of this Element. The ongoing relationship among the plan elements is fundamental to the General Plan's objectives. Future action programs are dependent, on the recognition of the need for continual coordination. -7- . D. Goals and Objective of the Public Safety Element The term "goal", as used in this Element, is an aim or purpose Which is general and timeless. A goal does not lend itself to measurement. The decisions and activities of the -City of Carlsbad pertaining to public safety will be guided by these goals: 1. Minimize injury, loss of life and damage to property resulting from fire, flood, crime or hazardous use disaster occurrence. 2. Maximize public safety factors in the planning process. • 3. Optimize organization and delivery of emergency services upon occurrence of fire, flood, crime or hazardous use disaster. The objective of the Public Safety Element is to increase public safety by reducing the effects of various types of hazards. The policies and programs presented have been formulated utilizing the above goals. Progress made toward the achievement of these goals should result in indirect benefits such as reducing property damage and social dislocation resulting from hazardous occurrences. . The safety hazards considered in this Element are related to fire, flood, crime and health hazards. Although the focus of the Element is on prevention, the City has recognized emergency response as an important part of improving safety. A section on emergency services has therefore been included in the Element. • . II. EVALUATION OF SAFETY HAZARDS IN CARLSBAD • Awareness and knowledge of natural and man-made hazards in Carlsbad will enable the City to adopt policies and actions which will alleviate potential disasters and help prepare, mobilize and employ public and private resources to meet needs when a disaster occurs. Within the City there are a number of natural and man-made hazards which are recognized as potential sources of disaster incidents. The following evaluations of natural and man-made safety hazards are taken from the list of "W-26 Natural Disaster Readiness Outlines" contained in the "Emergency Plan" for the City of Carlsbad prepared in conjunction with the Unified San Diego County Emergency Services Organization (USDCESO). A. Natural Hazards Natural safety hazards such as earthquakes and their secondary seismic effects, landslides, erosion and other geological hazards, with the exception of flooding, have been identified and evaluated in detail in the Geologic and Seismic Safety Element. Each has a h'igh probability of occurrence and the potential for disaster is also rated high. The Geologic and Seismic Safety Element provides Carlsbad with guidelines for the identification and evaluation of geotechnical hazards and gives examples of investigations that should be conducted in relation to particular geotechnical problems that exist in certain areas of the City. Other natural safety hazards recognized in Carlsbad are natural fires, flooding, severe fog and storms. 1. Natural Fires - The probability of occurrence for natural fires is rated as very high by the USDCESO. Extreme weather conditions, such as high temperature, low humidity and/or high velocity winds cpuld cause a fire of major proportions that could have disasterous effects upon much of the community. Practically all of the vacant lands in the Carlsbad planning area are covered by grass and brush. .Continuing drying heat, and the absence of adequate protective forces could result in large losses of property. 2. Flooding - The probability of flooding ,in the Carlsbad planning area \ is rated as high by the USDCESO. During a prolonged period of heavy « rain, flooding can be anticipated along the three recognized flood plains (Buena Vista Creek, Agua Hedionda Creek and San Marcos Creek) -10- and along other major creeks and drainage channels. There is also the possibility of dam failure inundation from Calavera Dam and/or Squire's Dam in the case of seismic activity or sabotage. 3- Severe Fog - Severe fog has a high probability of occurrence from September through March. It can be anticipated that severe traffic congestion with multiple vehicular accidents could occur on major traffic routes through Carlsbad when this condition is present. 4. Storms - Adverse weather conditions such as hail storms, wind storms, and even hurricanes represent a potential threat to Carlsbad, but have a low to very low probability of occurrence. High winds and hail could cause extensive damage to buildings and crops within the City and utilities of all types may be disrupted. -11- B. Man-Made Hazards Hazards produced by man vary as greatly as man's technology. Potential threats to safety can come from explosions, transportation accidents, chemical- and nuclear accidents, crime, or even war. The principle man-made safety hazards which the USDCESO has prepared natural disaster readiness outlines for are: 1. Chemical Accidents - Many of the chemicals used in today's society are very injurious and can easily produce a major disaster. High- ways, manufacturing plants, warehouses, and railroad right-of-ways are all possible areas that could be adversely effected. The probability of occurrence for chemical accidents is rated as low, according to the USDCESO. • 2. Explosions - Sources of explosions and their magnitude can vary greatly. They can be connected with industrial areas, pipelines, chemical and petroleum production and storage areas and transport accidents. Such incidents could represent a major safety hazard to many who live or work in these areas. The probability of occurrence is low in Carlsbad. 3. Power Blackouts - Large area power losses can be anticipated in the future. Possible adverse results of a power blackout would be: 1-ack of adequate power to run hospital operations; failure of sewage treatment pumps resulting in sewage overflows; failure of traffic signals and elevators; emergency medical problems for patients and nursing homes dependent on electrical power; severe limitation of gasoline for public 'comsumption. The probability of occurrence for a power blackout is evaluated as low at this time. 4. Radiation Hazards - Because of the increased uses of radioactive substances, hazards connected with radiation have increased greatly. The probability of a radiation disaster is rated as high. Probable geographical areas that would most likely be affected in and around Carlsbad are main highways, industrial areas, hospitals, research labs, institutions, transport terminals and power plants using nuclear fuel. Small area contamination is much more likely than contamination of large areas, but consequences would be severe. 5. Transport Accidents - Transport accidents can occur on rail lines, within airport flight paths, on freeways and highways and at sea. Such accidents can include many of the other man-made hazards such as explosions, radiation hazards, chemical accidents, oil spills, etc. The probability of occurrence is evaluated as high. Natural safety hazards such as fog or rain greatly increase the disaster potential of transport accidents. 6. Water Shortage or Contamination --The probability of occurrence of water shortage or contamination is low, according to USDCESO. Water shortage would most severely affect fire suppression capabilities, but could also adversely affect normal industry, business and hospital operations. Water contamination caused by chemical accident or sabotage could cause a wide-spread health emergency. '3 7. Air Pollution - A severe air pollution alert could cause County- wide respiratory casualties, especially if such an alert occurred in conjunction with a severe fog. The probability of occurrence of such an alert is low. 8. Man-Made Fires - Man-made fires" may include single or multiple arson fires or they may be unintentional or accidental fires. The probability of occurrence for man-made fires is low. 9. Crime and Civil Disorder - The probability of occurrence of a major civil disorder is low. The incidence of crimes against persons has increased greatly over the past few years. These crimes are increasing at a much faster rate than the City's population increase. New efforts of counteractive approaches and strategies include the utilization of "defensible space" and improved security hard- ware at the openings of individual buildings. -14- III. POLICIES AND ACTION PROGRAMS The City of Carlsbad recognizes all natural and man-made hazards evaluated in Section II of this Element and that efforts can be undertaken to prevent or mitigate the consequences of the known safety hazards within the community. The probability of occurrence of many of the hazards can be greatly reduced by introducing safety considerations early into the planning process. The impact of others, although difficult to prevent, can be greatly reduced by proper emergency preparedness. -15- A. Fire Hazards Policy 1: The City shall seek to reduce fire hazards to an acceptable level of risk. Action Program 1.1: Advocate and support revisions in the State Penal Code.to impose criminal liability on property owners for structure fires resulting from identified and uncorrected fire hazards. . Action Program 1.2: Advocate and support State legislation which would provide tax incentives.to encourage the repair or demolition of structures which could be considered fire hazards. This legislation should also allow for the nonassessment of major fire prevention improvements made to structures under Fire Department supervision; including sprinkler systems, early warning fire detection systems, etc. Action Program 1.3: Develop formal programs that provide .for adequate fire inspection of structures within the City. Action Program 1.4 : Encourage the International Conference of Building Officials to continue to make changes in the Uniform Building Code that act to improve structures from a fire safety stand- point. -16- Action Program 1.5: Adopt a Master Plan for Fire Protection Services. This Plan should include such things as facility locations, manpower and equipment standards, enforcement policies, etc. Action Program 1.6: Develop and adopt City ordinances that: a) Define "fire hazard areas" -and "fire hazardous structures". b) Require roofing material to meet specific fire safety standards in all fire hazard areas. Action Program 1.7: The City shall: a) Conduct an inventory and evaluation of fire hazardous structures to include identification of building occupancy type, value and age. b) Establish priorities for the renovation, demolition, or necessary occupancy reduction of designated fire hazardous buildings. Action Program 1.8: Coordinate and integrate fire prevention programs with the County fire services coordinator when such action would be in the best interest of the City. Action Program 1.9: Work toward the establishment of a centralized and automated fire water distribution control system. -"- Policy 2: The City will consider in land use decisions, site con- straints in terms of fire hazards. Within designated areas where population or building densities may be inappropriate to the hazards present, measures will be taken to mitigate the risk of life and property loss. • Action Program 2.1: Identify and classify fire hazard arc^is of varying severity and specify the conditions under which development and use of these areas should occur. Action Program 2.2: Review and update existing land division regulations, zoning ordinance, and other planning implementation regulations as they relate to the Public Safety Element. Action Program 2.3: Expland the City's data base on fire hazards in- cluding the history of past fires, potential fire, hazardous conditions and new techniques in fire suppression and prevention, and related disciplines. Also utilize other available data bases such as the State's recently initiated California Fire Incident Reporting System* (CFIRS) program. Policy 3: The City will support the improvement of the delivery of fire protection services through functional cooperation of fire agencies. ' B. Flood Hazards Policy ]_; The City will establish standards and criteria to reduce 'flood hazards and implement them by adopting new codes and ordinances or strengthening existing ones. Policy 2: The City will continue to pursue flood control programs through such means as; application of the grading ordinance, the flood plain overlay zone, and the recommendations of the Open Space and Conservation and the Geologic and Seismic Safety Elements. Action Program 2.1: Establish programs and schedules necessary for the construction of storm drain systems in the City.where such systems are non-existent or inadequate. Policy 3: The City will seek the cooperation and coordination of all jurisdictions and agencies involved in the mitigation of flood hazards such as the San Diego County Flood Control District. -19- C. Crime Prevention Policy 1: Encourage and support continued research and the use of new design concepts and technological improvements for the prevention of crime. .X Policy 2: Encourage crime prevention through the planning process by establishing specific 'design criteria and standards to be used in the review of land use development. Action Program 2.1: Authorize and encourage representatives of the Police Department to participate in Interdepartmental conferences to review specific land use development proposals. Action Program 2.2: Develop and adopt a comprehensive Building Security Ordinance. Action Program 2.3: Maintain and update guidelines for the utilization of street and public building lighting systems that conserve energy as well as help in crime prevention. -20- D. Health and Safety Hazards Policy 1: The City will continue to pursue airport safety programs within the Palomar Airport flight path through such means as enforcement of the "Non-Residential Reserve" program defined in the Land Use Element, support of the recommendations contained in the Palomar Airport Land Use Plan prepared by the Comprehensive Planning Organization, and by requiring site development review of affected projects. Policy 2: The City will maintain and periodically update standard design criteria for the design of public works improve- ments in the City of Carlsbad. Action Program 2.1; Maintain and update the City's Standard Design Criteria as appropriate information becomes available. These criteria should reflect minimum standards for street designs and peak load water supply and fire flow requirements. Policy 3: The City will support the work of the San Diego Air Quality Planning Team in its preparation of the Sari Diego Regional Air Quality Strategy. Policy 4: The City will continue to pursue health safety measures through the application of the City's Zoning Ordinance and through cooperation with the County's Department of Public Health. Policy 5: The City will develop and maintain safety criteria'related to.the public hazards presented in this Element. Where it has no authority, the City will encourage and support other agencies in the development of strict safety • standards for the protection of all the citizens of Carlsbad. Policy 6: The City will utilize health safety considerations in the planning process. Action Program 6.1: Develop and adopt new ordinances or amendments to existing ordinances and-other land use regulations that will mandate the review, evaluation, and restriction of land uses that may be subject to undue risk, These regulations should include requirements specifically relating to geologic, seismic, flood, and fire hazards into subdivision, grading, zoning and other ordinances where needed. . . • Action Program 6.2: In the development of a public or private project, the potential of significant geologic, seismic, soils and hydrologic problems should be resolved at the earliest stage of project approval rather than after a project has become fully committed. Studies should be made of geologic and other health and safety considerations in all Environmental Impact Reports. Action Program 6.3: The Capital Improvement Program for the City should include capital improvements deemed necessary for the mitigation -22- and control of health and safety hazards which are determined to be unacceptable in relation to the risks involved. c -23- Emergency Services Policy 1: The City will encourage and support a comprehensive emergency medical services system which coordinates regional resources. • Action Program 1.1: Work with the County Office of Emergency Services in their preparation of: a) A coordinated regional resource utilization plan. b) County-wide ambulance standards for general operation, personnel, training, equipment, and area of response. c) An ongoing Poison Information Center. Policy 2: The City shall encourage and support continued research and use of new technology to achieve an optimal level of emergency medical services. -24- . Action Program 2.1 ; Encourage and support the establishment and continual improvement of a County-wide emergency telephone communications system (9-1-1) in order that there be a minimal time lag between the occurrence of an incident and the dispatching of emergency units. Policy 3: The City will encourage and support measures which are necessary for the upgrading of ambulance services and training of emergency medical personnel. Action Program 3.1: Encourage the Office of Emergency Medical Services •to coordinate with all educational institutions which offer Emergency Medical Technician training to achieve uniform training standards for the delivery of emergency medical services, Policy 4: The City will maintain and periodically update'the City of Carlsbad Emergency Plan. Action Program 4.1: Maintain and update emergency contingency plans as appropriate information becomes available. These plans will refine the overall City Emergency Plan to include specific emergency service requirements and activities for potential disasters such as flooding due to dam failure or tsunamis. Policy 5: The City will continue to support and expand public informa- tion programs related to the public hazards presented in this Element. Where it has no authority to direct, the City will encourage and support public safety programs> Appendix A: Glossary of Terms . Acceptable Risk - The level of risk below which no specific action by local government is deemed to be necessary. Avoidable Risk - Risk not necessary to take because individual or public goals can be achieved at the same or less total "cost" by other means without taking the risk. Defensible Space - Concept of urban space designed to.inhibit crime by utilizing the proprietary concerns of residents. ' Key ingredients in designing defensible space include: improving the natural capability of residents to visually survey the public areas of their residential environment; enhancing spheres-of territorial influence within which residents can easily adopt proprietary attitude; and enhancing safety through the strategic geographic locations of intensively used community facilities. . Fire Hazard - Any condition or action which may increase the potential of fire to a greater degree than that.customarily recognized as normal by official agencies responsible for fire prevention or suppression; or which may obstruct, delay, hinder or interfere with the operations of the fire agency or the egress of occupants in the event of fire. Fire Hazardous Areas - Any land covered with grass, grain, brush or forest or land situated close enough to such areas that are seriously exposed to flying brands, situated on slopes or isolated in such a manner that a fire would be difficult to suppress.or would result in substantial fire or erosion damage. -A-2- Fire Prevention - The function of approving building plans; inspecting buildings, their contents, and their fire protection equipment •to eliminate or minimize hazardous conditions or operations; public education; and investigating the causes of fires to serve as a guide for future fire prevention priorities. Fire Protection Services - Any official agency charged with the responsibility of protecting life and/or property through such operations which may be necessary to extinguish or control any fire,' perform any rescue operation, investigate suspected or reported fires, gas leaks, or other hazardous conditions or situations. . High Occupancy - An occupant load (capacity) of 300.persons or more. Unacceptable Risk - Level of risk above which specific action by government is deemed to be necessary to protect life and property. -B-l- Appendix B: Design Criteria for .Crime Prevention The following section consists of physical design criteria to be considered when analyzing proposed developments as a part of a coordinated effort to reduce crime through the physical planning process. These design con- siderations should be used as guidelines for project review by law enforce- ment and physical planning personnel. Application of these basic spatial ^ concepts of crime prevention in the early planning and design stages can appreciably serve to minimize law enforcement problems in the future. Listed below are approximately 100 specific design questions which should be considered depending on the particular type of proposed land use development project. These design questions have been drawn from the Handbook of Crime Prevention through Physical Planning, produced by the Southern California Association of Governments.- The following questions have been grouped into six categories: Street Design and Siting, Structural Design, Parking, Walkways, Landscaping, and Miscellaneous. Ten different types of development proposals are abbreviated in the right-hand columns as follows: Residential Subdivision (RES), Apartment Complex (APT), Commercial Development (COM), Industrial Park (IND), Public Building (PUB BLDG), School (SCH), Public Park or Open Space (PARK), Mobile Home Park (MHP), Second Home Development (SHD), and Commercial Recreation Development (CRD). The checklist can be used by locating the type of development being reviewed in one of the ten right-hand columns and then considering all design questions for which a check appears in that column. -o-c.- UUSICN CONSIDERATIONS FOR CRIME PREVENTION INJKE PLANNING PROCESS QUESTIONS TO BE CONSIDERED.IN PROJECT REVIEW PROCESS •A . Street Design f( Siting 1. Do Street patterns allow optimum observation by patrol and neighborhood residents? 2. Do major throughways, avoid bisecting small neighborhoods-of clusted homes or apts. Are streets designed to allow entire devel- opment -or at least a complete neighborhood unit to fall within a single jurisdiction? Does street patterns and set backs § siting facilitate patrol observation from the street? 5. Are streets sufficiently lighted, wide and 'straight to provide' adequate patrol obser- vation? 6. Are deadend service streets or alleys avoided? 7. Are cul-de-sacs short enough to optimize patrol timing and potential neighborhood observation and recognition? 8. Do cul-de-sacs provide ready turning radii and avoid backing into potential escape routes? 9. Are streets designed and named systematically to facilitate emergency responses? 10. Are major through streets minimum in number yet designed to facilitate emergency response? 11.Are buildings set back enough to deter a causual passerby from entering the complex? RES APT COM IND PUB BLOG X- X sen PARK MHP SHD C -B-3- DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR CRwi PREVENTION .QUESTIONSJO BE CONSIDERED IN PROJECT REVIEW PROCESS A. Street Design f, Siting (cont.) 12. Arc buildings sited to allow sufficient open areas around and between them to facilitate surveillance and ready emer- gency response? 13. Are sufficient access roads provided to facilitate patrol and emergency response? 14. Is vehicle access provided to front and - back of buildings? > 15.. Is site readily patrollable and accessible if emergency response is needed? C 16. Can access to area be limited to one road or controlled by a security gate? 17. Can main roads be secured when area is - not in use? 18. Is site located where periodic high volume use or large attendance could create problems for surrounding property owners? 19. Can areas designed for high volume activities be located to optimize patrol observation? 20. Is site located adjacent to areas with existing or potential crime problems? 21. Would opening or closing a street create any potential problems in patrol observation or emergency response? 22. Can seasonal residences and shops be clustered .or intermingled with year round residences to aid security? RES APT COM IND X X X PUB BLDG SCH PARK MHP X -B-4- DESIGN CONSIDER..\TIONS.FOR CRlQPREVENTION Questions to bo Considered in Project Review Process B. Structural Design 1. Arc building entrances clearly visible to patrols, the public, or neighbors from the street? 2. Are entrances provided adequate lighting? 3. Can all entrances be secured? 4. Are there only a minimum number of entrances which, where possible, require passage through a central point? . S. Are unobservable windows designed to prevent access? 6. Are unobservable windows minimized? • -' ' 7. Are address numerals clearly visible? 8. Are there separate entrances for public employees, and service deliveries? 9. Are stairwells open and observable? 10. Could glass elevators on the exterior of the building be used? 11. Are the elevators equipped with silent security alarm button and programmed to return to first floor and open? 12. Do buildings open onto a central courtyard and face one another? 13. Are number of units per apartment building limited -to facilitate sense of neighborlyness and mutual observations? RES X. X -*• X X X X APT X X X X X X --- X X X X X X COM X X X X X X X X X X IND X X X X x' X X X X X PUB' BLDG X X X X. X X X X sen X X X X X X X PARK X X MHP X X X X SHD X X • CRD X X X X X c • -B-5- DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR PREVENTION Questions TO RE CONSTHKRED' TN PROJECT REVIEW pRr.rE.ss RES APT ;CM IND PUB BLDG SCH PARK MHP 3. Structural Design (cont.) 14. Is there adequate storage areas for valuable equipment? 15. Are storage areas well lighted, securable and/or located to maximize observation by residents or patrol units? 16. Does each residence have its own storage area? 17. Are any service entrances located to permit limited and observable access? 18, Are offsets in exterior building design kept to a minimum to facilitate surveillance? Can unlocked entrances be limited to one? 20. Are provisions made for building security con trol devices wherever feasible? (e.g. TV surveillance of corridors, electronic locking and warning devices, central . security control system, etc.) 21. Have recesses, offsets and exposed columns in building interior been kept to a minimum? 22. Can public areas and corridors be limited to tine per floor? 23. Are there suitable alarms or detection devices in stairwells where needed? 24. Can windows be eliminated or minimized on first floor? 25. If not, fixed glass (non-openable) or shatterproof glass be used? X X -B-6- DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR CR PREVENTION 9 Questions to be Considered in Project Review Process n. Structural Design (cont.) 26. Are special security entrances, elevators or corridors needed? 27. Have closets and storage areas along public corridors been minimized? 28. Arc heavy public contact functions designed •for lower floors? 29. Can escalators be used' for public use instead of elevators? 30. Are public contact counters located in open areas for ready surveillance? 31. Have sensitive functions and equipment been located in readily securable area? r - '- ' 32. Is interior lighting adequate for surveillance and security practices? . .33. Are all structural or landscaping features eliminated which provide access to roofs? 34. Can various functional areas be grouped or isolated to such as those used at night to facilitate security and observation of those areas and building not in use? 35. Arc restrooms located close to patrolled streets with unobstructed entrances observable from the street? . 36. Are restrooms well lighted inside and out with tamper-proof fixtures? 37. Can access to. one building give access to others through interconnecting attics or basements? • • RES APT X COM X X X X X X • -• X X IND X X X X X __ - PUtf BLDG X X X X X X •X X X X X sen X X X PARK X X X X MHP SHD . :RD V. X ( r.. X X X { B-7-" DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR CR'^ PREVENTION Questions to.be Considered in Proiect Review Process B. Structural Design (cont.) 38. Can access to one part of a building give access to the entire building? C. Parking 1. Is sufficient off-street parking provided to allow minimal street parking? 2. Are securable garages planned instead of open carports? 3. Are garages sited for ready patrol observation? 4. Are parking areas \vell lighted? C . . . • . • . • . j. Is parking area located to minimize ready access to buildings except for authorized persons? ' . 6. Are parking stalls laid out to facilitate patrol observation? 7. Can ingress and egress from parking areas ' " be effectively 'controlled? 8. Is ready surveillance of parking areas provided? 9. Can parking . areas be secured when not in use? Can chain link fencing be used? 10.^ Does proposed landscaping obsure observation of parking areas? tl. Can parking area be designed to facilitate patrol observation such being depressed to lower level? RES X X X APT X X X X X X 1C COM X X X X X X X X X IND X X X X X X X X X PUS. BLDG X X X X X X X X X SCH X X X X X X X X PARK X X , X X X X MHP X X X X X X SHD - X X X - • CRD X X X X X • X X -B-8- DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR CF ""). PREVENTION * •.luesti nil* fn hr> fnn^idfirfiii jn P-rnjprt- ^vi^W Pr"~^SS .;. Parking (cont.) 12. Are areas designated for bicycle parking readily observabl-e and have immovable parking racks? 13. Can attendant stations be situated to provide maximum observation of parking areas, as well as, structures and elevator entrances? 14. Has both high and low profile lighting been considered? 15. Can late hour parkers be closed to activity area to reduce isolation? 16. Can all parking be located in central areas? I). Walkways 1. Are walkways located to maximize number of people using and observing them? 2. Are they routed past areas where people are likely to congregate? 3. Are they wide and straight enough to allow .clear observation? . 4. If to be used at night, is adequate lighting provided? 5. Does landscaping provide for minimal concealment? 6. Arc access roads nearby to allow emergency vehicles to get close to walkways? RES X X X X X X APT X X X X X . X X. X COM X X X X X -X X X X X IND X • •X X X X X X - PUBT BLDG X X X X X X X SCH A X X X X X X X PARK X X X X. X X X X X MHP X X X X X X SHD X X X CRD X X X X X . X X X X X -B-9- 1. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR CR • PREVENTION^BPr - ' '^^f .Questions to be Considered in Project Review Process E. Landscaping 1. Is landscaping of the type and located to maximize observation as well as the desired aesthetics? * 2. Is lighting used for both security and aesthetics? 3. Are walls planned only where necessary or a desirable buffer? 4. Are any walls high enough to deter climbing? 5. Are walls situated such as set back from walkways to provide minimal concealment for potential attacker? C . • .. 6. Could walls be designed so as to allow partial visibility such as a staggered block wall or . chain link fence be used instead? P. Miscellaneous ."1. Are recreational or other community facilities provided in neighborhood areas to allow neighbors to become better aquainted? 2. Is buffer provided between neighborhood areas and commercial, industrial, and school areas such as an expanse of open park land or high wall? 3. Have provisions for intrusion alarm systems "* been included? i . Are there nearby off-site areas where crowds can congregate but police units cannot readily patrol? 5. Can a private security force be employed? RES X X X X X X X X X APT X X X X X X X X X \ X COM X X X X X X X X X IiND X X X X X X X X X PU6. BLDG X X sen X X X X X X X X X PARK X X X MHP X X X X X X X X X X SHD * X X CRD X " X X X X X • X X y-~ YL_ Appendix C: Building Security Ordinance Example CITY OF CERRITOS ORDINANCE NO. 473 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS REQUIRING INCREASED SECURITY PROTECTION FOR RESIDENTIAL DWELLINGS AND COMMER- CIAL AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS, AMENDING THE CERRITOS MUNICIPAL CODE . ' THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The City Council Council of the City of Cerritos has directed the Department of Environmental Affairs and the City's Law Enforcement Officials to study ways of increasing the protection afforded property owners, residents and businessment in this City against illegal entry to their property, burglary, and related crimes. The City. Staff, and Planning Commission, have recommended the adoption of an ordinance requiring the in- stallation of minimum security devices to deter illegal entry of residences and other structures. It is the opinion of the City Staff and the law enforce- ment agencies, that if these additional security devices are installed, that they will decrease illegal entries and burglary of property and deter the .commission of other crimes. Although there are some increased costs that will result by requiring the installation of these security devices, this City Council believes that these costs are minimal when compared with the benefits which will result to property owners, residents and businessmen in this City. . This ordinance is required in order to protect the public peace, health, safety and welfare and shall take effect immediately after its adoption. .-'.,.. Section 2. Section 15.04.100 is hereby added to the'Cerritos Municipal Code to read as follows: "15.94.100. Chapter 67 of the Los Angeles County Building Code is hereby amended, by adding thereto Section 6718 to read as follows: 'Section 6718. Additional Security Devices. All new constructions in the City of Cerritos shall comply with the following: 1. Residential Buildings: (a) Key operated devices shall be provided on all sliding doors and where such doors serve as a primary access to the dwelling and such locks shall be operable from the outside by a key utilizing a bored lock cylinder of a minimum 5 pin tumbler construction. Mounting screws for the lock case shall be inaccessable from the outside. Lock bolts shall be capable of Withstanding a force of 300 pounds applied in any direct- ion. The lock bolt shall engage the.strike sufficiently c -C-2- to prevent its being disengaged by any possible movement of the door with the space or clearances provided for ( installation and operation. These requirements shall apply to openings which are less than one story above grade or are otherwise accessable from the outside. (b) Except as provided hereinafter, single sliding doors shall have the movable section of the door slide along the inside portion of the tract frame and the sliding screen panel shall slide along the outside portion of the tract frame. Single sliding doors may have the movable section of the door slide along the outside portion of the tract frame, provided that adequate locking systems, anti-lift out devices, and secondary locks are installed, and the entire sliding door system is approved by the Director of Environmental Affairs. ' (c) A secondary locking device approved by the Director of Environmental Affairs shall be installed on all •windows, doors, or other openings and all'sliding doors regardless, of" location. (d) A sliding window and/or doors, when latched, shall not be capable of being lifted up and disengaged from its normal locked position. .._.._. '..'..._'.... '. - ... . . - — —' - - -_..:.. -.-•.. 1. - / (e) Sliding doors and windpws, including but not limited to the glass, locking devices, and structural frames, shall be labeled showing certification and approval by a recognized testing laboratory. 2. Commercial and Industrial Buildings: . . (a) Commercial and Industrial Buildings shall be required to be installed with periphery alarm system wiring approved by the Director of Environmental Affairs. (b) In these instances where the proposed use of the - property may require additional security devices, then the Director of Environmental Affairs may require, in addition to the perphery system wiring, the instal- lation of an approved alarm system device.1" vv—"r I'Nx^vx<xp#-r>^s: S>M^JS^^RBtlMlSSS^ -E-l- Appendix E: State Guidelines SAFETY ELEMENT 1. AUTHORITY Government Code Section 65302.1 requires a safety element of all city and county general plans, as follows: . •A safety element for the protection of the community from fires and geologic hazards ''including feature's necessary for such pro- tection as evacuation routes, peak. load water supply requirements, minimum road widths, clearances around structures, and geologic hazard mapping in areas of known geologic hazard. 2. TEE SCOPE AND NATURE OF THE SAFETY ELEMENT The objective of this element is to introduce safety considerations in the planning process in order to reduce loss of life, injuries, damage to • property, and economic and social, dislocation resulting from fire and dangerous geologic occurences. A. General policy statement that: (1) Recognizes safety hazards (2) Identifies goals for reducing hazard (3) Specifies the level of acceptable risk (4) Specifies objectives to be attained in reducing safety hazards as related to existing and new structures. (5) Sets priorities for the abatement of safety hazards, recognizing' the variable frequency and occurrence of hazardous events. B. A map showing the location and extent of known geologic hazards. C. Standards, and general criteria for land use and circulation relating to: (1) Fire prevention and control (2) Geologic hazards D. Consideration may be given to the crime prevention aspects of land use development such as planning for "defensible space". wrHonoLQux • ' A. Identification, mapping and evaluation of existing and potential hazards, both as to severity and frequency of occurrence. Analysis of hazardous land use relationships. . -E-2-. B. With maximum citizen input "acceptable risk" should be determined. In making this determination, it should be kept in mind that any attempt to develop the appropriate planning response to potential hazard involves a judgement, either explicit or implicit, of how much risk is -acceptable. There is no such thing as a perfectly hazard-free environment. Natural and man-made hazards of some kind and degree are always present. However, efforts can be productively undertaken to try to mitigate the consequences of known hazards. In the context of the Safety Element, the problem of risk is one of public policy and the appropriate allocation of public resources to mitigate hazards. The central question is, "how safe is safe enough?" The planner's responsibility is to provide a framework in which a comnunitywide, as opposed to an individual, response to the question can be meaningful. The first of several essential steps is the rec- ognition of the presence of a hazard. Much of the planning of the past has proceeded without enough knowledge of the natural forces at play in a given area. Once a problem has been recognized, considerable effort is required to evaluate its likely severity, frequency, and the characteristics of the area involved. This step should take into account the bene- fit/cost ratio of reducing hazard, acknowleding the intangibles in- volved, and comparing it with that-of other projects. The factors . of voluntary and involuntary exposure to risk must be considered in reaching a decision. C. Define nature and magnitude of effort required to correct or mitigate hazards. D. Define general nature of regulations and programs needed to prevent or mitigate the effects of hazards in the developed and natural environments. E. Exchange information and advice with fire, police and public works departments, other agencies, and specialty personnel in the formu- lation of the element. DEFINITION OF TERMS Acceptable Risk: The level of risk below which no specific action by local government is deemed to be necessary. Unacceptable Risk: Level of risk above which specific action by government is deemed to be necessary to protect life and property. Avoidable Risk: Risk not necessary to take because individual c ,-E-3- or public goals can be achieved at the same or less total "cost" by other means without taking the risk. ' . . Defensible Space; Concept of urban space designed-to inhibit crime by utilizing the proprietary concerns of residents. Key ingredients in designing defensible space include: improving the natural capability of residents to visually survey the public areas of,their residential environment; enhancing spheres of territorial influence within which residents can easily adopt proprietary attitude; and enhancing safety through th'e strategic geographic loca- tion of intensively used community facilities. 5. RELATIONSHIPS OF THE SAFETY ELE14ENT ' A. To Other Elements: • . (1) The Safety Element contributes to developing, land use standards and policies. These will relate type and intensity of use to the level of risk from fire and geologic hazard, to the effect of development upon that risk, and to the availability of services and facilities to combat them. . The Safety Element also contributes basic standards and requirements to the circulation and optional public utilities elements, and will have important implications for the open space and conservation elements. (2) Because of the strong relationship with the Seismic Safety Element, the local planning body may wish to prepare these two elements simul- taneously or to combine the two elements into a single document. B. To Other-Factors: (1) Social: The element is directed at reducing social costs due to injury, loss of life, or public or private dislocations increasing •the sense of community security and well-being. (2) Economic: The element should be directed at reducing costs of direct property loss and economic dislocation. (3) Environmental Impact: The Safety Element .provides the policy directives for reducing adverse impacts on both the built and natural environments of major safety hazards. C. To Other Agencies: ;(1) - The preparation of the Safety Element would also be facilitated by identifying, and securing the cooperation of major Federal, state regional and private owners of land in a largely natural state, which -E-3- or public goals can be achieved at the same or less total "cost" by other means without taking the risk. Defensible Space: Concept of urban space designed to inhibit crime by utilizing the proprietary concerns of residents. Key ingredients in designing defensible space include: improving the natural capability of residents to visually survey the public areas of their residential environment; enhancing spheres of territorial influence within which residents can easily adopt proprietary attitude; and enhancing safety through the strategic geographic loca- tion of intensively used community facilities. 5, RELATIONSHIPS OF THE SAFETY ELEfflNT A. To Other Elements:' ' ' (1) The Safety Element contributes to developing land use standards and policies.' These will relate type and intensity of-use to the level of risk from fire and geologic hazard, to the effect of development upon that risk, and to the availability of services and facilities to combat them. • ' . The Safety Element also contributes basic standards and requirements to the circulation and optional public utilities elements, and will have important implications for the open space and conservation elements. . (2) Because of the strong relationship with the Seismic Safety Element, the local planning body may wish to prepare these two elements simul- taneously or to combine the two elements into a single document. B. To Other Factors: (1) Social: The element is directed at reducing social costs due to injury, loss of life, or public or private dislocations increasing .the sense of community security and well-being. (2) Economic: The element should be directed at reducing costs of direct property loss and economic dislocation. (3) Environmental Impact: The Safety Element provides the policy directives for reducing adverse impacts on both the built and natural environments of major safety hazards. C. Tp^ Other Agenci es: (1) The preparation of the Safety Element would also be facilitated by .identifying, and securing the cooperation of major Federal, state regional and private owners of land in a largely natural state, which O -E-4- .. O affects the potential fire hazard. Such agencies would include, for example, the national and state park services. (2) Local planning bodies are encouraged to enter into joint planning and the execution of mutual assistance pacts related to safety hazards materially affecting more than one planning jurisdiction.• _ A. Concurrent or subsequent revision of other general plan elements to incorporate safety policies and criteria. B. Addition of capital improvements as may be necessary for the mitigation and control of safety hazards to the capital improvement program. C. Review and possible amendment of zoning, subdivision and site development regulations to incorporate safety provisions. D. Formulate building and fire safety inspection programs of buildings and premises to identify fire and other safety hazards.. • E. Provide input to contingency plans for major disaster or emergencies. F. Provide for ongoing review of major public and private development proposals by fire and police departments to insure compatibility with safety objectives. 57 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING RE: SAFETY ELEMENT OF THE CARLSBAD GENERAL PLAN NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, July 1, 1975, at 7:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, 1200 Elm Avenue, Carlsbad, to consider adoption of the SAFETY ELEMENT as a part of the Carlsbad General Plan. APPLICANT: CITY OF CARLSBAD Publish: June 19, 1975 CARLSBAD CITY COUNCIL r. "** >***.-• ~ f * / t^- Sit. it *£ ^f-t'-^ft. « c, ««i!L-< )A f - , , a 1 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING RE: SAFETY ELEMENT OF THE CARLSBAD GENERAL PLAN NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Carlsbad, California, will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 27, 1975 at 7:30 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, 1200 Elm Avenue, Carlsbad, to consider adoption of the Safety Element as a part of the Carlsbad General Plan. Those persons wishing to speak on this Element are cordially invited to attend the public hearing. If you have any questions, please call 729-1181 and ask for the Planning Department. APPLICANT: CITY OF CARLSBAD Published: May 15, 1975 CITY OF CARLSBAD PLANNING COMMISSION